Author: Rhys Gregory

Responding the Welsh Government’s announcement of £50m to cut waiting times in Wales, Nesta Lloyd-Jones, Interim Director of the Welsh NHS Confederation said: “The NHS in Wales welcomes the additional funding which will help improve the care we can offer patients. The well-documented pressures being felt right across the NHS in Wales don’t just happen at certain times of the year anymore, they are felt all year round. “There continues to be high demand on our Emergency Departments across Wales, which is why we are pleased to see some of this funding going towards projects and initiatives which help to…

The iconic Metal Box factory in Neath, an important part of the local economy for more than 80 years, is now operational again for the first time in almost four years. Local councillors were given a tour of the site to mark the occasion and be shown plans for the further development of the site. The factory is up and running again thanks to investment by Sevenoaks Modular, a Neath-based specialist in timber frame construction. The company aims to invest some £6.5 million in acquiring and regenerating a large part of the industrial site. With phase 1 an investment of almost…

Cowbridge company G. Oakley & Sons has been appointed to manage the build for Techniquest’s Science Capital project. [aoa id=”1″]Oakley & Sons has over three generations of expertise to its name and specialises in the commercial and leisure building sectors. Notable clients to date have included David Lloyd leisure clubs, Premier Inn and Greene King pubs, restaurants and hotels across the UK.[/aoa] The firm has commenced on site this month and it will take approximately 35 weeks to complete. The Cardiff-bay based science centre will remain open during most of the build, however, will close in September for some internal…

Dropping the alcohol, not the flavour – that’s the mantra of The Drop Bear Beer Co. a new brewery that brings female chutzpah to the male-dominated world of brewing. [aoa id=”1″] Founded in Mumbles earlier this year by ‘Melburnian’ Sarah McNena, and ‘Swansea Jack’ Joelle Drummond, Drop Bear’s non-alcoholic beer is already making waves. A decidedly Welsh-Australian enterprise, the brewery’s quirky name has antipodean roots along with a personal connection for the couple, who met in Sarah’s native Australia. [/aoa] Explains Sarah, “The Drop Bear is essentially a bit of fun Australians have with visitors. Tourists are told to look…

As one of Wales’ leading suppliers of plumbing supplies and luxury bathrooms, family-run CWB Wholesale (Castle Plumbing Supplies) looks set to continue its impressive growth. [aoa id=”1″] Established in 2000 by husband and wife team David and Caroline Cosgrove, Caldicott-based CWB, has grown to five branches, employing 38 staff, including their three children who play key roles in the running of the business. Following their continued success, and achieving a multi-million-pound turnover, in 2013 CWB called on Newport-based accountancy and tax expert Kilsby Williams. [/aoa] Dave said: “When we first started out, we used a local accountant who was perfect…

Having claimed two British Rally Championship victories and consequently, maximum point scores on the previous two rounds, Tom Cave heads to round four and the Renties Ypres Rally leading the drivers’ standings by seven points.  [aoa id=”1″]Taking place on smooth West Flanders asphalt roads, this weekend’s event is the biggest of the season on three levels for the Aberdovey driver: overall competitive distance, the rally’s sporting status and for keeping Tom’s title hopes on track.[/aoa] “It’s an important one for us, as we will be fighting to maintain our championship lead,” explains Tom. “It’s a demanding rally too. Whilst the…

Shipping containers which will be used as temporary accommodation for homeless families have now been delivered to Bute Street. [aoa id=”1″] The fabricated shipping containers are on the former PDSA site in Bute street and will be transformed to provide temporary homes for families until a more permanent suitable housing solution can be found. A total of 20 shipping containers have been delivered and erected over a period of four days. They will make up seven two-bedroom flats and six one-bedroom flats over two storeys. [/aoa] The scheme is jointly funded by Cardiff Council and Welsh Government’s Innovative Housing Programme.…

A contract has been awarded to local company Tregaron Trading Services (TTS) to carry out the construction of a new car park for The Vale of Rheidol Railway at Devil’s Bridge which will begin in July. [aoa id=”1″] The new car park will allow the existing car park to be opened up as a pedestrian area for visitors, with a separate coach park and will also be convenient for community events at the recently converted community hall. The project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020, which is funded by the…

As campaign group, Back to 60, begins a landmark High Court battle to reverse the decision to equalize men and women’s state pension age, Stuart Price, Partner and Actuary at Quantum Advisory, looks into their chances of winning.

Henry Howard Finance has beaten off tough competition to secure itself a place as a finalist in the Best Use of Technology, Best Place to Work, Best Customer Experience and Best Marketing Campaign categories of the first-ever Growth Finance Awards. [aoa id=”1″]The Growth Finance Awards launched this year in order to celebrate the companies providing “more than finance” to the UK’s growing businesses. It’s the first event of its kind, celebrating the innovative organisations breathing optimism into all regions of the UK by helping ambitious SMEs to scale new heights. These growth champions provide the vital capital inflows – around…