Author: Rhys Gregory

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…

Premier Forecourts and Construction, a specialist in forecourts and diverse construction projects, has completed works at a BP site at Cranford near Heathrow airport, providing BP Chargemaster’s first ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) chargers to be added to its nationwide charging network, which is already the UK’s largest. [aoa id=”1″] Swansea-based Premier Forecourts and Construction was appointed by BP as principal contractor to coordinate all site-based activities and subcontractors, provide monitoring and reporting on progress, as well as manage health and safety at the Cranford site. The completion of the Cranford project for BP Chargemaster, the UK’s biggest name in electric…

A leading Swansea University scientist has been named as the first winner of a prestigious international honour. [aoa id=”1″] Professor Andrew Barron, the Sêr Cymru Chair of Low Carbon Energy and Environment and Director of the Energy Safety Research Institute at Swansea University, has been presented with the Star of Asia International Award. Hailed as the highest individual honour by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Union, the Star of Asia Awards are the leading international awards honoring excellence in education and industrial collaboration, as well leading the social impact of the ASEAN strategy. Established in 2017, this year’s…