Author: Rhys Gregory

Low carbon housing, retrofitting to improve energy efficiency and training opportunities for prisoners will feature in projects receiving funding to create affordable homes for the future. The Welsh Government’s Innovative Housing Programme funding is focused on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) this year, in particular using Welsh timber and supply chains to support our green recovery and move towards a low carbon economy. Housing and Local Government Minister Julie James said: “This £35 million investment will deliver 400 factory-built homes, all of which will be produced by local Welsh companies and their supply chains. “We are committed to building more…

The recycling rate for Wales has reached a record high, with the country as a whole exceeding the latest recycling target and achieving 65.14% for 2019/20, according to statistics published today. 2019/20 is the first year of the 64% statutory recycling target rate, having previously been at 58% since 2015/16. The breakdown by Local Authority shows 18 of the 22 have delivered against the increased target in the very first year. With three local authorities in Wales having achieved a level which exceeds the next target of 70% by 2025. The figures show 1.51 million tonnes of material was generated…

Cardiff’s new Lord Mayor has been confirmed at a meeting of Full Council today (26th November) as Councillor Rod McKerlich. Councillor McKerlich, who will be supported during his time in office by Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Lyn Hudson, has chosen Alzheimer’s Society Cymru as this year’s Lord Mayor’s Charity. Born in Perth in Scotland, Cllr McKerlich moved to Radyr in 1974 to work in the paper and packaging industry. He worked until retirement as Director in charge of a group of companies in what is now a large multinational company and one of the biggest recyclers of paper in the…

GISDA in Gwynedd has received £100,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund to support a special club for young people from the LGBT + community, thanks to the support of National Lottery players. GISDA’s LGBT+ Club meets in Caernarfon every other week and supports young people aged 14 to 25 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans. GISDA’s aim is to support and empower LGBT+ young people by offering a safe place that accepts and values ​​who they are and promotes their health and well-being. It’s a space where they can be themselves, a place to meet other LGBT+ young…

Exciting plans for new and enhanced sporting facilities in Ystrad Mynach are being considered by Caerphilly Council A meeting of the council’s Education Scrutiny Committee will be presented with ambitious investment proposals to deliver an improved senior pitch at Sue Noakes Leisure Centre with dedicated spectator areas, barriers and enhanced lighting. In addition, it is proposed that a second, full sized pitch is also created at the site to provide additional capacity for local sports clubs. The plans are being considered as part of ongoing discussions around a multi-million pound extension to nearby Trinity Fields Special School – a flagship…

A project to encourage female leaders of the future across Wales will focus on careers in the police force via a virtual event next week. The LeadHerShip programme is bringing together five inspiring women from across the Police Force in Wales for a webinar on Wednesday 2 December from 12-1.30pm. Run by Chwarae Teg, LeadHerShip is aimed at 16-25 year old women and aims to ensure they become better represented in decision-making roles, and provides them with a platform to get their voices heard. Taking part will be: Police Officer and BAME Recruitment Champion Siobhan Aldridge, South Wales Police Chief…

Network75, the University of South Wales’s combined work and study route to a degree, is celebrating 20 years of helping students to work, earn and learn. The scheme was established in 2000 by Steve Thomas and Steve Lloyd, who were Engineering lecturers at the University. Network75’s initial aim was to encourage more students to study Mechanical Engineering, with a target of 15 students each year for five years – hence a network of 75 engineers. Network75 trainees are able to apply their academic knowledge to real-life work within their host company gaining the necessary skills, experience and qualifications that are…

A PROCUREMENT and supply chain specialist who transformed companies across Europe has given his own business a new lease of life. When Covid-19 took hold in the UK earlier this year, Tom Evans was forced to pivot and change his course of direction to navigate the economic challenge facing all sectors. As managing director of Pro Outsourcing, he has spent almost a decade working as a consultant and commercial savings expert with blue chip giants of the manufacturing, aerospace, retail, distribution, and automotive industries. But in March – as was the case for many organisations – the Wrexham-based firm suffered…

A PROJECT to improve water quality, biodiversity and restore a natural habitat has been given a boost. Forestry students from Coleg Cambria Llysfasi are helping former learner Jonathan Hulson deliver the Woodlands for Water Project, in partnership with North Wales Wildlife Trust. Driven by the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Management Scheme, the two-year initiative aims to create, connect and enhance habitats within the catchments of the Afon Alun and Afon Chwiler in north east Wales, with a particular focus on improving water resource management. Stakeholders include the Welsh Dee Trust, Sustainable Forest Management, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of…

Pension Insurance Corporation plc (“PIC”), a specialist insurer of defined benefit pension funds, has invested £65 million in debt issued by Pobl, a housing association based in Newport, Wales. The funds, the majority of which are deferred until 2021, will be used to support Pobl’s affordable housing development programme over the next two years as part of their aim to create 10,000 new homes over the next 10 years, as well as to refinance existing long-term debt. The deferral helps Pobl lock in certainty of funding at a known rate. This is the second funding agreement between PIC and POBL,…