Author: Rhys Gregory

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…

Ensuring buses and trains provide a practical and affordable alternative to travelling by car is a key priority for the South West Wales regional transport plan. The priority was identified during consultation on a draft regional transport plan that’s set to cover Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea. Close to 900 people gave their feedback on the draft plan, which is aimed at creating a more reliable, connected and accessible transport network throughout the region, allowing residents to access essential services, education and employment while unlocking economic activity in South West Wales. Other priorities identified during the consultation included…

A former magistrate who once met Princess Diana and attended two royal garden parties has died just a few days after celebrating her 100th birthday. The funeral service of Elsie Galley, a former magistrate and respected community figure, was held at Pentrebychan Crematorium, Wrexham, where family and close friends gathered in tribute to her full and active life. Among those who attended were representatives of Pendine Park’s Gwern Alyn care home, in Wrexham, where Elsie spent her final years and became a much-loved resident. For her 100th birthday, staff laid on a party described as “fit for a queen”, with…

iungoworks has lovingly restored one of Cardiff’s most historic buildings into a state-of-the-art coworking space. Fusing modern innovation with architectural heritage, the new space is set to redefine how professionals, startups and creatives work, connect and grow in the heart of the Welsh capital. The new coworking spaces, housed in the Grade II-listed West Bute House on West Bute Street, offer completely flexible solutions for remote workers, start-up, scale-up, SME businesses and satellite operations of larger businesses in Cardiff Bay.   iungoworks is the brainchild of Jessica Leigh Jones and Tom de Vall, who run iungo Solutions, a multi-accredited centre providing…