Author: Rhys Gregory

As the full impact of the COVID-19 crisis hits us there will sadly be many people left out of work and looking for new opportunities.  Whilst the security of employment will be attractive to many it could prove the perfect time to start your own business and be your own boss. Some initial thoughts So, you’ve got a business idea, and you think it might be a runner. Before you start to spend money make sure you do some research to check you know the answers to these basic questions: What will it cost to get up and running? How…

Students across Wales heading off to university next month are being urged to stay alert and check that correct safety measures have been followed before moving into rental accommodation. The advice follows A-Levels results day as students across the country begin to finalise their accommodation decisions. The impact of COVID-19 means an expected rise in those living and studying from home through e-learning, but for those moving into accommodation it is important not to rush into contracts. A recent survey of students revealed over two-thirds of renters’ biggest problems included damp, lack of water or heating and living in dangerous…

After a sold-out first two weeks’ of screenings, Street Food Cinema, Cardiff’s first dedicated drive-in movie and street-food experience, has launched its next run of films. From kids’ classics to horror and musicals, tickets are now on sale for Drive, Toy Story 4, The Shining, Frozen, Mama Mia and The Goonies. More films will be announced for the remainder of August. For the complete movie experience, local independent street food favourites Franks Hotdogs and Dirty Bird Fried Chicken are joined by Welsh producers Joe’s Ice Cream, Blakes Popcorn and the Street Food Cinema Soda Bus. Street Food Circus founder, Matt…

An ingenious TV company has made broadcasting history by becoming the first in the UK to complete a comedy drama series during the Covid-19 lockdown – by creating a bubble for the cast and crew in a closed down pub. Production of the new sitcom, Rybish (Rubbish), set in a recycling centre, was brought to a halt in March by the coronavirus crisis but undeterred Caernarfon-based Cwmni Da came up with a plan to carrying on filming. Members of the crew self-isolated for a fortnight before resuming and they were tested regularly throughout the shoot. When they were not working,…

THE VIBRANT market town of Mold will be stronger than ever in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. As has been the case in communities across north east Wales, businesses and residents have come together like never before; supporting local firms and food and drink producers, embracing online platforms and new service models, and looking after one another during one of the most challenging periods in the country’s history. As independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars reopen safely and securely, with strict social distancing measures in place, the town council has been busy behind closed doors promoting the town and…

Llangollen is to share in a £500,000 lottery bonanza won by a community charity to fight rural poverty in Denbighshire’s Dee Valley. The money from the Big Lottery Fund will help extend the reach of Corwen-based South Denbighshire Community Partnership to local organisations in Llangollen and its surrounding area and will be spread over four years to autumn 2024. It will be administered by SDCP through their Your Place Or Ours project and is their second major lottery grant, following the award of £350,000 30 months ago to work with older and vulnerable people in the Edeyrnion area around Corwen.…

A North Wales business group echoed calls by education chiefs to ensure students are not disadvantaged by a standardised approach to exam marking. DBF – previously known as Deeside Business Forum – has come out in support of a statement made by education portfolio holders representing the six North Wales local authorities calling on the Welsh Government to ensure A-level students do not miss out on further education or employment opportunities based on their results. Owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, students in Wales were not required to sit final exams for A-levels as in previous years, with the Welsh Government…

Located in J-Shed in the SA1 area of the city, this new culinary destination occupies a prime position overlooking Swansea’s waterside and is set to become one of the city’s most exciting dining experiences. Comprising 300 covers, the venue includes a newly configured bar and lounge, as well as an external drinking and dining area which wraps around the entire property. A private dining area is also be available with an exclusive external terrace. Set against the backdrop of Pierre White’s unique monochromatic styling, the restaurant’s surroundings are matched by the menus which brings to life his philosophy of what he…

THE Lord’s Taverners in Wales have paid tribute to former chairman Ray Dyer, who has died at the age of 77. The Cardiff businessman was a driving force behind the capital’s extremely successful Christmas lunches for a couple of decades, and was chair of the Taverners in Wales from 2000 to 2009. Alan Crossley, who was secretary of the region during Ray’s time as chair, said: “Ray was very much a free-thinking entrepreneur, and the lunches were transformed from speaker-based events to extravaganzas featuring major entertainers from stage, TV and radio, coupled with opera and dance.  “They became so successful we…

Cardiff is a culturally diverse city which is why it has a huge amount of different restaurants to eat at. Its food scene, in general, is booming, with occasions such as the Welsh Food & Drink Festival proving that the city has a real appetite for good grub. There’s lots of it around, too. The United Kingdom’s eleventh-largest city has plenty to offer in terms of cuisine, with traditional favourites going down a storm, alongside culinary influences from all around the world. The Principality Millennium Stadium has one of the largest sliding roofs on the planet, and in terms of cuisine,…