Author: Rhys Gregory

The Welsh Independent Restaurant Collective (WIRC) has warned that independent hospitality businesses will not see any benefit from the newly announced Job Support Scheme. They highlight that it does not make financial sense for hospitality to pay staff 55% of their wages for 33% of their time, against a backdrop of being unable to trade at normal incomes. Following the statement from the Commons yesterday by the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, the WIRC, which represents over 300 independent cafes, pubs and restaurants across Wales, has expressed dismay that yet again the sector has been “hung out to dry’’. They argue that the Chancellor’s…

Trains are set to continue steaming through the Banwy Valley in October and more of them will be heading for Welshpool. The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway returned to operating selected trains over its full length in September, having successfully run over part of the line through August in the wake of the Covid-19 lockdown. Since reopening, railway staff have been closely monitoring visitor numbers and the coronavirus environment. Consistent with Welsh Government guidance, they now feel confident to continue services through the next month. Trains will run every weekend until November 1, as well as on Wednesday, September 30…

Wales based garden building and landscape centre, Eden Landscapes has raised £1,537 for Tŷ Hafan, one of Wales’ leading charities, that aims to meet all of the needs of life-limited children, young people and their families.   Tŷ Hafan, like many charities, have found themselves in urgent need of support following the impact of COVID-19, with the children’s hospice forecasting a significant drop in income due to coronavirus restrictions. With only 6% of its annual funding coming from the government, Tŷ Hafan relies on the generosity of the public to carry out its vital services.   As long-standing supporters of…

With only a few packages left, time is running out for communities to apply for Keep Wales Tidy’s Local Places for Nature scheme. A choice of free pre-paid ‘starter’ packages are being offered to community groups and organisations to create help reverse nature’s decline. They include all the plants, tools and materials needed to create small gardens. There are also free ‘development’ packages available that will enable communities to create larger-scale projects, including food growing areas, wild gardens and rainwater gardens designed to help with localised flooding. Deputy Chief Executive for Keep Wales Tidy, Louise Tambini said: “We’ve had a…

A small business owner has scooped up a national award for his health and well-being work across South Wales. Fed Podeschi, a qualified naturopath from Swansea, where his cleverly named business ‘NaturAlly Fed’ is also based, is celebrating after winning the prestigious accolade. Fed has been crowned the Health and Well-being Specialist of the Year in the Cardiff and South Wales Prestige Awards. The Corporate Livewire Cardiff & South Wales Prestige Awards recognise small and medium-sized businesses that have proven to be the best in their market. NaturAlly Fed works to improve people’s health and wellbeing through naturopathy – a natural…

The family of a man who died following a collision in Morriston, Swansea, in the early hours of Friday morning (September 25), have paid tribute to him. Pedestrian Jonathan Bowen died after he was in collision with a white Mercedes van on the A4067 at approximately 2.40am. Paying tribute on behalf of the 48-year-old’s family, his brother Steve said: “Jon was an honest, hardworking man who was well liked by all who knew him. “He always had time to stop and chat to the people he knew and would meet in the street. He loved nothing more than to spend time…

Across Wales, health boards and the Welsh Ambulance Service are seeing a return of pre-lockdown behaviour and demand for services. In anticipation of what will be a uniquely challenging winter with the added effects of COVID-19, people are being asked to help protect vital services for those in most need by accessing alternative services rather than their Emergency Department when their complaint is neither life-threatening nor serious. Welsh health boards are reporting that around 20 to 30% of patients who present at Emergency Departments could be better treated elsewhere or in a different way. As part of the Protect the…

Freelancers working in the cultural and creative sectors in Wales will be able to apply for their share of a £7m fund – which is targeted specifically at those in the freelance sector hit hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic.    The fund will open for applications on Monday 5th October and will run over two phases. Individuals can apply for a £2,500 grant and are asked to check their eligibility before the application process opens by visiting the Eligibility Checker for the Cultural Recovery Fund. Further information on the scheme including guidance and a set of frequently asked questions will…

Twenty Welsh businesses are set to showcase their products to companies from one of the richest countries in the world in a virtual export market visit to Doha, Qatar. The Welsh Government organised virtual visit will see businesses – including companies producing the likes of medical devices, textiles and high quality food – build business contacts with potential partners and customers in Doha. The multi-sector trade visit would have ordinarily been held in person with businesses travelling from Wales to Doha, but is being held virtually this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. This virtual export market visit starts…

The cohort includes companies from the fintech sector. Insurance, open banking, and digital accounts are the main fields of focus. This 6month fintech program helps founders and leadership teams. 60% of companies which are going to join in this program are from outside of London. They have already employed 18 people and raised £3.3m. Wales is becoming well known for its outstanding digital sector and it is surely a home to so many exciting tech businesses that are developing on a daily basis. Tech companies in Cohort Coincover – Based in Cardiff. Founded in 2018, Coin cover gives protection and…