Author: Rhys Gregory

Business confidence in Wales fell seven points during June to 12 per cent, though their hiring plans held firm, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Companies in Wales report lower confidence in their business prospects, down five points to 23 per cent, and lower economic optimism, which fell eight points to one per cent. Together, this gives an overall confidence of 12 per cent. However, businesses’ hiring intentions show a net balance of 27 per cent of businesses in the region expect to hire more staff during the next year, up two points on last…

Eight heritage projects across the length and breadth of Wales have this month received a share of nearly £10 million (£9,716,300) raised by National Lottery players. The projects range from protecting nature and landscapes, to safeguarding the nation’s broadcast history and saving important historic buildings. From running outdoor classrooms and memory sessions for people with dementia, to creating new public spaces and facilities that will benefit entire communities, the eight successful projects will all make a real difference to people living and working in Wales. The successful projects are: A National Broadcast Archive for Wales (£4,751,000 to The National Library…

Oakwood Theme Park is giving die-hard fans the chance to take a piece of the park home with them this summer as hundreds of its former ride parts are set to go on sale. The Pembrokeshire attraction is selling off parts of some of its most famous and popular rides to the public, including family coaster Treetops, water thrill ride, Drenched, and globally renowned fan favourite, Megafobia. [aoa id=”1″]Following the refurbishment of its attractions, more than 20 different types of ride parts and items of park memorabilia will be up for grabs at Oakwood’s on site ‘Mega Shop’ retail outlet.…

A Swansea University student is hoping her research will make a splash when it comes to helping us all enjoy a safer swim. Hannah Jones, who is about to complete her PhD in Public Health, has helped create an eye-catching new animation aimed at promoting better swimming pool hygiene to stop the spread of germs. She said: “The more people that follow hygienic swimming behaviours, the less chance there is of germs spreading in the swimming pool water.” [aoa id=”1″] Entitled A healthy swimmer is a happy swimmer, it is now set to be used by swimming pools on public…

On Wednesday 26 June, the chairman of Ceredigion County Council, Councillor Peter Davies MBE, formally re-opened the wooden jetty on Aberystwyth Promenade. The jetty, a popular spot for fishermen and swimmers, has been closed for boating use for up to three years as marine worm damage had weakened its structure to make boating activity unsafe. [aoa id=”1″] Due to a valuable contribution of £72k from the Coastal Communities Fund, the jetty has been renovated by the council so that sightseeing boats can use the facility to take tourists and residents alike for short trips around the bay. The council recognises…

People in Wales believe skills and values developed in the military are essential for good performance in the wider working world, according to new research published in Armed Forces Week by veterans’ employment charity The Poppy Factory. Communication and team work were the highest-rated workplace skills in the survey of adults in Wales, with 4 in 5 people saying these skills are vital. Organisation and problem-solving were also in the top four. [aoa id=”1″]All of these skills are cited by the Ministry of Defence as being typical of veterans who are transitioning to the civilian world after leaving the Services.…

The family of a man who died following a collision in Barry have paid tribute to a ‘loving father and grandfather.’ Anthony Silver, aged 60, of Barry, was injured in a road traffic collision on Port Road at the junction with Blackton Lane, Barry, which took place on Thursday, June 20, 2019, at around 2.50pm. The collision which involved a motorcycle and a Ford Focus resulted in the rider of the motorcycle, Mr Silver, being taken to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, for treatment. Mr Silver died from his injuries yesterday, June 26, surrounded by his family and friends.…

South Wales-based property consultants Rees Richards are expanding their services in two key growth areas with the help of two new recruits. A bespoke property consultancy founded in 1845, Rees Richards operates across south and west Wales, covering everything from property sales, valuation and lease advisory to farm sales and estate management. It has now brought in Charles Kaminaris and Luke Lawrence to boost its luxury property offering and to support its growth in the leisure and coastal property markets within the region. [aoa id=”1″]Charles Kaminaris holds a degree in Estate Management and Surveying from the University of Glamorgan. He…

In today’s day and age, the technology in the Human Resource department is moving ahead at a rapid pace. To remain agile, data-driven, and adept in attracting new talent the HR specialists need to adapt to the ever-changing requirements of their workforce. Fortunately, cloud-based solutions offer many benefits that help to ensure that HR department functions more productively and efficiently. From streamlining everyday tasks like payroll processing and benefits administration to recruiting and on-boarding, the cloud can offer HR professionals the effective tools to make sound businesses decisions and grow the right capabilities to meet today’s business needs. The cloud…

The Margam Green Energy Plant, located three miles south-east of Port Talbot in south Wales, has entered commercial operation. The plant is owned by Glennmont Partners, one of Europe’s largest and best-known renewable energy fund managers. [aoa id=”1″]The main contractor for the Margam power project, the consortium of Babcock & Wilcox Vølund and Interserve Construction, has now formally handed it over to Glennmont Partners.  The £160m renewable energy plant, fuelled by waste wood, will generate power for up to 75,000 homes.[/aoa] Construction of the Margam plant started in 2016 and at one stage employed more than 400 people on site.…