Author: Rhys Gregory

Mentera, a leading business support and development organisation, is delighted to announce that it has raised £17,500 for Cancer Research Wales over two years of dedicated fundraising. This significant achievement reinforces Mentera’s unwavering commitment to supporting vital cancer research in Wales. Cancer Research Wales is an independent Welsh charity and the only charity dedicated to funding cancer research in Wales, for Wales. The impressive sum was raised through a diverse range of fundraising activities undertaken by Mentera staff. The decision to extend the charity partnership for a second year was made following the brave battle of a valued team member,…

With the CBI and the Principality Building Society celebrating landmark anniversaries this year, the drive for Wales to achieve sustainable economic growth has been given a boost after the appointment of Principality director Iain Mansfield as CBI Wales Vice Chair. Iain, Chief Financial Officer at the 165-year-old building society, brings substantial business experience, insights and considerable acumen to the CBI which is also celebrating a special anniversary – 60 years as the voice of business. He will be Chair-designate of CBI Wales, stepping up to this role in 2026. He is working with CBI Wales Director Russell Greenslade and Chair…

The Investment Fund for Wales (IFW) has invested more than £18m into Wales’ small businesses since its launch in late 2023. This milestone was reached almost eighteen months after the launch of the fund, following 71 investments into over 67 businesses located across Wales and includes an additional £3m of private sector co-investment which has been leveraged as a result of the IFW’s support. The £130m fund was launched by the British Business Bank in November 2023 with the aim of driving sustainable economic growth by supporting new and growing businesses across the whole of Wales. The fund includes a…

During the summer months when temperatures soar, staying cool can be challenging, particularly when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. With the UK experiencing more frequent weather extremes — and areas of South Wales already recording temperatures of up to 31 °C this week — Barratt Homes South Wales is sharing expert advice on how homeowners can keep their homes cooler during heatwaves. The advice is tried and tested by the wider Barratt Group, which is currently working with the University of Salford’s Energy House 2.0 — the world’s largest climate test chamber — to test how homes…

It’s time to get set for an exhilarating weekend as the free Wales National Airshow returns to Swansea Bay on 5 and 6 July 2025 – promising breathtaking aerial performances and engaging ground activities. Organised by Swansea Council, this year’s event will showcase an impressive mix of historic aircraft and modern military precision, featuring world-renowned display teams. The confirmed lineup includes: RAF Red Arrows on both days Battle of Britain Memorial Flight RAF Tutor Display Team Typhoon Team Raven The Starlings Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers (supported by FRF Volvo) Gazelle Squadron Melanie Astles Extra 330 Rolls-Royce Spitfire NavyWings Swordfish Firebirds The Wales National…

Neath Port Talbot Council is proposing changes to parking arrangements at Aberavon Seafront in response to feedback from residents and visitors following the introduction of charges along the laybys. The introduction of parking charges at The Princess Margaret Way laybys earlier this year brings Aberavon Seafront in line with many popular visitor destinations. The additional income helps support the ongoing operation and maintenance of the seafront and its facilities—ensuring the area remains clean and welcoming for residents and visitors. There will continue to be no charges to park at the laybys between 1st October and 31st March. Blue Badge holders…

Just under 2,000 people visited Risca Town Centre over the weekend, with nearly 1,500 joining in the fun at this year’s Risca Beach Party, held in Tredegar Park on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th June. Despite heavy rain on Saturday and a chilly breeze throughout the weekend, the event remained a popular draw for the local community. The giant urban beach was once again the star of the show, with many wrapping up warm and pitching up for the day. Free attractions included donkey rides, exotic animals, craft workshops and more. The park was buzzing with stalls offering hot food,…

Six potential operators have submitted proposals to breathe new life into the Grade I listed Llancaiach Fawr Manor House, located near Nelson. Caerphilly County Borough Council appointed agents Avison Young to help create an exciting new future for the site after the venue closed its doors to the public at the end of last year. Following a series of open days held at the Manor, six parties submitted business cases followed by interviews to determine who will take over the running of this historic site. The full and final bids have now been received and the council will evaluate the…

Attainment in Numeracy, Welsh Reading and English Reading has improved in 2023/24, new statistics show. English Reading saw attainment levels improve across all year groups compared to 2022/23. Learners in Year 3 showed sustained improvement with levels in English Reading being higher than in both 2020/2021 and 2021/22. Welsh Reading presented some improvement across Years 3 to 9, compared to 2022/23. Younger years have shown the greatest degree of improvement in Numeracy (Procedural), whilst Numeracy (Reasoning) has remained relatively stable. These statistics were published today using anonymised data from the national personalised assessments. Personalised assessments are adaptive online assessments in…

Health Secretary Jeremy Miles today announced a £120m package to fund Wales’ ambitious plans to continue cutting waiting times and the waiting list this year. The new funding will support the NHS to build on the progress made to date to reduce the longest waits for planned treatment. The new Planned Care Recovery plan sets out our ambition to: Reduce the overall size of the waiting list by 200,000 Eliminate all two-year waits Restore the diagnostic wait times to be reduced to under 8 weeks by March 2026. Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said: “Tackling waiting times is our number one…