Author: Rhys Gregory

Scientists at Aberystwyth University are looking at insects as a potentially valuable source of animal feed. Researchers at the University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) have been awarded European funding to build on their research into insects as a source of food for people. The work is part of ‘ValuSect’, an international project which aims to improve the sustainable production and processing of insect-based products. Insects are a common feature of people’s everyday diets in countries around the world, such as Mexico, China and Ghana. They offer a more environmentally friendly source of protein than many other…

Abergavenny shop manager Tracey Sutton has been awarded the Retail Award by the UK’s leading end of life charity Marie Curie, at its fourth annual Fundraising Excellence Awards ceremony. The awards, which took place virtually on 17 November and were hosted by TV and radio broadcaster, Clive Anderson, recognises the hard work and dedication that many people give to Marie Curie across the country, helping to raise vital funds to provide care and support for people living with a terminal illness and their families. Tracey, who usually manages the Abergavenny charity shop, was nominated for the award after going the…

Julie Grabham, Director and Owner of JG HR Solutions has taken remote working to a new level, as she moved her business to her garden shed during lockdown, where she has been helping her delighted clients across the UK with HR advice. With over 20 years of HR experience, Julie’s passion for fairness in the workplace led her to set up her own HR consultancy in 2015. The business has gone from strength to strength, with a 300% growth of clients and over 800% growth in revenue since year 1. The impact of Covid-19 has brought so much uncertainty for…

The owners of a Downton Abbey-style mansion have invested £300,000 to open an exciting new wedding and events venue on the 10-acre estate. They have lovingly converted the historic Grade II* listed coach house and stables at Soughton Hall, in Sychdyn, near Mold, in a move that will create a 10 new jobs and boost the local economy. The hall itself was first built in 1720 but it was redesigned a century later by Sir Charles Barry who went on to be the architect of the current House of Commons and Highclere Castle, the iconic location of the hit TV…

A new community hub has opened at a train station to help job seekers and tenants get on the right track. Transport for Wales (TfW) and the Welsh Government are behind the pioneering scheme at Llandudno station, where a vacant room has been renovated for use by the local community. The one-stop-shop is being managed by housing association Cartrefi Conwy and its not-for-profit subsidiary, Creating Enterprise, which is supported by more than £100,000 funding from the Welsh Government through Transport for Wales and Avanti West Coast. They use it to run a job café and job search support, a Ready…

The first European Space Agency astronaut, Tim Peake, revealed secrets of the universe to a group of year 5 and year 6 primary school children under some of the darkest skies of the year in the Gower Peninsula in Wales at Arthur’s Stone, Cefn Bryn on the Gower Peninsula. The former Apache pilot, flight instructor, and test pilot led the six budding scientists to a stargazing camp on a dark night in November for their first experience of the wonders of the sky at night – as part of a Visit Wales and Welsh Government initiative. November is one of…

Amanda Dorel, regional director for Lloyds Bank in Wales, discusses some of the steps businesses can take to help overcome challenges and bolster their resilience as we head into 2022.  Supply chain shortages are causing noticeable disruption in the lead up to Christmas, as queues of shipping containers stacked with goods destined for the shelves mount up at UK ports. It comes at a time of year where demand is typically high and, with offices closing and more people taking time off from work than usual, customers’ payment times can be longer. This can put a real strain on sometimes already stretched finances. Businesses can’t…

A RENOWNED skin clinician who survived breast cancer is marking her 40th birthday with an epic fundraising drive following a “rollercoaster journey” in life and business. Award-winning aesthetic nurse Sara Cheeney – owner of Pure Perfection Clinic in Rossett, near Wrexham and Chester – will host a charity event in aid of breast cancer research this Friday (November 19) from 10am. Having endured and overcome her own fight with the condition in her early thirties, the Llangollen mum-of-two has now been cancer free for five years. Sara wants to give back to the community that supported her, notably during the…

One Flintshire village is looking to a bright future as changes to local organisations brought on by the pandemic are starting to pay off across the area. Hawarden has seen a wealth of interest across the village since restrictions lifted in August as local businesses enjoy a strong return of visitor footfall amidst new activities and service offerings. One such site is Hawarden Estate, which utilised local suppliers to not only refurbish the estate’s farm shop and pub into a community-focused grocer during the pandemic, but also kick-start activities welcoming visitors back to the estate grounds. It has also added…

An Ebbw Vale gift store has relaunched and is hoping business will continue to flourish in the run-up to Christmas. KM Gifts and Accessories has moved to a new home in Bethcar Street and successfully rebranded the business. And as life starts to get back to normal, things in the town are looking up. “Business in the new location is going well and we are pleased that footfall is high,” said Kim Maguire, who runs the business. “I am very pleased that local people have continued to support the business.” The shop stocks a wide range of quality homeware and…