Author: Rhys Gregory

Mid Wales-based Talyllyn Railway has taken an important step on its journey to becoming carbon neutral by investing in planting trees. The narrow-gauge heritage railway, which runs between Tywyn and Nant Gwernol, Abergynolwyn, is partnering with Forest Carbon, a company that develops nature-based climate projects in the UK. The intent of this pioneering partnership is to offset emissions created from coal burnt by the railway’s steam locomotives. Talyllyn Railway is investing in a carbon-financed woodland scheme based in Breckenhill, Northern Ireland, which has planted 1,688 trees on 1.1 hectares, and is also keen to invest in woodland or peatland restoration…

The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth will be staging an exciting array of exhibitions once again this summer for the first time in more than a year. Visitors will need to book tickets in advance for the exhibitions which reopen from Monday, July 19 with The Literary World of Paul Peter Piech, a celebration of the American printmaker’s unique relationship with Wales and with literature. Although best known for his striking political posters, a portion of his work is concerned with the literary world. He spent the last decade of his life in Porthcawl, where he continued to work and was deeply influenced…

A MULTI-award-winning organisation founded in Cardiff 22 years ago has moved to bespoke new premises. MPCT, founded by Huw Lewis MBE, runs 35 Military Preparation Colleges (MPCs) across England and Wales, giving young learners, aged 14-19, the skills and qualifications they need to boost their life and career prospects. On 28 June the centre moved from its original base at Canal Industrial Park, Dumballs Road, Cardiff, to its new home at One Canal Parade. The new venue now houses both the Military Preparation College Post 16 learners and also the Pre16 MPCT Schools learners. Although only around 300m from its…

Three Powys companies are in the running to be named the best rural businesses in the UK after being shortlisted for a regional Rural Business Award. The companies are: Gifts of Wales from Welshpool – Best Rural Retail Business Ty’r Gobaith’s Pantry from Crickhowell – Best Rural Food or Drink Business Crown and Canopy fromPresteigne – Best Rural Professional Services Business and the Sustainability and Environmental Impact Award. They will battle it out against fellow rural businesses, entrepreneurs and enterprises from across the region for a place at the national final. The regional final will be held virtually on Friday…

Students from Cardiff’s Fitzalan and Cantonian High Schools competed in a sponsored Show Debate aimed at developing the critical communication skills necessary to pursue fulfilling careers. The event, held at Fitzalan High School, was devised by Fintech Wales, a not for profit organisation focused on establishing Wales as a globally recognised Fintech hub of excellence, and organised in partnership with Debate Mate, Cardiff Commitment and the Seren Network. The event was chaired by Jessica Rolfe-Dix, executive director of Debate Mate and opened by Ken Poole, Head of Economic Development for Cardiff Council, which also sponsored the event. The debate centred…

Cardiff and London-based Capital Law has bolstered its financial services team with a series of new hires. The strategic appointments have joined the firm’s other 15 financial services lawyers, who work collaboratively drawing on multidisciplinary expertise across the FinTech, InsurTech and financial services sectors, alongside cryptoassets and blockchain, banking and insurance. The financial services division focuses on regulatory, lending and commercial issues, alongside contentious work, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) investigations and offers employment and immigration advice for financial institutions. The team’s work has propelled its growing reputation across the insurance disputes sector, especially during the coronavirus pandemic while supporting clients…

From virtual parties and nights under the stars in the garden, to cake and confetti overloads, Brits got creative when it came to lockdown birthdays. Mecca team members even contributed by taking cards and gifts directly to customers at their homes. But it’s now time for Mecca to take back birthday traditions in clubs. A recent Mecca survey asked customers which missed events from 2020 they wanted back the most, and birthdays topped the list.* Therefore, as part of a summer of missed moment events, the club is launching a unique offer to reclaim missed birthdays. Following Junemas and National…

FOR Cardiff has been elected as Cardiff’s Business Improvement District (BID) for the second time – winning 91% yes by number and 94%  yes rateable value of a recent vote by local businesses. After receiving 300 yes votes, the renewal ballot saw FOR Cardiff get the green light to deliver their ambitious plans to help the capital recover post-pandemic. More than £7 million will now be invested in Cardiff over the next five years to help improve the capital. These include plans to become one of the UK’s first equality cities, launch a university intern scheme, invest in arts and…

The Swansea Council scheme will bring new life to the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks powerhouse and outbuildings. Main contractor John Weaver Contractors, based in Swansea, has forged ahead with work in line with government restrictions throughout the pandemic. Fellow South Wales firm Hayes Engineering & Cladding Ltd have fabricated – and is putting up – the steel framework that will recreate the powerhouse’s original clock tower.  They have also fabricated and are putting up the frame for the new-build Penderyn visitor centre, with another building and walkway to follow. Construction work continues on the historic site, with Wales’ Penderyn Whisky planning to…

The first of two events to promote the use of the Welsh language in a fun way has taken place in partnership with the Urdd and Merthyr County Borough Council. The activities were arranged for the cluster schools of Afon Tâf High School and took place on the newly opened John Sellwood Running Track. Pupils from YGG Rhyd Y Grug played a key role by announcing the activities. Due to Covid measures, it was not possible to have all schools together so pupils from Abercanaid, Treodyrhiw and Ynysyowen Primary Schools took part in the first session, with the other partner…