Author: Rhys Gregory

Thousands more social housing tenants in Wales will benefit from warmer homes and lower energy bills as the Welsh Government announces an additional £14.1 million for energy efficiency improvements. The funding boost brings total investment in the Optimised Retrofit Programme (ORP) to £107.1 million this year. Since 2020, the programme has already funded 31,000 energy efficiency upgrades to social homes across Wales, cutting household bills whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The ORP funds improvements including insulation, efficient heating systems and renewable energy installations in social housing. Social landlords working through the programme monitor health indicators such as mould and moisture levels, enabling them to provide targeted advice and…

Five trains a day will be available between Shrewsbury and Swansea via Llandrindod Wells from December. As part of the December timetable changes, Transport for Wales is adding a new midday train in each direction on the Heart of Wales line between Shrewsbury and Swansea via Llandrindod Wells, increasing the daily service from four to five trains a day. From 14 December, the new timetable will provide passengers on this line a more flexible option for day-long trips and essential journeys. This improvement will support the local tourism economy. Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said:  “Railway…

Monmouthshire Building Society’s charitable foundation has committed to donating thousands in financial support to businesses and organisations impacted by the recent flooding in Monmouth – and is working with its partners to offer even more monetary support in the coming months. The Building Society’s Charitable Foundation offers small amounts of funding to provide practical and immediate support and has decided to help the Monmouth community, which was recently devastated by the floods caused by Storm Claudia. It is also reaching out to its business partners and collaborators to raise even more funds to help the local community. The Society has…

The Celtic Manor Resort has won a prestigious hotels industry award in recognition of the exceptional work it performs to support the local community. The five-star hotel in South Wales won the Extra Mile Award at the Hotel Cateys during a glittering gala awards ceremony at London’s Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel on Monday 24th November. The accolade recognises the commitment of Celtic Manor Resort and the wider Celtic Collection as a lead partner in the Newport Place Programme established by Business in the Community, the UK’s largest and longest-established responsible business network. The Celtic Collection pledged to take a prominent…

Paint by numbers is often celebrated as the ultimate mindfulness hobby. It allows you to switch off your brain and focus on the rhythm of the brush. However, anyone who has attempted a masterpiece level kit knows that there is a point, usually about halfway through, where the relaxation can turn into frustration. Whether you are staring at a section filled with microscopic confetti shapes, struggling with drying paints, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the canvas, that loss of momentum is normal. But do not roll the canvas up and hide it in the cupboard just…

Businesses across Wales are preparing for another challenging year. With rising courier fees, higher fuel costs and growing customer expectations, companies are searching for ways to strengthen their operations without increasing expenses. One area that is proving more important than many expected is packaging. Packaging has traditionally been seen as a simple requirement for posting goods. Yet packaging affects more than just protection. It influences postage costs, customer satisfaction, workflow speed, return rates and even brand reputation. In 2026, more Welsh businesses are reassessing their packaging choices and benefiting from small changes that make a big difference. This article explores…

Every traveler has that one list — the dream destinations scribbled in a notebook or pinned on a vision board. Maybe it’s the northern lights in Norway, a sunrise over Machu Picchu, or a culinary adventure through Italy. But between work deadlines, family commitments, and everyday responsibilities, those dreams often stay just that — dreams. Turning your travel bucket list into reality doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right mindset and planning, it’s absolutely possible. Start with Defining Your “Why” Before choosing where to go, think about why you want to go. Is it for adventure, relaxation, cultural exploration, or…

Gut health has been at the center of attention among nutrition and medical experts for several years, as well as among people who want to take care of their daily well-being. And for good reason. The gut is responsible not only for digestion – it also affects immunity, hormone balance, energy levels, and even mood. This is where a large portion of immune cells and the microorganisms that form the gut microbiota are located – one of the most important “regulatory systems” in our body. The role of the gut microbiota The gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem of bacteria,…

Interior openings influence comfort, flow, and the visual rhythm of a home in ways that often go unnoticed until the right fittings are installed. These components shape how occupants interact with rooms, guiding movement and contributing to a cohesive atmosphere. Thoughtful choices elevate daily routines by adding subtle refinements to touchpoints used throughout the day. Homeowners seeking harmony often find that elegant fittings play a far larger role in the home’s personality than anticipated.  The Impact of Material Quality Superior materials influence how fittings age and how they feel in the hand. Metal components forged with care retain their structure…

Wales has a rich history of casino culture, with dedicated venues in cities like Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport offering locals a chance to test their luck on slots, poker, and roulette. Traditionally, these casinos were the hub of social interaction and nightlife, attracting players eager for the tactile thrill of chips and cards. The Landscape of Welsh Casinos While Wales doesn’t have as many large-scale casinos as London or Manchester, key urban centers have established themselves as hotspots. The following table provides an overview of physical casinos and online gambling popularity across major Welsh cities: City Physical Casinos Online Gambling…