Author: Rhys Gregory

A vibrant village enterprise delivering food and groceries to isolated and vulnerable people in the west of rural Denbighshire through the Covid-19 pandemic has received over £20,000 to boost its services. Clawddnewydd, between Ruthin and Cerrigydrudion, boasts a shop and a pub, the Glan Llyn, run by local people and they have introduced new outreach services during the current crisis. They are being helped by a grant from the Brenig Wind Community Benefit Fund which distributes £150,000 a year to community projects in the area through Corwen-based rural regeneration agency Cadwyn Clwyd. Through lockdown while the pub has been closed…

Researchers from North Wales are studying the DNA of pollen to provide new hope for millions of hay fever sufferers across the UK. It’s that time of year again when hay fever leaves one in five people with red eyes, runny noses and sneezing fits – but scientists at Bangor University could soon have an answer for the UK’s 13 million hay fever sufferers. Their work on tracking the types of pollen in the air at any one time was featured on BBC’s One Show this week as hay fever peaks across the UK. It involves them sifting their cocksfoot…

A Pembrokeshire pet food company is doing its bit to support charities and animal organisations through the Covid-19 pandemic as they struggle to stay afloat during such uncertain times. Burns Pet Nutrition, a natural pet food company that already helps over 40 animal welfare organisations every year, has donated tens of thousands of pounds worth of pet supplies to over 20 rescue centres, charities and community groups across the UK during the outbreak. The family firm, which specialises in producing high quality dog food made up of all-natural ingredients, has supplied thousands of bags of pet food and treats equating…

People with potential symptoms of cancer are being urged to seek medical advice after a huge fall in the number of referrals. Experts at the South West Wales Cancer Centre at Singleton Hospital say there has been a two-thirds reduction in referrals due to the pandemic. Depending on their symptoms, GPs will initially refer patients to one of Swansea Bay’s three main hospitals for investigation. Last April, there were 1,218 referrals across all cancer specialties. By April this year, that had fallen to just 409. Lung cancer referrals, for example, went from 24 to just five. It’s believed people are…

A FORMER RAF instructor who was forced to leave the service after a life-changing accident will be speaking about her mental health struggle to help others as she prepares to be Vice-captain for Team UK at the Invictus Games next year. Kelly Leonard, 42, who lost the use of her foot in the accident, which forced her to leave her position as a Physical Training Instructor, is sharing her story on Facebook Live this Friday (June 19) at 4pm to inspire and motivate those who are struggling with their mental health during the Coronavirus lockdown. She said: “I struggled with…

Pioneering Spanish bar and restaurant group Ultracomida has announced plans to expand its ‘deli home delivery’ service, click and collect, and online tasting events, after a successful trial period. The independent boutique operators – who run two, award-winning deli-restaurants in the coastal towns of Narberth and Aberystwyth, as well as Curado Bar and Vermut in Cardiff – are well known for bringing a casual dining style influenced by Northern Spain to Wales. Their website also offers a huge range of carefully selected Spanish produce for UK-wide delivery. Since lockdown came into effect, the online shop has become a major focus for the group as…

The Development Bank of Wales has reported a record 457 investments totalling £103.3 million in the financial year ended 31 March 2020. Highlights include: Overall investment was up by £23.2 million a 29% increase, compared to y/e 2018/19 457 investments compared to 420 in y/e 2018/19 Further private sector leverage of £75.9 million £43.4 m (42% of all investments) were to existing customers Investment in property development totals £34.1 million up by 47% from £23.2 million in y/e 2018/19 Total equity investment of £16.0 million 51 investments totalling £11.44 million in early stage technology ventures Average micro loan deal size…

Transport for Wales (TfW) has purchased thousands of litres of hand sanitiser from a new Welsh distillery that will help support frontline rail staff across Wales and the Borders. At the start of this year, Hensol Castle based in the Vale of Glamorgan, originally had plans to open a gin school in the cellars of its 17th century castle. However, as the covid-19 pandemic grew they quickly re-purposed their distillery and started to produce highly effective hand sanitiser for industrial use – to meet the demands of key workers. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, TfW has prioritised the safety…

The Welsh Government is investing £300,000 in Smile Plastics, an innovative firm which gives recycled plastics a new lease of life. The Swansea-based business, which transforms waste plastics from food and cosmetic packaging for use in architecture and the luxury design industry, will use the funding to create 18 new jobs and safeguard two more. The jobs will be crucial in supporting the local economic recovery from coronavirus. The funding will also help the company, which supplies global brands including Stella McCartney and Christian Dior, to expand and increase its production to help satisfy a growing demand for its products.…

Established accountancy practice Bevan Buckland LLP is pleased to announce the launch of its 2020 Graduate Training Academy. The launch comes after years of successful apprenticeships and graduate training opportunities. The Firm’s 2020 recruitment campaign will look to offer opportunities to individuals who have the ambition and resilience to become chartered accountants and business advisors. The recruitment campaign is a sign of the Firm’s continued investment in growth and talent development despite the economic uncertainty the Coronavirus pandemic has created throughout the UK and globally.  “We are pleased to launch the Bevan Buckland LLP Graduate Training Academy and we look…