Author: Rhys Gregory

Looking to build on the investment already made in the Middle East region over recent years, the latest Welsh Government virtual trade development visit is covering not just one country but four, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. As part of the Welsh Government’s strategy for the food and drink sector to develop and access new markets in new ways overseas, this is the first Welsh food and drink trade development visit in the Middle East outside of the UAE and Qatar. Taking part in the virtual trade development visits are eight Welsh producers which include experienced exporters such as…

Popular Cardigan food business CRWST has opened a second café at Poppit Sands, Pembrokeshire after securing a six-figure follow-on investment from the Development Bank of Wales. The Poppit Sands café, which has been trading on a takeaway only basis since April, has just opened its doors for inside dining. Run by Osian Jones and Catrin Parry Jones, CRWST began as a micro bakery in 2016. Chef Osian gained experience as head chef in a 5* boutique hotel in Cardiff before the couple, both passionate foodies, decided to take the plunge and start their own business back in West Wales. CRWST…

PHIL Bindon, site manager for the Edenstone Group, is riding high after completing a 200-mile cycle in challenge in aid of the RNLI in memory of his son. Passionate fisherman Mike was just 23 when he was swept out to sea off the coast of Cornwall in January 2014 after being hit by a freak wave. His friend managed to call the emergency services and the RNLI were on the scene within 15 minutes, alongside air support. Despite extensive searches, Mike was never found. Dad Phil, from Weston-super-Mare, has since campaigned on behalf of the RNLI to raise awareness and…

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is pleased to announce that it has appointed Gary Clifford as Executive Director of Commercialisation. Gary is a director of a high growth digital enterprise. His company is currently supporting a large police force and local authority in the North of England to use the latest Virtual Reality (VR) techniques to radically transform hate crime training for all frontline / neighbourhood officers. As a management consultant Gary has also worked as an expert consultant on several international projects assisting companies to realise their growth potential, particularly in international markets.  Such projects include…

Bellway has successfully launched its Longwood Grange development to the public in Lisvane. The housebuilder opened a sales office at the site in September, where the first properties were released onto the market for purchase. More than five homes have already been sold since the development opened. Construction work is underway at the development, off Maerdy Lane, which is part of a wider new neighbourhood being created at the northern edge of Cardiff. Longwood Grange will comprise 270 new homes, including 216 properties for private sale and 54 affordable homes for local people. Daniel Shone, Sales Manager of Bellway Wales,…

The first conference and exhibition to take place in the new Swansea Arena has been announced. Businesses, campaigners, employers and anyone interested in Swansea’s future are invited to attend the Swansea City Centre Conference & Exhibition, which takes place in the Arena on March 17, 2022. The event, which launched in 2019 but was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, is an opportunity for city centre retailers, regional businesses, community projects and not-for-profit organisations to raise their profile and make connections. Exhibitors and attendees will be able to find out about the exciting projects currently underway in the…

Sonovate was revealed as ‘Fintech Company of the Year’ at the Fintech Award Wales at the Tramshed Cardiff, attended by Wales’ leading innovators and digital experts. Six companies were shortlisted for the award, sponsored by Cardiff Capital Region, with Sonovate recognised as the winner. The award recognises Sonovate’s achievements as one of the UK’s most established and scalable fintechs. Sonovate, which provides finance and tech solutions to recruitment agencies, consultancies and labour marketplaces that engage contractors and freelancers, was also recently crowned winner of the ‘Talent Tech Scale Up Award’, supported by Deloitte, at the 2021 TIARA Talent Tech Star…

Wales & West Utilities has announced the appointment of Matt Hindle as Head of Net Zero & Sustainability. Matt, 35, joins from the Energy Networks Association, where he spent five years as the organisation’s Head of Gas. He has a wealth of experience within the biogas industry and prior to joining the ENA, he spent six years working on green gas, energy policy and environmental regulation for the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association. Matt is the latest recruit as Wales & West Utilities looks to invest £400m to deliver a Net Zero ready gas network by 2035, while looking after…

An RSPCA Cymru appeal for information has been launched after a young peregrine falcon was found dead hanging by its tether from a television aerial in Pentre. A member of the public spotted the deceased juvenile bird on 11 September and sounded the alarm to the RSPCA. The falcon was found atop of a two-story property in Treharne Street tangled by a long but torn tether still attached to his legs. A tethered bird is fastened by a line to a post or anchor so as to confine the animal to a particular area. The RSPCA has serious concerns regarding…

Lights, music, action…at long last the show is about to go on. After 18 months of being closed, the curtain will once again rise on Swansea Grand Theatre’s stage and theatre lovers can return to this much loved venue from next week (Oct 4). Audiences will be ‘All Shook Up’ with our first performance fit for a king when Ben Portsmouth returns with his award winning tribute to Elvis on 6 October. Other autumn highlights include In the Night Garden on 13 & 14 October, The Bootleg Beatles on 23 October, Al Murray’s brand new show, Landlord of Hope and…