Author: Rhys Gregory

Entrepreneurs in Newport can apply to the city council’s grant scheme to help them establish or grow their business. Grants of up to £2,500 are available for businesses outside the city centre and up to £5,000 for those located within it. Councillor James Clarke, cabinet member for regeneration and business growth, said: “The business grants programme has been running for several years, and we know it has made an essential contribution towards start-up or expansion costs. “I’m pleased that we are once again able to offer this financial assistance, partly funded by the UK government. “I’ve enjoyed visiting some of…

A Tredegar woman has been banned from keeping dogs for five years after admitting a number of animal welfare offences. In a prosecution brought by Blaenau Gwent Council, Newport Magistrates were told that an investigation by Animal Health Officers discovered 15 caged and penned dogs following the execution of a warrant and that the dogs were housed in a manner that breached the Animal Welfare Act, and all of the dogs were removed to a safe place. The seized dogs were subject to a previous court hearing in May 2025, where an application made by the Council resulted in the…

As Cymru’s Women prepare to kick-off in Switzerland this weekend for their Euro 2025 debut, many projects are happening across the country and beyond to celebrate this monumental achievement. The Welsh Government’s £1million Euro 2025 Partner Support Fund is supporting 16 organisations to host a range of events, creative projects and learning resources to highlight Welsh talent, whilst building a legacy that will inspire future generations and promote greater participation in sport and culture. Three flagship projects are bringing this celebration to life: Literature Wales has commissioned acclaimed poet Sarah McCreadie to document Cymru’s Euro journey with fourteen original poems.…

Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford has this week set out the Welsh Government’s approach to the 2026-27 Budget – the last before the Senedd election. A one-year budget will be published in October, which will increase departmental budgets by inflation. A pool of unallocated funding will be created for the next Welsh Government. Setting out the approach in a statement to Plenary, Mark Drakeford said: “I want to ensure we provide a stable and reliable outcome for our public services and all who rely on them. “I also want to ensure the new Senedd we have worked so hard to create…

Key Findings: Manchester United dominates across the board with the most passionate fanbase, topping social media engagement, attendance, and followers. Smaller clubs like Brentford and Ipswich demonstrate incredible loyalty and passion, with fans punching above their weight in terms of support. In a study conducted by BoyleSports, the passionate fanbases of last season’s Premier League teams have been analysed based on three major metrics: social media engagement, follower count, and average match attendance. The results provide unique insight into which clubs can boast the most dedicated and loyal supporters. The study looked at hashtag usage, follower numbers on Instagram, and…

A music festival has pulled off a major coup and signed up the “world’s greatest living tenor” to perform at this year’s event. Joseph Calleja, whose voice has been compared to opera legend Luciano Pavarotti, says he’s looking forward to singing at the opening concert of the North Wales International Music Festival at St Asaph Cathedral on Thursday, September 11. The Maltese maestro has been centre stage at all the greatest opera venues in the world, including the New York Met, La Scala in Milan and Covent Garden in London. Back in 2016 he starred at Llangollen International Eisteddfod alongside…

This year is set to be the biggest ever Brecon Carreg Porthcawl 10K with more than 6,200 runners signed up to take part in the main event and supporting junior races. The popular event will be returning to the seaside town this Sunday 6 July and thousands of spectators are also expected to come out and show their support. The event takes in all the beauty spots in the area including Rest Bay, Trecco Bay, Coney Beach, the picturesque town centre, historic Grand Pavilion and iconic Lighthouse. With course entertainment, buzzing event village and friendly race day atmosphere, the 2025…

Mallows Bottling, the multi-award winning contract bottler of alcoholic and soft drinks, has been named Manufacturer of the Year (under £25 million) at the Made in the UK Awards 2025. The ceremony took place at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool, celebrating the UK’s most innovative and successful manufacturers. Founded in 2021 by father and son team Andy and Rhys Mallows, the Llantrisant-based company has rapidly grown to become Wales’ largest spirits and soft drink contract bottler. Mallows Bottling partners with leading brands such as Papa Salt Gin (Founded by Margot Robbie), Lidl and Millennium Group, with services spanning from product…

A passionate entrepreneur from Carmarthenshire has turned a love of wool into a thriving high street business, thanks to a £25,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank. A former market researcher originally from St Albans, Sascha Docwra and her husband moved to Wales eight years ago in search of a different way of life. Her journey into wool began with a small flock of sheep on her farm in West Wales, which sparked a fascination with wool production and traditional crafting techniques. And after attending craft markets and wool festivals, what started as a personal hobby soon turned…

Chocolate fans are in for a cocoa-powered treat as Hotel Chocolat, the luxury cacao grower and chocolatier, announces the opening of its latest concept store at Llandudno Retail Park. Opening on 12th July, this new location will be home to the beloved Velvetiser Café, serving the iconic Velvetised™ drinking chocolate alongside a range of hot drinks. Guests can explore a wide selection of customisable combinations, choosing from 18 different Velvetised flavours served hot, over ice, or as a Choc Shake. Drinks can be tailored with dairy milk or plant-based alternatives, and topped with an array of delicious extras for that…