Author: Rhys Gregory

A Cowbridge businessman has been honoured by the Queen with a British Empire Medal (BEM). 25-year-old Rhys Mallows, managing director of Mallows Bottling, repurposed his business to produce more than one million bottles of hand sanitiser during the coronavirus pandemic. Ethanol – the alcohol base used to make sanitiser – was in short supply throughout Europe at the time, with countries like France, Spain and Italy stopping exports and retaining it for their domestic needs. Rhys, a Financial Economics graduate of Exeter University, explained: “When the pandemic broke, and supply chains struggled, we saw the need for hand sanitiser in…

A number of pre-booked slots for the community will be available at Aberystwyth University’s swimming pool as maintenance work continues at Plascrug Leisure Centre. Ceredigion Council has released the following statement: “As a Local Authority, we recognise the current difficulties with respect to the Council pool closures across the county. We also recognise the need for residents in Ceredigion to be able to go swimming. Ceredigion County Council has been in discussions with Aberystwyth University with regards to the possibility of utilising their swimming pool for community use whilst Plascrug Leisure Centre is closed. The Local Authority is extremely grateful…

Swansea Council is to extend its pandemic funding for its key leisure facilities to keep up their high-quality services for residents across the city. The council’s ruling cabinet today has agreed to extend funding arrangements for its contract-managed premises, including the LC, community leisure centres, the Wales National Pool Swansea (WNPS) and Plantasia. The support will be in place until March next year and will cover the facilities’ pandemic-related losses and recovery plans. Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “Our leisure facilities are key to creating an active and healthy Swansea now and in…

Following the latest Welsh Government updates, and with two weeks to go, Beyond the Border – Wales’ International Storytelling Festival has confirmed its go ahead and announced over 65 artists will be part of the live festival at NT Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire as well as an innovative Online Festival, which will bring distinct and pioneering new ways of engaging with storytelling experiences digitally from homes across the UK and the world. Beyond the Border is one of Europe’s leading storytelling festivals, with audiences travelling across the UK and the world to see some of the best storytellers, musicians and performers. Naomi…

Work is underway on a new £6.4m scheme that will help to defend Porthcawl from flooding and any potential future rise in sea levels. Construction specialists Knights Brown have set up a compound on land at Salt Lake and have commenced the first phase of the work, which is focusing on the iconic Western Breakwater. The internal structure of the 200 year old breakwater still features its original wooden core, and needs extensive renovation and refurbishment to ensure that it can continue to stand up to the tides and tough maritime weather conditions. As part of a second phase, Knights…

RCT Council has completed work on a pilot sustainable drainage scheme at Mill Street in Pontypridd – which has introduced green features to help reduce surface water flooding and divert it from traditional drainage systems in heavy rainfall. The pilot, which is fully-funded by Welsh Government, has introduced a tree pit and rain garden to provide an adaptive form of flood alleviation that improves the area’s aesthetics and biodiversity, and is also resilient for the future. The new rain garden is sized at 35m2, and will provide drainage for the surface water run-off from the nearby concreted car park, which…

The Welsh Government’s plans to provide everyone under 25 with the offer of work, education, training, or self-employment through its new Young Person’s Guarantee will help ensure there is no lost generation in Wales following the Covid pandemic, Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, has said. The Minister is today unveiling details of how the Welsh Government will develop a Young Person’s Guarantee that delivers for young people in Wales. The Minister is calling on businesses and public sector organisations to consider how they can play their part in supporting the Young Person’s Guarantee. Ministers will also look at ways to help…

Successful betting tips enhance your prospects once you’ve grown accustomed to the industry. The best way to bet on sports is a matter of staying grounded. Sports betting revenues jumped 270% for the first quarter of 2021 compared to that same period last year. This came in the wake of a record-breaking year worth $1.5 billion in revenue for the industry as a whole. A top company like DraftKings saw a 49% revenue boost between 2019-2020. This explosive growth comes with pitfalls. Many states in the U.S. have yet to catch up with issues stemming from problem gambling. If you…

Amidst the rapid expansion of digital communications, Welsh businesses are looking for better ways to send emails at work. Ever since its inception decades ago, email has remained one of the most popular ways for businesses to communicate with clients, customers, and stakeholders. In fact, over 250 billion business emails are sent out every day. Of course, nearly two-thirds of global businesses rely on this as their primary channel for customer acquisition, retention, and sales promotion. As a business owner in Wales, there has never been a better time to upgrade your professional email strategy. This way, you can implement…

More than a quarter of the Wales squad taking part in the European Championship finals this summer had spells in non-league earlier in their career. What a great advert that is, as it proves that talent can make it from humble beginnings to one of football’s grandest stages. Rob Page has taken charge of the Dragons for their second consecutive appearance at the Euros. The 2016 vintage is some act to follow after a memorable run all the way to the last four in France. While senior players in the Welsh setup, like Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, bring that crucial tournament experience, here we celebrate…