Author: Rhys Gregory

With just 50 days to go until Christmas the team at The Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay’s leading entertainment destination, is putting the finishing touches on its festive offering, to ensure visitors have a particularly magical experience this Christmas. After a tough year for many, The Red Dragon Centre team knows that people are in need of a bit of escapism now, more than ever, and they are going the extra mile to surprise and delight visitors to The Centre over the coming weeks. The magic moments will start from the minute visitors arrive; customers will be greeted with a…

Pensions Minister Guy Opperman has faced criticism from many pension experts following his recent suggestion that first-time buyers could potentially use their accrued retirement savings as a deposit on their first home. Many of those in the pensions industry have reacted strongly to this as they have long battled to get more people engaged with their pensions and save sufficiently to ensure they have a big enough fund when they retire. Stuart Price, Partner and Actuary at Quantum Advisory, says: “I understand that there is a need for people to save more – both for their retirement and for other…

Poppy symbols have been painted on side roads next to war memorials in eleven locations across Cardiff, as a mark of respect to theservicemen and servicewomen that have served, fought and died for our country. The floor markings of a red poppy, with the bilingual caption ‘Lest We Forget’ underneath is a reminder to everyone that passes by to pay their respects on Remembrance Sunday. Leader of the Council, Cllr Huw Thomas said: “This year, due the ongoing pandemic and the restrictions on gatherings of people, there are a limited number of parades for people to visit and lay their…

THE digital transformation of business and industry in Wales during the Coronavirus pandemic will be marked with a series of virtual events supported by a global tech giant. Following the initial national lockdown in March, Llandudno-based Risc IT Solutions – a Microsoft Gold partner – began hosting free webinars offering guidance and advice to employers forced to transition staff from the office to their homes. Over the past six months the award-winning firm has held 38 events and trained up to 1500 people across 640 companies nationwide on themes centred around remote working and platforms including video conferencing. As social…

A luxury holiday park group in Pembrokeshire has secured a six-figure finance package from HSBC UK to add more than 50 new holiday homes to its collection as demand for staycations continues to rise due to Covid-19. The multi-award-winning Celtic Holiday Parks has used the funding to add 54 new holiday home pitches, and is expanding the holiday rental fleet across its three sites: Croft Country Park, Noble Court Holiday Park and Meadow House Holiday Park, as well new dining and wellbeing facilities across two sites. Each holiday park is equipped with different features and facilities, creating a unique experience…

People in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot are being urged to continue playing their part to keep health and social care services from becoming overwhelmed. The call comes after the number of coronavirus cases soared over the past few weeks, taking the region significantly above the Wales average. In response, health board and council chiefs are appealing to communities to follow the firebreak lockdown rules and help reduce the spread of the virus. Dr Keith Reid, Executive Director of Public Health for the Swansea Bay UHB region, said: “We are now in a very serious situation in Swansea and Neath…

THE Welsh Ambulance Service is reaching out to young people and families across the country to ‘respect and protect’ each other and remain safe from injury and infection this Bonfire Night. With November 05 falling during the all-Wales Coronavirus firebreak period, the usual organised bonfires and firework displays will not take place as Welsh Government guidelines currently ban mixing with people from outside your household. Director of Operations for Welsh Ambulance Service, Lee Brooks said: “Bonfire Night often sees an increased number of calls to all emergency services. “In areas of communal living such a halls of residence or blocks…

As a new survey reveals that 60% of UK adults are now working from home, households in Wales are being urged to think about their heating systems to avoid expensive bills during the winter months. The Covid-19 crisis has had a significant impact on our working habits, with 23.9 million Brits now working from home compared to 1.54 million people before the pandemic began*. While homeworkers can save on average over £44 per week by cutting out commuting and buying lunch out, it is expected that working from home could lead to higher heating bills for many if not managed…

Regional Law firm Peter Lynn and Partners have recruited experienced solicitor Ian R Jones into their Llanelli team. Ian, who was previously a partner at  T R Harris Arnold & Co, joins the Murray Street office as a senior solicitor in the private client department. “I am delighted to join the firm,” said Ian “and am relishing the challenge of developing the Llanelli office of Peter Lynn and Partners as they look to grow throughout West Wales.” Specialising in wills, probate and residential conveyancing; Ian brings almost 30 years experience to the role and will work alongside Del Cudd (litigation),…

Lewis Hullin Associates has launched its mortgage brokerage firm in the Capital. Based in the city centre, the firm is the latest business venture between local businessmen David Lewis and Richard Hullin, who between them, have over 22 years combined experience of the financial services sector. The duo, who also own Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB) Swansea and West Wales, have taken a new approach to mortgage advice and are looking to help clients who lead a busy lifestyle with their new concierge concept. “The mortgage landscape is forever changing,” said director David Lewis, “and trying to navigate it on your…