Author: Rhys Gregory

A lady who has worked for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board for the past 54 years is named as Health Hero for April. [aoa id=”1″] Gwen Bunn, from St Mellons who works in Health Records at the University Hospital of Wales was nominated by her supervisor Sam Prosser. Sam Prosser, Request Team Supervisor in Health Records at the University Hospital of Wales (UHW) said: “I would like to nominate Gwen Bunn for the Health Hero Award as she is a committed and valuable member of the Medical Records team. “Gwen has worked within the health board since 1966 when…

The CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, and Cranfield Trust, a national charity that uses a network of skilled volunteers to share best practice with voluntary organisations, have launched a new partnership that will benefit charities across south Wales. [aoa id=”1″] The partnership will see Welsh CIPD members volunteer to provide free HR advice to charities across south Wales that currently have limited or no HR support. In a recent survey carried out by Cranfield Trust, many charities said that HR issues were among their top challenges and figures suggest many lack the resources to fund specialist…

Fears that the rise in e-cigarette use would lead to young people thinking smoking is ‘normal’ are unfounded, according a study of 248,324 teens carried out by researchers at Cardiff University. [aoa id=”1″] Their research, published in the Tobacco Control Journal, was based on three national surveys of 13 to 15-year-olds from Wales, England and Scotland. ASH Wales, believes e-cigarettes have a crucial role to play in reducing smoking prevalence in Wales and has welcomed these latest developments. The study, funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), found young people’s attitudes towards smoking tobacco have become more negative…

One of Wales’ most iconic international rugby players has kicked off the 2019 events calendar for the M4 Business Network. [aoa id=”1″] Taking the stage at the Celtic Manor Resort for the inaugural breakfast event of the prestigious M4 Business Network, former Welsh international player, rugby pundit and media personality, Gareth Thomas, stepped up to give a heartfelt account of his personal and professional life, both on and off the pitch. Addressing an audience of over 160 professionals from leading businesses across the region, Gareth – Alfie to friends and fans – openly described how his battles to accept himself…

Welsh aluminium fabricator, Dudley’s Aluminium, has secured a major contract to support the construction of a new home for the School of Architecture and Built Environment at the University of Wolverhampton. [aoa id=”1″] Dudley’s is teaming up with ISG plc after securing the contract worth almost £1million earlier this year. The fabricator will install both Kawneer standard and fire-capped curtain walling, windows and doors, as well as state-of-the-art sliding doors for the entrances. The 85,000 sq. ft. building will be home to over 1,200 professional learners, undergraduates and postgraduate students as well as university staff. The School of Architecture and…

A group of 244 high-potential SMEs in South Wales has generated over £900m combined revenue growth in the last three years, according to new research by BGF, the UK and Ireland’s most active investor. [aoa id=”1″] The research looks at growth in turnover and employees among the UK’s private companies with revenues between £3m and £150m, a category of 13,286 businesses nationwide, of which 389 are based in Wales. South Wales SMEs make up nearly two-thirds of Wales’s high-potential businesses, with 244 companies headquartered across Gwent, South, Mid and West Glamorgan. These South Wales-based businesses have experienced 17 percent…

To mark World Autism Awareness Month, not-for-profit Dimensions has partnered with major entertainer brands to organise a raft of autism friendly events across the month in Cardiff. [aoa id=”1″] These activities coincide with research from Dimensions showing the vital importance of autism friendly environments for people with autism, and their loved ones. Elements of a traditional cinema screening can discourage visits from people with autism, 80% of whom have felt excluded from their local community. Their top concerns include too much noise, having to sit through adverts and trailers, and worrying about being judged by others. [/aoa] Dimensions, the national autism and learning…

PLANS to develop one of the world’s biggest planetariums in Wales are receiving support from pioneers including The Eden Project’s Sir Tim Smith and will transform the site of the iconic former Tower Colliery in the South Wales Valleys. [aoa id=”1″] With the site no longer in use since official closure in 2008, Planetariwm Wales will be a catalytic driver for future investment, creating employment opportunities and economic regeneration in the immediate areas and wider city region. Planetariwm Wales will kickstart economic regeneration and investment in the area through three main strands, including a Planetariwm Theatre, an Experiential Discovery Centre…

A college learner from the south Wales valleys has helped raise £12k for Velindre Cancer Centre after taking part in a fundraising trek across the ancient kingdom of Nepal in aid of the organisation. [aoa id=”1″] Eighteen-year-old Jake Phillips, from Miskin, Rhondda Cynon Taf, took part in a five-day hike across mountainous and remote land in the region to raise money for the Centre. Taking on the challenge with his father, Simon, Jake wanted to thank the Centre for the outstanding support and treatment it had provided to a member of his family over the last year. Joining 50 other…

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism Dafydd Elis-Thomas joined National Trust Director General Hilary McGrady today to open a new community hub at Tredegar House. With aspirations to become the epicentre of learning and social engagement for the residents of Duffryn (Newport), the renovated building now comprises a wheelchair accessible kitchen, training room and lounge area while the adjoining outdoor spaces have been transformed into an accessible, community-managed allotment and garden. With interest from a number of local organisations such as Growing Space, Urban Circle and Newport City Homes, the hub has already begun to hint at its potential of…