Author: Rhys Gregory

At its latest meeting on September 17th 2020, the Cardiff Capital Region Transport Authority (RTA), which comprises elected transport portfolio leads from the ten local authorities in South-East Wales, has announced a series of updates on the Metro Central, Metro Plus and ULEV Schemes. Metro Central The investment in Metro Central aims to create a sustainable, integrated transport hub that significantly enhances access to central Cardiff as well as being a positive catalyst further across the region. Development and funding of the programme involves a partnership between the public and private sector organisations. The Welsh Government (WG), Cardiff Capital Region,…

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding customers that time is running out to register for Self Assessment. Anyone submitting a Self Assessment (SA) return for the first time – including High Income Child Benefit Charge customers – will need to register for SA by 5 October so that they can complete their return by 31 January. If customers aren’t sure if they need to do Self Assessment they should go to www.gov.uk/check-if-you-need-tax-return Those who are new to the process can visit HMRC for online webchats, live webinars, YouTube videos and social media support which can be accessed at any…

A PET retailer will roll out new branding after significant reinvestment following a lockdown sales surge and funding boost. PetPlace has pumped the £1million it received from the Coronavirus Business Loan Interruption Scheme (CLBILS) back into the business. The award-winning company, which has a headquarters in Mochdre and sites in Ruthin, Chirk, Abergele and Mold, will be redeveloping its Llangefni store to introduce a play park, coffee bar and cinema for dogs. It will be their first ‘Covid store’ and designed with the health and safety of staff and customers in mind. Measures will include new till screens, signage, trollies,…

Passengers across Wales will benefit from an additional £84.6m of Welsh Government funding for the bus industry, which will help companies meet the challenges of coronavirus and run more services. With a drop in the number of people travelling, and the necessity of social distancing measures being in place, bus companies have been short of revenues in recent months. To keep the industry running the Welsh Government has stepped in to provide funding. Initially this was to support essential journeys, before supporting the ramp up of services as schools and the wider economy began to reopen. In August £10m was…

People across Wales and England are being urged to download the NHS COVID-19 app to help stop the spread of coronavirus and protect themselves and their loved ones as case numbers rise. The app launches today (Thursday 24) after positive trials and will be a useful tool when used alongside Wales’ successful manual contact tracing system. It will be available to those aged 16 and over, and forms a central part of the NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect programme identifying contacts of those who have tested positive for coronavirus. The roll-out of the app in Wales coincides with a national campaign…

Eye-catching designs have been unveiled for a café-restaurant that will stand at the heart of new parkland next to Swansea’s emerging indoor arena. They show that the pavilion-style attraction will stand close to the arena’s striking curved skin that will be illuminated by more than 70,000 programmable LED light bulbs. The building, with an engineered timber frame and strong green credentials, will have an area of outdoor seating under canopies so guests can fully enjoy the experience of being in the 1.1-acre coastal park. There will be indoor seating too. Its position and height – around 6m above Oystermouth Road…

It has been announced today that Coleg Gwent has successfully achieved prestigious Gold status in the Cyber-First School/College scheme. The award comes after many months of hard work with key industry partners – Thales, Fujitsu and Admiral – and following on from the exciting launch of a co-designed industry led Cyber Security Qualification. In a world where Cyber Security is a fast-growing industry, Coleg Gwent is proud to be a college that’s showing true leadership in Cyber Security education and outreach by equipping learners with the skills they need for the jobs of the future. Investing in a brand new,…

A team appointed to make it easier for employers to engage with the Welsh Government’s Apprenticeship Programme to upskill their workforce has just signed up its 500th apprentice. The National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW) Apprenticeships Team supports businesses across Wales in employing apprentices and encourages the recruitment of young people into sectors of national or regional importance. Funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund, the team works closely with employers and interested stakeholders across Wales to handle all Apprenticeship enquiries. The team identifies an employer’s needs and which Apprenticeship framework and pathway are required…

A police boss has spoken of his pride after receiving an award for the fourth year  running for the open and transparent way he and his staff work. The office of North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones has once again been presented with a Transparency Quality Mark by CoPaCC, an organisation that monitors police governance. The accolade was given for making information accessible on his website so that members of the public can find out easily what he’s doing. Mr Jones, a former police inspector, called for more openness and transparency in public life during the campaign that…

Leading Swansea estate agent Belvoir Sales & Lettings have opened their third office, this time in Sketty on the outskirts of the city. Servicing the SA2 postcode area, the new office is the latest expansion for the Swansea franchise which is owned by husband and wife team, Ben and Daisy Davies. “We have been looking to open a branch in the SA2 area for a long time,” said Ben, “but location is critical, so when this property became available, we jumped at the opportunity. Located on the corner of Sketty cross; the new office will join the thriving city centre…