Author: Rhys Gregory

A Cardiff pension expert is calling for the government to review the UK’s pension tax relief system as concern about inequality in the current system grows.

The Caldicot-based company, which provides sealant application and cosmetic repairs for homeowners, housebuilders and commercial businesses, saw continuous growth prior to the covid-19 pandemic and is now looking to expand its workforce after successfully weathering the storm for the past six months. The recruitment drive aims to bring in up to 50 new recruits, from experienced/ skilled workers to those starting out in the trade, who will join the company as it begins to relaunch its full range of services, from marine and cruise repairs to providing the finish for new build developments. Nick Jones, Managing Director at SD said:…

Young people in South Wales are set to benefit from a radical new approach to delivering high level skills following the induction of Coleg Gwent to the WorldSkills UK Centre of Excellence programme, it was announced yesterday (21 September).   Launched by WorldSkills UK in partnership with education and skills charity NCFE, the Centre of Excellence programme will mainstream world-class standards in skills development, raising standards of apprenticeships and technical training across the UK. Parisa Shirazi, Head of skills development and international competition at WorldSkills UK, said:  “This is a milestone moment – a unique opportunity for Coleg Gwent to…

A social care leader has hit out over the “totally unacceptable” shambles around Covid-19 tests and called for care homes to be given top priority. Mario Kreft MBE, the chair of Care Forum Wales, the lack of capacity and the delays in providing results were causing major problems for the sector, potentially putting lives at risk. In too many cases, he said, the results were not coming back and contacts being traced within the “golden 48-hour window” when the tests proved positive. As a result, the regime was ineffective in curbing the spread of Covid-19 which was a massive worry…

Using the skills he learnt in his years as a Steelman, Chris Hart of Cwmbran has launched a high-end metal fabrication business. Chris joined Tata Steel, then British Steel, as an apprentice at Llanwern Steelworks  in 1999, working  there until 2016. He then moved into self-employment, starting his own business designing and producing stylish metalwork products. Custom Fabrication Services  (CFS) which last year became a Limited Company and  moved into larger premises at Llantarnam, received support from his former employer in the form of a loan from Tata Steel subsidiary, UKSE. “This was very helpful and meant I could invest…

A Barry father and colleagues have raised £5,000 for Macmillan by climbing Snowdon at night in memory of his father. Earlier this month Gildas Griffiths and colleagues from the NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership swapped supporting the NHS frontline during the coronavirus pandemic for climbing Snowdon at night in memory of his father Gwyn Griffiths. Author, award-winning translator and historian Gwyn, who lived in Pontypridd, died in April 2018 aged 77 just months after being diagnosed with incurable cancer. His son Gildas decided to fundraise for Macmillan to thank the charity for its support. Gildas, a deputy head of supply…

The hunt is on for a lead tenant to run an historic city centre landmark being brought back to life by Swansea Council.  The business will take responsibility for maintaining and managing the Palace Theatre building once its multi-million pound revamp is complete. The unique High Street property will have 1,200 sq m of high-tech open-plan office   space. It could be sub-let to multiple tenants whose stays – in line with modern trends – could range from an hour to long-term. It will have a small conference facility which could also accommodate small scale   performances. The fully serviced offices will…

To tackle increasing numbers of young people aged 16-24 struggling to find work and on Universal Credit, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has announced this week (21 September) a new partnership with Adecco Working Ventures. Together, they will form a new national gateway and intermediary partner for the UK Government’s new Kickstart Scheme, which covers England, Scotland and Wales. FSB will also be delivering a programme of webinars and other resources to encourage, inspire and help small businesses to get involved and make the most of the new Scheme. Alongside local authorities, business organisations and the voluntary sector, FSB…

AN intrepid couple who work for the Welsh Ambulance Service have taken the final steps on their 298-mile Cambrian Way charity hike. Arriving at a sunny Conwy Castle at lunchtime yesterday, after setting off from Cardiff Castle on 01 September, Kevin and Cath O’Connor have hiked up mountains, along ridges, through bogs and even crossed rivers on their way to the finish line. Originally hoping to raise £5,000 and awareness, the pair who are based in Bargoed have so far raised more than £7,300 for The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC) on their JustGiving page. Carrying all their own kit and…

Two birds have been shot on the North Park Estate in Cardigan, prompting the RSPCA to launch an appeal for information. Officers from the charity were alerted after a gull and a pigeon were found injured in the same area on Saturday 12 September. Veterinary examination – at Priory Vets in the Pwllhai area of Cardigan – confirmed both birds had been injured by pellet wounds – likely from an air rifle. Sadly, the gull had to be put to sleep on welfare grounds as pellets had ruptured the bird’s spine and caused paralysis to his legs. However, the pigeon…