Author: Rhys Gregory

The number of new business start-ups in Wales is outperforming all other areas of the UK with an increase of 31% in quarter one of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. The effects of Covid-19 and the initial post-Brexit trade agreement period on the Welsh economy have been tracked as part of Economic Intelligence Wales’ (EIW) annual report on the performance of the Welsh economy in 2020/21. Published today 24/08/21 the report shows: In Q1 2021 business starts in Wales are up 31 % on Q1 2020 (14% in UK) and business closures are down 1% in the…

With prices for Welsh wool reaching an all-time low this season, an initiative has been launched by an Anglesey-based social enterprise to bring added value to this natural resource. A Menter Môn-lead project, ‘Made with Wool’ will bring partners together from across the country to realise the potential of wool as a sustainable and renewable resource. The aim is to promote opportunities and trial innovative new products. Dafydd Gruffydd is Managing Director of Menter Môn, he welcomed the launch of the initiative. He said: “We look forward to working with partners to build on our research which shows that there is real potential to this sector which has a…

Lights, camera, action – Denbigh Town’s £200,000 new pitch will be getting the Hollywood treatment when it is the centrepiece of S4C’s Friday night DW Welsh Cup football action next week (September 3). It will be the first time the newly re-laid pitch is played on when Town host Caernarfon Town in the second round of the Cup in front of an expected 500 fans under the Central Park floodlights (7.45pm kick-off). Club Chairman Shon Powell, Director of local business Lock Stock Self-Storage, said: “We’re delighted and thrilled. Caernarfon are a very well supported club and to have them under…

A MULTI-AWARD-WINNING leisure group has left the challenges of Covid-19 in the shade by unveiling a new range of products and plans for further growth. UK Leisure Living, which employs 15 staff across sites in Mochdre, St Asaph and Deeside, is receiving positive feedback and sales for the latest line in its quality outdoor selection – roofed and retractable verandas. Managing Director Gareth Jones has also secured a partnership with Swedish manufacturer Tylo, a pioneer in the production and global distribution of saunas, steam rooms and steam showers and is remodelling their showrooms to complement existing lines including hot tubs,…

Cymru U21 manager Paul Bodin has selected 21 players for his side’s UEFA U21 EURO 2023 Qualifying Round match away to Bulgaria on Tuesday 7 September (KO 16:30 BST). Bodin has selected a relatively unchanged squad that drew 0-0 to Moldova in their first match of the campaign. Swansea City defender Brandon Cooper and Stoke City striker Christian Norton both return from injury, while Owen Beck is called back into the squad after impressing at Liverpool during pre-season. Siôn Spence misses out on a place in the squad, serving a one match suspension for a red card in the previous…

On 08 September, Aberaeron will be the host venue for the start of the fourth stage of the much anticipated Tour of Britain. The route will take cyclists from Aberaeron up to Aberystwyth and then to Borth before moving on to Barmouth. The race, which will see the world’s top cyclists compete in iconic locations throughout the UK is an opportunity to showcase the beautiful scenery Ceredigion has to offer; from our rolling hills to our stunning coastline. Ceredigion County Council, in collaboration with the Tour of Britain organisers, are maintaining public safety and Aberaeron will be a closed stage…

Joe Talbot, lead vocalist for British rock band Idles, along with fellow musician Willie J Healey will be cycling between two record studios, London to Bristol, to raise money for youth charity Empire Fighting Chance. Their challenge will begin on the 27th August following an IDLES gig at London’s Banquet Records and finishing at Friendly Records on the evening of the 28th. The two day cycle route will cover approximately 128 miles from city to city, and to help see them through the journey, Bristol-based bike manufacturer Temple Cycles have donated bikes to Joe and Willie. Newport-born Talbot, who trains…

Tramshed Tech, a start-up ecosystem and the fastest growing business incubator in Wales is launching a Startup Academy supported by Google for Startups! Workshops will take place every Thursday, beginning 30 th September 2021. Currently housing 50+ companies at their Cardiff site, from pre-revenue startups to scaling companies and with 600+ registered members from the local digital and tech community, Tramshed Tech are well placed to run a startup incubator programme and it’s not been missed by Google. The twelve-week programme will cover all aspects of building a successful business from planning and idea generation to product development, finance and…

A Welsh Government backed partnership between Gower College Swansea and Cardiff University will enable businesses and professionals to benefit from Wales’ first Integrated Engineering Degree Apprenticeship programme. The BEng Integrated Engineering Degree Apprenticeship programme is designed to support businesses to recruit and continually develop their engineering teams, while enabling the latest university learning to be immediately implemented by Welsh businesses. The fully funded Degree Apprenticeship, which is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for Incorporated Engineer status, is available for both existing employees and newly recruited staff working within the…

Counselling and wellbeing centre Breathe has won Counselling Specialists of the Year at the Wales Prestige Awards.  Breathe counsellors work with people all over the UK – online,  over the phone, and in-person in its Cardiff centre.  Following a particularly difficult year with many struggling with their mental health, counsellors have worked with more people to overcome the challenges they face. The Wales Prestige Awards support and celebrate the achievements of local businesses, recognising the quality of services provided. Winners are determined through various factors, service excellence, industry recognition, employee satisfaction, marketing and branding, ethical practice, and customer feedback. Breathe…