Author: Rhys Gregory

amber energy, the energy management consultancy based in Cardiff, Wales, is celebrating its first decade of trading. The business was launched in August 2009 by founder and CEO, Nick Proctor.  Nick launched amber energy from his dad’s spare room, armed with little more than a second-hand laptop and an unflinching can-do attitude. A decade on, the 75-strong company is headquartered in the prestigious One Central Square building in the centre of Cardiff, with a satellite office in St James Square, London. Over 80% of amber’s clients are outside of Wales, making amber energy a net exporter of services and a…

A man from Buckley, Flintshire, has cycled 980 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats, to raise £4,000 for charity Parkinson’s UK. 54-year-old, David Knight, took on the cycling event in memory of his late father-in-law, Derrick Harding, who lived with Parkinson’s for fifteen years. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition for which there is currently no cure, and it affects around 148,000 people in the UK, including 7,692 in Wales. David said: “I am delighted to have completed this charity cycle in memory of my father-in-law Derrick who had Parkinson’s. I have been overwhelmed by people’s interest and support…

A fast-growing Welsh legal group has merged with a Herefordshire-based solicitors firm, creating a combined business with 12 offices and more than 185 staff. [aoa id=”1″] Redkite Solicitors, one of the largest legal firms in Wales and the south-west, has joined forces with Ledbury-based Orme & Slade. All 28 employees will remain with the firm, based in Ledbury’s former Natwest Bank Chambers, and which will be rebranded as Redkite Solicitors Incorporating Orme & Slade.  Redkite, which previously had 157 employees and 11 offices, is pursuing an ambitious growth strategy following a period of expansion. The firm, which is headquartered in…

Learners across Wales, looking to forge a career in the care sector, have this week begun studying a new suite of qualifications designed to strengthen the profession for the future. [aoa id=”1″] The new health and social care, and childcare qualifications will help to strengthen the care sector at a time when its services provide a vital lifeline to communities and families across Wales. The qualifications, which are all offered bilingually, also provide a recognised and consistent standard for all those working in health and social care, and childcare, and offer a clear career pathway for those wanting to progress.…

The high-octane 2019 Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix (SGP) is set to be the must-attend event in Cardiff this Autumn as it returns to Principality Stadium on Saturday 21st September.  [aoa id=”1″] With the 2019 Rugby World Cup taking place in Japan, there will be a noticeable absence of Autumn international rugby fixtures this year. However, there will be no shortage of entertainment in the Welsh capital as the world’s best speedway riders head to Cardiff to race against each other at electrifying speeds exceeding 115kmph on 500cc bikes with a single fixed gear and no brakes. To…

With bookings now live for the Into Film Festival, where pupils and teachers go free, the leading education charity’s celebrity ambassadors, Rhys Ifans and Matthew Rhys, are today calling on teachers and other educators in Wales to book as soon as possible in order to make the most of the world’s largest free film festival. [aoa id=”1″] Now in its 7th year, and coming to Wales between 6 and 22 November, the UK-wide Into Film Festival, offers a rare opportunity for children and young people between the ages of 5 and 19 years to go to the cinema for free. Its purpose is to bring film…

The St David’s Hotel building in Harlech has stood derelict for many years now. Next week, the Snowdonia National Park Authority will commence with the demolition of the building. [aoa id=”1″] This follows a lengthy Planning Enforcement case which has culminated in the National Park Authority initiating direct action. The National Park Authority has received significant support from both the Welsh Government and Gwynedd Council in progressing to this point. For many years Planning Officers at the Snowdonia National Park Authority have been working to resolve the situation with the former hotel which has been steadily deteriorating. The declining state…

A 21-year-old barber from Swansea who opened his own salon only three months ago following support from Wales’ entrepreneurship service Big Ideas Wales, has had such a successful launch he is already planning to open another branch. [aoa id=”1″] Jonny Hanford opened Jonny Blades in Morriston after several years of hairdressing and barber training and is already attracting high profile clients to the salon including Swansea City footballers Kees De Boer and Brandon Cooper. Such is the success of Jonny Blades since opening, the young entrepreneur is now taking on two apprentices to cope with the demand and add to…

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co has completed on the sale of the historic Cobdens Hotel in Capel Curig, North Wales to a first time hospitality buyer. [aoa id=”1″] The hotel has been a focal point for climbers and walkers for many years and is well known for its sporting and climbing history. Sold with vacant possession, the main property includes 21 letting bedrooms, a 100 cover restaurant and dining room, plus a distinctive ‘Mountain Bar’ which is built around the original rock face with a fresh water stream running through it. Additionally, there is a seven bedroom, detached…

A no deal Brexit would be a “catastrophe” for vulnerable people needing care and lead to more care home closures and the collapse of domiciliary care companies in North Wales, an industry leader has warned. Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said that a number of care homes that are already struggling and on the brink of closure would be tipped over the edge by the New Year. He said: “It would have a devastating impact on the most vulnerable people in our society.” Mr Kreft made the comments in response to the leaked UK Government documents…