Author: Rhys Gregory

The future of one of Wales’s iconic buildings now looks brighter after Denbighshire County Council planners opened the way for the redevelopment of the historic North Wales Hospital in Denbigh. An application by Vale of Clwyd-based Jones Bros to redevelop the 50.6-acre site of the Grade Two Star-listed former psychiatric hospital has been approved by the Council’s Planning Committee. The decision was welcomed by the Leader of Denbighshire Council, Hugh Evans, but remains subject to a Section 106 Agreement to be signed by Jones Bros and the Council and which will place conditions on the development. But once that has…

Social and economic research firm reports increased demand for its services almost a year on from its employee ownership transition Aberaeron-based Wavehill completed its transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) in October 2020 with the support of Social Business Wales, via its Employee Ownership Wales service. Established in 1992, Wavehill specialises in getting evidence-based research to inform policymaking and also evaluating programmes and projects, working with clients from public, private and third sectors. Since the business transitioned to an employee-owned firm last year, it has seen an increase in demand for its services by 25% since the same period…

Orbis Education and Care has appointed Kris Davies in a new role for the organisation, as its Head of Academy Living. Orbis is one of the UK’s leading providers of specialist schools and homes, supporting children and adults with complex needs associated with autism. Kris’ new role will see the organisation build on its existing work to create personal development pathways for young people and adults to identify and progress in vocational and employment opportunities. Kris, from Cardiff, said: “People with autism and learning disabilities should have the same opportunities in life as us all, and here at Academy Living…

Following an entire year without the usual run of outdoor music events, Sophia Gardens has announced a huge evening for music fans this September. Fans of Queen will be treated to a tribute evening to one of the world’s most iconic rock bands, from a collection of performers from London’s West End. The event, ‘An Evening of Queen’ will take place on September 26 and will feature hits from the band’s renowned back catalogue of tracks, with favorites such as Bohemian Rhapsody being heard across Sophia Gardens. Earlier this summer, the sports venue hosted three international fixtures as well as…

The UK’s leading IoT service and solutions provider, North, has announced the appointment of Coreen Bone to the position of Chief People Officer (CPO). Complementing the company’s bold growth strategy, the hire will see Bone join North’s executive leadership team, reporting directly to CEO Glen Williams. The hire follows the recent investment from Livingbridge and the acquisition of Data Techniques. Bone brings more than 20 years’ experience working across a variety of sectors, including in executive roles at Xerox Business Services, where Coreen delivered strategic and operational people solutions at a global level to support large-scale growth and the successful…

Lots of residents in Swansea who took advantage of a free bus offer operating throughout the summer say they will continue using public transport. Swansea Council provided free bus transport on weekends for everyone in the city during the summer holidays in a bid to help the city recover from the financial impact of the pandemic. It also wanted to encourage more people to consider using buses instead of their car to get around in the future. A new survey completed recently by the council has shown that many of those who travelled on the free service will use buses again…

Thousands of trees will be planted this autumn in five different parts of Bridgend County Borough on land owned by the local authority. The trees are being planted as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, which invites people from across the United Kingdom to ‘Plant a tree for the Jubilee’. It is also a key part of the council’s response to tackling the challenges of climate change and the nature crisis, and aims to help the local authority achieve a position of net zero carbon by 2030. The five areas involved are Min…

The Leader of Caerphilly county borough council has issued a statement in response to ongoing concerns about a proposed waste processing facility at Nine Mile Point Industrial Estate in Cwmfelinfach. Cllr Philippa Marsden said, “Residents in the Sirhowy Valley and surrounding area will be acutely aware of the ongoing concerns around proposals for a waste processing plant at Nine Mile Point Industrial Estate. The matter has been subject to ongoing legal proceedings over recent months and, as these are now reaching a conclusion, I feel I can now offer my views on the issue. As Leader of Council and local…

RCT Council’s contractor for bridge repairs in Abercynon, Walters Ltd, has volunteered to clear an acre of land for Cynon Valley Organic Adventures – allowing the social enterprise to progress its valuable community work. The Ynysmeurig Bridge repairs in Abercynon were delivered in the summer holiday – replacing the bridge parapets and completing scour repairs and repointing work, while rebuilding sections of the wall supporting River Row. As part of its community engagement, staff from Walters visited Cynon Valley Organic Adventures which is based near River Row. Having learned about the organisation’s local activities – using its community garden and…

The First Minister has announced a new award as he urged people to get their nominations in before the closing date for the St David Awards. Now in their 9th year, the national St David Awards celebrate Wales’ real heroes. This year, as well as recognising the phenomenal work carried out by people across Wales, including our critical workers and volunteers – there will be a new Environment Champion award. The new award will celebrate a person or group who has made an outstanding contribution to improving their environment, either locally, Wales-wide or internationally. The winners of the awards will…