Author: Rhys Gregory

Business confidence in Wales fell 18 points during August to minus two per cent, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. [aoa id=”1″] Companies in Wales reported lower confidence in their business prospects, which fell three points to eight per cent. Taken together with the view on the outlook for the economy, this gives an overall confidence of minus two per cent. Businesses’ hiring intentions showed that a net balance of two per cent of businesses in the region expect to hire more staff during the next year, down eight points on last month. Across…

Great Taste, the world’s most coveted food and drink awards, has announced its stars of 2019, and a multitude of delicious Welsh food and drink products have been stamped with a gold seal of approval. [aoa id=”1″] An exceptional 174 Welsh products ranging from small independent artisan producers to large scale distributors have been deemed worthy of this prestigious award, with 128 products achieving 1-star, 36 receiving 2-stars and 10 earning the gold stamp of approval with 3-stars. Every year a panel of distinguished judges made up of top chefs, cookery writers, food critics, restaurateurs and fine food retailers gather…

Farmers from Meirionnydd have told local politicians of their fears for the future of the industry when they met at the local county show in Harlech (Wednesday, 28 August). [aoa id=”1″] Welcoming Dafydd Elis Thomas AM, Llyr Huws Gruffydd AM and Liz Saville Roberts MP to the marquee at the busy event, Union official and members discussed on farm policy and funding post Brexit, as well as many other farming matters. FUW Meirionnydd County Chairman Sion Ifans said: “We discussed many #FarmingMatters at the stand with our members and elected politicians and our key messages to decision makers were clear.…

Pencoed-based Sony UK Technology Centre (TEC) helped make history recently when it manufactured professional broadcasting equipment for Bridgend’s first live broadcast football match. [aoa id=”1″] The much-anticipated derby match between Penybont FC and Barry Town Utd took place last weekend and was attended by a group of seven Sony UK TEC team players who were able to see the state-of-the-art cameras in action. The game coverage was provided by Sony UK TEC customers, NEP Cymru, and was shown live on S4C via satellite link on Friday night. The game marked the first time that Penybont FC has played in the…

The operator is set to alter timetables across its network, with customers advised to check all changes before they travel. [aoa id=”1″] Timetable changes will affect services 1 & 2, 6,8 & 9, 13, 17 & 18, 21 & 23, 24, 25, 28/28A/ 28B, 30, 35, 44 & 45/ 45B, 49 & 50, 51, 52, 63/ 63A, 64, 65/ 65A, 66, 92/92B, 93, 94/ 94B, 95, 95A/ 95B, 96/96A, 97/97A, 98, X45, X59, M1, M2, M2A and M3 Residents at Channel View will benefit from extra buses in the evening, due to financial support from Cardiff Council. New service 9A…

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) appointed its first independent Chair of the Board and two Non-Executive Directors with the support of Acorn’s Executive Search division, following a significant overhaul of its structure. [aoa id=”1″] The new appointments will be key drivers in fulfilling the FAW’s “More than a Game” strategy objectives for the 2015-2020 period – an ambitious plan to advance its current set up and align with FIFA, UEFA and stakeholder expectations. Acorn is recognised for strengthening boards, placing sought-after professionals into senior management and board level roles within a diverse range of companies from blue-chip organisations to…

St David’s Cardiff, Wales’ largest retail and leisure destination, has announced that the global leader in denim, Levi’s®, is bringing the iconic brand to the heart of the city centre, with a new store set to open in September. [aoa id=”1″] Levi’s® is one of the world’s most recognisable jeanswear and clothing retailers, with products sold in more than 110 countries. The brand is a pioneer in casual and work attire since they invented the blue jean in 1873 and for every new product made, resources and materials are used responsibly with a strong focus on sustainability, animal welfare, and…

One of the UK’s leading independent insurance brokers, Towergate Insurance Brokers, has announced a new sponsorship deal with the Cardiff Devils. [aoa id=”1″] The long-term agreement coincides with the new season and sees Towergate Insurance Brokers branding featured across the Devil’s hockey kit, as well as across the team’s website, programmes and rink-side at the Ice Arena. Towergate Insurance Brokers, which has over 60 offices nationwide, has a strong Welsh presence and a long-standing relationship with Ice Hockey and many other sporting risks across the UK. Gary Stevens, Area Managing Director for Towergate Insurance Brokers in Wales, said: “Following our…

A dad who needed hospital treatment after he developed gastroenteritis during a break at a Spanish holiday resort has called on specialist lawyers to investigate. [aoa id=”1″] Ian Knight, 31, began to struggle with symptoms including stomach cramps and diarrhoea just days into his stay at the three-star HSM Canarios Park in Calles Mallorca. The problems proved so severe that he was eventually left with no option but to go to hospital abroad, where he was subsequently diagnosed with gastroenteritis and placed on a drip. Ian, who is a Carpenter, was on holiday with wife Claire Knight 27, and children…

If you love designer bags, as many of us do, then you probably don’t want to think about whether or not using your favourite luxury bag may be causing you health problems – after all, it is bad enough that all of the best looking shoes tend to be bad for your feet! However, there are a few ways that using your bag without thinking about the healthiest way to do it may be causing you long term problems. Carrying a bag that is too heavy, standing in a lopsided posture because of the bag on your shoulder, and keeping…