Author: Rhys Gregory

Major changes have been announced by ESTnet today as part of ambitious new plans to boost the profile of the Welsh technology industry. After nearly 20 years of representing and championing Wales’ technology industry, the organisation has announced it will adopt a new identity of Technology Connected, along with several new, high profile additions to strengthen its board. The new board members bring a wealth of experience in technology and business, joining the organisation from some of the UK’s biggest technology brands. The new board appointees are; Katy Chamberlain, Chief Executive of Business in Focus– Katy is the Chief Executive of Business…

Inspiretec, a leading global technology partner based in Cardiff has secured a multi-million pound facility with NatWest, in order to refinance historical banking facilities. The significant refinance deal was supported by Gambit Corporate Finance, which acted as lead financial advisor to Inspiretec. Inspiretec is a leading global technology partner for travel agents, tour operators, loyalty brands, hotels, conference destinations and tourism organisations. The group’s complementary market leading software products, including the Travelink end-to-end booking and reservation system and the Holistic travel CRM system, provide the only full stack solution available to the Travel & Hospitality sector. The refinance will provide…

ONE of the UK’s largest hot tub firms will double in size and target £2million turnover this year. UK Leisure Living unveils a new Swim Spa showroom in the coming weeks, expanding its Mochdre base to more than 5,000 sq ft. Managing director Gareth Jones also confirmed the company’s acquisition of Carbon Zero Renewables in St Asaph; now all solar, leisure and hot tub services and sales will form part of the same group. Gareth says UK Leisure Living – listed in the top five businesses in North Wales and 21st in Wales at the recent Fast Growth 50 Awards…

Engenie, the UK’s fastest growing rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging operator, has installed its first two rapid EV charge points in Cardiff city centre as part of a wider rollout that will more than double the number of rapid chargers in the city. Each site is powered by 100% renewable energy and will host two rapid charging points. The first sites to be installed are located on Bute Crescent and Howard Place, with a further two sites to follow shortly after at Windsor Place and King Edward VII Avenue in Spring this year. The final two sites will follow at…

Thanks to the New Theatre, Cardiff for inviting us along to see the show in exchange for this review. Of all the things to see at the theatre a mystery is by far my favourite. As Pam shipman famously said, “it’s just all the drama Mick, I love it”. As for this play, I did in fact love it. This adaptation, by Leslie Darbon, of the classic Agatha Christie novel includes everything you would expect it to; twists and turns, suspense, and tragedy, with a little humour added for good measure. The residents of Little Paddocks read in The…

Quantum Advisory has taken on its second apprentice at its Cardiff headquarters.

The Paris Air Show 2019 was a resounding success with one company, Tritech Group, securing more than £5 million worth of new deals during the Welsh Government trade mission, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates has announced. Six companies from Wales were on the Welsh Government stand at The Paris Air show which ran from 17-21 June 2019: Compact Orbital Gears (Rhayader) Denis Ferranti Group (Bangor) Faun Trackway (Llangefni) Tritech Group (Wrexham) Qioptiq (St Asaph) Winslow Adaptics (Brecon) Between them, the businesses also engaged in conversations that could lead to potential orders worth a combined total of…

LEADING Welsh independent school Christ College Brecon have welcomed a furry friend to their junior school to help pupils learning to read. Eight-year-old Golden Labrador, Tegan has recently joined St Nicholas House to spend three afternoons a week with students working to improve their reading ability.  Extensive research has shown the value of bringing gentle animals, such as dogs, into schools to work with children. This has led to a number of programs being developed to break down the barrier’s children experience to reading, one of the biggest being confidence and anxiety.  The University of Buckingham Vice-chancellor, Sir Anthony Seldon…

Heavy rain associated with Storm Dennis is expected to move east across England and Wales on Saturday and Sunday. Accumulations of 15 to 30 mm are expected widely, with 50 to 70 mm across parts of the higher ground in the west. This rain is expected to fall across areas already wet from recent rainfall. What to expect There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays…

The BA (Hons) Graphic Design and BA (Hons) Advertising & Brand programmes at UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art have once again completed a dynamic industry event at their annual Design Week. Now in its 7th year, the event has attracted employers and influential artists and designers who are making important contributions to the creative world. This year’s theme was Community and Truth and featured a talk by Sky Senior Creative, Gareth Winter who is a graduate of the BA (Hons) Graphic Design programme and Harry Ward, Design Director at Sky. The talk highlighted how good intention, combined with design skill…