Author: Rhys Gregory

In reality, there are no words that can express the dilemma that we are all in. Our sympathy is first and foremost with all those who are having to deal with the virus, either because they have been directly touched by it in some way or they are dealing with it on the front line. At a time of crisis, it has been heartening to see people and organisations within the sector coming together and working for the common good. Such an approach will be necessary in the time ahead to build firmer foundations and to secure market opportunities within…

Hope House Hospice in Oswestry were thrilled when Lord Newborough recently delivered cakes, bread, milk and eggs.  Lord Newborough wanted to find a good home for surplus stock due to customers cancelling their orders or closing down. Following Government advice Rhug Estate also had to shut its Bistro and Takeaway to customers earlier this week. Owner, Lord Newborough, however, insists he will keep the Farm Shop and Drive Thru open for as long as he possibly can to supply local customers with their daily essentials and key workers with a drive thru service. Lord Newborough said, “I am thrilled that…

Hundreds of cancer patients in Wales could die because of delays in treatment and screening due to Covid-19, Tenovus Cancer Care has warned. Cancer services across the country have been put under huge pressure because resources are being used to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak and care providers are working with a reduced number of staff because of infections and self-isolation. Tenovus Cancer Care, Wales’ leading cancer charity, is calling on the Welsh Government to create a national plan to ensure some vital cancer surgeries can continue and any delayed surgeries and screenings are carried out at the earliest opportunity when…

Many of the hospitals and medical centres around Wales have just received new desktops and laptops to help deal with the increase in demand on their services. The usual available contractors are unable to handle the workload of requirements such as imaging, configuration and securing new end points, so Cyber Wales has been asked to step in, and there has been a terrific response already. John Davies, Managing Director of Pervade Software and Chair of Cyber Wales said: “With our knowledge and skills, this is one area where the cyber community in Wales can offer practical help. To show the…

Two more lettings have been signed at the 60,000 sq ft Global Reach multi-let office building on Celtic Gateway Business Park resulting in 100 per cent occupancy at the Cardiff Bay office scheme. The property is part of a Joint Venture asset managed by Stainton International Ltd. Insurance broker Active Quote has recommitted to the building with a new 10-year lease on 12,500 sq ft of office space over ground and second floors.  In addition, data & analytics company LexisNexis Risk Solutions, part of the RELX Group, which already occupied two floors (16,000 sq ft), has taken a lease on…

Jamie Chambers has joined Towergate Insurance Brokers as an Account Executive, having worked in the insurance industry for 23 years. Jamie joins Towergate Insurance Brokers from Marsh Commercial, formerly known as Jelf Insurance Brokers, where he spent 8 years. Jamie boasts a wealth of industry experience and specialises in providing insurance for a number of sectors including property investment, rail, professional services, media, and technology.  In his spare time Jamie enjoys running, travelling, fine dining, and attending music concerts. Jamie and his fiancée are also planning their wedding. Discussing the new role Jamie said: “I’m thrilled to have joined Towergate…

The number of confirmed new Coronavirus cases have risen by 210 in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 1,451. There has also been fourteen further deaths of people who had tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Latest government figures show there are now 22,141 confirmed cases and 1,408 deaths in the UK. Dr Giri Shankar, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said: “210 new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 1,451, although the true number of cases is…

Today (30th March 2020) the Port of Milford Haven has announced rent support to its tenants with charitable status. Charities such as Patch, Paul Sartori and others will be given a three-month rent-free period to see them through this extremely challenging time. Andy Jones, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “We are all facing an uncertain couple of months ahead, but we recognise that charities are a vital part of Pembrokeshire’s community.  And to many, they are a lifeline.  We felt it was important to help them help the most vulnerable in our community and we hope that…

The Welsh Government and the Development Bank of Wales have launched a £100 million fund to support businesses in Wales affected by the Covid-19 outbreak. Limited companies, partnerships and sole traders trading for longer than two years will be able to access loans up to £250,000 fixed at 2% with an interest and capital repayment holiday for the first 12 months. There will be no arrangement or monitoring fees. Applicants will need to demonstrate that they were able to service the level of debt prior to the outbreak. Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said: “The Covid-19…

First Minister Mark Drakeford has today announced a new £500m fund to provide extra support to the Welsh economy, businesses and charities experiencing a sharp drop in trading as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Economic Resilience Fund aims to plug the gaps in the support schemes already announced by the UK Government, including the Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, which will guarantee 80% of people’s wages and income. The new £500m Welsh fund will support firms of all sizes, including social enterprises, with a focus on those which have not already benefited from the…