Author: Rhys Gregory

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…

While we all deal with self-isolation and quarantines, the results from the National Lying Survey, may make for some awkward conversations… A nationally representative survey investigated the level of cheating in the UK and found that men from Cardiff made the top 10 for the most prolific cheats in the country! Placing 9th in the table for being the biggest love rats, one in five Cardiff men admitted to lying to their partner about playing away at some point in their life. Far from faithful, the positives that can be taken from this study is that they weren’t as bad…

Elfyn Evans has maintained his impressive start to the 2020 World Rally Championship with a strong fourth place on this weekend’s Rally Mexico. After a podium on his debut for the Toyota Gazoo World Rally Team in Monte Carlo and then an historic win in Sweden, the on-form Welshman and his co-driver Scott Martin led the title race after the opening two rounds. However, as championship leader, Evans was first onto the loose Mexican gravel tracks on Friday acting as a road-sweeper thus giving cars running behind him the considerable advantage of a cleaner, less slippery and faster surface. Despite…

The RSPCA is looking for the owner of a tri-coloured lurcher dog, reportedly found on Pen Y Fan mountain. A member of the public reported finding the female dog some two weeks ago, but earlier enquiries to trace an owner have proven unsuccessful. RSPCA Cymru initially had concerns about the dog’s welfare – but she has been found to be in good health. The lurcher is not microchipped – a legal requirement and, as highlighted by the RSPCA, something that is critical in reuniting lost dogs with their owners. Simon Evans, RSPCA inspector, said: “We received reports from a member…

Coronavirus (Covid-19) has spread to over 149 countries in a matter of weeks, claiming over 5,600 lives and infecting nearly 150,000. As of today, there are over 1,000 diagnosed cases in the UK and 21 deaths. Wales has seen an increase of 22 new cases, taking the total number of known effected in Wales to 60. However, the Government has said that they believe the true number of people with Covid-19 to be in the tens of thousands. [accordions] [accordion title=”What is Coronavirus?” load=”hide”]Coronavirus is a viral disease that can cause coughing, fever and difficulty breathing. It can be more…

The founders of a Welsh microbrewery have huge ambitions for the business and are excited for the increased opportunities after launching a crowdfunding campaign.   Boss Brewing, founded by Roy Allkin and Sarah John in Swansea, produces a range of multi award-winning beers and is giving fans the chance to invest in its rapidly growing business. In recent events, Boss Brewery was thrown into the limelight after British comedian Joe Lycett changed his name to Hugo Boss as part of a revenge mission in support of a number of small businesses, including Boss Brewery. The brewery already has an impressive array of…

WorldSkills UK, the education and skills charity, is looking for talented people from across Wales to prove they are the UK’s best.  The WorldSkills UK Competitions are run in over 70 different skills across Engineering, Construction, Digital, Health and Hospitality.  Putting apprentices’ and students’ practical skills, knowledge and employability attributes to the test in a competitive environment, 90% of those who entered the competitions in 2019 said they had seen improvements in their career prospects after taking part.   WorldSkills UK Competitions are designed by industry experts and are free to enter. Each successful entrant that makes it through the National…

The Royal Institute for Blind People is one of 74 Organisations celebrating a share of nearly a million pounds in grants from The National Lottery Community Fund this month in Wales. They successfully bid for £90,898.00 to develop a pilot programme for blind and partially sighted children/young people and their families living in Wales. Claire Milton, Children, Project Lead welcomed the grant on behalf of the Institute saying: “We are really looking forward to creating opportunities across Wales to bring children with a vision impairment and their families together. The Shape and Share events will be a welcoming space for…