Author: Rhys Gregory

From helping to create eight new businesses to providing financial support and development opportunities to over 130 existing businesses, the local economy and social enterprise sector in Bridgend County Borough has received a boost over the last year – and it’s thanks to an innovative partnership between social enterprise development agency Cwmpas and Bridgend County Borough Council.  Designed to cater to local need, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) supports local communities by focusing on core areas such as people, skills and local businesses. Martin Downes, the Cwmpas Lead Consultant who has been overseeing the Social Enterprise Support Programme in…

Community heroes from across Wales have been shortlisted for the BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference Awards 2025. Launched in Wales for the first time this year, the BBC Make a Difference Awards celebrate and recognise people who do incredible things for each other and their local communities, shining a light on these everyday, unsung heroes. Over 700 entries have been whittled down to 32 finalists across eight categories. A youngster who ran the equivalent of three marathons to raise money for a children’s hospital, a boxing club that is considered the lifeline of the community, and a former racehorse…

An audacious burglar who returned to his victim’s house to ask for personal belongings he left there has been jailed. Said Hassan and an accomplice forced entry via the front door to a house in Pontcanna Street, Cardiff, on Friday, February 7. The occupants rumbled them as they were loading alcohol from kitchen cupboards and told them to leave. Hassan left, but upon realising he’d forgotten some personal belongings during his rush to get out, the brazen burglar returned to ask for his things back. The stunned occupants refused and by this time had already contacted South Wales Police. The…

A 56-year-old man who was caught driving an HGV almost four times over the drink drive limit has been jailed. Iurie Istrati, of no fixed abode, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday 29th May where he admitted to dangerous and drink driving. Shortly before 1pm on May 28th police responded to a 999-call reporting a HGV swerving between lanes and the edge of the carriageway on the A483 at Gresford. Despite attempts by officers to pull the vehicle over, Istrati continued driving, narrowly avoiding a collision with the roadside barrier. Fearing a serious collision could occur, officers overtook Istrati…

Installation work has now been completed on the external signage at the Queen’s Market in Rhyl. These new sign installations now adorn both main entrances and the sides of the building. The new installations include the sign which sits at the Northwest entrance, facing the West Parade and the prom, the signage which sits atop of the Sussex Street entrance, and the signage which faces Queen Street, which sits at the side of the building. There is also lettered painted signage on the side of the building which faces Sussex Street. Work is progressing rapidly on the internal fit out…

An opportunity to develop a new café to serve the tens of thousands of people who visit the historic Grade II listed Parc Cefn Onn every year has been announced. The Green Flag Award winning park in North Cardiff is home to tumbling streams, winding paths, a magnificent collection of native and exotic trees, as well as areas of semi-natural woodland. Now, Cardiff Council are advertising the chance to convert the former caretaker’s bungalow into a café, so that visitors can also enjoy a cup of tea or coffee at the park. Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr…

A new programme of creative workshops and wellbeing activities is launching this summer at Craig Gwladus Country Park in the Neath Valley, aimed at helping people connect with nature, learn new skills, and support their mental health. The Woodland Wellness initiative is the first of its kind at Craig Gwladus and has been made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Open to adults of all experience levels, the programme features a variety of creative and therapeutic sessions set in the peaceful woodland setting of the park. Running throughout the summer and early autumn, activities include creative…

Education reforms in Wales are creating an inclusive education experience where learners with additional learning needs are supported to thrive in mainstream school life. On a visit to Llwyn Yr Eos primary school in Aberystwyth, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, got to see first-hand how learners with a wide range of complex learning and medical needs, are being supported within specialist teaching facilities at the mainstream school. The Cabinet Secretary met Gethin, aged 10, who has a profound disability, is non-verbal and uses eye gaze technology to communicate. He takes part in whole school activities such as the…

Work has started on flood prevention measures in Llanhilleth. Earlier this year, the Council approved programmes of work for the communities worst hit by recent flooding events in Llanhilleth, Cwm and Tredegar. Contractors have started to replace the section of Nant Cyffin culvert from the railway boundary to the river and work is expected to take around 18 weeks to complete. During this period, there will be traffic diversions in place, and the side road leading to Railway Street will be temporarily closed. In Cwm, work is progressing well. Work on the main culvert is expected to finish in mid-June…

Markets online are changing rapidly, and businesses today are focusing on expanding internationally as a main approach to succeeding over time. Growing internationally provides companies the chance to find new customers, earn diverse revenue, and boost their recognizability.  This article analyzes how global marketplace expansion depends in part on payment platforms. The Challenges of Global Marketplace Expansion Several actions and marketplace payment solutions can open you to international markets. A business’s development can often be blocked by multiple roadblocks along the way. These include: There are always extra costs and unpredictable changes when companies exchange currency. Unique regulations: Because each…