Author: Rhys Gregory

Small business owners in Wales are feeling upbeat about the prospect of trading getting back to normal but are still struggling with their mental health and finding financial support, according to a survey from ACCA UK (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and The Corporate Finance Network (CFN). All owners reported that business trading is at the level they expected or slightly higher this month, a jump of 11% over last month. And there was also unanimity from 100% of respondents that their businesses will return to pre- Covid levels of productivity and turnover within two years, with more than…

A Southwest Wales sock company, which started out life kitting out local miners before going on to been worn by royalty, has outlined plans to expand its global presence with an ambitious new exports plan. Corgi, a luxury handmade sock and knitwear manufacturer based in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, currently exports its products to more than 30 countries around the world including Japan, America, Germany, and China, boasting an army of loyal fans, not to mention a Royal Warrant from the Prince of Wales. The 128-year-old firm, which is now run by the fifth generation of the Jones family, plans to combat…

Visitors to a narrow gauge railway in Mid Wales on the weekend of September 4 and 5 will get a chance to ride on a train pulled by a steam engine that is celebrating its centenary. Due to the pandemic, Corris Railway’s Annual Gala Weekend is later this year and will not have the usual mixture of trains and differing steam and diesel locomotives in action. The undoubted highlight is a chance to ride behind a steam engine that last worked passenger trains on the railway in 1930 and is celebrating its 100th birthday. The locomotive is Corris Railway number…

A popular Mid Wales attraction which invites visitors to explore the underground world of a former slate mine has won a 2021 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best Attraction award. Corris Mine Explorers, located at Corris, near Machynlleth, is said to have stood out by continuously delighting its explorers. The award celebrates businesses that consistently deliver fantastic experiences to travellers around the globe, having earned great traveller reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. The attraction allows visitors to explore and discover the virtually untouched and disused workings of the old Braich Goch slate mine. The mine was worked from 1836…

A rugby club has unveiled plans for a new women’s team. Clwb Rygbi Bala, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, has 200 players on its books. According to chairman Tony Parry, the community-based club has come a long way since it was established in 1980 and has become a focal point for social and social life in the area. The club has enjoyed a lot of on-the-field success in recent years, consistently finishing among the top four in the first division for North Wales in recent years. The one element that’s missing, said Tony, was having a fully-fledged women’s…

Pupils and school staff in Denbighshire are being reminded to take Covid-19 tests before returning to school in September. With the start of the new term imminent, all secondary age pupils and staff in Denbighshire schools not experiencing Covid-19 symptoms are being encouraged to take Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests before returning to school. Anyone experiencing any of the main symptoms of Covid-19, a new continuous cough; a high temperature; loss of or change to sense of smell or taste, should self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test. Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead member for Education, Children and…

Farmers and the wider public in Pembrokeshire are being urged to remain vigilant as credit card scams have been circulating in the county. The warning comes as the Farmers’ Union of Wales county office has received numerous phone calls from members raising the alarm. According to Citizens Advice, scammers have been exploiting the pressures that the Covid-19 pandemic is putting people under and have noticed a significant increase in the number of scams relating to financial services in the last 12 months. These can include fake “Get Rich Quick” investment schemes or someone pretending to be from the individual’s bank,…

An ebook showcasing some of the best Flintshire has to offer has been launched to help residents and visitors create a bucket list for the ultimate experiences in the county. With restrictions in Wales eased, Flintshire County Council has produced an interactive ebook containing sights and encounters throughout the local area to help plan for a perfect stay or add to the to do list. Put together in an easy-to-read and informative format, the ebook aims to introduce readers to everything from experiencing breath-taking views along the Dee Estuary to putting your pedal to the metal on the county’s go-kart…

A one-purchase ticket valid on buses across North Wales has been officially launched. The launch of the 1Bws ticket, which after purchase is valid for travel on buses across North Wales, took place in Rhyl on Tuesday, August 24. The launch, held at the Events Arena, was attended by bus operators from across North Wales as well as invited guests from Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey and Wrexham councils, Senedd members and officers from Transport for Wales. An adult ticket costs £5.70, a child will pay £3.70 and holders of English and Scottish concessionary bus passes will also…

Dogs Trust Bridgend is in search of a loving new home for a doggy mum who has watched her pups head off to their forever homes one-by-one. Five-year-old Lurcher, Tia Maria, has been overlooked whilst her pups – nine in total – have stolen the hearts of their new families and are happily settled in their new homes. Now the team at Dogs Trust Bridgend are hoping it’s mum’s turn to get the chance to experience parental love of her own. Dogs Trust Bridgend’s Assistant Manager, Anna Lucey, says: “It’s wonderful that all the pups have been adopted but we would love to see doting mum Tia Maria find her special…