Author: Rhys Gregory

The global surge in demand for semiconductor chips is reshaping economies around the world. This article explores why that boom matters specifically for Wales, and how it could influence jobs, investment and long-term growth. The Global Chip Boom Explained Over the past decade, semiconductors have quietly become one of the most important building blocks of the modern economy. From smartphones and electric vehicles to data centres and artificial intelligence, almost every advanced technology depends on chips. When supply chains were disrupted during the pandemic, it exposed just how critical they are. Investors have also taken notice. Conversations around the nvidia…

The Australian gambling market thrives. Newbies starting their journeys in the casino world may struggle to navigate the complexity of terms and judge the real appeal. Our Q&A session with PokiesMAN experts unlocks vital industry knowledge, clarifying the significance of the free pokies market as a platform for testing free pokies games and refining gameplay strategy.   Why Pro Players Always Start with Free Online Pokies  An example best illustrates the value that free online pokies and play free pokies sessions provide for game and casino pilot testing. A key insight from industry practice is that free online pokies function as…

Cardiff fabricator Dudley’s Aluminium has secured a major new project, supporting the construction of a 16,500-capacity indoor arena and neighbouring hotel in Cardiff Bay. Dudley’s will be partnering with McLaren Construction for the first time, installing Kawneer enhanced capped curtain wall systems and manual doors on the arena and Kawneer capped curtain walling and HI window systems on the hotel. Designed specifically for live music, the new arena will transform the Atlantic Wharf site into a state-of-the-art entertainment venue featuring world class acoustics and stunning sight lines. The 182-room hotel will support the arena’s operation, providing next generation accommodation, designed…

Wonderwool Wales, the premier wool and natural fibre festival in Wales, is all set for a bumper 20th anniversary show this coming weekend, with the organisers reporting record advance ticket sales and exhibitors. The popular, award-winning show, held at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells on April 25 and 26, has in excess of 230 exhibitors and more than 6,000 visitors are expected to attend. For those who have not bought online already, tickets can still be purchased at the show over the weekend. Showgoers are also being encouraged to share transport with friends to cut their costs, with fuel…

The Llangollen and Corwen Railway is preparing to launch its newly refreshed ‘Ales of Wales’ Dee Valley Real Ale Train this Saturday, offering visitors a unique evening of live music, local ales, great food and stunning scenery through the heart of North Wales. The event starts at 5pm this Saturday, with the train leaving Llangollen at 6.30pm. The popular event returns with a new format and significantly reduced ticket price, dropping from £30 to just £20 per person. The ticket also includes a complimentary first pint and a branded souvenir glass, offering exceptional value for what promises to be one…

A FRIENDLY group of vintage vehicle enthusiasts from West Wales will be going the extra mile for Cancer Research Wales this summer with an ambitious fundraising project. The Cardi Cranks is a classic vehicle club from Ceredigion in West Wales and its members have been loyal supporters of the Welsh cancer research charity since 2025. They are passionate about restoring old vehicles and, this June, they will be driving two vintage tractors 529 miles around Wales to raise money for Cancer Research Wales. Cardi Cranks have lovingly restored the tractors – named Sion and Sian, and painted them in Cancer…

A precision engineering company has pledged to keep backing the North Wales economy after spending £1 million with local contractors and suppliers. Six months after the official opening of its new factory in Kinmel Bay, Continental Diamond Tool says the move has already transformed its operations. The plant is three times the size of its former premises nearby and the arrival of 30 additional electro-plating tanks – on top of the 16 already in use – marks the first step in a much larger roll-out over the next two years. It’s planned to install a total of 200 tanks, increasing…

A “green sweep” of achievements helped cultivate Coleg Cambria’s reputation as one of the UK’s most sustainable and forward-thinking educators. The college is set to unveil up to £1.5m of improvements at its Yale campus in Wrexham, funded by grants from Welsh Government and Salix Finance. The developments form part of a wider strategy that is positioning Cambria as one of the greenest colleges in Wales. In the coming weeks, a major upgrade to E Block – home to the new CAMU Welsh language centre – will be completed, alongside the installation of additional electric vehicle (EV) charging points across…

Stars of The Other Bennet Sister Ella Bruccoleri and Lucy Briers; award-winning novelist Ali Smith; and journalist Caitlin Moran will speak at Hay Festival in Wales next month, 21–31 May 2026, in a trio of surprise events just added to the programme. Stars of the BBC’s hit historical drama The Other Bennet Sister – Ella Bruccoleri (Mary Bennet) and Lucy Briers (Mrs Hill) – join writer Sarah Quintrell and Bad Wolf producer Jane Tranter to discuss their fresh take on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice on Tuesday 26 May at 5.30pm. Journalist Caitlin Moran shares her passion for reading in a My Life in…

Audiences are invited to celebrate everyone’s favourite frog as part of a joyful, family-friendly cinematic experience marking Kermit’s birthday in style. Taking place on Saturday 9 May, The Puppet Folk Experience brings together live music, expert puppetry, and iconic film screenings for a unique event celebrating the legacy of Jim Henson and The Muppets, at The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre in Newport. The event begins with a lively pre-show performance from musician Andy and puppeteer Liam, who combine acoustic renditions of beloved songs from Muppet films and television with beautifully crafted puppet replicas. Audiences can then enjoy two special…