Author: Rhys Gregory

A woman from Pontycymer, in Bridgend County Borough, has inspired more than 100 friends and relatives to get their running shoes on for the Cardiff Metropolitan University Cardiff 10K this year, following the tragic loss of her partner. Nicola Parsons (36) had been with her partner Alan (44), for 16-years, however he passed away while waiting for a third kidney transplant in June 2018, due to complications with endocarditis; a rare infection of the inner lining of the heart. Having bravely faced kidney disease for much of his life, Alan had his first kidney transplant in 2002, however after seven…

A fully funded after-work programme designed to support people into starting businesses is set to launch in Pontypridd. [aoa id=”1″]The 5 to 9 Club™ aims to support individuals with an idea and help them turn it into a fully fledged business by equipping them with the skills and knowledge they will need to launch and grow. The workshops are held once a week from 5pm to 9pm, to allow those who work full time to gain the experience and support needed to grow their business idea without taking the risk of giving up full-time employment.[/aoa] The workshops are open to…

Some of North Wales’ finest food and drink will be showcased at an event designed to boost the local tourism industry and champion Welsh food and drink. 2019 has been declared the ‘Year of Discovery’ by Visit Wales, and tourism and hospitality businesses in North Wales are being urged to give their guests a ‘taste of Wales’ by introducing them to new products. [aoa id=”1″]With this goal in mind, Welsh food and drink business growth support project, Cywain – in conjunction with Conwy Cynhaliol (Conwy Rural Partnership) and Go North Wales Tourism and Hospitality Academy – has organised a ‘Meet…

It has been suggested that women who take time off work after having children should receive a £2,000 pension top up.

Law firm Blake Morgan acted on more than £215 million worth of deals in Wales in the 2018/19 financial year, across a broad range of deal types including management buy-outs, acquisitions, disposals and private equity investments. [aoa id=”1″]Led by Partners Rob Cherry and James Williams, notable Welsh transactions included Zip World, Paramount Office Interiors, ALS Managed Services, Fostering Together, Shelton Care, iPulse, DNA (Mining) Ltd, Amberon and Delta Sound.[/aoa] James said:“Last year was a fantastic one for our team in Wales, who advised on a total of 23 Welsh deals to the value of over £215million. We are proud to…

The talent, skills and ambition of the region’s female property and construction student undergraduates were celebrated at the South Wales Women in Property Student Awards dinner held at Voco St David’s in Cardiff on 6th June. [aoa id=”1″]The Student Awards, seek out the best Built Environment degree students, highlighting to industry the necessity to link with Universities early in the education process and also improve the students’ knowledge of the career options available to them. Many secure work placements as a direct result of competing in the Awards, which often translate into permanent positions upon graduation.[/aoa] The 2019 South Wales…

Global business Intelligence specialist Creditsafe has revealed that it has been providing staff with access to a life coach for the past five years, and in that time has seen huge benefits to the business. [aoa id=”1″]It was 2014 when senior members of the Creditsafe team identified key areas they wanted to improve on.  Employee retention, engagement, productivity, creativity and to help staff overcome personal issues that were potentially affecting their performance. In a somewhat unconventional move, they decided to have a life coach available to all staff. Although there was initial scepticism amongst employees, once the benefits were seen, and the…

SMOKING is a major cause of impotence and low sperm count, a leading Welsh surgeon has warned as part of Men’s Health Week. Professor Gareth Brown, Consultant Urological Surgeon at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, has urged male smokers to quit the habit or risk suffering erectile dysfunction and reduced sperm count. He explained that smoking restricts blood flow to the penis, and said that it also affects the quality and quantity of men’s sperm, potentially leading to infertility (further knowledge available at fertilityplus.org.uk) in male smokers: [aoa id=”1″]“I think with all the press and publicity today most people are aware of how…

Seven volunteers from M&S Chepstow joined Chepstow and District Mencap Society to create a six-foot dragon centrepiece which will become the charity’s new symbol to mark a relocation to its new premises Calon y Ddraig, meaning heart of the dragon. [aoa id=”1″]Chepstow and District Mencap Society supports local people with physical and learning disabilities by organising activities such as photography, art, cookery and swimming. The charity, which has been part of the community for 50 years, was established by a group of parents who wanted their children to experience new things, be safe and live a fulfilling life.[/aoa] Chepstow and…

Adventure-seeking enthusiasts from across Europe participated in Quest Wales, a unique adventure racing event held in the picturesque Snowdonia National Park, on Saturday 8 June.  [aoa id=”1″]Quest Wales, now in its third year, attracted record numbers in 2019 and the participants’ spirits were in no way dampened by the challenging weather conditions. Starting in the idyllic village of Betws-y-Coed, undulating trails and roads through the stunning North Wales landscapes gave competitors an unforgettable experience.[/aoa] Suitable for all fitness levels and abilities, participants explored three scenic routes; 25km Challenge, 42km Sport or 53km Expert – all of which offered adventure racers…