Author: Rhys Gregory

Plans for the phased re-opening of the world’s first preserved railway, which celebrates its 70th birthday this year, have been announced following the Welsh Government’s careful relaxation of Covid-19 regulations. Talyllyn Railway, based at Tywyn on the Mid Wales coast, plans to re-start its daily public train service on Saturday, May 1. Talyllyn Shop at Wharf Station, which is already open from 10am until 1pm, will resume usual opening hours from 9am until 3pm from Monday, April 26. Hot drinks and cake are available to take away from the shop. The railway’s online shop offers free UK deliveries for orders…

Budweiser Brewing Group (BBG) UK&I’s largest brewery located in Magor is on the lookout for eight new team members to join its Logistics department. Following the announcement of significant investment in BBG’s breweries, Acorn recruitment, on behalf of the Magor brewery, is now in a position to offer seasonal employment for eight new counterbalance forklift drivers with fast moving consumer goods experience. The £72million investment at Budweiser’s Magor site includes a new bottling line, eight new fermenting units to increase brewing capacity and efficiency improvements such as better chillers and increased line speeds. Maria Larcombe, Director of Operations, at Acorn…

Party-goers at an illegal gathering at a house in the west of Swansea have been criticised for misleading contact tracers and putting the wider community at risk. At least six people who attended the party in the Derwen Fawr area earlier this month have tested positive for Covid-19 and a further 13 contacts are undergoing tests. Now public health officials are urging people to behave responsibly and not organise or attend large gatherings indoors or outdoors, and to co-operate fully if contact tracers get in touch. The call comes after the incident in which efforts to track down everyone connected…

A scoping request has been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate Wales to determine the environmental studies required to develop proposals for a wind farm on land at Mynydd Carn-y-Cefn near Abertillery. South Wales renewables company Pennant Walters Ltd is developing proposals for up to eight wind turbines with a maximum blade height of 180m. It is estimated that the wind farm could generate up to 48 MW of electricity, which is equivalent to providing enough power to meet the annual electricity needs of approximately 24,000 homes. The site is located on an upland ridge between the Ebbw Fawr and Ebbw…

HB Catering and Refrigeration, a specialist in commercial catering and refrigeration equipment installation and maintenance, has pivoted its offering in response to client demand in light of challenging trading conditions by rolling out a new equipment hire offering. The business, based in South Wales, is responding to short-term demand from its clients grappling with the challenges posed by COVID-19 and subsequent lockdowns and social distancing measures. In addition, it has also noted longer-term trends around offering more temporary and flexible catering solutions. The hospitality industry has endured a torrid 12-months thanks to multiple lockdowns, which have closed many businesses for…

South East Wales’ largest independent accountancy firm, Kilsby Williams, has been appointed to audit national retail chain Poundstretcher, as well as advise on tax matters. Established in 1981, Poundstretcher is a well-known high-street brand with over 370 stores across the United Kingdom, including 26 in Wales. In its fortieth year, the discount store chain has plans to further extend its presence across the country. Poundstretcher employs over 6,000 people nationwide across the brand’s chain of outlets and aims to offer great customer service and a quality selection of products, ranging from everyday items to seasonal goods, at competitive prices. With…

Family owned Welsh butter producer, Castle Dairies, is pleased to announce that as of this year, 2% of its profits will be allocated to Community Foundation Wales. The profits will go into a fund from which disadvantaged young students, who have excelled in STEM subjects and who are not economically able to support themselves through further study, can apply for a bursary to help cover university fees. Enhancing and improving their educational and career aspirations. Community Foundation Wales, established in 1999, awards more than £2.6m in grants each year to charities and community groups across Wales. Katy Hales, Manager, Donor Advised…

Swansea & District Law Society’s newest President has chosen the YMCA and Langland Lifeguards as the charities that will be supported during his tenure. Chris Davies, Director and Head of Healthcare for JCP Solicitors, was elected President by Swansea & District Law Society members during 2020, with the position extended to 2022 due to lockdown restrictions. Chris has put his weight behind YMCA Swansea, which helps vulnerable families in the region, and Langland Lifeguards, an organisation that has been teaching generations of children about water safety and rescue, as well as providing beach event lifeguards locally. Predominantly a specialist in…

COLEG CAMBRIA is motoring towards the launch of a revolutionary electric and hybrid vehicle training centre. Just 5% of mechanics in the UK are qualified to work on electric cars, leaving the industry struggling to meet the 2030 deadline to transition from petrol and diesel to fossil-free, zero-emission travel. The college’s Bersham Road site in Wrexham is planning to unveil an innovative training facility ahead of the 2020/21 academic year that will help meet an anticipated surge in demand. From September, students can sign up for an IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair Level 3 qualification in…

Caerphilly County Borough Council has begun progressing its plans to develop two exciting affordable housing developments. Llanfabon Drive, South Lane in Trethomas will see a new 12 1-bedroom apartment development constructed, along with outdoor landscaped areas and car parking. Trecenydd’s former 49 Club site will be developed into 6 new 1-bedroom apartments, along with relevant external amenity area and parking. Welsh Government have awarded £3.1m to fund the cost of development and innovation through the Innovative Housing Programme. The Council is working in partnership with experienced construction company Willmott Dixon and local Ystrad Mynach based company Caledan Ltd, will be…