Author: Rhys Gregory

The latest set of Coronavirus restrictions have been announced including the much-anticipated guidelines for the Christmas period, meaning families can now plan their festive breaks. The Government has included a five-day ‘Christmas Bubble’ allowing families from up to three households to spend time together over the festive period from 23-27 December. For many families, this will involve travelling abroad to spend time with family, friends or simply to enjoy some time away. Specialist family lawyer Laura Bond looks at the complexities of travelling abroad for separated families and offers a Christmas travel checklist for parents unsure of the rules. Laura,…

Five-star housebuilder, David Wilson Homes, has reported an increase in demand for its most spacious house types in Wales since March, in line with new survey findings. It comes after months of national and local lockdowns have shown people the benefits of having more space inside the home and out, including dedicated workspace and more ways to keep the kids entertained. In the survey conducted just after the UK-wide lockdown by Barratt and David Wilson Homes and GoodMore Global Ltd, 73% of respondents in Wales mentioned outside space as one of their four most important factors when buying a property,…

THE new-look leadership team at Coleg Cambria is focused on driving change in further education and inspiring students and the community in north east Wales. Coleg Cambria has been through a restructure in past months in response to the Coronavirus pandemic and to ensure the institution fully delivers on its commitment to both the economy and people of north east Wales. Chief Executive Yana Williams is now joined in the senior management team by Deputy Chief Executive-Chief Operating Officer Steve Jackson, Deputy Chief Executive-Principal Sue Price, and Cath Sullivan, Deputy Chief Executive for People, Experiences and Culture. As she approaches…

The South and Mid Wales Chamber of Commerce has rebranded as Chambers Wales with a renewed focus on supporting the changing needs of Welsh business. As a result of a lengthy strategic review and taking into account the current economic climate, the organisation has brought together a team of industry experts with the know-how to help Welsh businesses grow, both nationally and internationally. The organisation now focuses its service offer and efforts on helping businesses to recover, rebuild and grow in a post pandemic recession with changing global trade relationships. With international trade experts making up part of that team,…

The Welsh Government has published its strategy to achieve a substantial increase in the number of electric car charging points in Wales. It is based on a vision that “by 2025, all users of electric cars and vans in Wales are confident that they can access electric vehicle charging infrastructure when and where they need it.” Proposed investment of £30m over five years will be set aside to help with delivery. A consultation on the strategy has been launched, as part of the Welsh Government’s ongoing efforts to support the transition to low emission vehicles. The UK Government recently announcement…

The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Cymru in Broughton is marking the first anniversary since it opened for business and is looking ahead to an exciting future, Minister for Economy and North Wales Ken Skates said today The state-of-the-art centre, which was fully funded with £20m from the Welsh Government and is managed by the University of Sheffield, focuses on advanced manufacturing sectors including aerospace, automotive, nuclear and food. It is predicted the new facility could increase GVA to the Welsh economy by as much as £4 billion over the next 20 years. This year AMRC Cymru played a crucial…

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has provided an update on the future A4119 dualling from Coed Ely to Ynysmaerdy – including progress on the scheme’s design and an important milestone in the publication of a Compulsory Purchase Order. The A4119 dualling is a major Transportation scheme to increase peak-time traffic flow in a busy commuter area – providing 1.5km of dual carriageway from Coed Ely Roundabout to Llantrisant Business Park. The scheme will be delivered in a future financial year and is significant within the Rhondda Gateway region, identified by the Council as a Strategic Opportunity Area. Officers continue to progress…

The victim of a fatal road traffic collision which happened on the Coryton roundabout, Cardiff in the early hours of Saturday 28th November has been named as Danielle Andrews, 28, from the Rhiwbina area of the city. Danielle’s family has paid tribute to her, saying: “Danielle was a much loved granddaughter, daughter and niece who was tragically killed as a result of a road traffic collision. “Danielle had links to the Valleys and Cardiff area and she will be missed by her many friends.  She had a good sense of humour and would easily make friends. “She has been taken…

Mrs Buckét, the specialist cleaning operation which services Wales and the South West of England, has today announced a wealth of new hires, growing the team by 50 people in 2020.   Jenny Rawle and Ruth Young join the HR and recruitment division as Senior Recruiter and People and Recruitment administrator respectively. Eleeth Smith comes on board as Sales Support Administrator and Emma Shepherd is welcomed as the business’s first Customer Experience Manager.    Throughout the year, Mrs Buckét has focused on innovating its offering in order to best serve its clients during the pandemic. After phenomenal success with the roll-out of a COVID-19 rapid response team; a significant investment in a state-of-the-art chemical and a true show of business adaptability and flexibility, Mrs Buckét has expanded rapidly…

Nine of the most inspiring, talented, and dedicated teachers and education staff from across Wales have been revealed as winners of the fourth annual Professional Teaching Awards Cymru. The pandemic didn’t stop the celebrations at the virtual ceremony with 26 finalists and their schools, family and friends all tuning in to watch. Hosted by comedian and presenter Tudur Owen and entertainment provided by acapella trio Sorela, Education Minister Kirsty Williams revealed the winners. The awards recognise the brilliant work that our teachers and education staff do for our schools across Wales, and after a difficult year for the education sector, provided some much-needed…