Author: Rhys Gregory

FinTech Wales, the not-for-profit independent membership organisation for the FinTech and Financial Services industries in Wales, held its first event last night in Cardiff. [aoa id=”1″] Held at The Park House in the centre of Cardiff, the event welcomed over 100 people from the FinTech and financial services industries in Wales. Speakers included Anita Kimber, Digital and Innovation Partner from EY with breakout sessions with attendees from London Stock Exchange, Capital Law, Innovate, EPSRC, Disberse and Angels Invest Wales. The event also marked the official launch of FinTech Wales, providing an opportunity for the organisation to talk about its…

A popular half marathon will be celebrating its 25 anniversary next year with a record number of runners – with one of the founders helping to hand out the medals. Around 3,500 competitors from around the UK are expected to take part in the Village Bakery Half Marathon on Sunday, February 16. Everybody who completes the course will receive a shiny gold medal and a packet of award-winning Welsh Cakes made by Village Bakery who have been sponsoring the event since the word go. The family firm were persuaded to support the race by their former employee, retired engineer Peter…

As the tragic effects of allergies continue to hit the headlines, a Welsh business is helping the food industry fight back. It is thought that up to 8% of British children and 2% of adults suffer with a food allergy – and the problem is growing. PiQ Laboratories, based at UKSE’s Ebbw Vale Innovation Centre, works with food manufacturers to test for allergens to help them make sure  labelling is accurate and food is safe. Ashleigh Hirst-Knowles, PiQ Laboratory Manager, said allergies are an alarming and growing threat. “Allergy is the most common chronic disease in Europe, with the UK…

Suicide is something that everyone can help to prevent, the Mental Health Foundation says today as it marks World Mental Health Day.  The theme of the day this year is suicide prevention. To mark this important day the Mental Health Foundation projected the green ribbon, the symbol of mental health awareness, on to the Norman Keep at Cardiff Castle. The green ribbon is the international symbol of mental health. Jenny Burns from Mental Health Wales said: “World Mental Health Day matters because mental health is something we all have, that greatly affects our daily lives, for better and sometimes for…

Five GoFurther Academy software engineers have joined GoCo Group as full-time employees. This degree-apprenticeship gives Welsh based talent the opportunity to receive a fully paid education and hands-on experience in one of the UK’s biggest tech brands, whilst studying at a Welsh university. Bridging the gap between education and the workplace. Not only does the programme give these new recruits access to higher education totally debt free, but they also receive a competitive salary offering a unique earn-as-you-learn experience. Newport headquartered GoCompare is proud to be Welsh and sought a Welsh institution for the second cohort of their degree-apprenticeship programme,…

A COURAGEOUS breast cancer survivor who almost died after contracting sepsis will lead the charge against cancer at Cancer Research UK’s 10k night-time walk in Cardiff on 19 October. Liz Gooch from Pontypridd found out she had cancer after finding a lump in her left breast when she was 38. She was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer and discovered she was a carrier of the BRCA1 cancer gene. The payroll assistant had a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and was relieved to be told she had beaten the disease. But after having breast implant surgery two years ago, she…

Swansea Bay Business Club will welcome Dafydd James, former British Lion, as guest speaker at its Thursday 17th October lunch, which goes ahead at Parc Y Scarlets, in Llanelli. Now a respected rugby pundit, Dafydd will talk about his struggles off the pitch, as much as his triumphs on the pitch, when he addresses the Club.  Having experienced depression and anxiety himself, Dafydd has become an Ambassador for Welsh mental health charity Hafal, campaigning to improve the lives of people across Wales who are affected by mental illness. Alan Brayley, Acting President of Swansea Bay Business Club, says: “I am looking…

GIANTS of the housing and care sectors have joined a regional Business Council. Care Forum Wales and social landlord ClwydAlyn are new members of North Wales Mersey Dee Business Council. The cross-border organisation, whose members include the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), North Wales Tourism, West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce and Wrexham Business Professionals, works with the public sector on regional economic development. As an active member of North Wales Economic Ambition Board (NWEAB), the Business Council has worked hand in hand with local authorities on the £1bn North Wales Growth Deal, which the NWEAB is developing…

The Trade Centre Group PLC has climbed a staggering 66 places in the 15th annual The Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250, now placing the motor retailer 90th in the table. Employing over 600 staff in South Wales and the West Midlands the business is set to expand into the North West, creating over 100 new jobs at the new Rochdale location. [aoa id=”1″] The Trade Centre Group are the only company with headquarters in Wales to reach this year’s Top 100 echelon of the Top Track 250. For the financial year ending November 2018, The Trade Centre Group reported sales of…

A legal expert who has championed the cases of those affected by asbestos-related conditions has joined JCP Solicitors, one of the largest indigenous law firms in Wales. [aoa id=”1″] Charlotte Perkins, an Associate Solicitor, is now a key member of the Personal Injury team and she brings with her experience in recovering millions of pounds in compensation for clients, UK-wide. Thanks to Charlotte’s expertise and dedication, some of her clients have received more than £500,000 in compensation individually, with mesothelioma clients typically receiving awards of more than £100,000. As well as investigating often complex asbestos claims, tracking down the responsible…