Author: Rhys Gregory

The UK’s largest independent travel agent, which has more than 500 branches, scooped the top accolade at the coveted Agent Achievement Awards in London on Thursday evening, 9 July. As well as being named High Street Agency of the Year (Large), Hays Travel was also crowned Touring and Adventure Agency of the Year and won the Northern England Large Agency; Southern England Large Agency; and Central England and Wales Large Agency awards in a memorable evening for the business. Jonathon Woodall-Johnston, Chief Operating Officer, said: “What an incredible night we had! To pick up so many awards is amazing and…

Energy costs, changing regulations and pressure on skilled labour are altering how extensions, roof work and renovation projects are planned across Wales. For homeowners, small commercial owners and developers, earlier decisions and better coordination are becoming more important. Welsh building decisions are becoming more joined-up The Welsh building and renovation market is changing in practical ways. Property owners are looking beyond a single repair or extension and considering how roofing, insulation, heating, renewable electricity and structural work fit together. Welsh policy, wider UK regulation, running costs, regeneration activity and workforce availability are all shaping those decisions. The picture is noticeably…

Swansea’s regeneration programme is moving into a more visible phase just as new Welsh energy rules, modern construction methods and skills shortages begin to influence how local projects are planned and delivered. Regeneration and regulation are converging Activity continues across the city centre, waterfront and Lower Swansea Valley, supported by the Swansea Bay City Deal and a long-term pipeline of residential, commercial and public projects. Copr Bay Phase One created a focal point around Swansea Arena, Amy Dillwyn Park and the bridge across Oystermouth Road. Attention has now shifted towards Copr Bay Phase Two, the Civic Centre waterfront and St…

Building or extending in Wales comes with a set of rules that catch many people by surprise. Wales has taken its own path on flood risk and drainage, with requirements that differ from the rest of the UK. For developers and homeowners alike, understanding those rules early is the difference between a smooth approval and a stalled project. Getting the paperwork right is where specialists earn their keep. A consultancy like Rida Reports produces the flood risk assessments and drainage strategies that Welsh planning applications require. This guide explains the key rules and how to stay ahead of them. Why…

Cardiff homeowners preparing to sell in 2026 are facing a calmer, more selective market than the rush of 2021 and 2022. Buyers remain active, but they are taking longer, comparing carefully and asking more practical questions before making an offer. Cardiff’s selling market is calmer, not closed Office for National Statistics data shows Cardiff house prices at an average of £271,000 in April 2026, up 1.8 per cent year on year, compared with 3.5 per cent across Wales. Cardiff remained Wales’s third highest local authority market after Monmouthshire and the Vale of Glamorgan. Semi-detached homes rose by 3.1 per cent,…

As Welsh homes face tighter energy and performance expectations, Insulating Concrete Formwork is moving from specialist self-build territory into a practical option for homeowners, self-builders and small developers. A quieter shift in how Welsh homes are being built Welsh housebuilding is changing. For anyone planning a new build, extension or major refurbishment in 2026, the wall system now matters beyond appearance. It affects heat loss, airtightness, comfort, running costs, heating design, and building compliance. Insulating Concrete Formwork, better known as ICF, has been used internationally for decades. In Wales, it is increasingly being discussed by homeowners and small developers who…

Frozen allowances and major reforms to business reliefs and pensions are reshaping estate planning across Wales. A Quiet Tax Change With Wider Consequences UK inheritance tax has been quietly transformed over the past two years. Measures announced in the Autumn Budget 2024 are now taking effect, with restrictions on Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief applying since 6 April 2026. Most unused pension funds and pension death benefits will be included in taxable estates from 6 April 2027. The nil-rate band remains at £325,000, and the residence nil-rate band at £175,000, both frozen through the 2030 to 2031 tax…

Across Wales, more households, landlords, holiday let owners and small businesses are turning to professional cleaners as work, family life and hygiene expectations change. A quiet shift in Welsh homes and workplaces The way Welsh households and businesses handle cleaning has quietly shifted over the past five years. What used to be an assumed weekend job at home, or an assumed part-time employee at work, has become a service that more Welsh homes and businesses now outsource. For consumers and small business owners, the picture in 2026 is genuinely different from even three years ago. A growing market and an…

An 18 year old woman has died following a medical emergency at a festival on Anglesey, prompting an ongoing police investigation. Emergency services were called to Tonnau Festival at the Carreglwyd Estate in Llanfaethlu at around 1.45am on Saturday, 11 July, following reports of a medical emergency. Despite the best efforts of emergency responders, the woman was taken to hospital where she later died. North Wales Police said the death is being treated as unexpected and enquiries are ongoing. The coroner has been informed. Detective Inspector Iolo Edwards said: “Our thoughts remain with the woman’s family and loved ones at…

Multi platinum selling indie pop band Bastille made a welcome return to Cardiff Castle on Friday night, delivering a headline performance packed with fan favourites as part of TK Maxx presents Depot Live. The four piece, fronted by Dan Smith alongside Kyle Simmons, Will Farquarson and Chris “Woody” Wood, returned to the historic venue after previously performing there in 2023. They were greeted by a warm reception from fans under sunny summer skies. Drawing on material from across their 16 year career, Bastille opened the set with Things We Lost In The Fire before treating the Cardiff crowd to hits…