Author: Rhys Gregory

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…

Adventure Digital has been named as a finalist in the New Start-Up of The Year category at the South Wales Business Awards. The awards, which are due to take place on 12th June at the Bear Hotel, Cowbridge recognise the success and achievements of businesses and entrepreneurs in South Wales. [aoa id=”1″]Jon Wright, Founder of Adventure Digital, said: “We’re over the moon to be named as a finalist for these awards. Adventure Digital was created to help businesses of all sizes receive the marketing support they deserve, after my personal experiences which resulted in me starting my own business.”[/aoa] “When…

ERS – the UK’s largest specialist motor insurer – has unveiled plans to launch an Underwriting Academy in its Swansea office, where it now employs more than 500 people.  [aoa id=”1″]The ERS Underwriting Academy will offer employees in Wales the opportunity to build the skills and knowledge required to follow a technical and trading career path without relocating to another part of the country. Through the Academy, individuals will complete Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) qualifications and undergo an intensive training programme to become a fully qualified insurance underwriter – a career path that has traditionally had limited opportunities outside London. [/aoa] During…

Teaching, leadership and standards have been described as ‘Excellent’ in Ysgol Dyffryn Cledlyn’s first Estyn report. The Estyn report found that standards; wellbeing and attitudes to learning; teaching and learning experiences and leadership and management was ‘excellent’ in the school. The report found that Care support and guidance is ‘Good’ at the school. Ysgol Dyffryn Cledlyn opened in September 2017 after a merger of Cwrtnewydd, Llanwnnen and Llanwenog primary schools. The school is managed by Ceredigion County Council and was built using Welsh Government 21st Century Schools funding. Carol Davies is the school’s Headteacher. She said, “We are very proud…

PREMIER Forest Group Ltd has achieved another successive year of record growth, underpinning its status as one of the UK’s fastest growing timber businesses. [aoa id=”1″] The financial year ending April 2019 saw the group’s sales revenues grow 12pc, by £15million, taking annual turnover to just over £141m. Pre-tax profits were more than £5 million, with operating profit from trading activities up 53pc. [/aoa] While pre-tax profits came in lower than the £9 million achieved in the previous financial period (benefiting from the capital gain of some property disposal), the actual profit generated from trading activity was up £1.8 million. It is targeting…