Author: Rhys Gregory

The UK Government’s Employment and Skills Fund has enabled Ryan Davies, a former Principal Researcher at Tata Steel, to move from redundancy towards a new career in data science. Ryan has started an MSc in Artificial Intelligence at the University of South Wales, with the funding contributing towards tuition fees, essential equipment, and study materials—including a new computer and textbooks. Working as an engineer in Tata’s laboratories for almost ten years he specialised in analysing ore data. Ryan is now applying his analytical expertise to solve complex chemical and engineering challenges using AI and machine learning. His academic journey is…

As the Manx Shearwater fledging season begins this week a dedicated group of Pembrokeshire volunteers are preparing to help hundreds of young seabirds safely reach the sea. These striking black-and-white birds, which nest in burrows on the islands of Skomer, Skokholm, Midland, and Ramsey, embark on an epic migration each autumn—crossing the Atlantic and the equator to spend winter off the coast of South America. Pembrokeshire plays a vital role in their lifecycle, hosting around 60% of the global breeding population, with Skomer Island alone home to an estimated 350,000 pairs. However, fledgling shearwaters often become disoriented by artificial lights…

World-class cycling returns to Caerphilly County Borough next month as Stage 6 of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men races from Newport to Cardiff via Caerphilly County Borough on Sunday 7th September. The stage will feature the world’s top professional riders including Geraint Thomas’s final appearance in a road race. There will be several opportunities to support the riders with approximate timings having been released: Start  Newport (Geraint Thomas National Velodrome): 11:45 Pontymister: 12:06 Wattsville: 12:14 Blackwood: 12:26 Crumlin: 12:37 Markham: 13:14 Rhymney: 13:32 Deri: 13:53 Bargoed: 13:59 Nelson: 14:11 Ystrad Mynach: 14:17 Caerphilly: 14:26 Cardiff: 14:45 How the closures…

Rhossili Sunflowers, one of Wales’ most popular seasonal attractions, has unintentionally gone viral after a typo in their end-of-season announcement left Facebook users in stitches. The much-loved sunflower fields, which draw thousands of visitors each summer to the picturesque Gower coast, closed for the season earlier this month. As part of their yearly tradition, the organisers posted a thank-you message online, sharing the total raised for their chosen charity. This year, Rhossili Sunflowers raised an impressive £1,006 in support of the Rhossili Coastguard Association. But instead of saying the fields had “shut” for the year, their Facebook post mistakenly read…

Emergency services are continuing to tackle a major wildfire at Clydach Dingle, near Brynmawr. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that multi-agency teams are working “tirelessly” to bring the blaze under control. The fire, which was first reported on Thursday 28 August, is currently affecting around 150 hectares of land and has a one-kilometre fire front. The operation is being led by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, with support from police, Welsh Government, local authorities, health agencies, and infrastructure partners. A spokesperson said: “The joint response is focused on protecting communities, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and minimising environmental impact.…

A draft version of the legislation that will ban greyhound racing in Wales has been published today. Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca Davies explained he was publishing the draft of the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill to give Senedd Members and interested stakeholders an opportunity to see the proposed scope and direction ahead of its formal introduction in the autumn. When introduced, the new Bill would make it an offence to operate a stadium or similar venue in Wales and use it, or knowingly permit it to be used, for greyhound racing. The Bill also makes it an offence…

New proposals have been suggested to adjust the way tax rules for self-catering holiday let owners are applied. Since April 2023, self-catering properties must be available for 252 days and actually let for 182 days each year to pay non-domestic rates instead of council tax. The rules were brought in to ensure property owners make a fair contribution to their local community. The Welsh Government is seeking views on two key changes to the way the rules are applied, to give the sector extra stability: Allowing holiday let owners to use an average of 182 days let over several years.…

A former British Champion kickboxer from Cwmbran has credited the support he received from Business Wales for giving him the confidence to leave his day job and pursue a career as a start-up entrepreneur. Hywel Smith, a qualified personal trainer, competitive bodybuilder, and kickboxer, had considered becoming a self-employed coach for some time. However, it wasn’t until the sad passing of a close friend and fellow athlete that he decided to reach out to Business Wales for support in starting his entrepreneurial journey as a fitness coach. Graham Harvey, a Business Wales Adviser specialising in business and commercial relationship banking,…

Plans for Cardiff’s highly anticipated 16,500 capacity indoor arena have reached a significant milestone as Cardiff Council, and the consortium comprised of Live Nation and Robertson Property today announced financial close on the project. The announcement marks a key step forward in delivering a state-of-the-art venue that will attract world-class artists and entertainment to the city. Designed for music, with world class acoustics and stunning sight lines, the arena is expected to have a transformative impact not only on Cardiff’s cultural scene, but also on its economic landscape. The arena will create over 1000 jobs and, when open, attract more…

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has today published an update on its investigation into the tragic deaths of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans in Ely in 2023. Assistant Chief Constable Simon Belcher said: “Following the tragic deaths of Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans in Ely in 2023, South Wales Police made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct to ensure the matter received independent scrutiny. “The force has fully co-operated with the IOPC investigation and provided information and material, including CCTV footage and body-worn video.” The IOPC investigation has determined that a police van was half a mile…