Author: Rhys Gregory

A pioneering project that distributes high-quality interview and work outfits to job seekers in South Wales has been officially launched. The Working Wardrobe initiative aims to give people the confidence to take their first step towards a new role or career by donating free interview and work attire from hubs across Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Caerphilly and the Vale of Glamorgan. There are 47,000 people over the age of 16 currently unemployed in Wales, or 3.1% of the population, while almost 230,000 workers in Wales were employed in sectors shut down by social distancing measures to restrict the spread of Covid-19. Working Wardrobe was…

A luxury chauffeur business is planning to move into top gear this year by adding a second Mercedes to its fleet. Luxstar was set up in 2020 by Carl Harris of Newport when he was made redundant from a leading chauffeur business. He had gained many years’ experience dealing with all types of clientele from holiday makers, to US Presidents, the American Embassy and NATO, and decided to take the plunge and launch his own company. Now, as Covid recedes, the business is flourishing and Carl is aiming to add another luxurious vehicle to cope with rapidly growing demand from a range of customers in the diplomatic…

A total of 89 competitors have been awarded gold medals for their achievements following Thursday’s Skills Competition Wales awards.  The announcement follows a series of regional competitions that took place across Wales, hosting a string of talented young people. The competitions challenge competitors in five different sectors to be named best in their skill including Construction & Infrastructure, Engineering & Technology, Health, Hospitality & Lifestyle, IT & Enterprise and Media & Creative.  More than 800 young people competed over the past three months, with 89 gold, 87 silver and 91 bronze medals awarded in total.   This year, the awards ceremony…

Talented learners at Coleg Gwent have excelled yet again in Skills Competition Wales this year. They’ve competed against hundreds of students from colleges across the country in a wide range of skills competitions, bringing home an impressive 34 gold, silver and bronze medals last night in recognition of their talents. Guy Lacey, Principal and Chief Executive of Coleg Gwent, commented: “I’m absolutely thrilled to see the success of our learners – we are great advocates of skills competitions as a way of showcasing the amazing talents of young people. These results are a fantastic recognition of the dedication and hard…

A hard-hitting new TV show is breaking new ground in tackling mental health problems and tragedies that affect children and their families. The title role in the new S4C drama, Bex, is played by West End actress Rebecca Hayes who says she would have loved to have seen a drama series like this when she was young as it would have been a big help in navigating the trials and tribulations of growing up. The programme highlights how youngsters can be seriously disturbed by all kinds of real-life mental health and wellbeing issues  and how talking about them can be…

Careers Wales, the National Careers Service for Wales, has appointed a new Chair of its Board. Erica Cassin’s appointment will run for three years and has been confirmed by Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething. She is replacing Debra Williams, who has been Chair since April 2016. Erica has been a Careers Wales Board member since September 2020. She has more than 20 years experience in HR, including roles as HR director for large private sector employers in healthcare, pharmaceutical and financial services sectors in the UK. Erica said: “As we slowly rebuild back from the pandemic, it’s never been more important…

A multi award-winning spring water and soft drinks company based in Mid Wales is seeking to fill 20 job vacancies, including apprenticeships, within the fast growing business. Radnor Hills Water Company, which is headquartered at Heartsease, near Knighton, currently employs 230 staff and is looking to recruit forklift drivers, production workers and maintenance engineers. The company has an excellent record of training and developing its staff through apprenticeships, most of which are delivered by Cambrian Training, an award-winning, pan-Wales learning provider based in Welshpool. In the past four years, more than 90 staff have completed apprenticeships including Food Industry Skills…

Support for National Day of Reflection on 23 March from across political institutions and leaders in health and social in Wales.  Organisations and political leaders from across Wales are coming together to support the National Day of Reflection on Wednesday 23 March 2022, which marks the second anniversary of the UK’s first lockdown. First Minister Mark Drakeford & Presiding Officer Elin Jones will mark the day by observing a minutes silence at midday and encourage others from the Welsh Government and the Senedd to do the same. Organisations across Wales will also be coming together to connect and support the…

Swansea based Dewkes Pet Store are celebrating the rapid growth of their business with the opening of a second shop in Sketty and the launch of a new subscription service. The independent, family-run pet store launched in Mumbles last year and over the last 12-months has seen huge demand for its products and services as director James Bygate explained. “Since we started in Mumbles last January, we have been overwhelmed by the positive reaction we have received from our customers and are thrilled to be opening our second shop in such a short space of time.” Known for its dog…

Work is due to begin this summer on Porthcawl’s all-new community facilities in Cosy Corner following a £2.1m investment. The project is designed to contribute to the wider Porthcawl regeneration programme, by improving the local economy for the community and visitors to the area. The wider project includes the regeneration and development of the new marina, new sea defences, the recently restored Jennings Building, forthcoming improvements to the eastern breakwater and more. The plans submitted include a single-story stone and glass-clad building incorporating premises suitable for retail and start-up enterprises, a space intended for community use, office space for the…