Author: Rhys Gregory

A leading Welsh medtech firm has developed a companion app for a Covid-19 test that could soon help world governments and health agencies manage and control the coronavirus pandemic. Cardiff-based Bond Digital Health is part of a global consortium that is producing a rapid diagnostic test for Covid-19. The antigen test, produced by Canadian company Sona Nanotech, uses a nasal swab to provide a result in 15 minutes without the use of either laboratory equipment or a reader system. The test can be used as a tool to rapidly identify patients infected with the SARS_CoV_2 virus, which will help aid…

Following a boom in puppy ownership over the last six-months, natural pet food company, Burns Pet Nutrition, has launched an exclusive membership scheme to help new puppy owners find their feet (or paws!) through the first year with their pets. The family firm, which specialises in natural pet food with no nasties, has officially launched ‘Puppy Club’ – a membership club aimed at helping new puppy owners learn the ropes with all the advice, support and food supplies they need to ensure their pups get the best start in life. For a standalone, one-off cost of less than a tenner,…

This National Eye Health Week (21st-27th September) a Cardiff doctor is highlighting the importance of looking after your eyes after he almost lost his sight. Dr Inderpal Singh, 46, a consultant physician, experienced a sudden deterioration in his sight while at work in May. “I suddenly had a very gritty feeling in my eyes, followed by pain, redness and blurred vision that got worse over the next four hours,” said Inderpal. “By the time I got home I hardly see a thing, which is when I got really worried. I contacted a friend, who told me to go to the…

Next weekend (26-27 September) chefs from across Wales are cooking-off against each other in the Welsh Street Food Awards supported by Hellman’s. Welsh winners go through to compete in the British Street Food Awards in London next month. The shortlisted traders will go head to head across the weekend to impress local street food heroes and judges Sam Evans & Shauna Guinn, the duo behind Hangfire Southern Kitchen. Sam & Shauna started out with pub pop-ups and cooked at many of the early Street Food Circus events – they’ve since grown their business to include a restaurant, bestselling cookbook and…

Toolstation, one of the UK’s fastest growing and largest suppliers of tools and more is pleased to announce the opening of its Chepstow store on Monday 21st September, bringing the Toolstation experience to local trade and DIY customers. Monday also sees the exciting launch of the new catalogue with a range of new brands and quality products at great prices in store and online, demonstrating Toolstation’s commitment to conveniently and easily provide trade, DIYers and homebuilders with tools and more to tackle any task. The opening of the new store has created seven new jobs in the area, and is…

The Welsh Independent Restaurant Collective (WIRC) which represents over 300 registered supporting cafes, pubs and restaurants across Wales has sent an urgent letter to Welsh Government Ministers and officials setting out the increasingly fragile financial position of the sector. The letter says that unless changes are made to the rules on eating out and extra funds are found to help the industry meet rent and other costs, thousands more jobs will go, and businesses will disappear. Simon Wright, owner of Wrights Food Emporium in Llanarthne and one of the founding members of the collective, said: “The WIRC recognises the swiftly…

St David’s, Cardiff, has announced it will be holding an extended ‘Student Festival Fortnight’ from the 21st September to 4th October, allowing students to shop, dine and save up to 20% off their favourite brands.  Normally only a one night annual event, St David’s has adapted this year’s student offeringto comply with current government guidelines. Now lasting for two weeks, the event will allow the centre to account for social distancing, capacity restrictions and a delayed student return. It’s also a win win for students, as this year’s extended extravaganza will give them more time and space to shop incredible…

Wales’ most famous student hall of residence has doors once more, as students return to Aberystwyth University for the beginning of the new academic year. Pantycelyn has undergone a £16.5m transformation and now offers accommodation for up to 200 students and a modern and contemporary home for the University’s Welsh speaking student community. Each of the bedrooms is newly built and includes an en-suite bathroom, and some of the Hall’s best known rooms – the Large Lounge, the Small Lounge and the Senior and Junior Common Rooms have been reinvigorated. And, in accordance with the wishes of the hall’s supporters,…

First Minister Mark Drakeford is calling on the people of Wales to help find the country’s most extraordinary people, by nominating them for a St David Awards. Now in their eighth year, the national St David Awards celebrate Wales’ true heroes. This year, to reflect the work of so many people during the coronavirus pandemic, a new award will recognise critical workers. The judging panel will also consider the nominations for people who have made an outstanding contribution during the pandemic – whether that’s a kind and selfless acts to support an individual or community or a businesses, which has…

Economy Minister Ken Skates will today launch a national discussion on a new plan to help secure the future of manufacturing in Wales. From coronavirus to Brexit and decarbonisation – manufacturing is going through one of the most intense and challenging periods in its history. Last year, in Wales alone there were more than 150,000 people employed in the sector but a range of external factors including the pandemic and high profile redundancies are set to drive a reduction in that figure over the coming months. The Minister will launch the four-week consultation aimed at supporting and future-proofing the sector…