Author: Rhys Gregory

Supported by the Welsh Government, the Development Bank of Wales has announced that it has reached a significant milestone with £1 billion invested in equity, debt, and property since 2017. £323.4 million of this funding has gone to 1,399 businesses in Mid and West Wales, unlocking a further £143.2 million in private sector co-finance. The £1 billion investment has supported 51,089 jobs and generated £5.8 billion in jobs-based GVA – an almost sixfold return in economic value. The Development Bank’s contribution to the nation’s economy has unlocked a further £636 million in private sector co-finance, amplifying its overall impact. In…

A pioneering North Wales TV company is aiming to sell Welsh language programmes internationally after appointing an industry high flyer to a key role. Olivia Simove, who has developed programmes for celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and the Hairy Bikers, has joined employee-owned Cwmni Da in Caernarfon as its new Content Director. The Cardiff-born TV executive, whose career has taken her from Disneyworld in Florida to working in London with top production firms says her mission is to help Cwmni Da “spread its wings internationally while staying true to its Welsh roots”. The development specialist, who also developed Channel 4 formats…

Tickets flew out within hours across the country when Super Furry Animals announced their first live dates in 10 years. Now, fans of Wales’ most offbeat musical icons have another chance to catch the psychedelic legends back in action when they headline TK Maxx Presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion on Thursday July 2. They will be joined on the night by two very special guests – the explosive five-piece punk band Panic Shack and the eccentric psychedelic six-piece Melin Melyn. Formed in Cardiff in 1995, Super Furry Animals — Huw Bunford, Cian Ciarán, Daf Ieuan, Guto Pryce and Gruff Rhys…

A family-run cheese crafting business, which has been maturing for two years, has taken on a new production premises, ripe for scaling production, with support from a Start Up Loan. Thirty-four-year-old Ethan Parry, and his parents Bann and Steven, are co-owners of award-winning artisan cheesemaker Usk Valley Cheese Company which started life two years ago at food technology start-up hub Food Centre Wales in Ceredigion. The popularity of their range of three semi-hard cheeses – which are sold online, at markets, and in delis across Wales and the South West, and which celebrate the local landscape, flavours, and culture of…

As freezing temperatures hit Wales, Dogs Trust is warning that rock salt and grit, often used on roads and pavements at this time of year, could cause health issues in our canine companions. Ice-melting salt, often spread as grit, can lead to soreness, cracking, and burns on dogs’ paw pads, as its abrasive texture may cause dryness, cracking, redness, or bleeding. Dogs can also experience tummy problems if they ingest too much salt. Even small amounts of rock salt can irritate the digestive system, which could happen if they lick their paws after walking on salt. Symptoms of salt poisoning…

Mind Cymru is calling for support for the third sector to be prioritised in delivering on Wales’ strategy for preventing suicide and self-harm, as figures show men now account for more than three quarters of deaths by suspected suicide in Wales. Welsh Government published the 10-year strategy in April, alongside data from Public Health Wales showing that 350 people die by suspected suicide in Wales each year, with 76% of those deaths in the year 2023-24 attributed to men. Responding to the figures, and during Men’s Health Month, Mind Cymru is urging the Welsh Government to put community-based services, including…

With less than a week to go until the Royal Welsh Winter Fair returns to the Llanelwedd showground, preparations are well underway as the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society looks forward to welcoming visitors, exhibitors and top-class livestock for a celebration of farming, Welsh produce and Christmas spirit. The 2025 Winter Fair will be officially opened by Ieuan and Sion Edwards of the renowned Edwards of Conwy. The Opening Ceremony will take place at 10am on Monday 24th November in Exhibition Hall 1, Main Ring. A celebrated Welsh butchery family Ieuan Edwards, a master butcher and founder of Edwards of Conwy,…

A Bridgend secondary school is marking its 60th anniversary with a major academic achievement after being named among the top 10% of schools in England and Wales for its GCSE results. Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School in Brackla, which first opened its doors to pupils in September 1965, has consistently been among the top performing schools at GCSE when compared to similar schools in recent years. Now, the school has received the ALPS Platinum Award, a national measure recognising exceptional GCSE value-added performance, ranking in the top 10% of schools for pupil progress. The ALPS Platinum Award is given to…

Around 80 pupils aged 16–18 from nine schools across south Wales stepped into the shoes of politicians, journalists and lobbyists yesterday (Tuesday, 18 November) to debate the future of the planet. Taking part in a COP30 Climate Simulation Negotiation at the Temple of Peace in Cardiff, the students experienced what it’s really like to negotiate a global climate deal. The event, which was delivered by British Council Wales and the Welsh Centre for International Affairs, was held in parallel with COP30 in Belém, Brazil – used cutting-edge simulation software developed by MIT to recreate the pressures, compromises, and diplomacy that shape…

A yellow weather warning has been issued for large parts of Wales as wintry conditions continue to move across the country this week. The Met Office says rain and hill snow from Tuesday night into Wednesday will clear southwards, leaving icy stretches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths. Some slushy snow is possible on higher ground, although any more noticeable accumulations are expected only above roughly three hundred metres. Wednesday will feel cold with brisk northerly winds. Wintry showers will continue in western areas while the east sees brighter skies. Temperatures are expected to reach six degrees. Overnight, the…