Author: Rhys Gregory

Anyone needing to find out the latest information on Coronavirus from Neath Port Talbot Council can now ask Alexa. An Alexa ‘Skill’ is available to give the updates from NPT Council’s newsroom to Alexa users. The Council is currently posting a constant stream of news releases linked to the Coronavirus outbreak on its newsroom, such as how to present recycling and waste for households affected by Coronavirus, warnings about the latest Coronavirus scams, how to volunteer to help vulnerable residents and the NPT Buy Local scheme. Alexa Skills are available via the Alexa App. Everyone who has an Amazon device,…

Wales’s most senior army officer has praised the people of Merthyr Tydfil for their support in the current mass Covid-19 testing programme, saying their keenness to make it a success would help in the subsequent rollout across the UK. Commander of the 160th Welsh Brigade/Joint Military Command Wales, Brigadier Andrew Dawes CBE was at Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre to see how the RAF were supporting partners in delivering testing. He described Merthyr Tydfil as ‘a vibrant community that wants to get involved and sees the benefits of testing’ and added: “It’s been a fantastic achievement for the whole community.” https://twitter.com/MerthyrCBC/status/1336339225029971969…

The Welsh Government has achieved its target of creating 100,000 all age, high quality apprenticeships during this Senedd term. Economy Minister Ken Skates said reaching the milestone was a fantastic achievement and has provided crucial opportunities to individuals and businesses throughout Wales. Of the 100,000 apprenticeship starts, 60% were undertaken by females, while 57% were learners aged 25 and over. Economy Minister Ken Skates said: “It’s fantastic news that we’ve reached our target of creating 100,000 apprenticeships in the Senedd term. “Apprenticeships are a crucial part of our economy and provide people of all ages with opportunities to learn whilst…

Following a successful executive search and selection process, the Cardiff Capital Region Regional Cabinet is delighted to endorse the appointment of Nigel Griffiths to the role of Chairperson of the Regional Business Council. The CCR Business Council plays a key role in working with the CCR Cabinet, the CCR Economic Growth Partnership, and other organisations to ensure there is widespread and representative regional business engagement to both generate ideas and insightful contributions toward shaping the future direction of the Cardiff Capital Region. Nigel brings with him a wealth of talent, expertise and a desire to put his experiences to good…

An experienced journalist who has worked across North Wales as well as in sector-specific media has joined a leading digital PR agency. Josh Morris, 33, who has worked for the Daily Post, Denbighshire Free Press and business publication Insider Media, as well as in legal and construction news, bolsters Outwrite PR’s award-winning team. The appointment follows several new client wins at the Mold-based firm. The PR agency, which focuses on integrated communications across multiple channels, has also been engaged by existing clients to carry out additional work outside of agreed retainer actions. Josh, account executive, said: “I’ve really enjoyed getting my feet under the desk here; North Wales is…

The first COVID-19 vaccinations have been given by Swansea Bay University Health Board. The programme got underway at Morriston Hospital on Tuesday morning following the delivery of the first batch of 975 Pfizer/BioNTech vaccinations. As the vaccine needs to be stored at a very low temperature and cannot be transported easily, frontline staff in the hospital will receive it first. Consultant cardiologist Geraint Jenkins was among the first 10 staff to be vaccinated. He said: “It’s quite a privilege really. We have been waiting so long for this and it’s poignant that the same day as we are having the…

Students from three universities in South Wales have had the honour of meeting Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Cardiff Castle this morning. As part of a 48 hour whistle-stop tour, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have visited Cardiff to meet local university students to hear about some of the challenges they have experienced during the pandemic, with a particular focus on mental health. Students from Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of South Wales met Their Royal Highnesses to discuss their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the universities and the…

Is a cashless society just around the corner? There is certainly some evidence to suggest that this may be the case. In 2020, the number of people withdrawing cash from ATMs has decreased by a whopping 11.6 percent. The problem is, though, that 2.2 million people said they still solely use cash, and 1.3 million people don’t have a bank account. There is certainly a worry that people and businesses in the rural areas of Wales could be at risk of failing to move with the times when it comes to payment methods. https://www.youtube.com/embed/TgwdTCoKQEM Varied Payment Methods Boosted by Online…

Nearly a quarter of the UK (23%) understands the need for a VPN. That’s 4% more than the US, where only 19% of the population knows how a Virtual Private Network works. Interestingly, 44% of Internet users interviewed in a recent study in the UK have used a VPN for personal or business reasons. Why are VPNs getting popular so fast? For starters, people are more wary of data privacy after the launch of the Investigatory Powers Act in 2016. In case you’re wondering, this new law allows the UK government to spy on its citizens and visitors with uncontrolled…

A North Wales local authority has become the sixth council in Wales to pass an RSPCA-backed motion aiming to mitigate the risks posed by fireworks to animals. Gwynedd Council debated the motion on Thursday (3 December) – including support for advertising public displays in advance, a public awareness campaign, and urging local suppliers to stock less noisy fireworks. The local authority’s Communities Scrutiny Committee will now consider what steps the local authority will take next to implement these measures. There was also support from Councillors for limiting the use of fireworks to being on or near certain days of the…