Author: Rhys Gregory

The construction of much-needed industrial units is under way in Barry, with 42 units being built on the Atlantic Business Park development for sale to local businesses. The construction programme will create 60,000 sq ft of industrial accommodation in six buildings, and is the brainchild of Andy Ismail of Dawan Developments, who was also responsible for the nearby Atlantic Point Business Park on a two-acre plot of land on Wimbourne Road at Barry Docks. He said “Atlantic Point was a great success and the demand is definitely there from more local businesses for premises that they can buy to house…

Leading South Wales law firm Watkins & Gunn has appointed a new partner, along with two new associates, as it continues to recognise the “sector-leading talent” and “dedication” of its staff. The award-winning firm promoted associate solicitor and childcare legal specialist Kate Roberts to partner, while solicitors Natalie Corten and Lucy O’Brien have both been appointed to associate level. Ms Roberts, who has worked at the firm’s Pontypool office for the past 11 years, was also promoted to the head of the childcare team after developing an unparalleled reputation for her work in this area, and also for working across…

The Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity would like to thank nine year-old Laila Waters, who recently raised £600 for the charity through a sponsored litter pick. Laila, who goes to St Fagan’s Primary School, decided to fundraise for the charity after her five month-old sister, Lottie, was in the children’s hospital for Wales in December with bronchiolitis. Her mum, Sarah, says it was a difficult time for the family. “We were admitted to the hospital for a couple of nights for the doctors to keep an eye on Lottie. It was such an upsetting time but the staff were absolutely…

The award-winning producer Ellen Kent returns with the Italian tragedy, Madama Butterfly. Ellen returns to Swansea Grand Theatre on 7 March and as always, she is making the production a community affair. Ellen has invited local stage school Dance Academy Wales to nominate one of their shining stars to play the child of the titular Madama Butterfly, Sorrow. The youngest cast member will get to experience the joy of treading the boards in this exquisite production of Puccini’s masterpiece in a production featuring international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra. Lois Parrington aged 6 from Pennard Primary School will appear…

Principality Building Society has appointed Vicky Wales to lead its customer services team. Vicky brings with her extensive experience in customer-focused operations and business transformation in financial services. Having begun her career on the HSBC Executive Trainee programme, Vicky progressed into a number of senior leadership roles across the retail, strategy and operations divisions at HSBC. Her most recent role was as Head of Wealth and Insurance Operations, leading teams across UK & Europe. In her role, Vicky will lead the Society’s customer services teams, ensuring that Principality’s award winning customer experience continues to be delivered. Vicky Wales, Head of…

A volunteer from the north-east of Cardiff has put her best foot forward for health research as the world’s largest imaging study opens a new assessment. Mrs Rita Clements is the first person to attend the centre from Cardiff. The resource hopes that many more UK Biobank participants from the city will follow in her footsteps. Mrs Clements, 76, a Lisvane resident said: “My husband died in 2018 and it made me aware of how precious life is. If research done with UK Biobank influences people to take better care of themselves, and to find new treatments for illness, what…

Cardiff-based medical technology company Bond Digital Health has joined the global effort to tackle the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, which has so far claimed more than 1,700 lives. Bond has joined an international consortium led by Canadian nanotechnology company Sona Nanotech Inc. to add its digital connectivity and data capture technology to Sona’s rapid screening test, which is currently in development. Sona’s test is based on lateral flow technology, similar to home pregnancy tests that can be administered without skilled technicians or additional laboratory equipment. When completed, the test can be used as a screening tool to help triage individuals suspected…

Naim Ahmed, a Vehicle Refinishing learner at Cardiff and Vale College, has made it to the shortlist for a prestigious Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Award. Out of entries from across the UK, Naim has made it to the final three in the shortlist for the IMI’s Full-time Student of the Year Award. The winner will be announced at the Institute’s Centenary Dinner next month. Naim said: “I was surprised to make it through over so many people and I’m little bit nervous about the actual ceremony but I’m really excited and happy as well. I’ve never achieved anything…

Wales’s leading oil distributor is starting its tenth year of trading on a high after a record year of growth. Family-run Oil 4 Wales, which will later this year celebrate a decade in business, has announced its best year of trading. In 2019, the Carmarthenshire-headquartered company has seen its turnover soar to over £121 million up from £114 million, customer numbers grow from 70,000 to 90,000, headcount increase from 98 to 111, and its volume of fuel surge to 160 million litres per annum. The impressive results come after Oil 4 Wales acquired the Pwllheli depot of Rix Petroleum and…

Talented junior chefs from the Culinary Association of Wales have completed their first ever IKA Culinary Olympics in Germany by adding a bronze medal to the silver they won at the weekend. Encouraged by their success in the Restaurant of Nations on Saturday, the Junior Culinary Team Wales, which has an average age of 19, were looking for another medal in the chefs table edible buffet on Monday. The team secured a creditable bronze medal, winning warm praise from Arwyn Watkins, Culinary Association of Wales president. “It was an outstanding performance by a very young junior team who are competing…