Author: Rhys Gregory

A Newport-based accountancy firm has appointed ten additional members of staff as it continues to invest in supporting its clients in digital recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. HSJ Accountants has appointed Alex Finch, Zoe Hobbs, Malek Ammar, Kojo Baisie, Sarah Fox, Bethan Rice, Hannah Pockett, Alexandra Edinborough, Ashleigh Faulkner and Sarah Harris to the practice. The ten new members of staff will work across payroll, administration, client care, audit and accounts to help service the practice which specialises in helping businesses utilising automation software to further improve their efficiency. Leanne Owen, Partner at HSJ, spoke of the new appointments: “It…

The Welsh Innovation Centre for Enterprise, Welsh ICE, has launched its remodelled, flagship round of funded support, and is inviting applications from vibrant startups and entrepreneurs. ICE Start is designed to give pre-revenue businesses a fully rounded support structure, helping them start, survive and grow, whilst also creating jobs and boosting the Welsh economy. Formerly known as the ICE-50 Programme, the funding has been redesigned to be appropriate for the changing way we work, where people are less likely to travel to the office every day, providing more access to virtual support, and embracing a more flexible style of working.…

Ringley Group, one of the UK’s leading residential property consultancies, has signed up two more clients in Cardiff, who together represent over 1,000 apartments The first scheme, known as Prospect Place, is managed by a Resident controlled Management Company and is located on Ferry Court in Cardiff Bay. Residents have full access to the on-site gym and swimming pool, as well as a concierge and secure car parking. The building offers panoramic views across Cardiff Bay and has a private balcony on the fifth floor. Ringley has also signed up another scheme in Cardiff. The building, known as Viceroy Court,…

Mimi Xu, from Sketty in Swansea, has today returned from Wimbledon having been selected as a wildcard choice for the girls’ singles and doubles events at the Junior Championships. At just 13 years old, Mimi is the youngest Welsh player to ever compete at the prestigious tournament. Mimi gained international recognition – and the enviable Wildcard selection – by beating the junior world number 48 and 14 at one of the International Tennis Federation-run warm up events in Roehampton. She’d also begun to make a name for herself earlier this year, by winning the U16 Doubles event at the British…

Film Hub Wales (FHW) has awarded £52,700 in National Lottery funding, through the BFI Film Audience Network (FAN) Film Exhibition Fund, to 8 Welsh independent cinemas and film festivals as they reopen post Covid 19. For some this will be the first time the doors have opened since March 2020. Funds will be used to help bring the best UK and international films back to the big screen in Welsh communities. Exhibitors will support wellbeing and reduce isolation created by the pandemic, offering audiences affordable, accessible events both online and in the local cinemas they know and love. From missed movies strands, to neurodiverse Welsh animation, communities will play a key role in the shaping the return of cinema. At Theatr Gwaun in Fishguard, they have been busy making over both the film programme and the building, with the help of the community. Audiences can expect an updated space, including Martha’s café, along with brand-new activities for young visitors.…

A new ‘Sunday Brunch Social’ is coming to Canton’s popular Fresh & Wild farmer’s market. The market, which takes place every Sunday at The Boneyard on Papermill Road, brings together a collection of local producers and growers. It offers a more sustainable way for people to buy weekly staples like bread, eggs, meat, fruit & veg – all whilst ensuring money stays in the local economy and supports small businesses and local jobs. Starting from Sunday 18th July, the new ‘Sunday Brunch Social’ will see extra seating areas, hot food traders and ‘brunch specials’ added to the thriving market, to encourage visitors to linger and…

With stunning scenery around every bend, Mid Wales has some of the most scenic drives in the UK where visitors can take their time and enjoy the views. Many of the fantastic routes are set against panoramic and breathtaking backdrops. Here are a few suggestions to whet the appetite of motorists who love to explore places off the beaten track. Our scenic drives begin with Abergwesyn Pass from Llanwrtyd Wells – famous for bog snorkelling, the man versus horse race and the Alternative Olympic Games – to Tregaron. This single track runs through an almost brutally wild landscape of moors,…

Two pharmacies in Merthyr Tydfil are joining with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board’s vaccination programme in a pilot scheme to offer COVID-19 vaccines. Anyone over 40 will be able to walk-in to the two pharmacies, without an appointment, and receive their first dose. The two taking part are Beacons Pharmacy and Keir Hardie pharmacy (full details below).  They will be open for vaccines from tomorrow (Wednesday July 14) in a three-day pilot, so the clinics will run Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  Walk-ins will be available from 9am until 5:30pm. Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB’s latest vaccination figures show 89% of…

St Peter’s R.C Primary School in Roath has been removed from special measures by Estyn, the Education Inspectorate for Wales. The decision comes after inspectors found that the school, with support from the local authority and the Central South Consortium, had made sufficient progress towards addressing recommendations, which Estyn made when it placed the school in special measures in December 2018. After its recent inspection, the school was found to be a safe and welcoming environment and through significant funding from parent groups and the local authority, it has benefitted from building improvements, helping to enhance learning and improve pupil…

Young people are full of praise for Swansea Council endeavours to help them find work. In the past seven months, the council has placed more than 40 unemployed people aged 16-24 into positions with local businesses and has secured more than 200 placement opportunities within the Swansea area. Their roles, under the UK Government’s Kickstart scheme, range from medical receptionist to graphic designer. Businesses taking them on range from construction firms to those in retail and hospitality. Natalie Davies, aged 24, began a Kickstart placement with UK-wide dance school Tiny Toes – with their head office in Gowerton, in March.…