Author: Rhys Gregory

Learners at Elidyr Communities Trust in Carmarthenshire are celebrating a record-breaking year in national skills competitions, including highly commended, bronze and gold medal wins at the WorldSkills UK Finals and Skills Competition Wales. These achievements are marked during Learning Disability Week 2025. Nine learners from the college – which supports young adults with complex learning needs and disabilities – competed across four skill areas this year, the highest number to date and a major increase from just one entrant in 2021. The college’s first-ever entry into the world of skills was an entry into the Foundation Catering category where the…

Following a successful two years in Roath, Silures is opening its second venue this summer, bringing its signature blend of Modern European cooking, premium cocktails and local hospitality to Penarth’s historic Holm House. Located on Marine Parade, one of the most sought-after streets in Wales, Holm House offers sea views, self-check-in rooms, and a private spa – creating a destination-style setting for Silures’ newest evolution. Daf Andrews, Co-founder of A&M Hospitality Group said: “Penarth felt like the natural next step – a vibrant town with a strong sense of community and an appetite for quality hospitality. Holm House is a…

Coleg Cambria held its annual awards for Further and Higher Education (FE and HE) and Work-based Learning (WBL) and Adult and Community Learning (ACL) at its Yale site in Wrexham. Caroline Street, Cambria’s Deputy Chief Executive for People Experiences and Culture, and Head of Welsh Language Llinos Roberts hosted proceedings over two nights, joined by parents and carers and staff. Special guests were award-winning motivational speaker, author, and mentor Jackson Ogunyemi (Action Jackson), and Kamal Ellis-Hyman, an entrepreneur passionate about empowering young people to unlock their full potential. There were also performances by Cor Coleg Cambria, who will be appearing…

Tata Steel subsidiary UKSE has continued its long-running support for Young Enterprise in Wales. UKSE has supported YE in Wales for over 20 years, and this year provided the prestigious Technology Award which went to the team from Swansea’s Olchfa School for their imaginative and highly marketable product. The year-10 students devised Pack-a-Pren, a Build-Your-Own-Stadium kit aimed at football fans and modelling enthusiasts, endorsed by Swansea FC. UKSE Regional Executive Howard Thompson presented the award at the Welsh Final hosted by Cardiff University. “I am delighted to present this award to this creative group of students who have developed such an excellent…

A 34-year-old man who brutally murdered an elderly woman after breaking into her home as she lay in bed has been jailed. Dean Mears smashed through the window of 69-year-old Cathy Flynn’s home on 24thOctober last year and violently attacked her. Mears admitted manslaughter but denied murder. However, a jury saw through his lies and convicted him of murder following a nine-day trial at Caernarfon Crown Court. He appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court on Friday 20th June where he was sentenced to life imprisonment. He must serve a minimum term of 28 years. Cathy Flynn lived alone on Cefndy Road in…

Transport for Wales will be carrying out major upgrades to Ty Glas station and its level crossing, allowing for the introduction of brand-new trains onto the Coryton line. To deliver these upgrades, the station and level crossing will be closed from Saturday 19 July. The level crossing will reopen following the completion of necessary safety upgrades, which TfW aim to complete as soon as possible as the crossing is well used by the local community. Ty Glas station will be closed for a duration of 10 months and is planned to reopen in Spring 2026. Upgrades will include a 16-meter…

Wales is set for increased economic growth, billions in investment and tens of thousands of new jobs supported over the next decade as a result of the UK Government’s modern Industrial Strategy, which is published today (Monday 23 June). The Strategy contains measures to forge a new relationship between business and government, making Wales and the UK the best place to start and scale up a business. It will unlock growth across Wales, targeting areas of strength from the country’s strengths in aerospace in North Wales to the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster in South Wales. More than 7,000 UK…

A&D Carbon Solutions, a fast-growing renewable energy company based in Swansea, has been acquired by EARNZ PLC in a landmark deal worth £2.8 million. With legal support from leading law firm Peter Lynn and Partners, the strategic move marks a major milestone in South Wales’ green economy, opening the door to fresh investment, job security, and future growth. The acquisition, finalised on 12th June, sees A&D Carbon Solutions – specialists in low-carbon technology such as air source heat pumps and solar panel installations – become part of the EARNZ PLC Group, a publicly listed company focused on delivering energy efficiency…

The entry deadline for the highly anticipated Wales Technology Awards 2025 has officially been extended to Friday, 18 July 2025, giving more time for Wales’ most innovative companies, rising stars, and standout leaders to enter the nation’s most prestigious celebration of tech excellence. Now in its 10th year, the Wales Technology Awards, created by Technology Connected and taking place on 26 November, mark a decade of championing the businesses and individuals powering Wales’ dynamic and world-class tech industry. And in a first for the event, this year’s Awards will be held as the ultimate grand finale to Wales Tech Week…

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) warmly welcomes Emma Jones CBE as the new Small Business Commissioner (OSBC). ACCA has been a constant and vocal supporter of the OSBC ever since it was established by the Enterprise Act 2016 to tackle late payment and unfavourable payment practices in the private sector. Emma has a tough job in dealing with ongoing and systemic late payment practices. ACCA members running businesses and advising firms know that poor payment practices continue to have a detrimental – and sometimes fatal – impact on the small and growing business sector. Yet this is a…