Author: Rhys Gregory

Around 34,000 people had a swashbuckling time at Swansea Grand Theatre’s latest panto. Peter Pan ran for a month from early December until it weighed anchor this month. Tristan Gemmill, Kevin Johns and Ricky K were among its cast. Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “A big thank you to the whole cast, production crew and other theatre staff for their professionalism and dedication throughout this amazing run. “Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Wendy and Captain Hook were brilliant, as were all other characters. “The Grand’s pantos are a top seasonal favourite and Peter Pan…

A Newport-based telecommunications firm is eyeing expansion after relocating to larger business premises. Advanced Satellite Solutions secured a £51,720 funding package from Lombard Asset Finance to fund the development of the 1.5-acre site at West way Road Alexandra Docks, after outgrowing its temporary shared offices on the East side of the port The finance has facilitated the installation of six modular buildings to create a fully-functioning office space on Westway Road, including an open-plan kitchen and meeting rooms. The site, which is double the size of its former premises, also has a 2000 sq ft warehouse that will accommodate increased…

Expectations for the commercial property sector in Wales during the year ahead have improved following last month’s election result, according to the Q4 2019 RICS Commercial Market Survey. Surveyors expect rents and capital values in Wales to edge upwards overall in the 12-months ahead, however, there is a big divergence between the office and industrial sectors on the one hand and retail on the other. With regard to rents, a net balance of +37% of Welsh respondents expects office rents to increase in the next 12 months and a net balance of +50% expects industrial rents to rise in the…

Students from Cardiff High School will join other aspiring mathematicians from across the UK at the National Final of the UKMT/ AMSP Senior Team Maths Challenge 2020 to battle it out to lift the prestigious winner’s trophy. The National Final, which is run by the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) and the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme (AMSP), supported by LetterOne, will take place at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London on Tuesday 4th of February and involves teams of four students from Years 11, 12 and 13 (England), Years 12, 13 and 14 (Northern Ireland) and S5 and S6 (Scotland), competing…

Senior and junior chefs who will be cooking for Wales at the prestigious IKA Culinary Olympics in Germany next month were given an enthusiastic send off by Assembly Members yesterday (Wednesday). Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths, AM, hosted a reception at the Senedd in Cardiffthis morning to pass on the nation’s best wishes to the chefs who will be competing against the world’s best in Stuttgart from February 14-19. The Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) is sending senior and junior teams to Germany where they will joinaround 2,000 chefs and pastry chefs from more than 60…

A college in the south Wales valleys is set to receive an award for its work with young carers. Coleg y Cymoedd, which has campuses in Ystrad Mynach, Aberdare, Rhondda and Nantgarw, has been awarded the bronze and silver Young Carers College award in recognition of the work it does to support its learners who have caring responsibilities. Designed by Rhondda Cynon Taf Young Carers’ Service, the award was presented by Cabinet Member for Adult & Children’s Services, Councillor Christina Leyshon, at a celebratory ceremony taking place at the college’s Aberdare campus ahead of Young Carer’s Awareness Day. According to…

Loans and credit scores are pretty much a covered subject, however, if you just got hit with another medical or plumber bill, then taking on another debt, for the most part, is still your only choice. Now, it’s up to you if you want to avoid debt with even more debt, but if you’re asking me if taking another loan is a good idea to solve your problems on the long term, then I can tell you that is possible if we are talking about a personal loan. A personal loan helps you pay large expenses when you don’t have…

The South Wales Chamber of Commerce has announced the highly anticipated list of finalists for the prestigious Welsh Business Awards. The 18th year for the highly sought-after awards has seen an impressive number of applicants for the 10 categories, all vying for top place in one of Wales’ most prestigious accolades. Across the 10 categories, 38 companies have been announced as finalists, all of whom represent innovation, growth and success across Wales. Leading the pack with three nominations is Convey Law, one of the largest specialist legal conveyancing companies in the UK, who are finalists in the Workplace Wellbeing, Customer Commitment,…

Towergate Insurance Brokers has welcomed two key appointments to its Swansea branch as it start the new year in a strong position. Neil Williams and Dean Barker will join the team, bringing with them a combined 35 years of experience working in the insurance industry.  Neil Williams will join the team as a Commercial Account Handler specialising in contractor and fleet insurance. Having most recently worked as a Commercial Account Handler at Marsh Commercial, formerly known as Jelf. Neil spends his time out of the office enjoying cycling, the cinema, listening to music and supporting Swansea City Football Club. Neil…

A NORTH WALES recruiter urged businesses to be prepared for increases to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage. Colwyn Bay and Bangor-based Supertemps – celebrating its 40thanniversary – warned clients and companies across the country they could face “serious repercussions” if they are not compliant ahead of the changes on April 1. The new rates are: The National Living Wage for ages 25 and above – up 6.2% to £8.72 The National Minimum Wage for 21 to 24-year-olds – up 6.5% to £8.20 For 18 to 20 year-olds – up 4.9% to £6.45 For under-18s – up 4.6%…