Author: Rhys Gregory

Wales is a nation rich with entrepreneurial spirit, a place where innovative ideas consistently blossom into thriving new businesses. The UK StartUp Awards champion and celebrate these very achievements, recognising the individuals who have had a great idea, spotted an opportunity, and taken the risk to launch a new product or service. This year, the Welsh business community has reason to celebrate, as one of its own has secured a coveted spot in the regional finals. We are delighted to announce that Cardiff-based search marketing agency, Appear Online, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the prestigious UK StartUp Awards…

Access to quality dental care is a fundamental pillar of community well-being across Wales. For many, finding a trusted dental practice that is actively accepting new patients can sometimes be a challenge, particularly when seeking comprehensive and patient-focused services. This is why the news from Birchgrove Dental Practice is set to bring a fresh smile to many faces across the region. Birchgrove Dental Practice, a leading Cardiff-based clinic, is making comprehensive and compassionate dental care more accessible by actively welcoming new clients from across Wales, ensuring healthy smiles for communities throughout the nation. Check out their website here – https://www.birchgrovedental.co.uk/…

Nearly 900 Powys households will receive letters next week from the county council, offering them help with rising living costs. Around half of them are council tenants and half live in their own homes, or other rented accommodation, but all have been identified – using data analytics – as potentially struggling financially as bills and other prices increase. Those who receive a letter will be invited to get in touch with the council and access free and confidential help, including: Support with managing household bills and energy costs Guidance on benefits and entitlements Help with budgeting and managing debt Advice…

A “music legend” from North Wales thought she’d been copped for speeding when she opened an official looking letter – but the news was far better than she feared. Ann Atkinson, the former artistic director of the North Wales International Music Festival, discovered that she had been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. According to Ann, she was deeply touched to learn that she’d been nominated for the honour after serving the festival with distinction for two decades before stepping down two years ago. In her new honorary role as a vice-president, she’s looking forward to this year’s…

Swansea Building Society has officially launched its new mobile app, providing customers with a more convenient way to manage their savings and mortgage accounts at any time and from anywhere. The new digital service marks a significant step forward for the Society, enabling customers to transfer funds between existing Society accounts, withdraw funds to nominated accounts (subject to account terms), and set and monitor personal savings goals. The platform also gives users access to mortgage information, secure messaging with the Society’s team, and the ability to manage marketing preferences and voting options for the Society’s AGM. In doing so, Swansea…

Nomad is set to open its doors in Cardiff city centre on Friday 27 June, taking over the former Terra Mare site at 28 High Street in the Castle Quarter. Whether you’re dropping in for a cocktail and a snack, sharing hand-rolled pasta and flatbreads with friends, the space is designed to flow with the rhythm of the guest. The monthly-changing menu brings together seasonal small plates, hand-rolled pasta and signature flatbreads all led by flavour, not formality. Dishes include white and brown crab Caesar with anchovy and bottarga, dino beef short ribs with hazelnut and horseradish, and a 650g…

A couple have been jailed after their dog attacked a toddler. Thomas Moir, 38, and Kayleigh Godbert, 39, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Friday June 13th after admitting to being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury. On August 12th 2023, Moir and Godbert were in charge of their dog, an Akita, when it became dangerously out of control. The dog attacked the toddler, biting them to the head and face and leaving them with life changing injuries. Moir and Godbert were both jailed for 18 months. Detective Constable James Grimwood said: “This was a…

The Vale of Glamorgan Council has been working closely with Barry, Penarth, Llantwit Major and Cowbridge Town Councils, along with a range of other stakeholders on new plans for the County’s four towns. These plans are the result of an extensive programme of engagement and consultation with residents, local businesses, and community representatives, which has helped shape proposals aimed at transforming their communities into vibrant, welcoming and resilient places to live, work, and visit. While the Vale of Glamorgan Council has supported and facilitated the development of these plans, the initiatives are led by each respective town council to…

Leading independent national cinema operator, Merlin Cinemas have announced they will take over the 5-screen cinema in Rhyl town centre, subject to completing lease arrangements with Denbighshire County Council. The Cornwall-based independent operator has 21 other cinemas across the UK, including the Scala at Prestatyn. The company has a reputation for operating historic cinemas, as well as repurposed and modern buildings as cinemas, in communities often overlooked or underserved by larger cinema companies. Earlier this year, Merlin’s Founder and Managing Director, Geoff Greaves, was awarded an MBE for his outstanding contribution to the cinema industry – recognition 35 years spent…

Seven potential operators have expressed an interest in running Caerphilly’s container-style market in the heart of the town centre. Caerphilly county borough council began inviting expressions of interest to run the popular Ffos Caerffili site in May. The current market operators have successfully managed Ffos Caerffili for its first year and the council is now seeking to retender for a longer-term arrangement to ensure the market can continue to go from strength to strength. Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Deputy Leader of the Council said, “It’s encouraging to see that we have received seven strong expressions of interest to run the site…