Author: Rhys Gregory

Neath Port Talbot Council has published its draft budget proposals for the 2026/27 financial year at a time of continuing financial pressures. If approved, the proposals will deliver a record investment in schools and millions of pounds for other vital front-line services such as maintaining roads and social services. The draft budget includes an additional £7 million earmarked to support pupils with additional learning needs and a further £330,000 allocated for building maintenance, including work on school facilities. Some of the other key investments proposed in the draft budget include: • £100,000 for the maintenance of playgrounds, supporting the £2.5…

Outline planning permission has been granted for the Rhydycar West development in Merthyr Tydfil, marking a major milestone for what is set to become one of Wales’ most ambitious sport and leisure destinations. Approval was given this evening by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’s Planning, Regulatory and Licensing Committee, following Welsh Government backing in November 2025. Committee members voted unanimously against a recommendation to refuse the application and instead supported the development. Rhydycar West is planned as a world class sport and leisure resort, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The scheme aims to redefine…

Wales will benefit from strengthened partnerships with Catalonia and the Basque Country, as the First Minister signs agreements with two of Spain’s most economically advanced regions. The agreements, known as Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), commit to working together in areas including technology, renewable energy, trade, investment, language and culture. The First Minister signed a new MOU alongside President of Catalonia, M. H. Salvador Illa, in Barcelona yesterday (Wednesday 7th). Wales has a relationship with Catalonia going back to 2001, when Rhodri Morgan was First Minister. Today the First Minister will renew Wales’ relationship with the Basque Country, signing an MOU…

Welsh Government funding of up to £1.85m is now being made available to boost the marine, fisheries and aquaculture industry in Wales. The scheme aims to ensure sustainable growth in the fisheries and aquaculture sector and help coastal communities prosper. The application window began on 7 January and will remain open for 12 weeks, closing on 31st March. A wide range of activities can be supported through the scheme under 11 separate categories. Activities include, but are not limited to: Funding to increase the potential of aquaculture sites and equipment on vessels aimed at reducing emissions and increasing energy efficiency; Professional advice for businesses ranging from marine environment…

Today’s business world moves at breakneck speed. Productivity isn’t just important; it’s everything. That’s why HR departments are scrambling to find new ways to make their workplaces more efficient. And you know what? The best HR strategies don’t just pump up productivity numbers. They actually create better places to work. I’ve been watching this space for years, and five strategies keep popping up as game-changers. Companies that get these right aren’t just keeping up–they’re leaving their competition in the dust. Tech Is Your Friend (Really) Remember when HR meant filing cabinets and paper forms? Those days are long gone. Smart…

Cymru will tour the country with three matches in the first six months of 2026 as part of the qualifying campaign to reach the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli will host Cymru’s opening home qualifier in March when Rhian Wilkinson’s side will face Montenegro on Saturday 7 March (KO 4:30pm). Cymru last played in Llanelli in July 2024, beating Kosovo 2-0 in a UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 qualifier, when Jess Fishlock broke the Cymru goal scoring record in front of more than 4,000 fans. Wilkinson and the players will hope that Cymru’s return will see…

Air fryers have become the third-most used appliance in UK kitchens, and they’re a must-have kitchen gadget in 2025 and into 2026. But are you using yours safely? Healthier cooking might be one of your New Year’s resolutions, but safety should also be a part of the plan. Dr Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at food hygiene training experts High Speed Training said: “Air fryers are incredibly convenient and are safer than traditional deep-frying, but like any kitchen appliance, they come with risks. Understanding the basics of air fryer safety can help to avoid accidents and keep your cooking stress-free.”…

Sales at a North Wales food wholesaler have smashed records as the fast-growing family firm revealed a near 20 per cent surge to £30 million in just six months. Cricieth-based Harlech Foodservice, which also has sites in Chester, Carmarthen, Aberbargoed and Telford, says its rapid expansion over the past five years has transformed the business into a major UK player. Harlech, crowned UK Food Wholesaler of the Year in April, has seen sales rocket after opening new depots in South Wales and Shropshire, driving fresh growth across North Wales, the North West and the West Midlands. Since it accepted the…

A public consultation event will take place on 14 January to view options and proposals for a new Active Travel bridge in Plascrug, Aberystwyth, proposed by Ceredigion County Council. The event will be open to the public between 10am and 7pm at the Ground Floor in the Canolfan Rheidol Council Office building in Aberystwyth. Officers, alongside consultants working on behalf of Ceredigion County Council, will be on hand to present different options proposed to improve active travel connectivity at this location. The consultation will also include display panels and 3D models of the options. Councillor Shelley Childs, Cabinet Member for…

As the 2026 Senedd election approaches, the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership (NWRSP) has published a list of its key asks of Welsh Government in the next term. It sets out priorities to ensure skills development remains central to economic growth across the region. For more than a decade, NWRSP has worked with employers, training providers and local stakeholders to understand and respond to the changing skills needs of North Wales. The partnership’s asks following the election focus on embedding skills development in economic policy and regional investment, ensuring employer voices shape training programmes, and providing long-term support for skills…