Author: Rhys Gregory

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…

Businesses in Conwy are encouraged to apply for funding of up to £50,000 as the Business Key Fund is relaunched. The £1m fund aims to help local businesses deliver innovative, growth-focused projects that support sustainability and economic resilience in the county. Funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the scheme is being delivered through Conwy County Borough Council’s Business Support team. The targeted support builds on the success of the previous Local Business Key Fund programme and focuses on enabling enterprises to overcome barriers to growth, whether through capital investment, skills development, or initiatives that promote economic impact…

The average price of a home in Wales was £238,098 in the second quarter of 2025, up 0.7% year-on-year and just 4.6% below its peak of £249,000 in 2022. The figures have been released by Principality Building Society in its Wales House Price Index for Q2 2025 (April – June), which demonstrates the rise and fall in house prices in each of the 22 local authorities in Wales. Despite ongoing affordability pressures, the steady rise in the number of transactions – which reached over 10,000 in Q2 (up 13% on last year) – suggests growing buyer confidence despite persistent cost-of-living…

The British Business Bank has announced today that it has reached the landmark milestone of £2.5bn of lending under its Growth Guarantee Scheme, since its launch one year ago. Designed to improve access to finance for smaller UK businesses, the scheme has supported nearly 500 businesses in Wales, totalling almost £83 million in lending. Nationally, 69% of the funds have gone to businesses outside London and the South East, highlighting the scheme’s role in promoting regional growth. In Wales, the 497 supported businesses translate to 25.74 facilities per 10,000 SMEs, underlining strong uptake among the Welsh business community. The Growth…

A team of Computer Games Design graduates at USW have once again been selected for Tranzfuser 2025 – the UK’s flagship competition for emerging game development talent. RuneCube Studios – made up of Rhys Jones, Connor Elsbury and Cameron Fritz, along with BA Music Producing graduate Wigg Grant – are one of just 21 teams across the UK to be chosen for this year’s programme. Their game, Overstaffed, is a two player co-op action adventure set in the world of Arrilla. The wizards the players control are exploring an ancient area known as the Forsaken Ruins, home to different environments…

The competition to find the next actor to don the iconic tuxedo has taken an intriguing turn with the revelation that Denis Villeneuve will helm the upcoming chapter in this legendary series. The renowned director, celebrated for his work on Sicario, Dune, and Blade Runner 2049, carries a reputation for crafting visually captivating and psychologically intricate narratives, hinting at an exciting creative transformation of the 007 franchise. Villeneuve’s appointment is already shaking up the betting markets, leading to significant shifts among the top contenders for the prestigious position. Aaron Taylor-Johnson has notably claimed his position at the forefront, emerging as…

Are you interested in learning more about the rules of online Blackjack? The digital format, much like its land-based counterpart, remains one of the most widely recognised casino games available today. Its format is straightforward, and the rules can be learned quickly, which is why the game is often a top choice for players with all types of skill levels and playing style preferences. Read on, where we explore the fundamental mechanics of online Blackjack real money games, to help you feel more confident and play safely when you next sit at a virtual Blackjack table. The core of the…

You know that feeling when everyone says you have to be visible to grow your business? Sure, it’s technically one of those things that you need when starting a small business, but it’s intimidating, right? Like, for a lot of people, the idea of constantly pitching yourself or showing up online just makes your stomach turn. Well, sure, bot everyone is wired for the spotlight, and that is completely fine. Believe it or not, but you can still be seen, still be trusted, and still be known, without ever raising your voice. Yes, it’s true that it’s pressed on that…

A Welsh-born entrepreneur, raised in the Netherlands, has turned to Business Wales to help bring the restorative power of Scandinavian-style saunas to the shores of Porthcawl and Rest Bay, while also discovering the mental health benefits of running his own business. William Jenkins, launched Hikitalo Sauna in November 2024, bringing a Finnish-inspired wellness retreat to Sandy Bay. The sustainable, custom-built facility was made possible through expert guidance and financial support from Business Wales. Within a year, Hikitalo’s popularity has seen it awarded ‘Best Waterside Sauna 2025’ at the British Sauna Society’s Sauna Summit and launch a second location employing seven…