Author: Rhys Gregory

A five-star country and leisure park in Mid-Wales has secured a multi-million finance package from HSBC UK to develop its facilities and offering. Meadow Springs is a luxury holiday park in Caersws, Mid-Wales, that boasts 65 lodges, 72 static caravans and 70 tourers. The multi-million finance package will enable the park to develop its facilities, including adding a spa, gym, swimming pool and building a new restaurant and bar. The restaurant, Arthur’s Restaurant & Bar, is now open to both residents and members of the public dropping by and serves home-cooked food, using locally sourced products. It boasts 150 covers…

A top bakery has clinched a deal to supply popular burger chain Five Guys. Before it was signed off, the burger buns and rolls made by the Jones Village Bakery in Wrexham had to be approved by fast-growing American company’s bakery team who flew in from the States. The bread is made using a secret American recipe that’s designed to provide the ideal accompaniment for the signature burgers and the hot dogs at Five Guys – so-called because the business was founded by five brothers. The chain has more than 130 branches across the UK with more opening all the…

An employee-owned TV company has clinched a deal to launch a pioneering training programme for its staff and freelancers with the “world’s best film school”. Caernarfon-based Cwmni Da has signed a three-year agreement with the National Film and Television School’s (NFTS) recently established Cardiff hub, NFTS Cymru Wales to boost its team’s skills. The company has always invested heavily in training but what’s new is that from now on the tutors travel to Caernarfon instead of the other way round, with previous courses  being held in places like Cardiff, London, Liverpool and Birmingham. The upshot is that it reduces costs…

Vivacity Labs, the London-based transport technology scaleup, today announced its partnership with Monmouthshire County Council to deploy Vivacity Labs’ sensors in Monmouthshire towns to better understand traffic flow and travel patterns for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. With Abergavenny’s existing one-way traffic system a barrier to active travel, the recently installed contraflow cycle lane in the town centre allows cyclists to take a direct route across town, avoiding the A40. Alongside making the area safer for cycling, granting cyclists two-way travel makes navigating Abergavenny by bicycle more efficient than by car, which will incentivise further modal shift, reducing congestion and improving…

5G Wales Unlocked partners, AppyWay and Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, have launched the AppyParking app — displaying real-time availability of parking in Ebbw Vale’s General Offices , Parkway and Town Station car parks. Enabled by 5G technology — powered by BT — the app allows users to see where they can park in advance of their journey, meaning drivers can better plan their visit to the town and in turn, making local businesses, healthcare, education, and employment more accessible. The app helps visitors locate free or paid for parking in Ebbw Vale and locations across the UK, providing detailed…

Bus passengers and those heading to the capital for the Cardiff Half Marathon on 27th March are being urged by Cardiff Bus to plan their journeys in accordance with their travel advice. The bus operator is alerting passengers to diversions and bus stop changes throughout the day from the first bus until 15:15, although each route will be affected at different times. Route 6 (baycar) will see services suspended until 14:00. From 10:30, buses on routes 8 and 9 between Cardiff Bay/Sports Village and Heath Hospital will operate via Park Place, Colum Road, and North Road. Following this, from approximately…

The appetite for cheap, disposable and convenient clothing is undoubtedly growing; according to recent statistics, the UK fashion market is projected to reach a revenue of £60.17bn in 2022. At the same time, it’s thought that fast fashion’s emissions will rise by over 50% by 2030. Whilst experts are calling for urgent action to reduce the industry’s impact on the planet; big brands are still catering to consumer demand for low prices and benefiting from apathy towards sustainable and ethical credentials. However, below the surface lies the lesser discussed problem of supply chain exploitation and how it disproportionately harms women.…

Aberystwyth Town footballer and mother-of-three Jessica Baker will celebrate Mother’s Day with her son, thanks to receiving vital blood transfusions during childbirth. Jessica lost around 30% of her own blood during the birth of her son Connor seven years ago and required several emergency blood transfusions at Bronglais General Hospital, Aberystwyth. As a result of receiving blood, Jessica is now unable to donate herself, which is why she is eager to share her story and raise awareness of the importance of blood donation. Jessica explains “Mother’s Day is a very special day for me. I am here today because of…

An outbreak of avian flu has killed more than 30 birds at Roath Park Lake since it was first identified. Although the virus poses a low risk to people, Public Health Wales and Cardiff Council continue to advise the public to not hand-feed the birds and say it “remains critical” not to touch sick or dead birds. The presence of the H5N1 virus in the bird population at the lake was confirmed following tests on the body of a greylag goose, handed into park wardens on February 24th. Avian influenza is not unusual and is most common during the winter…

MARTIN Nicholls, Swansea Council’s director of place, has been appointed interim Chief Executive of the authority. Mr Nicholls, was appointed at a meeting of Council on March 18. He will take up his duties in May when current Chief Executive Phil Roberts retires after six years in the post. Mr Roberts said: “Martin is a very well-respected figure at the council and among our partner organisations. He will bring vast experience to the role at an important time for the council.” Following council elections on May 5, the council will advertise for a permanent chief executive, in line with local…