Author: Rhys Gregory

A Cardiff-based start-up providing an eco-friendly toothbrush subscription service has secured more than £770,000 investment in its latest funding round, exceeding its target by over £250,000 from nearly 300 investors. Founded by former Deloitte advisor, Mike Donovan, Brushbox aims to be the world’s largest subscription brand for eco-friendly, cruelty-free and sustainable personal toothbrush, toothpaste and oral care products. [aoa id=”1″]During the funding round, Brushbox has also strengthened its board and investor base with the addition of founder, former CEO and now vice chair of Cloudreach, Pontus Noren. A senior advisor to The Blackstone Group, he brings with him 24 years’…

A centre that helps victims of crime has reported a worrying increase in the number of cases of sexual blackmail involving teenagers. Sioned Jacobsen, the operations manager at the North Wales Victim Help Centre, says youngsters are being targeted by online extortionists. She revealed her concerns to North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones who funds the centre. Mr Jones, a former police inspector, heard demand for the centre’s services has increased every year since it was established in 2015 and last year they made contact with 34,500 victims of all sorts of crimes. Most people are referred to…

A family-run animal and pet supplies business in Monmouth, South Wales, has secured a six-figure finance package from HSBC UK to expand its operation with a second retail store in Chepstow. [aoa id=”1″] Wye Valley Country Store, run by husband and wife duo Barbara and Alan Griffiths and their son Josh Griffiths, caters for pet, poultry and equine owners, offering animal feed and farm supplies as well as bulk feed for farms and equestrian events. The family, who started the business in 1996, have used the HSBC UK funding to build and fit out the new 7,000 sq. ft. store…

A SOLICITOR with a budding triathlon career is targeting success on the world stage thanks to support from a Wrexham-based copier firm. [aoa id=”1″] Stephanie King, from Saltney, who is aiming for a best ever top 20 finish at the ITU World Triathlon Series in Switzerland in September, has been handed an ‘invaluable’ sponsorship boost by Rawson Digital, which is enabling her to compete at the highest level. The 26-year-old real estate solicitor, who works for Chester law firm Aaron and Partners, is also competing in her second Ironman in Hamburg, Germany, this summer, which is the most gruelling type…

A host of new food and drink producers are gearing up to meet the public at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s Smallholding and Countryside Festival at Llanelwedd this weekend (May 18 & 19). [aoa id=”1″] Formerly known as the Spring Festival, the event draws thousands of visitors from Wales and beyond – eager to see the array of rural attractions, and sample some Welsh food and drink! The Food Hall is always among the main features, and nine producers will be exhibiting there under the auspices of Cywain – a Menter a Busnes delivered project that supports the development of…

New temporary accommodation made from shipping containers will soon offer innovative high quality living for homeless families in Cardiff. [aoa id=”1″] The 13 new homes will be built on the former PDSA site in Bute Street, owned by Cardiff Council, and will provide temporary accommodation for families until a more permanent suitable housing solution can be found. The scheme is jointly funded by Cardiff Council and Welsh Government’s Innovative Housing Programme.  Work is due to start on the site in May, with Cadwyn Housing Association developing the scheme on behalf of Cardiff Council and working alongside Tony King Architects, Willis…

Manufacturing experts from Sony UK Technology Centre have taken to the football field for the fourth year to raise vital funds for children battling serious illnesses. [aoa id=”1″] Staff from the Pencoed-based facility, which produces HD an 4K broadcast cameras for worldwide distribution, have gone head to head in their annual Swansea vs Cardiff charity staff football tournament at Cardiff City Stadium. During the sporting event at the home of Cardiff City FC both teams fought determinedly to claim the victory with Cardiff City eventually taking home the win with two goals to Swansea’s one. [/aoa] Thanks to their efforts…

Cardiff-based communications agency Equinox has made a series of promotions and hires following a string of new business wins. Sophie Harris has been promoted to Account Director after spending more than five years creating fully-integrated campaigns for the agency. A volunteer on the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) committee in Wales, Sophie specialises in consumer and digital PR and has produced several award-winning campaigns throughout her career. Also stepping up are Lucy Matthews, Ellen Leach-Hutchings and Megan Evans who move into the role of Account Manager, while Ioan Williams and Rhian Floyd have been promoted to Account Executive. Ross…

The South Wales Business Awards is pleased to announce the nominees for the 2019 South Wales Business Awards. The short-listing process was incredibly difficult and competitive. Each year sees an increase in applications and standard of applications. However, 2019 has been a year unlike any other. The nominees are as follows: Young Entrepreneur of the year Chandler Durbessich Reed – Mother Hen Eggs Beth Sims – Beth’s Bakes Rhys Mallows – Bottlers & Distillers Wales Laura Carys – Laura Carys Photography Studio Abz Tahar – Assurance Accounting Neil Challenger – Challenger Design Carly Thompsett – Anaphase Store New start-up of…

South Wales Police is investigating a fatal road traffic collision which occurred at approximately 4.15pm on Sunday 12th May 2019. The collision involved a black coloured Yamaha motorcycle which was travelling easterly along Harbour way, Port Talbot. As a result of the collision the pillion passenger, a 44 year old female sustained fatal injuries. Officers are appealing for any witnesses to the collision, or who may have seen the motorcycle travelling along the A4241 Afan Way immediately prior to the collision to contact 101 quoting reference number 1900170002.