Author: Rhys Gregory

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Cabinet has approved plans to improve the way people apply for social housing. This new Common Allocation Policy aims to make it easier for people to apply for social housing in the Caerphilly borough, by removing barriers and giving greater transparency to the process, and help prevent homelessness. A review of the existing Common Allocation Policy was completed in 2024, which looked at applications and lettings data and considered what changes needed to be made.  Applicants on the Caerphilly Common Housing Register were then invited to give their views on the proposed changes to the policy;…

Vulnerable families in West Wales are receiving crucial support through the Fostering Network’s Step-Up Step-Down project, helping children remain with their parents. Minister for Children and Social Care – Dawn Bowden – called the project ‘transformative’ during her recent Pembrokeshire visit, where she heard directly from families about its impact. Rather than removing children from parents, highly trained family support foster carers provide time-limited preventative help, and work alongside families. They mentor families and offer short breaks for children, creating stability, and giving parents time to address their challenges with support. Supported by £879,000 in Welsh Government funding across Pembrokeshire…

A new national body is to be set up to strengthen the youth work sector, support innovation and collaboration and ensure its long-term sustainability. The youth work sector in Wales is wide and diverse, with over 900 organisations across the maintained and voluntary sectors involved in the delivery of youth work. Announcing the plans during Youth Work Week [23-30 June] the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said: “Given the breadth and diversity of youth work provision across Wales, I’m delighted to announce plans to create a new central body for youth work in Wales, to unify the sector, support…

Reforms aimed at making Wales the fastest country in the UK for determining planning applications, creating new jobs and driving economic growth have been unveiled. Speaking at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Cymru Conference in Cardiff this week, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, outlined how the Welsh Government is taking decisive action to streamline the planning process, address resource challenges, and build a modern, efficient planning system fit for the future. The Cabinet Secretary said: “An efficient planning system is essential for creating the homes, jobs and infrastructure Wales needs, while also enhancing our…

Foreign direct investment into Wales grew significantly in the last year, with large increases in projects secured and jobs created, new figures show. Wales secured 65 projects in 2024-25, a 23% increase on the previous financial year. This was the second highest increase of any nation or region of the UK. This saw 2,470 new jobs created in Wales, a 30% increase compared to 2023-24. Again, this was the second highest increase of any nation or region across the UK. The results have been published by the Department for Business and Trade in its annual report on Foreign Direct Investments…

Leading UK contract electronics manufacturer, Axiom Manufacturing Services, has announced five senior appointments to build on an ongoing trend of sustained turnover growth, underpinned by strategic investment and a strengthening order book. The South Wales based company, which provides bespoke design, build, and test solutions for clients across the aerospace, defence, medical, and industrial sectors, has confirmed double-digit growth over the past year. Axiom attributes its success to increased customer acquisition and retention, as well as strategic investment in operations, positioning the electronics manufacturing services provider for a projected turnover exceeding £72 million in the next 12 months. As part…

Newport-headquartered self-storage operator Storage Giant, the largest independent storage company in the UK, has strengthened its management team with two senior appointments. Simon Harris joins the award-winning storage business to lead financial management matters as Financial Controller, and Rhys Roberts steps into Regional Manager for sites in Wales and the West Midlands. Simon Harris joins Storage Giant from Tiny Rebel, where he was the lead Financial Accountant. At Storage Giant, Simon will take on all financial matters and report directly to the Founder and Managing Director. His appointment will strengthen the finance team’s long-term planning and strategy, taking on responsibility…

Diamond painting is a calming and fulfilling activity, but even seasoned hobbyists can find themselves losing steam. Whether it’s a particularly detailed canvas, tricky color shifts, or simply the size of the project, there are times when it can feel hard to keep going. Thankfully, there are simple strategies that can help crafters regain momentum and enjoy the process again. With a few adjustments, anyone can stay on track and eventually admire their finished piece with pride. When looking for inspiration or a change of pace, many turn to new diamond painting designs to refresh their creativity and motivation. Break…

Keen fundraiser Don Wilkes will remember three family members cared for by City Hospice with a daffodil this summer as he supports Forever Flowers. Forever Flowers is an annual campaign, now in its fifth year, which invites supporters to remember cherished family members, friends, colleagues and other loved ones with a unique and lasting tribute. The limited edition flowers will feature in a striking display within the grounds of Cardiff Castle from Saturday 2 to Sunday 10 August, with a special Celebration of Life event taking place on Thursday 7 August. The charity’s Forever Flower this year is the daffodil,…

The National Theatre and Wales Millennium Centre today release the first look rehearsal images for the return of Nye, Tim Price’s (Teh Internet is Serious Business) epic Welsh fantasia, directed by Rufus Norris (Small Island). The production charts the life of Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan and his battle to create the NHS. Michael Sheen returns to play Nye Bevan in this co-production between the National Theatre and Wales Millennium Centre. With the return of Nye, the National Theatre will host the immersive sound installation, 100 VOICES NHS by Sound Voice, composer Hannah Conway and writer Hazel Gould. Located within the National…