Author: Rhys Gregory

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…

Deloitte has made four senior promotions in its tax practice in Wales, by promoting a new partner and three directors. [aoa id=”1″]The newly promoted partner is Tess Williams who leads the global employer services (GES) practice across Deloitte’s Cardiff and Bristol offices, a team of more than 40 specialists who advise organisations in their capacity as employers from a reward and mobility perspective.[/aoa] “I’m delighted to have been promoted to partner and to have been a part of our GES local practice’s success story to date. The practice looks very different today than it did only a few years ago…

ASH Wales has welcomed the news from the latest National Survey for Wales that smoking prevalence in the country has dropped from 19% to 17%. [aoa id=”1″] However, it warns that with over 450,000 people in Wales continuing to light up, and prevalence highest in the country’s most deprived communities, reducing smoking should remain a major public health priority. According to the latest figures from the National Survey for Wales 2018-2019, 17% of adults in Wales now smoke, 18% of men and 16% of women. [/aoa] Smoking rates are highest in Wales’ poorest communities with 21% of adults smoking in…

A woman from Machynlleth, Powys, turned daredevil on Sunday 09 June and completed an abseil challenge to raise over £640 for charity Parkinson’s UK. Jacqueline Whiteley faced her fears to abseil 150 feet down a cliff edge in Breakwater Country Park in Anglesey. Jacqueline, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in September 2018, says she was inspired to take on the challenge to raise money for Parkinson’s UK, who have provided her with invaluable support through their services. Parkinson’s UK is the leading charity driving better care, treatments and quality of life for those with the condition. Its mission is to…