Author: Rhys Gregory

2 in 5 Brits took just half of their annual leave last year, with only 13% taking a mere 20% of what they were entitled to. The UK has a long way to go before perfecting the perfect work-life balance, as research reveals Brits work some of the longest hours in Europe, with a quarter working more than 40 hours a week. However, many people are already looking to plan their annual leave for the new year in order to spend more time out of the office. Planning ahead and strategically booking annual leave around the Bank Holidays, can help…

South Wales-based IT and communications company SA1 Solutions has recruited a new member of staff at its base in Swansea. Kelly Hill joins the company as a business support manager. Her new position is very much customer-facing,and she has undertaken roles such as site visit management, engineer reporting, statistical reporting for customers, organisation of any new customer projects, and liaising with clients. Kelly has a wealth of experience in the industry. Previously, she worked for a client of SA1 Solutions, which has given her a unique perspective and has allowed her to experience both sides of the industry. SA1 Solutions…

The horse had managed to get two legs on one side stuck under the bars – with the RSPCA and fire service being called for assistance. RSPCA animal collection officer Stephanie Davidson said: “This poor horse was understandably in quite a bit of distress as he was unable to move and free himself from the cattle grid. “The owner was notified and a vet attended along with the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service. The horse must have just tried to walk over it and unfortunately slipped in. “Thanks to the specialist equipment and expertise from the fire service, the…

The fog that has started to form in the south of the warning area will become more widespread during Tuesday evening and night. Fog is likely to become dense in places with visibility less than 100 metres, which may lead to some travel disruption and slower journey times. Fog will clear in the south and west of the area during Wednesday morning, but may persist until early afternoon in the north and east. What to expect Slower journey times with delays to bus and train services possible There is a chance of delays or cancellations to flights Regions and local…

Detectives investigating the death of 23-year-old Jordan Davies have charged a man with murder. Jordan died on Holton Road after suffering stab wounds during an assault at approximately 4pm on December 16. Jordan Brown, aged 24, of Barry has been charged with murder and will appear before Cardiff magistrates court this morning. DCI Mark O’Shea, Senior Investigating Officer from the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “I would like to again express our thanks to those who tried to help in an extremely distressing situation.” A major incident room has been set up and detectives are continuing to appeal to anyone…

Who said that your home’s roofing system should only be functional? Who said that you cannot go creative with your roofing and inject that wow factor to it? It’s time to inject more life to your roof—especially if aesthetics and efficiency are your things. It’s not all about keeping your home warm. It’s not all about keeping it dry. Making it charming goes a long way in elevating the statue of your home. So, make your roof better with the following explicit roofing ideas. Finished in Thatch Have a cottage design? Well, go for finished in touch roofing option. It…

After laying empty for years, the basement level of the Capitol Shopping Centre in Cardiff city centre is to be turned into a brand-new bar, restaurant and crazy golf venue called Par 59. When complete, the 18,000 sq ft site will boast two permanent independent kitchens, two adults-only, crazy golf courses, two large bar and dining rooms, and a separate area for private bookings. The venue is being developed by the team behind successful Cardiff brand The DEPOT, who recently announced that they are investing £300,000 into a move from their original warehouse venue on Dumballs Road to a new…

Pantomime season has officially arrived in Wales; a time when families come together and the young and old make or relive their childhood experiences. Productions are held up and down the country, with everything from Cinderella at Cardiff New Theatre to Peter Pan at the Swansea Grand Theatre. Although some may not be the most traditional of Christmas stories, they have plenty in common. That being, high production value with big names such as Gok Wan and Tristan Gemmill, a sense of familiarity of watching a panto at Christmas, and the fact that laughs for all ages are practically guaranteed.…

Llantrisant-based insurance broker Gallagher has recently expanded its presence, recruiting 35 new employees and significantly increasing its office space, supported by a Welsh Assembly grant. Since establishing a presence in Wales 33 years ago, Gallagher now employs over 160 people in Magden Park, Llantrisant, and an additional 21 colleagues across offices in Cardiff, Newport and Talbot Green. The newest wave of recruits in Llantrisant, appointed as part of Gallagher’s ongoing recruitment drive in Wales, include business development managers and account executives, plus additional roles supporting their drive in training and quality. The grant has also enabled the firm to expand…

A Carmarthenshire jewellery business is behind the seventeenth day of a Twitter advent calendar celebrating Britain’s independent high street retailers in the run-up to Christmas. The social media countdown has been launched by NatWest as part of its support for Visa’s #WhereYouShopMatters campaign, which aims to encourage more shoppers to visit their local high street and shop locally this Christmas. From gift shops to bakeries, the calendar will profile a different local retailer from across England and Wales each day. Tuesday’s (Dec 17) festive treat is Mari Thomas Jewellery on Rhosmaen Street in Llandeilo. Mari is a contemporary designer jeweller…