Author: Rhys Gregory

Leisure centres across Swansea are helping the city reduce its carbon footprint. Popular locations such as the LC and centres at Bishopston, Cefn Hengoed, Morriston, Penlan and Penyrheol report a greatly-reduced energy use. They are managed on behalf of Swansea Council and citizens by not-for-profit charitable trust Freedom Leisure. They benefit from a partnership with industry leading energy-saving consultancy Leisure Energy and from significant investment in new processes and buildings equipment. Swansea’s leisure facilities have seen a reduction in carbon emissions of almost 500 tonnes a year. This is equivalent to taking 100 cars off the road or cutting the…

2021 has ended on a high for 13 staff at specialist healthcare provider, Ludlow Street Healthcare, after they became the latest members of the company’s exclusive 10 Year Club and received their long-service bonus. The latest intake of staff means that current membership of the 10 Year Club stands at 146, a mixture of clinical and support staff spread across the company’s services in South Wales and Bristol. Ludlow Street Healthcare, which specialises in providing care for adults over the age of 18 with complex mental health problems, autism, learning disabilities, and neuropsychiatric conditions including dementia and acquired brain injuries,…

For many of us, plunging into a pool of icy water this winter – whether it be the sea, a lake or a loch – sounds like a nightmare, but over the last couple of years, the popularity of wild swimming has well and truly boomed, with fans eschewing the many mental and physical benefits of the sport. Matt Ovenden, on-the-water expert at Borrow A Boat, says: “The thrill and exhileration that comes with wild swimming has meant it’s fast become a national pastime, with Brits taking the plunge in lakes, lochs, rivers and the sea, in far greater numbers than ever before –…

As Christmas approaches newbie cheesemaker Clare Jones can reflect on a vintage year for her award-winning Trefaldwyn Blue cheese. It has been a whirlwind few months for the Montgomery teacher-turned cheesemaker who only a few weeks ago took home the award for the best Welsh cheese at the World Cheese Awards, held in Spain. The world award is the pinnacle of a fantastic six months, during which Trefaldwyn Blue has also received two stars at the Great Taste Awards and tasted success at the Artisan Cheese Awards in Melton Mowbray. Clare said, “After the surprise of winning two stars at…

The New Directions Group has appointed a new HR Director as growth in demand for its services continues to drive expansion. Genevieve Nock will take a strategic HR lead at the award-winning group of companies, further investing in its people and teams to add even more value to the services it provides. The New Directions Group comprises of New Directions Education, New Directions Pharmacy, New Directions Social Care, ND Care & Support and Checks Direct. It provides specialist recruitment and training support within Education, Pharmacy and Social Care, delivers specialist Domiciliary Care to individuals and their families, as well as…

The search has begun for Wales’ most inspiring entrepreneurial success stories in the food & drink sector. Following the success of the first Food & Drink Heroes awards in April, food & drink businesses are invited to submit nominations for a range of categories, including three brand new categories which have been added for 2022. Launched by the founders of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Food & Drink Heroes was created to recognise the considerable number of inspiring entries to food and drink categories in previous award ceremonies and shine a light on the exciting range in the industry’s offerings.…

Richard Mann has been announced as the new Group Chief Executive of not-for-profit housing organisation United Welsh. Formerly Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director of Operations, Richard’s new role is pivotal in United Welsh’s growth as it continues its mission to build homes, create communities and transform lives. United Welsh currently provides over 6,300 homes across South Wales and plans to build 1,300 more in the next five years. Richard is set to take up his new appointment in January 2022. He takes over the post from Lynda Sagona, who announced her plans to retire after leading United Welsh as…

Cilgwenyn Bee Farm in Carmarthenshire was recently announced as the winner of the Speciality & Fine Food Fair Rising Sustainability Star Award due to its holistic approach to business after transforming a disused coal mine into a brand new bee farm offering carbon neutral honey. Based in Llangennech, Rhodri Owen and Richard Jones began their commercial business back in 2010 after keeping bees for many years beforehand. They now produce award-winning, great tasting Welsh raw artisan honey from different parts of Wales available to buy online. However, at the heart of their business are their ethical and sustainability values to…

BUSINESS took flight at an event showcasing top names in the global aerospace arena. Hosted by Coleg Cambria Deeside, the Aerospace Wales Expo was organised to unlock supply chain opportunities, uniting key speakers, delegates, and suppliers from across the UK. It was also a chance for learners at Cambria to meet industry leaders and discuss future career pathways. Wales is a centre of excellence for aerospace manufacturing and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) related activities, employing more than 23,000 people. Following a successful inaugural launch of the event at Cambria in 2019, Vice Principal for Technology, Engineering and Construction, Nick…

The first details have been released of the green gateway to Plasdŵr, Cardiff’s ‘garden city for the 21st century’. The Gateway Linear Park will be the main entrance to Wales’ largest development, which will eventually deliver up to 7,000 homes over the next 20+ years. Situated near Llantrisant Road in Plasdŵr’s Groeswen neighbourhood, these wide tree-lined avenues and greenery will link residents and its surrounding communities to some of Plasdŵr’s key features. These include the main commercial centre, Canol Plasdŵr / Plasdŵr Centre, residential areas, and its first primary school. With almost 40% of green space planned for the development,…