Author: Rhys Gregory

Paul Eakin, UK CEO of Cardiff based Pelican and Respond Healthcare has been appointed to a key position within the UK’s oldest and largest Health Association, the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA); an important move at a time of great change and uncertainty within the NHS and therefore for Association members. [aoa id=”1″]Dr Eakin is to take up the role of Joint Chair of the BHTA’s Stoma & Continence Manufacturers and DAC (Dispensing Appliance Contractor) sections and has undertaken to help the industry meet new challenges as the NHS across the UK struggles with the demands of ever-increasing patient numbers…

An inspiring social enterprise operating in the heart of Carmarthen is celebrating its sixth year in business and is continuing to go from strength-to-strength as it supports vital services for the local community. [aoa id=”1″] Xcel Bowl, a bowling and activity centre, was founded in June 2013 by the Town Community Church, who renovated a disused dairy factory with the goal of creating a community space to bring local people together. As part of its six-year anniversary celebrations, the organisation has partnered with the Wales Co-operative Centre to be part of its Social Summer 2019 campaign, which is encouraging families…

PLANED, the organisation supporting individuals and communities across Pembrokeshire, is pleased to announce three new appointments to its Board of Trustees, bringing extensive business knowledge and experience from across the county. [aoa id=”1″] At the recent PLANED AGM and well attended Annual Conference in the Merlin Theatre, the new appointments were confirmed, and this week, the Chair of the Board, Lynne Upsdell, the Treasurer, Gordon Barry, and the Chief Executive, Iwan Thomas, formally met the three new Trustees to welcome them and discuss plans for the future. [/aoa] Speaking about the new appointments, Iwan said: “We restructured in Spring this…

IT and communications firm SA1 Solutions has appointed two new members of staff as the company seeks to further enhance its support team and develop new talent. The Swansea-based company recently hired Alex Abraham and Ryan John as IT engineers. Their appointments add to SA1 Solutions’ recent recruitment surge, with the company having hired four new members of staff within the last six months. [aoa id=”1″]Abraham, from Swansea, approached SA1 Solutions seeking a job due to his interest in IT and desire to work in the industry. Impressed with his ambition, the company put him in touch with training company…

Software development company Big Lemon has seen a rapid rise in growth following an increasing demand for digital solutions. [aoa id=”1″] The Caerphilly-based business has seen a 42% increase in revenue in the last two years and is expected to double its turnover this year after winning several high-profile contracts and increasing its team to five. Big Lemon helps organisations realise their ambitions through original creativity and clever technology, bringing a sense of fun and innovation to everything they do, collaboratively solving problems by designing and building bespoke software, apps and bots. [/aoa] The business has grown rapidly since launching…

Cardiff-based second charge mortgage provider, Optimum Credit, is relocating to new premises within the new Capital Quarter development. The move supports planned company growth and job creation following acquisition in 2018 by Australian-owned finance company, Pepper Money. [aoa id=”1″]The new office premises at 4 Capital Quarter offer 18,500 sq ft of accommodation with room to grow the current headcount of 130 to around 250. This will give the company scope to achieve its expansion plans, both for the existing Optimum second charge mortgage business and the wider Pepper Money strategy, which includes the launch of new product lines with teams…

Stroke patients at University Hospital Llandough received a surprise visit from Welsh actor Owen Teale who treated them to readings of his favourite poems, short stories and authors. The actor, famed for his role’s in Game of Thrones and Stella attended the Stroke Rehabilitation Centre (SRC) at University Hospital Llandough as part of the work UK charity InterAct Stroke Support are doing at the SRC. InterAct Stroke Support is a charity dedicated to supporting stroke recovery by using professional actors to deliver a stimulating and rich variety of reading material selected to suit the needs of stroke patients.  The charity…

A hedgehog found herself in a sticky situation after falling down a storm drain in Mumbles, Swansea. [aoa id=”1″] The hedgehog was unable to escape after falling around a foot down. Luckily she was spotted by a member of the public on 25 July near Overland Road with the RSPCA being contacted. RSPCA inspector Holly Brown said: “We tried to reach down and get her but she curled up tight and couldn’t fit back through the grate. She understandably was very frightened. [/aoa] “We called the local fire crew from Mid and West Fire and Rescue Service and they came…

Finance specialists, Bathgate Business Finance have helped a Flintshire-based family-run vehicle service centre achieve ambitious growth with a funding deal worth £45k.   [aoa id=”1″] The Wirral-based finance company was introduced to Tip Top Service Centre by the Development Bank of Wales, which has supported husband and wife team, Paul and Pam Worley, since the business was established in 2012.   The deal, brokered by Ian Adams of Bathgate Business Finance, comprised a £20k loan from Boost Capital to support Tip Top Service Centre’s existing business growth and a £25k invoice finance facility with Chester-based Zodeq. [/aoa]   The business offers MOT, servicing, repairs and bodywork,…

The actions of a Barry Police Youth Volunteer during a robbery have been commended by the head of policing for the area. Cameron-Lee Coles, aged 14, has been awarded a certificate for his bravery by Chief Superintendent Alun Morgan, Divisional Commander for Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan. Thanks to the teenager’s training with the Barry Police Youth Volunteers, Cameron was able to keep calm during an incident which he witnessed on Everard Street, Barry, on May 15, 2019. Three men were jailed for a combined total of 14-and-a-half years in June for the robbery of a 39-year-old man. One…