Author: Rhys Gregory

An award-winning renewable energy company has seen enquiries from businesses soar across North Wales and Merseyside – the area which already has the highest electricity bills in the UK. Vale of Clwyd-based Hafod Renewables, which installs a range of bespoke green energy systems across North and Mid Wales and the border counties, has been inundated with calls. Businesses with high energy costs from dairy farms to bakeries and manufacturing companies have been alarmed at reports of 50 per cent increases in charges which could add up to thousands of pounds as fossil fuel generated power prices have rocketed – with…

Wales is to have its own heat of the Riso Gallo Young Risotto Chef of UK and Ireland for the first time next month. The heat will be held on February 22 at the Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) organised by the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) at Grwp Llandrillo Menai’s campus in Rhos-on-Sea. The international competition, which is being held for the fifth time, is for young chefs aged 17-23 who can inject personality, passion and creativity into their own vibrant and exciting risotto dish. Entries must be received by January 31 at https://www.culinaryassociation.wales/competitions. The Wales heat winner will…

Most small firms plan to grow over the coming 12 months but are being held back by struggles to recruit, increasing costs and a lack of access to finance, according to the latest full SBI report, published today. The study of more than 1,200 UK small businesses finds that half (54%) expect to grow over the next year. The figure is up four percentage points on Q4 2019 when the Covid pandemic had yet to impact commercial activity. Close to one in six (16%) increased headcounts in the three months to December, the highest proportion since Q2 2015. A similar…

A fundraising appeal to raise £7,500 to re-erect a sculpture of a pilgrim on the hilltop above the ruins of the famous Strata Florida Abbey in the Cambrian Mountains is within £700 of hitting its target. The Pilgrim, or Y Pererin in the Welsh language, was created by artist Glenn Morris and erected on Penlan, the hill overlooking Strata Florida Abbey, near Pontrhydfendigaid, in 2012. Sadly, the sculpture collapsed in high winds in 2019 and now lays forlorn on the hilltop, located between Devil’s Bridge and Tregaron. This sculpture, created as part of a temporary exhibition, has become a popular…

Urdd Gobaith Cymru have succeeded in breaking two world records as part of its centenary celebrations. Celebrations started this morning with over 95,000 children and adults alike from across Wales and beyond coming together to celebrate the special birthday by joining a virtual Zoom party. The biggest party in the organisation’s history, broadcast live on BBC Radio Wales and Radio Cymru, was held in the company of S4C’s Stwnsh Sadwrn presenters, mascot Mistar Urdd and musician Mei Gwynedd as well as schools from all over Wales. To top it all, the Urdd’s supporters succeeded in breaking two Guinness World Records…

Denbighshire County Council has approved its budget for the 2022/23 financial year. At a County Council meeting on January 25, the budget which includes raising Council Tax by 2.95%, was agreed. As part of the budget process the Council’s draft settlement announced by Welsh Government suggests Denbighshire’s budget will increase by 9.2% for the 2022/23 financial year, with increases of 3.3% and 2.2% the following two years. The increase in funding comes with a number of new responsibilities the Council will be required to fund, including pay increases, ensuring the Real Living Wage for social care workers and mitigation for…

Sony UK Technology Centre (UK TEC) has opened its search for the latest round of talented applicants to join its Higher Apprenticeship Scheme. The Pencoed-based facility, which produces HD and 4K broadcast equipment for worldwide distribution, launches the programme for the tenth consecutive year. The scheme is coordinated by the company’s on-site Academy and will enable its participants to gain invaluable work experience at one of the world’s leading manufacturing sites, while they also work to gain a Higher Apprenticeship Qualification such as HNC/HND or degree qualifications. Sony UK TEC is looking for apprentice applications within the field of Mechanical…

A police boss has unveiled a plan to increase the number of drug driving tests in a campaign to improve road safety and save lives. The crackdown is part of new strategy by North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin who is also ramping up the fight against child abuse, domestic violence and cybercrime, whilst putting more bobbies on the beat – including 10 new Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). He will reveal his plan to the North Wales Police and Crime Panel next Monday (January 31) when he will ask them to back an increase of just under…

Orbis Education and Care has appointed Sarah Russell as its first ever Principal, leading its care and education services under one role for the first time in its 15-year history. The organisation runs 16 schools, residential homes and day facilities for children and adults with complex needs associated with autism, and is one of the UK’s leading specialist providers. The new position of Principal will see Sarah take responsibility for both elements of service provision – education and care – at its Ty Bronllys school and home, near Brecon. During her journey from support worker through various administrative, education and…

Ogi, Wales’ fastest growing broadband company have announced a new 3-year partnership with Cardiff Rugby. Ogi – which has recently announced the acceleration of its £200 million plan to bring ultrafast full fibre services to underserved towns and villages across south Wales – is partnering with the club as a connectivity and IT partner, as well as becoming an on- kit partner from next season. The partnership reflects Ogi’s ambition not only to become a connectivity provider to iconic local businesses and organisation, but the company’s commitment to communities across south Wales, including in the Cardiff Rugby region, where Ogi…