Author: Rhys Gregory

THE importance of mental health in the workplace has never been more prevalent. But with more and more people based at home or operating in hybrid conditions because of the Covid-19 pandemic, that workplace is now often the kitchen table or a spare room. This has raised widespread issues, from isolation to anxiety, which is why Coleg Cambria’s Northop Business School unveiled a suite of programmes to support managers, directors, HR staff and employees dealing with these issues every day. Level 2 and Level 3 courses include Highfields Introduction to Mental Health Awareness; Introduction to First Aid for Mental Health;…

The UK’s most vibrant Halal burger chain is set to bring its unique menu to Cardiff. Since launching back in 2016 Mak Halal has opened four branches in Birmingham. In 2021 they began to take their product further afield with new restaurants in Walsall and Bradford. Now they’re getting set to take their first step out of England with a new outlet in Cardiff. This is the next part of their plan to open 10 stores by the end of 2022. This will be their 8th branch and will open at 31 Albany Road on the 28th of March. Mak…

Businesses are being invited to a free Tourism Forum this April. With a strong line-up of guest speakers, it promises to be key event for everyone involved in the tourism sector. The Denbighshire Tourism Forum takes place on Wednesday, 6th April at the Oriel House, St Asaph, 10.30am-1.30pm. After 2 years of being held virtually, it returns to a face-to-face event. The Forum provides a great opportunity for delegates to hear about the latest developments and meet other like-minded businesses and share experiences. The Wales Coast Path is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Delegates will learn how their business…

The RSPCA has backed a new petition calling for an end to blanket bans on keeping pets in Wales’ private rented sector. Sam Swash’s petition, entitled ‘Ban the use of ‘no pet clauses’ in tenancy agreements in Wales’, is collecting signatures until late April; and has already passed the first threshold required to be considered by the Senedd’s Petitions Committee. RSPCA Cymru is now urging others in Wales to follow suit and sign the petition to support those with pets looking for a home in the private rented sector. This July, the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 comes into force…

Plans for a £590 million tidal lagoon in North Wales are forging ahead following two milestone developments. Mostyn SeaPower Ltd, a subsidiary of the Port of Mostyn, revealed they are  now going out to tender for review of the initial design and costings for the scheme that would create 300 construction jobs and employ 35 people during its operational life of over 100 years. They have also embarked  on a second year of ecological surveys of the priority species of fish, birds and mammals in the Dee Estuary. In addition, a review is being held into the layout and position…

Deals worth more than £500,000 were clinched at a two-day trade expo organised by a top Welsh food distribution company. Bumper crowds attended the Harlech Foodservice Food and Drink Expo which made a triumphant return after being cancelled last year because of Covid. Around 2,000 customers attended the high profile event at Venue Cymru in Llandudno. The Expo is one of the highlights of the catering calendar for food and drink producers and their trade customers across tourism, restaurants, pubs and cafes in North Wales, the North West and Midlands. Represented at the 100 stands were household names like Young’s…

A Barry-based property development and investment business has used a £400,000 funding package from HSBC UK to purchase and develop a derelict building, turning it into an extension of one of its existing hotels. PropertyIndex, established in 2012, used the HSBC UK funding package to facilitate the expansion of Mount Rooms Hotel, creating 14 new rooms and helping the hotel meet demand from customers. The recently completed expansion created five new jobs and is expected to increase turnover by 40 per cent. Chris Spiteri and Emma Ballson, co-directors of PropertyIndex, commented: “We’re delighted to reveal the brand new extension of…

Morgan Sindall Construction has successfully delivered the Pre-Construction phase for Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Penfro in Pembroke following Pembrokeshire County Council’s approval of the planning application. The new Welsh medium primary will provide places for 210 pupils aged between 5 and 11, as well as a 30-place nursery provision and a Cylch Meithrin for children under the age of three. The tier one contractor is expected to start work in May 2022 subject to funding from Welsh Government and is planned to open in September 2023. The school will be located on the site of the old Pembroke School at Bush…

A new city centre activity space has opened for children and young people in St David’s Dewi Sant Cardiff. The Winter of Wellbeing Festival pop-up is part of a scheme by Child Friendly Cardiff to engage children, young people and families within the community, following on from the popular Summer of Smiles in the city. Open every day until Sunday March 27, the festival space is located next to the Apple Store at St David’s and will host a range of free drop-in workshops, crafts, games and activities for all ages from babies through to primary age children, teenagers and…

AN ACCLAIMED accountancy firm made a statement by opening new offices and taking on staff ahead of further expansion this summer. Salisbury’s Chartered Accountants has unveiled premises in Uxbridge Square, Menai Bridge, adding to its presence in St Asaph, Penmaenmawr and Ruthin. Director Aled Roberts says they, like so many organisations, faced challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic but are emerging in a stronger position than ever before thanks to the loyalty of clients, their hard-working staff, and partnerships across North Wales and beyond. The workforce looks set to grow to more than 30-strong before the end of the year and…