Author: Rhys Gregory

 Two food wholesalers have been sentenced for selling non-halal chicken, as halal to food businesses across South Wales. Yesterday at Merthyr Crown Court, Helim Miah was sent to prison for 4 years and 8 months for fraudulent trading and breaching insolvency law, while Noaf Rahman was given a two-year sentence, suspended for two years and ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work. The sentencing followed an investigation by Cardiff and the Vale Shared Regulatory Services into Universal Foods (Wholesale) Ltd, based at Bessemer Close, Cardiff. The pair sold halal-labelled chicken to Indian takeaways and restaurants across South Wales.…

Much needed business units will be built in Carmarthenshire to Net Zero standards, in a joint project between Carmarthenshire County Council and Welsh Government. Five energy efficient industrial units will be delivered at Beechwood Industrial Estate, in Llandeilo, for businesses based locally and regionally, supporting economic development in the area. More than £3 million is being invested by Welsh Government in the 7,150 sq ft site. It includes infrastructure, landscaping, and other associated works. It follows earlier engagement with the community which identified the need for more employment space. The development – which is designed to achieve ‘Net Zero carbon…

The next Chief Executive of the NHS in Wales will be Jacqueline Totterdell, currently the Group Chief Executive Officer, St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group. Jacqueline will succeed the current Chief Executive, Judith Paget, who is taking up a new role as Director General for Strategy within Welsh Government to strengthen strategic planning and delivery as the organisation enters a period of significant change. Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said: “I would like to thank Judith for her four years as Chief Executive of NHS Wales and for the leadership she has provided to NHS Wales…

There are just 500 spaces left to take part in the 2025 Brecon Carreg CDF 10K. Runners who want to take part in this year’s race but are yet to register are encouraged to do so quickly – as these last remaining spaces are not expected to stick around for long. More than 7,000 participants have already signed up to the event taking place in the heart of the Welsh capital on Sunday 7 September. The race is not only a great way to explore the city and its beautiful parkland but it also acts as a fantastic stepping stone…

A single mum of three from Swansea has overcome redundancy and rebranded herself as a successful entrepreneur, as expert guidance from Business Wales enables her to start-up and grow an in-demand events and marketing consultancy. Having been made redundant in 2024 from an event management role, Obaidah Sbeitan decided to take full control of her career path and the future of her family by becoming her own boss. After, returning to university to gain a master’s in marketing, she enlisted Business Wales for expert guidance to create Beseen Events and Marketing. Business Adviser, Hadi Brooks, worked with Obaidah to ensure…

A retired teacher with arthritis and heart problems has been given a new lease of life by an agency that’s helped clients secure £1 million in unclaimed benefits. Grandmother Judith Williams, 80, is one of more than 5,500 people who was supported over the past year by Conwy and Denbighshire Care & Repair which serves a vast area, stretching from Llanfairfechan to Llangollen. The not-for-profit organisation, a subsidiary of the Grŵp Cynefin housing association, assists people aged 60 or over in privately owned or rented properties. The aim is to help them continue to live safely, warmly and independently in…

A LEADING college and champion of the Welsh language is running a new series of courses to prepare visitors and businesses for the National Eisteddfod. This year’s festival is to be held in Wrexham, and Coleg Cambria, which delivers courses on behalf of the National Centre for Learning Welsh in north east Wales, is supporting learners of all abilities planning to attend in a personal or professional capacity. Cambria’s Director of Welsh Language Development Llinos Roberts – chair of the executive committee for the event, which runs from August 2-9 – says the programmes have already been well received, online and in the classroom.…

New research shows UK teens are craving adrenaline, nature, and feel-good moments – with Wales emerging as a top destination to deliver the thrill. In the first survey of its kind exploring UK Gen Alpha holiday and staycation preferences, three in four (75%) 13- and 14-year-olds say their everyday lives lack adventure and excitement – and one in five (22%) say they need something new. Tech-heavy routines and pressure-packed days are leaving today’s young teens feeling flat. But there’s a uniquely Welsh feeling that might just change that: hwyl. Pronounced “hoo-eel”, hwyl has no direct English translation, but plenty of…

A major review published in the prestigious journal Nature outlines how artificial intelligence and biotechnology could transform global crop production — helping to build more resilient food systems in the face of climate change, pests and population growth. An international team of researchers —from China, the USA and Europe, including Aberystwyth University — has set out a roadmap for integrating AI with genome editing, protein design, high-throughput phenotyping and omics technologies which analyse the genetic and chemical makeup of plants. They say adopting these techniques would accelerate the improvement of crops that are more productive, sustainable and climate-resilient and could…

ARTISTS are putting the final touches to a striking new mural along Rhyl’s coastal defences – a powerful visual tribute to the town’s ongoing regeneration. Led by artist and facilitator Ffion Pritchard, the project invited creatives from across Denbighshire to contribute to the Ein Rhyl/Our Rhylcampaign. Supported by Rhyl Neighbourhood Board – an independent collective made up of residents, business owners, politicians, council officers and grassroots organisations – and Balfour Beatty, the mural aims to showcase the heart and heritage of the beloved seaside resort, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. “The response has been incredible,” said Ffion, from…