Author: Rhys Gregory

Property consultancy Knight Frank has appointed Jon Ely as partner to head up a new Business Rates service from its Cardiff office. Joining from Cushman & Wakefield, Jon will provide an on-the-ground ratings service to local and national companies operating in South Wales and the South West. Matt Phillips, office head of the Knight Frank office in Cardiff, said: “This is a senior appointment and is a strategic step in providing an unrivalled service to our clients. Business rates represent a very significant cost to occupiers and having Jon based locally – supported by our large national team – can…

Tens of thousands of pounds in drugs have been seized and hundreds of stop-searches carried out by specialist police teams in Cardiff and Swansea. The Operation Sceptre teams – aimed at tackling drug supply, knife crime and serious violence – were extended in July, with the existing Cardiff team enlarged and a new Swansea team introduced. In the 10 weeks since those larger teams were established, their successes have included: Making 126 arrests Carrying out 459 stop-searches Taking 74 weapons off the streets Seizing drugs with a street value of more than £24,000 In the previous 12 months, the Operation…

From its chefs, producers, farmers, and makers, Wales’ food scene is continuing to thrive and flourish in 2019 with some of the industry’s best talent heading to this year’s Abergavenny Food Festival (21st – 22nd September).  [aoa id=”1″] Launching a new Welsh Chefs Demo Stage at the festival for 2019 and with more Welsh traders in the markets than ever before, Abergavenny Food Festival CEO Aine Morris underlines the strong connection between produce and the land as a key factor to the continued rise of Welsh food. Aine says: “We’re very proud to showcase a thriving Welsh food scene at the…

To underline its commitment to Wales and greater independence from BT Group, Openreach has established a new Board for Wales. [aoa id=”1″] The Openreach Cymru Wales Board, whose members represent the teams of engineers and support staff working across Wales, will provide guidance and direction to the organisation throughout the nation. The board recently convened in Cardiff at the Principality Stadium to hold its very first meeting under the leadership of Kim Mears, Openreach’s Managing Director for Infrastructure Development.  Kim Mears said: “There’s a great deal of work going on in Wales to extend fibre broadband even further across the…

A Welsh businessman stood out at this year’s ICAS (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland) Top 100 Young CAs Awards for embracing technology in the finance industry. [aoa id=”1″] Each year, the professional body celebrates a pool of bright young accountants they believe will shape the industry. Among the winners was Gareth Lewis, co-founder of global fintech provider Delio, whose innovative approach set him apart. With its HQ in Cardiff, Delio designs and delivers white-label technology platforms and their clients include global financial organisations. Through their platforms, the Welsh company connects investors to unique investment opportunities within private markets. Gareth Lewis…

The finalists for the 2019 Wales Transport Awards that represent the best of the Welsh transport sector have been revealed. [aoa id=”1″] The Wales Transport Awards was launched to celebrate the outstanding achievements of those in the Welsh transport industry and recognises the significant contribution made by the transport sector to the Welsh economy. The inaugural awards will take place on Friday 1st November at the Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel, where over 40 finalists will compete for awards in 11 categories including; Fleet of the Year, Transport Operator of the Year and Apprentice of the Year. [/aoa] Liz Brookes, Founder of the…

Transport for Wales have announced the details of the £194 million investment plan to improve all 247 railway stations across Wales. [aoa id=”1″] The Station Improvement Vision highlights what improvements customers and communities can expect to see at their local stations over the next fifteen years. The ambitious programme will deliver free WiFi, improved shelters, CCTV, improved provision for cycle storage and improved passenger information, at every station. Where possible, Transport for Wales will also create new retail facilities, presenting opportunities for local businesses and work in partnership to develop community spaces at stations. [/aoa] The improvements include expanding the…

Are city deals the way ahead for those regions starved of private sector investment? That is the question being posed at a Swansea University conference for academics, politicians and those people most affected by the four regional partnerships being developed across Wales. [aoa id=”1″] The second Symposium on City Deals, being held at the University’s Bay campus on September 18, will consider the delivery of the four City Deals and Development Partnerships in Wales, in the Cardiff City region, Swansea Bay, Mid Wales and North Wales. Sessions will look at the ambitions of City Deals and growth deals and will…

A strong commitment to apprenticeships has enabled an independently owned hotel, bar and restaurant on the Mid Wales coast to maintain a workforce of 40 highly trained and motivated staff. Gwesty’r Harbourmaster Hotel at Aberaeron, which has 13 luxury boutique style rooms, is focused on providing a high standard of customer care and visitor experience to maintain its excellent reputation across the UK. [aoa id=”1″] The hotel currently has 11 apprentices, has trained 20 over the past five years and plans to recruit more in the future. Learning provider Cambrian Training delivers a BIIAB Foundation Apprenticeship Level 2, Apprenticeships in…

The RSPCA has urged Deeside residents to be on the look-out for approximately 15 pet canaries believed to be loose in the Sandycroft area. It is understood the pet birds are on the loose in the local area, and anyone who spots one has been urged to note the location, carefully confine them if possible in a secure, well-ventilated cardboard box and contact the RSPCA immediately. Sadly, it is not anticipated that the pet birds will be able to survive for very long in the wild – so the RSPCA has issued an urgent call for members of the public…