Author: Rhys Gregory

As the popularity of annuity products continue to grow, experts at Quantum Advisory, the leading pensions and employee benefits consultancy for small and medium sized schemes and employers, have called for further development of annuities that better reflect retirement needs. Annuities are seen as an attractive option for those approaching retirement as they provide a regular guaranteed income, either for a fixed period or for life. Research from Hargreaves Lansdown has revealed that the average annuity purchase size has increased by over 160% since 2021, with 2024 marking the best year for annuities since the introduction of freedom and choice.…

A secluded holiday retreat, which opened its doors in the rolling hills of Mid Wales earlier this year, has earned a Quality Assured Glamping Site gold award from Visit Wales. Quabbs Cabin, situated on a sheep farm at Rhos y Meirch, Knighton, offers guests a chance to unwind in nature while embracing sustainability and wildlife spotting. The gold star glamping accommodation is the passion project of owners Paul and Steph MacDonald, a skilled builder and a geography teacher, respectively, with a shared love for nature, conservation and farm diversification. The cabin was carefully designed with eco-conscious travellers in mind, using…

An immersive Virtual Reality (VR) training programme, for social care staff in Bridgend is making significant impact, enhancing staff competency and patient care. Between 50-75% of residents in nursing homes suffer from dysphagia (a swallowing difficulty), with 1 in 10 over the age of 65 taking more than 8 medications per day, and 1 in 4 over the age of 85 taking more than 8 medications per day. Dysphagia can occur from food, fluid, saliva or medication, and can have many implications on patients. This can include difficulty taking/missing medication, a decline in physical or mental health, fear of coughing…

If you love the deep, smoky flavours of American BBQ, you’re going to want to clear some space in your diary. Hickory’s Smokehouse has announced it will be opening its doors in Cardiff this autumn, bringing its unique Southern-inspired smokehouse experience to the capital. The new restaurant will take over the former Melrose Rose Inn pub, once The Heron Marsh in St Mellons, on the east side of the city. It marks the brand’s third opening in Wales and, crucially, its first venture into south Wales. Their smokehouses in Rhos-on-Sea and Wrexham have already proven a hit, attracting loyal crowds…

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, the not-for-profit water company serving over three million people across Wales, Herefordshire, and parts of Deeside, has confirmed the appointment of Roch Cheroux as its new Chief Executive. Roch has held senior operational and leadership roles across Europe, Asia and Australia and was Chief Executive at Sydney Water, Australia’s largest water utility between 2019 and March 2025. With over three decades of experience in the water industry, he is widely respected for his focus on sustainability, customer service, and operational excellence. His appointment comes at a critical time for Welsh Water as the sector responds to…

A Caerphilly man has been jailed for various driving offences following a South Wales Police pursuit. Zackary Williams aged 30 from Risca in Caerphilly pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving whilst disqualified, driving without a license and assaulting an emergency worker when he first appeared at Cardiff Magistrates Court on Saturday August 2, 2025. This followed an incident on Friday August 1, when officers received a phone call reporting a man driving while allegedly being intoxicated.  The Vauxhall Astra being driven by Williams was then sighted driving on Cowbridge Road, Bridgend. As soon as Williams spotted the…

A carer has been jailed for assaulting an elderly resident at a Wrexham care home. Michelle Goodwin, 55, of Heol Celyn, Coedpoeth, grabbed an 81-year-old woman by her hair and pushed her into a chair at the Cherry Tree Care Home in Coedpoeth on December 26th, 2023. The victim, who has advanced dementia, developed visible bruising to her head as a result. Goodwin denied a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm, but a jury at Mold Crown Court found her guilty of the offence in July this year. She was sentenced to 13 months in prison at Mold Crown…

A North Wales manufacturer is celebrating a major transformation after moving to a purpose-built facility — unlocking massive growth potential and creating dozens of new jobs. Continental Diamond Tool (CDT), has successfully relocated to a new 30,000 sq ft factory in Kinmel Bay after what managers described as a “logistical challenge on par with a military operation.” The operation involved transporting more than 100 metric tonnes of machinery and equipment to the new base that’s nearly three times the size of its old premises less than half a mile away on the Tir Llwyd Industrial Estate. The move is part…

A 24-year-old woman from Caerphilly will be taking on the Oysho Cardiff Half Marathon in memory of her mum who tragically lost her life to sepsis. Lauren Morgan will be raising money for UK Sepsis Trust and said: “Mum would be laughing at me now, as I’m a complete beginner when it comes to running and exercise”. The mum-of-two said the pair had started a weight-loss journey together just before the pandemic hit – but her mum Gemma soon started feeling unwell. Lauren said: “At the end of July 2020 mum started feeling unwell. She was a very proud lady,…

The National Lottery has celebrated the landmark achievement of over £2.5 billion being distributed to more than 75,000 Good Causes in Wales with a giant, hope-inspired Fingers Crossed sand sculpture on popular tourist destination Tenby beach. From grassroots sports, heritage projects, and arts initiatives to vital health and wellbeing services, The National Lottery funding has made a significant difference to the lives of people across Wales since funding began in 1994. To mark this incredible £2.5 billion milestone, The National Lottery joined together with Tenby Surf Lifesaving Club, one of 75,000 projects that has received National Lottery support, to celebrate…