Author: Rhys Gregory

Foresight Group (“Foresight”), a leading regional private equity and infrastructure investment manager, has announced a £2.5 million investment into Bloemteknik Limited (“Bloem”) a Cardiff-based provider of precision LED lighting systems for commercial greenhouses and vertical farms. The investment was made through the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Wales (“IFW”) and Foresight’s Growth VCTs. The Investment Fund for Wales was launched in November 2023, by the UK government-backed British Business Bank, to boost the supply of early-stage finance to small and medium-sized businesses across Wales. The investment into Bloem was led by appointed fund managers, Foresight, who oversee the Fund’s…

A PIONEERING technology and financial systems company is celebrating a historic achievement in its 30th year. Itas Solutions, based on Mold High Street, has become the first organisation in the UK to win the Sage Intacct Customer Success Partner of the Year award two years in a row. The accolade, awarded at the Sage UK Awards, coincides with the company’s 30th anniversary and underlines a period of growth and transformation under the leadership of Managing Director Hannah Munro. Founded by Hannah’s father, former Royal Marine Ron Lincoln, Itas Solutions began life as a sole trader business run from a garden…

Premier Forest Products has acquired engineered timber specialist National Timber Systems (NTS), strengthening and enhancing its timber engineering capability and solutions across the UK. National Timber Systems was previously part of National Timber Group England Ltd, which entered administration in late November. The business has been acquired from the administrators, securing continuity for NTS’s operations, customers and manufacturing footprint. The acquisition safeguards 160 jobs at NTS, with plans to grow this number to 250. National Timber Systems supplies national and regional housebuilders, as well as the construction and modular sectors, with a range of engineered timber products and services. These…

People across Wales are being urged to take care today as cold conditions, icy patches and gusty winds continue, with a Yellow weather warning for ice in place across much of the country. According to the Met Office, it will be another cold day for many areas, with some ice first thing this morning. There is still a chance of the odd wintry shower, although conditions are expected to turn brighter through the afternoon. Rain is forecast to return to the far west of Pembrokeshire by the evening, accompanied by gusty winds. Daytime temperatures are expected to reach a maximum…

Police are appealing for information after damage was caused to grassed areas outside Merthyr College and the nearby Leisure Village. Officers are looking to identify the riders of a red quad bike and a grey dune buggy that were seen driving over the grass in the area. The reckless driving has resulted in the grass being torn up, causing an estimated £2,000 worth of damage to land owned by the local authority. South Wales Police are now asking anyone who recognises the vehicles or has information that could help identify those responsible to come forward. Anyone with information is asked…

South Wales Police are appealing for information to help find a 38 year old man who has been reported missing in Cardiff. Robert Bladen-Rees was last seen at around 7.45pm on Monday, January 6, on Adams Court in Cardiff. Robert is described as being around 6ft 6in tall, of a slim build. He was last seen wearing a light green coat with black patches, with a navy puffer jacket underneath. He was also wearing navy tracksuit bottoms, black trainers, and a scarf that was navy, cream and burgundy. He may also be with a green BMX style bike. Anyone who…

Caerau and Ely could be put forward to receive up to £20 million of long‑term investment through the UK Government’s new Pride in Place programme, if the Council’s Cabinet endorses the proposal. The programme aims to support communities most in need across the UK by investing in local priorities, improving neighbourhoods, and giving residents greater influence over decisions that affect their area. If the bid is successful, both wards could receive funding over the next 10 years to: Strengthen community life and support local groups Improve the street scene, local facilities, and public spaces Boost skills, jobs, and economic opportunities…

Record investment in services that matter to the people of Swansea is on the cards for the coming year. Schools, care and community services are all set to benefit from an extra £27.4m, or 5.2% increase in funding from the Welsh Government to help the council support residents through difficult times. Under plans being seen by Cabinet on January 9, extra funding to help services deal with inflationary pressures, raised energy costs and increased demand for council services. Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said: “It means that we’ll be spending an average of just under £2.4m a day on…

Pembrokeshire County Council is deeply saddened to have learned of the death of Milford Hakin County Councillor, Mike Stoddart on Sunday, January 4th. Cllr Stoddart joined Pembrokeshire County Council following the elections in June 2004. A former journalist who set up the Milford Mercury newspaper with his family, Cllr Stoddart has served on Council alongside his wife Vivien, County Councillor for Milford Hubberston and daughter Tessa Hodgson, County Councillor for Lamphey and  Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Pembrokeshire County Council Leader, Cllr Jon Harvey, said: “I was deeply shocked to hear of Cllr Mike Stoddart’s death at the weekend.…

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has completed restoration work at Ferndale Cenotaph ahead of Remembrance Day, ensuring the memorial was in excellent condition for the annual service. The work was carried out by Ivor Phillips Sculptors in Aberdare and included a full clean of the cenotaph, along with the installation of new granite tablets commemorating those who served in World War II. An additional name, James Breeze, has also been added to the memorial. James Breeze served as a Stoker 1st Class on HMS Stevenstone, and his inclusion ensures the cenotaph continues to honour all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.…