Author: Rhys Gregory

Welsh aluminium fabricator Dudley’s Aluminium have secured three new contracts for builds in the south west to benefit their local communities. The first of the three builds is Bath Quays South, an office building with a total of 45,000sqft over five open plan floors. The building will include basement parking, cycle storage, showers, and lockers and has been designed to be flexible with the ability to subdivide floors in accordance with occupier requirements. Dudley’s will be working with BAM Construction Ltd on the build and will be installing a range of Kawneer products including curtain walling and windows, both with…

The Child of Wales Awards, an event that celebrates the inspirational achievements of children across Wales, due to take place in the Celtic Manor on April 3, has been postponed because of concerns overCoronavirus (COVID-19). Some 750 guests including a number of celebrities were due to attend the event hosted by Carol VordermanMBE and Ian Gough. The organisers said that the difficult decision was taken in the best interests of the guests and the young award winners. A new date will be announced for the event once there is greater clarity over managing the Coronavirus. Blanche Sainsbury, the founder of…

After more than 10 years of award-winning wine production, the Ferguson family has sold Kerry Vale Vineyard, located on the England-Wales border near Montgomery. The vineyard, set up by Geoff and June Ferguson as a family business in 2010, has won multiple national and international awards for its wine, its excellent customer service and its café’s locally sourced food and homemade cakes. It has even featured on BBC1, BBC2 and ITV, bringing the border area’s wine scene into the spotlight. Last month, a decade after it was established, Mr Ferguson decided to pass over the baton to wine enthusiasts Russell…

A leading Welsh respiratory consultant is urging smokers to quit now or risk suffering more serious complications if they develop Covid-19. Keir Lewis, Professor of Respiratory Medicine at Swansea University, warns that smokers could be at greater risk of going on to develop the Covid-19 lung illness from the coronavirus. This is because they already have weakened lung defences as a result of their smoking which has damaged the cells protecting their nose and upper and lower airways. Meanwhile many smokers will also have existing lung conditions which we know from other countries makes them much more vulnerable to the…

Big city gangs armed with guns and running heroin and crack cocaine into North Wales are being targeted in a ground-breaking campaign led by the region’s policing boss North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones has made the fight against Serious and Organised Crime one of his key policing priorities and his Force are leading the way in tackling the gangs. Heroin and crack cocaine are the stock in trade of the 27 gangs active in the area and they are ready to back up their threats with violence with one in five serious assaults in North Wales down…

A patient diagnosed with Coronavirus in Wales has died after contracting the virus, Public Health Wales has confirmed. The patient, a 68 year old man was being treated at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital and is understood to have underlying health conditions. The total number of people who have tested positive for Coronavirus currently stand at 124, after a further 30 people have been diagnosed in 24 hours. The Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton said: “It is with regret that today I am confirming a patient in Wales has sadly died after contracting COVID-19. I offer my sincere…

As the FTSE 100 and financial markets across the World continue to plunge, Associate Consultant for Quantum Advisory, Suraj Gandecha, looks into the reasons and what the future might hold. Suraj said: “There are a number of things contributing to the fall in markets, including the big decrease in the oil price that has been driven by a fall in demand and increase in supply, but the main talking point is COVID-19. Alongside this, in the UK, the Bank of England announced on 11 March that it would be cutting interest rates back to the lowest recorded level of 0.25%…

The latest wave of support for businesses affected by coronavirus was today announced by Economy Minister Ken Skates, as he launched a conversation with companies about what they need to respond to the outbreak. The Minister also announced the Development Bank of Wales would be offering all its business customers a three-month capital repayment holiday to help them manage the financial fallout from the virus. The Economy Minister will be having a series of conversations with business organisations and social partners about their needs as the Welsh Government works to develop a wider package of support to help companies to…

FOOD and drink firms secured contracts with leading North Wales attractions and hospitality companies at a popular exhibition celebrating local produce. Independent and artisan businesses from across the sector attended the annual Blas Lleol/Meet the Producers event, this year held at Theatr Clwyd in Mold. Organised by Clwydian Range Food and Drink Group and Llangollen and Dee Valley Food and Drink Group, there were myriad products on show, from preserves, honey, biscuits and cakes, to gin, chocolate, ice cream and even healthy pet treats. Among those highlighting the area’s commitment to food and drink were Rhug Estate, Henllan Bakery, Aballu…

Even if you’re fortunate not to have been directly impacted by Coronavirus (Covid-19), it is starting to have a social impact on our daily lives. As more stringent measures are implemented by Government to curb social movement, this is something we’re likely to see more of in the short term. Luckily, in health terms, early evidence suggests young people are less affected by the virus. Schools in Wales may not be shut (yet) either, but the impact that the virus is having on our routine isn’t being missed by our children. Despite not telling my daughter, who is six, directly…