Author: Rhys Gregory

FAST food takeaways should be prevented from setting up business near to schools in Wales, according to a major new poll by Cancer Research UK. Conducted by the charity as part of its campaign for action to tackle the nation’s obesity crisis, the survey found that almost two thirds (63%) of people who expressed an opinion in Wales said they supported limiting the number of hot food takeaways near schools. Across Wales, the number of fast food outlets increased by a huge 48% from 2010 to 2018. Obesity is having a devastating impact on families with around 1,000 people diagnosed…

A local politician has asked for Assembly time this week to question the Welsh Government about the collapse of a major construction company. It was reported last week that Swansea-based Dawnus Construction has gone into administration. Three Powys schools and a new road in Pembrokeshire are among the projects effected. Labour Mid and West Wales AM Joyce Watson said: “My immediate concern is for the workers and their families, and for those left out of pocket throughout the supply chain – they deserve urgent answers. “We need to know, too, what is happening with the projects underway and in the…

A Newport-based accountancy firm has seen a steep rise in enquiries about the Making Tax Digital process despite there only being weeks left until the HMRC deadline. Kilsby Williams, which provides market leading tax advice, has noticed a surge in visitors to the advice page on their website and dealt with an increasing number of calls and emails. With changes due to come into force from 1 April, businesses only have a limited amount of time to ensure that they’re tax compliant before the deadline. The Making Tax Digital process is a key part of the government’s plans to make…

Structural engineering firm SSS Welding & Fabrication Ltd has more than tripled the size of its Cardiff premises after securing a £280,000 funding package from NatWest. [aoa id=”1″] The family-owned business has used the six-figure funding to construct an additional 5000 sq ft office block at its site at Templar Park Industrial Estate, expanding the existing premises by over a third. The new office space, which took two years to complete, will accommodate eight new admin staff and facilitate future growth. Established in 2004 by Steve Pesticcio, SSS Welding & Fabrication Ltd specialises in steelwork, welding and fabrication. The firm…

Swansea’s city centre Kingsway remained open for business as council staff replaced contractor Dawnus. [aoa id=”1″] Businesses were accessible, traffic flowed smoothly and pedestrians visited shops as council crews tackled defects and removed non-essential fencing and barriers. Some worked through the weekend after Dawnus – main contractor on the £12m Kingsway transformation programme – entered administration last week. Council leader Rob Stewart said: “Behind the scenes, our main focus is getting a new contractor on board as quickly as possible. We want to get on with completing this much-needed regeneration scheme. Discussions regarding a new contractor are progressing well…

Are you a true chicken connoisseur? Ever wondered what really goes on behind the counter at KFC? Well… now’s your chance to find out. KFC is opening its doors to the public to find out if they’ve got what it takes to make its iconic fried chicken, just like the Colonel did. [aoa id=”1″] Up to 300 KFCs across the country will be opening up their kitchens on Saturday 30th March. Fans will be given an exclusive look behind the scenes to see first hand how KFC cooks make the famous Original Recipe chicken fresh in restaurants every day. More…

A 21-year-old from Rhondda Cynon Taff has opened a new dog grooming business with the ultimate goal of becoming a Crufts champion ‘Groomer of the Year’. [aoa id=”1″] Rebecca Lewis from Treorchy, founded her dog grooming business, Vanity Hounds, after volunteering for over 18 months at a local groomers getting experience. The business opened late last year and in just a few months Rebecca has built up a solid base of regular clientele at her salon in Treorchy. Vanity Hounds offers a range of services including dog grooming done specifically to the breed, nail clipping and teeth cleaning in a…

An international mental health legal expert with over a decade of experience championing human rights has been appointed to a leading Cardiff legal firm. [aoa id=”1″] Jamie Lyall, who has worked in legal roles from London to Thailand, has joined CJCH Solicitors in the Mental Health Law and Court of Protection Team. The 34-year-old was appointed to the role at the award-winning firm after gaining experience as a paralegal in Mental Health and Criminal Litigation Law at Norman H Barnett and Co Solicitors in the capital. During his time at the firm, he advised numerous clients detained under the Mental…

Local homes developer Lovell inspired South Wales students visiting Cardiff’s Apprenticeships Work!event by setting them a housebuilding challenge. The Cardiff City Stadium careers fair enabled Year 10 and 11 students, sixth formers and college student to meet the Lovell team, talk to some of the company’s current apprentices and find out about opportunities to build their own careers through an apprenticeship. They also enjoyed a small taste of hands-on construction via the Lovell House activity – the chance to build a mini wooden house. “It was fantastic to meet so many students excited by the prospect of a career in…

A Cardiff-based charity has bagged £1,000 to support the work of a social group for adults with disabilities and mental health conditions through Tesco’s Bags of Help local grant scheme. Student Volunteering Cardiff (SVC) was established in 1970 and operates several volunteering projects supporting disadvantaged adults in the Cardiff area. This includes the Whale of a Time Wednesday project which has benefited directly from the Tesco funding. The money from Tesco has safeguarded venue hire at Cathays Methodist Church for the year and allowed the group to purchase a range of materials that can be used by volunteers and beneficiaries…