Author: Rhys Gregory

Harry Potter fans, dressed in their best robes and Hogwarts scarves, gathered to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone releasing in UK & Irish cinemas, by witnessing the launch of the iconic Platform 9 ¾ Trolley at Cardiff Central. The installation allows fans to recreate the moment when Harry first made it on to Platform 9 ¾, by running through a magical brick wall in London’s King’s Cross station, before taking the 11 o’clock  train to Hogwarts, which it did every year on September 1st . The trolley, a symbol of the gateway between the ‘Muggle’ and wizarding…

A North Wales-based electronics distributor has pushed turnover to record levels by implementing a new strategy developed with the input of fellow business leaders. Phil, 67, and Tom Kneale, 34, run Graphtec GB, which distributes computer controlled cutting equipment from Wrexham, increased sales past £4m for the first time, up from £3.2m. After considering their options and taking advice from David Roberts, who runs peer-to-peer business coaching service The Alternative Board (TAB) in North East Wales, the company expanded its product line and re-examined its pricing structure. The decision was aided by the pair taking the chance to re-acquaint themselves…

Creative technologies (CreaTech) start-up, iungo Solutions, took home the Best New Business award at a sparkling ceremony in the Cardiff City Hall on September 30th, 2021. The Cardiff Life Awards recognise businesses across a range of industries who have made a positive impact within the region over the past 12 months. Founded just before the global pandemic, iungo rapidly pivoted it’s business model in March 2020 to develop an Upskilling Platform for people at risk of unemployment. Starting out with just two voluntary software engineers, iungo has grown to employ 15 people across the UK and released its first product…

Lynette Chandler has been appointed as an Associate Recruitment Consultant for Legal Recruitment at Acorn, one of the UK’s leading recruitment firms. Lynette will support further growth within its Legal division as Acorn looks to the next stages of its expansion, continues to break into new markets and achieve further growth. A qualified solicitor, Lynette started her career in response to a legal challenge from a former employee when she previously worked as a veterinary nurse and owned a veterinary practice, and went on to become a barrister working within the UK legal and charitable sectors. Her role with Acorn…

A prestigious Master Rearcrew Certificate has been presented to Kevin Weller, Chief Technical Crew at HM Coastguard Search and Rescue (SAR) base, Caernarfon, to recognise his contribution to rotary aviation. The award was presented by the Honourable Company of Air Pilots at a black-tie dinner at The Guildhall in London last night (21 Oct).  The award recognises long service and consistently high standards in one or more branches of professional flying whether civil or military, including air transport, airborne instruction, test, or operational flying. Mr Weller, played a key role in the transition of the HM Coastguard SAR helicopter service…

Local Welsh charity, City Hospice, have launched their annual Light Up A Life campaign to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones. This year’s campaign, which runs until December 31, sees the return of City Hospice’s popular digital feature, a ‘Virtual Star in the Sky’. The innovative fundraising idea was introduced last year as a safe way for supporters to take part in Light Up A Life during the winter months amid restrictions due to the pandemic. The ‘Virtual Star in the Sky’ platform allows people to make a donation and leave a message of remembrance on a virtual…

Pembrokeshire County Council is highlighting the local health board’s announcement that young people aged 12 to 15 can access their COVID-19 vaccine this week without appointment. The vaccines are available until Sunday 31 October at Pembrokeshire’s two mass vaccination centres – Pembrokeshire Archives in Haverfordwest, and Tenby Leisure Centre. Please note, Hywel Dda University Health Board will be unable to vaccinate anyone under 16 if they turn up at the vaccination centre alone.  A parent or guardian will need to accompany them to consent to them having the Pfizer vaccine. For opening days and times at Pembrokeshire Archives and Tenby Leisure…

Local residents are being consulted on plans to construct a plastic recycling and processing facility that would create more than 100 local jobs. As well as providing around 110-plus direct employment opportunities and 44 indirect supply chain jobs, the plant would reduce the amount of waste being disposed by landfill, reducing the country’s carbon footprint. The applicant, UK plastics recycling market-leader Jayplas, is currently running a month-long ‘pre-application’ consultation exercise seeking residents’ comments, before submitting a planning application to the County Borough Council in December The Council will conduct its own public consultation period, once the planning application is formally…

Caerphilly County Borough Council is asking its tenants to give their views on the rent they pay. Tenants are being asked whether they think their rent is fair, affordable and if the housing service they receive from the council is value for money. A brief online survey can be found on the council’s website.  Everyone who completes the survey and provides their contact details will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will receive £150 and three will win £50 in shopping vouchers. The survey will end on Tuesday 16 November 2021. For more information or for help…

Detailed information about plans to provide Penygawsi Primary School with a new 21stCentury building in autumn 2023 are now available to view online and in the community – and residents can give their feedback up until November 24. The proposals would utilise potential funding from Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Colleges Programme, which the Council is currently of applying for. It follows Cabinet’s agreement in September 2020 to submit an initial business case to secure Mutual Investment Model (MIM) funding – the revenue funding route for Band B of the 21st Century Schools Programme. The funding application process continues,…