Author: Rhys Gregory

Successful formers students have returned to Swansea University to help encourage the next generation of young entrepreneurs. Three alumni took part in Start-up to CEO, a new initiative launched to give current students the chance to impress and win one-to-one mentoring. After sharing their backgrounds and the skills they offer, Huw Hampson-Jones, from Oxis Energy, Andrew Overton, from Connexas, and Simon Saxby, of Leaf Expression Systems, heard pitches from seven students before quizzing them on their ideas and ambitions. Five of the start-ups were successful in securing one of the trio as a mentor and they will now benefit from…

Cardiff and Vale College has been shortlisted for three prestigious Tes Further Education (FE) Awards, placing it among the top colleges in the country. The College has been shortlisted in categories which range across CAVC’s work: Best Teaching and Learning Initiative, Contribution to the Local Community and Outstanding Use of Technology for Improving Teaching, Learning and Assessment. CAVC’s focus on real and not just realistic learning experiences for its learners saw it make the shortlist for the Best Teaching and Learning Category. Working with local employers to ensure provision meets local skills needs and provide meaningful work placements for students…

British Heart Foundation (BHF) has today warned that heart and circulatory disease deaths attributed to particulate matter air pollution could exceed 9,000 over the next decade in Wales, unless the new Westminster Government takes bold action.   The BHF says air pollution presents a ‘major public health emergency’ which must be urgently addressed by the new UK Government.  It is calling for World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on particulate matter (PM) to be adopted in to UK law, and met by 2030. In Wales, the Welsh Government has published its plans for a Clean Air Plan, but BHF Cymru is calling for a Clean Air Act…

A WREXHAM charity which supports disabled children and their families has received a new year boost after generous Christmas shoppers helped them raise more than £3,000. Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre hosted an array of Christmas activities, including a free Santa’s grotto, and pledged to give all donations to Dynamic, a centre for children and young people with disabilities. Almost 2,300 children enjoyed a trip to see Santa and many hundreds more made use of a charity gift wrapping service at Eagles Meadow, which brought the final total of funds raised to a whopping £3,141.56. Oana Mocanasu, Marketing Manager for Eagles…

To celebrate their 10th year anniversary and 30 years since The Beautiful South released ‘Song For Whoever’, The South will be heading south – to Carmarthen’s Lyric, 18 March. When great British pop institution, The Beautiful South split in 2007, some members of the band didn’t feel ready to hang up their microphones or instruments just yet…  The South are an impressive, nine piece band who feature former members of The Beautiful South including singer Alison Wheeler and lifelong sax player Gaz Birtles who front the band. They play the timeless songs made famous by The Beautiful South, such as number…

A man who was arrested earlier this week as part of Operation Timmia, an ongoing investigation in to a spate of burglaries throughout south Wales, has been charged. Daniel Casey, 28, was arrested on Thursday following a joint operation with colleagues at Leicestershire Police. He was subsequently charged with conspiracy to commit burglary between July 24, 2018, and January 13, 2019. He will appear at Swansea Magistrates’ Court this morning (Monday, January 12). Detective Constable John Adams said: “There has been a relentless manhunt for the outstanding suspects in this case and South Wales Police remain committed to locating and…

Rogers & Hammerstein’s The King and I is a splendid rendition of Margaret Landon’s novel, Anna and the King of Siam. It is fantastic to see this classic brought to life on the stage. Those familiar with the story, will no doubt recall popular song classics Getting to Know You and I Whistle a Happy Tune from the 1950s film version, something which you’ll be glad to know features in this production. Did you know, The King and I is based on a true story? The novel by Margaret Landon’s derives from memoirs of Anna Leonowens, governess to the children…

One of Europe’s leading WordPress agencies, Illustrate Digital, has some major expansion plans for 2020, including opening their first office outside of Wales. The Cardiff-based company, who took home a Cardiff Life Award for Best Business Service earlier in the year, are now expanding and opening their second office near the main train station in Bristol, Temple Meads, so that the team can have access to their growing client base. Bristol was Illustrate’s first choice for a sister office as it is one of the key drivers of the digital economy, with great universities and a thriving tech community. As…

From extraordinary concerts to pioneering water sports and first-time events, Visit Wales has announced a landmark list of firsts to officially name 2020 as the Year of Outdoors. Visit Wales will be showcasing a range of new and exclusive experiences over the next year to celebrate the diverse and beautiful outdoor spaces the country has to offer and further cement North Wales’ position as the adventure capital of Europe.   It wants to encourage more people in Wales to let the outdoors in and make 2020 the year they explore the national parks, mountains, coastline and UNESCO World Heritage Sites that…

Marks & Spencer has today announced it will be opening the doors to a new Food store in Mumbles, on Wednesday 22 January at 10am. Located on Newton Road, the store will be led by Store Manager, Hannah Jenkins, alongside her team of 40 colleagues. The M&S team will offer the community the very best service at Mumbles and have all been extensively trained in how to make every moment special for customers, drawing on M&S’s 136 years of serving the public. To celebrate the opening, M&S Mumbles will be giving away exclusive Golden Tickets to the first 200 customers…