Author: Rhys Gregory

These are challenging, unprecedented times. Covid-19 is causing significant uncertainty for UK organisations of every shape and size. One of the most pressing, and most complex, problems is the relationship between commercial landlords and their tenants. Both are under severe pressure right now and are desperately searching for solutions. I believe the key theme in this current crisis is collaboration. Stand-offs, threats and a refusal to compromise will only end up damaging both parties. So here goes. This is what we know so far. The Government has instructed all non-essential businesses to close for at least three weeks and, in…

People suffering heart attacks during the coronavirus outbreak may be putting their lives at risk by delaying seeking medical help, according to the British Heart Foundation Cymru (BHF Cymru). Cardiologists believe there has been a drop of at least 20% in the number of people seen in hospitals across Wales with a suspected heart attack since the UK-wide lockdown, a BHF survey has found. One Wales cardiologist said they believed their hospital had experienced a drastic drop in hospital admissions. The leading heart research charity is warning that hundreds of local people may be at greater risk of suffering long…

The Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Minister for Children and Young People – Janet Finch Saunders AM – has this week (21 April) urged the Welsh Government to do more to support Welsh foster carers who may be struggling with their finances as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic.  Many foster carers report increasing financial insecurity as a result of the current coronavirus outbreak. Leading fostering organisations have now called for foster carers, who are unable to foster because of COVID-19 restrictions, to be paid a retainer. Charities also say that foster families are being put under increasing pressure as respite sessions are cancelled, in line with the advice to stay at home. The Shadow Minister has now said that she believes extra financial…

A music teacher will reveal an unusual talent on a new TV show by playing three instruments at the same time – a cornet and two trombones with his feet all at the same time. Osian Davies, 26, from Llanerfyl, near Welshpool, will take centre stage as part of a wacky oompah band in a new programme, Sioe Fach Fawr (Big Little Show) on S4C. The aim of the six-part series is to unearth and showcase local talent in communities across Wales, with each episode culminating in a variety-style concert. It’s described as a cross between a traditional Welsh noson…

Governments need to give ‘urgent consideration’ to their public health response to prevent any   possible impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the number of suicides, experts warn. There’s growing concern about the far-reaching impact COVID-19 may have on people’s mental health across the globe, with the consequences likely to be present for longer and peak later than the actual pandemic. Forty-two researchers from around the world, including Professor Ann John, Deputy Head of Swansea University Medical School, have formed the International COVID-19 Suicide Prevention Research Collaboration. Writing in The Lancet Psychiatry, they say an increase in suicides is not inevitable…

Wine lovers are being urged to support their local vineyards and discover award-winning Welsh wines by joining Welsh Wine Night, a live virtual event which aims to encourage consumers to place orders directly with producers. A partnership between the Welsh Vineyard Association and the WineGB organisation, Welsh Wine Night will go live on YouTube and Instagram Live (Black Book Winery followed by Wine Time London) at 7pm this Friday (24thApril) and will allow viewers to be guided through a series of acclaimed Welsh wines that can be ordered directly from Welsh vineyards. In advance of the event, consumers are being…

Sophia Gardens may have been an unlikely setting for Steve Smith’s return to captaincy but Glamorgan’s ground will become a welcome home for the former Australian skipper. Along with Bristol and Taunton, the newly-formed Welsh Fire will entertain visiting franchises from across the country in The Hundred – a brand new competition with one or two twists on conventional cricket laws. Smith is in charge and, with a strong squad assembled for this season, the solitary Welsh franchise will be confident of becoming the first-ever champions in this format. Stoking the Fire Welsh Fire are set to kick off their…

We’re fast approaching that time of year that camping and caravan sites start becoming busier. The longer, warmer days draws tourists in their droves to the Welsh coast and countryside. For the foreseeable future, however, that won’t be happening as the UK remains in lockdown. For campervan and motorhome owners, it is a concern. While non-essential travel is prohibited, thousands of motorhomes across the UK are going nowhere. But there are things that can be done to keep a campervan or motorhome in prime condition for when the restrictions are lifted. Check and review your documents Now is an ideal…

South Wales Police arrested three people in the early hours of this morning on suspicion of committing arson with intent. At approximately 4.45am, police stopped a car being driven along the A4059 and arrested two males, aged 19 and 17, and a female, aged 16. All three individuals arrested remain in police custody at this time. Officers made the arrests as fire service colleagues spent day and night tackling grassfires across the region. Incidents include a 20 hectare fire in Ton Pentre, which individuals arrested are being linked to, and a large grass fire in Ystrad, Pentre, which spread across…

Stuart Price, Partner and Actuary at Quantum Advisory, considers what might happen pension-wise in the country when businesses get back on their feet.