Author: Rhys Gregory

Leading Wales-based medtech firm Bond Digital Health has secured a further £1 million cash injection to support its plans for growth. The Cardiff-headquartered company, which has developed a data capture and management system for lateral flow diagnostic tests, raised the investment through its existing shareholders. The investment included equity funding of £350,000 from the Development Bank of Wales, with the remainder coming from members of Wealth Club, the high-net-worth investment service. Investors through Wealth Club included the company’s CEO, Ian Smith, and its chair, Wayne Harvey. The current funding round closes at the end of January, with Bond aiming to…

Heddwyn and Buddug Morgan and their son Credig are used to making a living against the odds, as they frequently battle the weather conditions in the Penmachno valley. However, with farming in their blood, they treat each new set of challenges as they would treat bad weather; a minor irritation, but not something to impede day to day life. Heddwyn and Credig have learned that whilst fads come and go in hill farming, the basic challenge remains constant through the generations. The family is honest about the challenges on their 450 acre farm and the farming conditions. Heddwyn said: “It’s…

One of Wales’ top independent, fine-food producers has marked a year of rapid growth by winning two of the UK’s leading food industry awards. Despite the industry being majorly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; Bedwas-based Capital Cusine has grown to 10 members of staff, increased its production space to 6,000 sq foot and seen its order book double. The remarkable year was capped off by winning two coveted Great Taste Awards from the Guild of Fine Food, for its Sweet Chilli Asian Glaze and its Carrot, Orange and Ginger Relish. The great taste awards are the food and drink industry’s…

Set within 400 acres of the Waun Las National Nature Reserve just outside of Carmarthen you can find a mosaic of flower-rich meadows, spectacular woodlands, waterfalls and cascades – and Pantwgan farm. The organic farm is part of the National Botanic Garden of Wales and is run under the watchful eye of lead farm manager Huw Jones. Looking after the environment, maintaining biodiverse habitats and producing food are of critical importance. Here Huw looks after traditional breeds of Welsh Black Cattle and Balwen sheep. Describing the role they play in managing the habitats and nature reserve he says: “They’re really…

Three new projects are set to have a positive impact on Swansea’s rural communities. They include the creation of a new pilgrimage route across Gower, linking historic churches, chapels and other sacred Christian sites. Another project seeks to increase biodiversity and improve the resilience of the natural environment at two sites in Craig Cefn Parc and Garnswllt. The third project will involve a feasibility study to map local producers and shorten supply chains in rural Swansea. Its aim is to enable food businesses and consumers to connect and build sustainable food systems. All have been assisted by new funding from…

Planning permission has been submitted for the long-awaited cycle and pedestrian bridge across the River Severn, connecting the riverside path and Pool Road in Newtown. Following lengthy negotiations and delays caused by the pandemic, this is a welcomed milestone in the project to create a safe active travel link between the communities, businesses and amenities on each side of the river. This Welsh Government funded project was identified within the Active Travel Network Maps produced a few years ago. During the consultation process, feedback from residents, community groups, schools, families, and other stakeholders helped shape the future of proposed active…

Over 6,300 visited Blackwood Town Centre last weekend for the final Winter Food and Crafts Market. Winter Food and Craft Markets were scheduled to take place in four of the Borough’s Town Centres, including Bargoed, Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly and Blackwood throughout the Christmas period, with the market in Ystard Mynach being cancelled due to Storm Arwen. Each market hosted between 20 and 50 food and craft stalls, a selection of children’s funfair rides along with a jam-packed programme of top-quality street theatre entertainment. The events resulted in an influx of visitors to the Borough’s Town Centres. With Bargoed Market receiving…

A survey which invites members of the public to respond to the Cardiff International Sports Village (ISV) Masterplan, is now open. The 6-week consultation seeks views on Cardiff Council’s plans todevelop the International Sports Village starting with the proposed delivery of a central cycling hub of modern, fit-for-purpose, complimentary sports facilities, including a velodrome, an off-road bike track and closed road circuit. Residents and visitors are invited to answer a short surveywhich includes questions on: ·       The relocation of Maindy Cycle Track ·       additional facilities you would like to see in the International Sports Village ·       facilities you would like…

The Welsh Government is encouraging farmers to register to have their say in the next phase of designing the new Sustainable Farming Scheme. The first stage of co-design saw around 2,000 people take part. This next phase will take place in the summer of 2022 and people can register now to be part of the process. This will give them the opportunity to share their opinions on the practicality of proposed actions underpinning the Sustainable Farming Scheme and the wider scheme structure and processes. The Sustainable Farming Scheme will support farmers to lower their farms’ carbon footprint, help improve the…

Social Care staff will receive the Real Living Wage in Wales as part of a package to support the sector, the Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan has announced. A key pledge in the Programme for Government, the implementation of the Real Living Wage is the first step in to raising wages, esteem and recognising staff for their extraordinary contribution to the coronavirus pandemic. Currently £9.90 per hour, the Real Living Wage is independently calculated by the Resolution Foundation and overseen by the Living Wage Commission. The Real Living Wage will apply to registered workers in care homes and…