Author: Rhys Gregory

Business and political leaders in South West Wales have called for an overhaul of the procurement process to ensure that more public spending stays within the region. Speaking at an event organised by 4theRegion, a membership alliance working to bring about positive change in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, and EFT Consult, a building services consultancy specialising in sustainability, Dave Kieft, managing director, EFT Consult, said: “Procurement is the biggest issue for companies.” He welcomed speakers Tom Lloyd-Goodwin from the CLES – Centre for Local Economic Strategies, Dr Eurgain Powell, change maker at the office of the Future…

Strong southeasterly winds are expected to develop during Wednesday afternoon across parts of southwest England and west Wales before spreading to Northern Ireland and parts of southwest Scotland later. Winds will tend to ease from the south during Wednesday evening. Most areas will also see a spell of heavy rain. The strongest winds will be for exposed coastal areas and over high ground with a few places seeing gusts reaching 60-70 mph. Most inland sites are likely to see wind gusts peak between 45 and 55 mph. What to expect Some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities are likely…

2 Wish Upon A Star is launching a new Sky Full of Stars app so that those who have lost a child, sibling, relative or friend can dedicate a star in a virtual sky for them. The charity was set up in 2012 after Rhian Mannings lost her one-year-old baby son George suddenly in an emergency unit in South Wales. Despite the amazing staff who showed support and empathy at the time of his death, she and husband Paul walked out into a dark night with nothing. They heard from nobody and were left alone heartbroken, confused and bewildered to…

Henry Howard Finance Group has announced a change of name to Propel in support of the company’s strategic positioning as SME funder of choice and the name behind hundreds of UK equipment suppliers.   ‘’Our Propel Promise, being small enough to care and deliver a brilliant personal service to our customers, and big enough to have the expertise and technology to be a leader in SME finance, is a commitment to all our existing and future customers. “The change to Propel came from the team who wanted a bold, contemporary and distinctive brand reflective of the company today and our aspirations for…

A murder investigation is underway following the death of a man in Barry town centre this afternoon. Emergency services were called to Holton Road at 4pm following reports of a serious assault. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, a 23-year-old man died at the scene. His next of kin has been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. A section of Holton Road remains cordoned off and a number of enquiries are ongoing to located and arrest those responsible. Detectives investigating the death of a man in Barry town centre, have since arrested a man on suspicion of murder.…

When Cardiff City were relegated back to the Championship at the end of last season, there was an immediate feeling that the club had all the tools at their disposal to bounce straight back. After all, they had Neil Warnock, who has masterminded eight promotions in professional football. However, the early signs in the season weren’t promising, and Warnock was unable to make it to Christmas after the club went on a dismal run of five wins in 16. It wasn’t the form that you would put aside for a promotion contender, and that saw their odds for promotion drop…

Thank you to the Swansea Grand Theatre for inviting us along in exchange for this review. Swansea Grand Theatre takes the classic story of Peter Pan and reimagines it in this year’s pantomime.  The fairytale begins in the bedroom of Wendy, John and Michael. Nana the dog makes a brief appearance, much to the delight of the audience, before Peter Pan swoops in search of Tinker Bell. I must say, the laser lighting and pyrotechnics used to give the illusion of the fairy’s arrival is subtle, but a powerful one. Not long after arriving, Peter Pan offers to take Wendy…

Canine companions have been getting into the Christmas spirit in Cardiff Bay today for a fancy dress competition. Dolled up in their best festive fancy dress, canines from across South Wales were out in style in Mermaid Quay. Dogs and their owners met by Santa’s Grotto, outside Demiro’s restaurant, ahead of judging at 2.15 pm. Five cash prizes worth £700 were up for grabs by the owners of the best dressed dogs. The competition was free to enter, but donations were encouraged to Opt to Adopt and Newport City Dogs Home, who were there, showcasing a selection of dogs up for rehoming.…

CHILDREN in Dinas Powys can embark on outdoor adventures and let their imaginations run wild at a new play area. The bespoke designed facility*, which is also a piece of public art, forms part of the new housing development, The Woodlands, on Cross Common Road. It was commissioned by Edenstone Homes and developed by Studio Response in collaboration with artist Tim Norris and Green Play Project. Children from Dinas Powys Primary School officially opened the play area. Sales director Adele McCoy said: “When we plan our developments we don’t just think of the people who are buying our homes but…

Local employer and Wales’ only FTSE 100 company, Admiral, have signed a new sponsorship deal with Techniquest to support its upcoming ‘After Hours’ events. Techniquest is renowned for its cool exhibitions, one-of-a-kind planetarium shows and as the go-to place for a family day out. But what if someone told you that you could party there until late, grab a drink from the licenced bar and experience a completely different vibe to your normal Techniquest visit? Well now you can exclusively at After Hours. After Hours started at Techniquest 8 years ago, and with its string of unusual themes grabbing visitors’…