Author: Rhys Gregory

THE final phase of Parc Aberkinsey in Rhyl is now complete, marking the end of almost 15 years of Anwyl building in the town. Family-run Anwyl Homes, which was founded in Rhyl 95 years ago, has created a new community of around 500 homes, across more than 50 acres of land to the south east of the town. Mathew Anwyl, housing managing director for Anwyl, said: “The completion of Parc Aberkinsey marks the end of an era for us in Rhyl. We’re really proud of the new village we’ve created here and of the benefits we’ve delivered for the wider…

Croeso Pubs Ltd, the Cardiff-based pub chain which already runs eight venues including The Philharmonic, Blue Bell and Brewhouse in the city centre, is taking over the lease of The Cricketers in Pontcanna. The acquisition of The Cricketers means that Croeso Pubs now runs nine venues in and around Cardiff, Penarth and Mermaid Quay. It runs two community pubs, The Bear’s Head in Penarth and The Discovery in Lakeside. Croeso also runs city centre venues The Philharmonic, Brewhouse, Blue Bell, Retro, and gastro pub Daffodil, as well as The Dock in Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay. The Cricketers was run by…

BOREHOLE geophysics technology leader Robertson Geo has officially opened its new headquarters, bringing all UK operations under one roof and marking a major step in the company’s continued expansion. The move to Tre Morfa Enterprise Park in Conwy from sites in Deganwy and Llandudno follows sustained growth for the award-winning business, which serves customers in more than 160 countries and operates from additional bases in the US and Hong Kong. The new 20,500 square-foot facility features a purpose-built manufacturing facility, modern offices, a training hub, and a world-class calibration centre that will serve as a standard-setter for the markets they…

New research by Admiral Pet Insurance has uncovered a striking truth about the nation’s wellbeing: for many Brits, nothing lifts the spirits quite like spending time with their pets. According to a survey of 2,000 UK dog and cat owners, 94% say their pet boosts their wellbeing – with the majority (37%) also saying pets have a higher impact on their wellbeing than regular exercise, a good diet, sleep and even socialising. 70% say companionship is the best part of pet ownership, while over half (52%) report feeling less lonely thanks to their furry friend. The research also found that 31%…

Business confidence in Wales was the highest of any UK nation or region for a second month in a row in July according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds. While Welsh firms’ optimism in the economy dipped two points to 66%, their optimism in their own trading prospects rose 20 points to 86%. Taken together, this gives a headline confidence reading of 76% (vs. 67% in June). A net balance of 68% of businesses in the region also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up nine points on last month. Looking ahead to the next six…

BRIDGEND-based housing association Valleys to Coast has acquired 20 homes in Blaenllynfi, part-funded by the Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant. The grant supports the provision of affordable housing for those most in need, contributing to the government’s target of providing 20,000 low-carbon social homes by 2026. The new development in Maesteg comprises 14 one-bed flats and six two-four bed houses, providing homes for families, couples and individuals in Bridgend. Seven of the flats are also ground-level with wetrooms. The homes were built using modern methods of construction, including pre-assembled timber frames, to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the development.…

Howden’s Cardiff and Swansea teams went head-to-head as colleagues from the global insurance group and Principal Partner of the British & Irish Lions competed to raise as much as possible for local charities. Each office hosted its own Lions-themed event, complete with a match watch party, as part of the company’s wider efforts to support good causes through sport and community engagement. The events on July 2, held at Elevens in Cardiff and the Swansea.com Stadium in Swansea, welcomed over 200 guests in total to watch the British & Irish Lions take on the Queensland Reds in a victory made…

Quantum Advisory, the leading pensions and employee benefits consultancy for small and medium sized employers, is highlighting the impact of changing annuity rates on the pension saving population as they plan for and enter retirement. Annuity rates have surged to their highest point in a decade, continuing an upward trend. The Standard Life Annuity Rates Tracker shows that the average rate for a single life annuity in May 2025 was 7.72% for a healthy 65-year-old, rising from 7% in May 2024. The average rate for 60 and 70-year-olds has also increased to 7.01% and 8.54% respectively. Savers over the age…

Quick-thinking first aiders from St John Ambulance Cymru saved the life of a runner who collapsed near the finish line of the Porthcawl 10K. Chris Edwards, 39, had gone into sudden cardiac arrest just metres from the end of the race. Volunteers rushed to his side, performing CPR and using a defibrillator to restart his heart — actions which proved lifesaving. When Chris lined up at the start of the Porthcawl 10K earlier this summer, he felt confident. An experienced runner, he’d trained well, eaten properly, and prepared like he always had. But what he didn’t expect was that he…

Watkin Property Ventures (WPV) has pledged an annual donation of £10k to Bangor Cricket Club until 2034, a total of £100k, to support the recruitment of coaches and to improve the facilities at the club. The first £10k donation was made in 2024 and has allowed the club to appoint a professional coach, overseeing all the age groups. They have also appointed a coach and manager for each junior team, to ensure they have a steady stream of players for the senior team. The commitment comes from a long-standing partnership with Watkin Property Ventures and is part of the company’s…