Author: Rhys Gregory

The Brenig Construction Group, based in Mochdre, near Colwyn Bay, was established by joint managing directors Mark Parry and Howard Vaughan. The duo became lifelong friends after first met as six-year-old boys at their local youth club in Glan Conwy in 1987. They say their friendship has been a crucial ingredient in the company’s success From a standing start in 2012, Brenig now employs 70 people directly and is turning over £11 million a year, with £21 million of work already secured in future contracts. In 2016 at the Fast Growth 50 awards, they were named as the fastest growing…

Swansea-based integrated communications agency, MGB Communications, has announced a trio of new appointments following an exceptionally busy period for the firm. Award-winning marketeer Louisa Harry-Thomas joins as Marketing Account Manager responsible for delivering integrated marketing strategies across the MGB client base. She brings with her over 20 years of experience in marketing across the UK. Stavros Apostolopoulos, who holds two Masters – in Filmmaking and Communications, Media Practice and Public Relations – takes up the role of videographer and digital content creation specialist. Rhi Smith joins as Account Executive supporting the team’s digital activity across the entire client portfolio. As…

Celebrating its 30th year, the Royal Welsh Winter Fair proves to have stood the test of time with another hugely successful two days. At such a milestone anniversary, we are not only delighted to look forward to a prosperous future, but also look back and pay tribute to the past thirty years. First staged in 1990 and originally just a modest one-day event, the Royal Welsh Winter Fair is now widely referred to as the finest prime stock show in Europe and has become well established as one of the most popular attractions on the British agricultural show calendar. The…

A mum has recalled how her husband was preparing to tell their children she would never be coming home after she was hospitalised with flu shortly before Christmas. Anna Spencer, was hallucinating and so desperately unwell that before Swine Flu was formally diagnosed clinicians suspected she had taken a drug overdose or contracted meningitis. The NHS worker was admitted to Neath Port Talbot Hospital in Port Talbot and later quarantined. Only her husband Tim was allowed to visit while dressed in protective clothing and a face mask. She said: “He told me later, ‘I was preparing for Christmas without you.…

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has launched the Wales Academy for Professional Practice and Applied Research during an event at its IQ building, part of the University’s new SA1 Swansea Waterfront development. Formerly known as the Wales Institute for Work-based Learning, the newly-launched Wales Academy for Professional Practice and Applied Research (WAPPAR) provides innovative, flexible and bespoke development for organisations and people, and works with clients to provide solutions specific to their needs and context. The Academy’s unique methods of delivery mean that its service is timely and cost-effective and aims to developing employees to optimise their…

RSPCA Llys Nini has created a new wildlife hide at its site in Penllergaer thanks to a £4,000 grant from Tesco’s Bags of Help scheme. The new hide at the site’s otter pond provides a quiet setting for local people to spot a variety of wildlife, including rare birds and otters. Sally Hyman, Chair of Trustees at RSPCA Llys Nini Swansea, said: “The Bags of Help funding from Tesco has been a vital boost to our much-loved Llys Nini site, which welcomes in over 20,000 visitors a year. The area encourages the community to care for the local environment. Tesco’s…

Artisan food and drink producers are taking to the high street as part of a new retail initiative to promote local produce this Christmas. Deli Myrddin gan Cywain (Merlin’s Deli by Cywain) will open its doors at a prime location in Carmarthen’s St Catherine’s Walk over two peak festive shopping weekends (December 6th-8th & 13th-15th). More than 20 new and growing Welsh food and drink businesses will be featured in the pop-up shop, which is the creation of Cywain – a business-led programme dedicated to developing new and existing micro-businesses and SMEs in the Welsh food and drink sector. Says…

One of the UK’s leading independent insurance brokers has expanded its Cardiff team with a new appointment.  Towergate Insurance Brokers has welcomed Mike Legg as a Commercial Account Executive, whose focus will be providing specialist insurance solutions to clients across South Wales. With over 30 years’ experience in the insurance industry, Mike has a wealth of experience working with a wide range of businesses, including professional indemnity for solicitors, property owners, managing agents and motor traders, working closely with them to provide bespoke insurance packages and risk transfer solutions. Speaking about his recent appointment, Mike said: “The new role in…

The Grand Sultan in Neath, Port Talbot won the Best Spice Restaurant in Wales award at the trailblazing British Curry Awards in association with Just Eat.  The UK’s most coveted curry restaurateurs once again united in London in the hope of being honoured with a jewel in the crown of the UK curry industry award sector at the annual British Curry Awards in association with Just Eat, which this year marked its 15th anniversary on Monday 25th November 2019 at Battersea Evolution. The trailblazing, pioneering and most respected celebration of the nation’s favourite cuisine, the curry, once again paid homage to the industry’s finest establishments. Recognised globally as the originator…

Work starts today (27 November) on the £135 million ‘Swansea Central’ phase one scheme situated on the car park next to the LC. ‘Swansea Central’ phase one will be a new cultural district encompassing a 3,500-capacity arena and conference centre, a 150-bed hotel, new homes, new food and beverage space, a park and a striking pedestrian bridge, that will allow the city to realise its potential to become one of the most exciting places in the UK to live, work, visit and study. ‘Swansea Central’ phase one is being delivered by Swansea City Council and developed by RivingtonHark, the leading…