Author: Rhys Gregory

Swansea University’s free English language lessons for beginners are still going strong despite lockdown. So far, a mix of adults from more than 70 countries have taken advantage of the lessons which are now being offered online by the University’s English Language Training Services (ELTS). The move follows the ELTS team successfully switching its formally taught courses online. English for University Studies tutor Jade Fouracre-Reynolds said: “Working in conjunction with other providers and agencies in Swansea and across South Wales, these classes contribute to providing consistent access to language learning, social interaction and building strong community ties for individuals who…

Some GP surgeries in Swansea are taking a leaf out of Jo Wickes’s book by offering virtual tips on fitness for youngsters. The fitness guru rose to prominence during the lockdown through his YouTube sessions, a move which has prompted the cluster to launch a programme designed to encourage young people aged 11 to 16, who may not otherwise consider getting involved in sport or enjoying regular exercise, to do so via the internet. Known as the Swansea North Active People Project (SNAPP), the scheme is the result of a partnership between Swansea Council for Voluntary Service, the Cwmtawe and…

Business leaders who were considering selling their business, or even acquiring another company before the pandemic, may be left wondering if the valuation of a business will be affected by COVID-19. There have been wide ranging business implications caused by Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdown restrictions.  New ways of working, furloughed workers, reduced demand for some and increased demand for others, the list goes on and on. With such exceptional circumstances almost becoming the norm (you work that one out!), it can be difficult to think back to how things looked just a few months ago. M&A activity dropped like…

Two of Swansea’s leading IT companies have joined forces in a seven-figure acquisition.  COMCEN, the Fforestfach headquartered IT company that services blue-chip, public and third sector organisations across the UK have acquired Pisys.net, the award-winning city-centre based IT support business. The deal strengthens both organisations as their core products and services not only complement each other, but will add exceptional value to new and existing customers. “We are delighted to have signed the deal that welcomes Pisys.net on board as part of the COMCEN group,” said CEO Dave Matthews. “Recent industry demand has been for technology that enables business mobility…

Bearhug announced the exciting news that popular Cardiff Blues back row, Nick Williams, has joined the board. Bearhug uniquely use bamboo in the make-up of their supports, this difference in composition can increase blood flow and dramatically reduce rehabilitation and recovery periods, whilst enhancing performance. 36-year-old, New Zealand born Nick has long been a great supporter of the company and actively uses the supports during his time at the Cardiff Blues as part of his recovery to keep him performing at the elite level. He has now decided to take this partnership further by officially agreeing to join the company’s board. Chief Brand Builder at Bearhug,…

The Welsh Government has today published guidance for schools to plan for pupils to return from 29 June to “check in, catch up and prepare for summer and September”. The guidance, ‘Keep Education Safe’, provides practical and learning guidance on preparing schools for a phased return up to the end of the summer term, supporting settings to safely increase their on-site operations. In each school there will be a phased approach. Year groups will be split into small groups with staggered starts and breaks. It is expected that this will mean, at most, a third of pupils present at any…

Transport for Wales (TfW) has begun work in Caerphilly county borough to start building the South Wales Metro. The South Wales Metro will open a range of job, business, education and other opportunities for the people and businesses of South Wales by making travelling easier, quicker and more convenient for all in the future. The work is being carried out as part of the Cardiff City Deal. This is a £1.3 billion deal to unlock significant economic growth across the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) and includes £738million for the design, deliver and implementation of the South Wales Metro. Funding consists…

Social slots have primarily replaced the brick and mortar casinos in the last decade with their fun and easy-to-handle interfaces. If you have played poker, roulette, or blackjack during your teen years, these casino games are made just for you. These inclusive, safe, and entertaining slot games enable thousands of players to play together. From in-game purchases to jackpots, you won’t feel any difference in the conventional and social slots online. Online slots allow you to play your favourite games with a few clicks while staying in your comfort zone. That’s the reason these casinos have gained immense popularity in…

A recent environmental audit by the British Standards Institution (BSI), showed that North Wales-based AST Plastic Containers has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by a total of 13% in two years. The company, a leading manufacturer of high-quality plastic containers based on the Wrexham industrial estate, has seen its audited CO2 emissions drop by a further 4.5% this year after a drop of 8.5% in the previous year. AST Plastics achieved the reduction by using energy from 100% renewable sources; implementing an energy efficiency programme which included upgrading machinery and optimizing raw material usage. The company achieved ISO 14001 in…

Being a leader is a great challenge. Some think that certain people are born as leaders, but that’s not true. Everyone can gain leadership qualities through experience. The best time to develop leadership skills is during the college or university years. Young people have a powerful impact on their own lives when they start studying. Yes, they pull themselves together and write papers by themselves, instead of using a writing service. Certainly, psychologists say that every child has leadership qualities if their parents have prepared a special background for it. In any case, a person is the author of their…