Author: Rhys Gregory

With fewer than four weeks until the UK heads to the polls, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), which represents small firms and the self-employed, is today launching it’s Back to Business 2019 manifesto.   In Wales, FSB is calling on the next UK Government to: Ensure that funding is protected for Wales and Welsh businesses post-Brexit Bring Wales in line with Scotland and Northern Ireland by devolving Air Passenger Duty (APD) Commit to the electrification of the south Wales mainline to Swansea and investing in Growth Track 360 in North Wales. Ben Francis, FSB Wales Policy Chair, said: “For…

If you’ve been out on the road in Wales a lot recently, then you’ve probably noticed an increase in the number of cars sporting private number plates. A private or personalised plate is a great way to make your car more unique to you, and hide its age while showing off your individuality and unique personality. You can choose from a wide range of different number plate styles and design your plate to include details such as your first name, surname, nickname, initials, business name, career, children’s initials, a word that means something to you, and much more. Recently, private…

Over the last decade, investment into tech firms has soared with over £100 million helping Welsh startups, some of it fuelled by success elsewhere in the UK, including London. However, few businesses in Wales and further afield have taken advantage of current technology trends such as blockchain technology. Often considered synonymous with cryptocurrency, the truth is blockchains can be used as separate solutions and have already made business processes easier in an array of other industries. They have prevented odometer fraud in car sales by recording vehicle history, helped assign royalties in the music industry to prevent disputes and much…

Bus drivers for NAT Group will be swapping their usual uniforms in favour of onesies today as the company fundraises for Children in Need. All NAT drivers across south Wales have been invited to wear onesies to work to raise money for disadvantaged children and young people right here in the UK. BBC Children in Need works throughout the year to ensure that every child in the UK has a safe, happy and secure childhood, and the chance to reach their full potential. It relies on the energy and commitment of thousands of fundraisers and supporters across the UK, who…

RCT Council has organised temporary bus arrangements this weekend due to Welsh Water work in Aberdare, which requires a road closure at Monk Street.  Welsh Water will close a section of Monk Street, between its junctions with Jenkin Street and Griffiths Street, in order to undertake essential repairs to a water main. The road closure will be in effect from 10.30pm on Saturday, November 16, to 6pm on Sunday, November 17 – or until work is complete. An alternative route for motorists (from north of the closure) is via Wind St, Ynyslwyd St and Jenkin St. From the southern side of the…

Alternative SME credit specialist Caple has supported S3 Advertising, a national full-service advertising agency, with an eight-year unsecured loan. This deal with Caple will enable the current S3 Advertising management team to complete a management buy-out and retain independence.  Following the MBO, S3 Advertising plans to pursue more national business by demonstrating its commitment to creativity and to delivering results to its clients. Managing director Mike Webb, business director Rebecca Campbell, HR and operations director Mel Matthews and finance director Louise Evans acquired the business from founder Matt Jones. The loan has helped S3 Advertising solve the equity dilemma.  Without…

It will help kick-start the busy festive season and form part of the 50th anniversary city status celebrations. Thousands of spectators will see hundreds of local people in the parade. There will be special effects, loud noises and flashing lights. A council spokesperson said: “This will be a bright, colourful, sociable and Christmassy occasion. “We want everybody to have a great time to help families and businesses start the festive season in memorable style.” So how can you best enjoy the parade?  What will be happening? Swansea’s Christmas Parade and Lights Switch-On will start at 5pm on Sunday, November 17. There will…

Global insurance software provider Sapiens has moved its Cardiff office to 3 Assembly Square in Cardiff Bay. The company has signed a 10 year lease on a 7,374 sq ft 4th floor office in the multi-let Parmer Cardiff Waterside building at a headline rent of £23 psf. Sapiens (UK) Insurance Software Solutions Ltd is a leading global provider of software solutions for the insurance industry, with UK offices in London, Uxbridge and Cardiff. It’s Cardiff office was previously in the nearby Caspian Point building. The Grade A six-storey 3 Assembly Square is located adjacent to the National Assembly for Wales’ Senedd Building,…

Archives across Wales are getting ready to celebrate and showcase their services and collections for Explore Your Archive Week, which this year runs from November 23-30. The week-long campaign encourages people to discover the stories, facts, places and people that are at the heart of Welsh communities. As part of the celebrations, many archives will hold special activities and welcome the public to experience, understand and take pride in the wealth and variety of material they hold. Special Archive Ambassadors, who have made professional and personal use of archive collections and services, will launch the festival at the Bandstand in…

A FLINTSHIRE company boss has run his first marathon and raised almost £9,000 in memory of a ‘beautiful’ young woman who died suddenly from a rare condition. Paul Hollingsworth took part in the Chester Marathon last month and has now more than doubled his original £4,000 fundraising target in aid of Ataxia UK. He ran the 26-mile race and fundraised the money to remember Scarlett Salisbury, the daughter of his close friend Jeremy, who died in March, just days after celebrating her 21st birthday with family and friends, including Paul and his wife Suzanne. Scarlett, of Colwyn Bay, was diagnosed…