Author: Rhys Gregory

Concerns have been raised over the emergence of new types of scams which try to take advantage of vulnerable households in Wales during the Covid-19 lockdown. Over 2,000 online fraud attempts have been identified and blocked in the past month, according to the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, including fake online shops and websites which attempt to steal user data, and fraudulent adverts. It is estimated that scams cost the UK economy up to £10bn each year with the average victim losing over £3,000. In response, OFTEC, the registration body for off-grid heating, is helping to raise awareness of the…

Welsh gin brand, Cygnet, is celebrating with some ‘gin-credible’ news, as it confirms the listing of its premium gin on the drinks menu of the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill restaurant brand. Following a deal with Black and White Hospitality, which owns the franchise rights to eight of the famed chef’s restaurant concepts, the new drinks menu is set to roll out across all Steakhouse venues in the next two months. Known for its philosophy of what Pierre White describes as ‘affordable glamour’, the Steakhouse menu will feature the South Wales distillery’s original Welsh dry gin and nestles…

More than ten million people have signed an online petition demanding justice for George Floyd, making it the fastest-growing and biggest petition in the platform’s history. The petition calls for the police officers involved in George Floyd’s death to be arrested and charged. The four officers involved in Mr Floyd’s death were fired from the police force last week, but only Derek Chauvin, the officer who knelt on Mr Floyd’s neck, has so far been charged. Campaigners say far more needs to be done to secure justice. The “Justice for George Floyd” petition has been widely shared on social media…

Passive fire protection is an integral part of any overall fire prevention strategy, employed to protect a building from fire damage. In fact, it is the first prevention and protection plan against fire, which is implemented at the construction level. The other part of fire prevention  and protection strategy is called active fire prevention, which is geared more towards educating residents about fighting fire at a preliminary level, as well as survival strategies and best practices. Passive Fire Protection: How to Abide by Fire Regulations As mentioned, passive fire protection is a strategy, or a bundle of steps, taken and…

Plans for a groundbreaking Swansea city centre building that allows innovative tech and creative businesses to establish and grow could be given planning permission tomorrow. A planning application for a glazed structure rising six storeys on the site of The Kingsway’s former Oceana nightclub is being recommended for approval. More than 600 people could work there. The plans, assisted by feedback in a public consultation last year and further feedback this year, feature two underground levels making use of the former building basement. They show a roof terrace and balconies with green infrastructure including trees. This reflects Swansea Council’s commitment…

Nando’s has opened a further 54 restaurants across the UK and Ireland, taking the number of locations to almost 100. There’s good news if you live in Cardiff, as Nando’s in the Brewery Quarter is open for both delivery and collection. According to the Nando’s website, the St David’s 2 restaurant is open for deliveries only. Many businesses across the food industry are starting to fire up their kitchens once more and opening their doors with additional health and safety precautions. The chicken chain has introduced a number of safety measures for staff and customers, including daily briefings with staff…

A Cardiff couple are celebrating life and love with a virtual ceremony for family and friends on what should have been their wedding day. Anna-Louise Bates and Zachary Stubbings from Thornhill were planning to tie the knot in a lavish ceremony at Castell Coch, followed by a church blessing on 29th May, but the Coronavirus pandemic means the official wedding has been postponed until next year. Instead, they shared a video service on YouTube with contributions from loved ones, the Priest would have officially blessed their marriage, and an actor who supports the charity Anna-Louise set up in memory of…

Lockdown has made many things more challenging, none more so than giving birth. But thanks to the dedication of our maternity staff and the bravery of mums and dads, Swansea Bay University Health Board has welcomed more than 150 bundles of joy both in Singleton and Neath Port Talbot hospitals and at home during these anxious times. We have gathered together some of their stories and pictures to inspire, offer hope and make you smile. Among the babies welcomed was Millie Hopkins-Evans who was born at Singleton weighing 8lb 4oz on April 21st. Mum Laura Evans is deaf and relies…

Food Innovation Wales has provided vital technical support to a Llanelli-based food and drink manufacturer to help them launch six new products in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak.  With a workforce of nearly 50 people, Llanelli-based Prima Foods specialises in the manufacture of suet, dumpling and pastry products. The company supplies the retail, ready meal and foodservice sectors and has a number of major UK manufacturing customers. Since lockdown started in mid-March, Prima hasn’t been fazed by the challenges presented by COVID-19 and the company has maintained full staffing levels and manufacturing across key product lines. The business has…

From today, First Cymru will increase services on several routes across its network in an effort to ensure key workers are able to travel to work. At the same time, increased social distancing measures will be implemented to ensure the safety of passengers and staff, including a reduction in the number of passengers that can be carried down to a capacity of 25%. Passengers will begin to see posters and capacity stickers appearing on the buses, these show the existing and newly introduced safety measures. Customers are advised to take note of the ways in which they can help, by…