Author: Rhys Gregory

One of North Wales’ leading lawyers has won a prestigious legal award for the “transformational impact” he has had on his law firm. Ron Davison, Managing Director of Gamlins Law, was the winner of the Outstanding Individual Contribution Award at the annual LawNet Awards. The award recognised the work that Ron and his senior management team have done in turning Gamlins Law into a “modern, dynamic, innovative and diverse” law firm. LawNet is the UK and Ireland’s leading network of independent law firms. Today’s Gamlins Law has an 11-strong board comprising seven men and four women – all of whom…

A discussion and celebration of the efforts of Welsh language promotion and language planning in an international context will be the focus of a two day event held at the Old College in Aberystwyth at the end of the month (28, 29 November). 2019 has been designated the UNESCO International Year of Indigenous Languages and the Our Voice in the World Festival will be part of the Welsh Government’s activities to mark the year. Eluned Morgan AM, Minister for Welsh Language and International Relations, is a vocal supporter of the event and will make the opening address. A varied programme…

To the end of October Wales experienced its lowest number of acres launched to the open market since 2012. The combination of political uncertainty and potential changes in agri policy continue to delay decisions to bring land to the market, but despite this, buyers remain active and farmland values have shown signs of growth. Total acres marketed in Wales fell to 7,250 acres, representing a 35% decline in land for sale since October 2018. Land availability is now at its lowest level for seven years. In light of low supply and active demand, green shoots are starting to appear in…

As BBC One celebrates its 50th anniversary of colour TV this week, TV Licensing has revealed that more than 200 households across Wales are still watching TV programmes on black and white TV sets. There were 242 black and white TV licences in force at the end of September, a slight decrease from the 266 reported in 2018. Across the UK the number of black and white licences has declined considerably over the years. There were 6,586 black and white TV licences in force at the end of September 2019 – a fall of 575 compared to the same time…

Five Welsh charities have benefited from a cash injection of £20,000 from Loteri Cymru over the last 12 months. This Autumn marks one year since Loteri Cymru was relaunched by Sterling Lotteries, the leading fundraising lottery provider, together with Charities Trust. Loteri Cymru was created to support Welsh charities and causes close to the hearts of the Welsh people. The five charities currently benefitting from the funds raised by Loteri Cymru include LATCH Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity, Welsh Hearts, The Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales, Youth Cymru and North Clwyd Animal Rescue. Further funds have also been set…

Festive singers will add extra sparkle to Swansea’s city centre Christmas parade. They will entertain city centre visitors at performance points in Castle Square and Kingsway Circle as they await the arrival of the parade on Sunday, November 17. The acts are: the Rock Choir, the DVLA Tunes for Ty Olwen choir, Dancerama, Jermin Productions, Nataya and the Victorian Carollers. They all accepted a Swansea Council invitation to entertain people looking forward to the parade which begins at 5pm. Swansea’s 2019 Christmas Parade is due to head up Wind Street and High Street then down Orchard Street and along The…

According to the latest NatWest Wales PMI® data, private sector firms registered the first fall in business activity since July 2016 in October amid a further decrease in new work. Hesitancy among clients reportedly led to a third successive monthly decline in demand, with firms cutting workforce numbers in response. Ongoing Brexit uncertainty was also reflected in a drop in business confidence, with optimism hitting a seven-month low. On the price front, rates of input price and output charge inflation softened, with costs rising at the slowest pace since July 2016. The headline Wales Business Activity Index – a seasonally…

All seven historic shopping arcades and other independent stores in the city have united for the inaugural City of Arcades Day on Saturday 16th November.    The day created by FOR Cardiff aims to boost trade for the independent city centre businesses in the lead up to Christmas. Businesses are putting on special offers and activities throughout the day, alongside organised performances and events into the evening. Shoppers can enjoy live music across the arcades curated by PYST, a fashion show in High Street Arcade and a Christmas Market in Dominions Arcade amongst other activities in stores. The arcades, which include…

Wines from seven vineyards across Wales have been recognised at the Welsh Vineyard Association’s annual Welsh Wine Awards. 35 wines were tasted at the event, which was held at Llanerch Vineyard in the Vale of Glamorgan. The wines were split into five classes: white, rosé, red, sparkling white and sparkling rosé, which were then judged blind by a judging panel of renowned industry experts: Michael Harrison, Simon Awdry and Yannick Joseph. Each wine was given a score out of 20, with those scoring 14-15.9 awarded bronze, 16-17.9 awarded silver and 18-20 awarded gold. Overall, 29 out of the 35 wines…

A DOWNTON Abbey-style historic hall has been officially named at a national awards as the top venue in Wales to get married, for the second year running. Soughton Hall in Northop, Flintshire, was also a regional winner again at The Welsh National Wedding Awards, claiming the title for the best venue in North Wales as well as clinching the top spot as the best venue in the whole of the country. [aoa id=”1″] The Grade II* listed luxury wedding and events venue is owned by Elle R Leisure, a Manchester-based family firm which is well-known for its successful Dukes 92…