Author: Rhys Gregory

Henry Howard Finance has beaten off tough competition to secure itself a place as a finalist in the Best Use of Technology, Best Place to Work, Best Customer Experience and Best Marketing Campaign categories of the first-ever Growth Finance Awards. [aoa id=”1″]The Growth Finance Awards launched this year in order to celebrate the companies providing “more than finance” to the UK’s growing businesses. It’s the first event of its kind, celebrating the innovative organisations breathing optimism into all regions of the UK by helping ambitious SMEs to scale new heights. These growth champions provide the vital capital inflows – around…

Deloitte has made four senior promotions in its tax practice in Wales, by promoting a new partner and three directors. [aoa id=”1″]The newly promoted partner is Tess Williams who leads the global employer services (GES) practice across Deloitte’s Cardiff and Bristol offices, a team of more than 40 specialists who advise organisations in their capacity as employers from a reward and mobility perspective.[/aoa] “I’m delighted to have been promoted to partner and to have been a part of our GES local practice’s success story to date. The practice looks very different today than it did only a few years ago…

ASH Wales has welcomed the news from the latest National Survey for Wales that smoking prevalence in the country has dropped from 19% to 17%. [aoa id=”1″] However, it warns that with over 450,000 people in Wales continuing to light up, and prevalence highest in the country’s most deprived communities, reducing smoking should remain a major public health priority. According to the latest figures from the National Survey for Wales 2018-2019, 17% of adults in Wales now smoke, 18% of men and 16% of women. [/aoa] Smoking rates are highest in Wales’ poorest communities with 21% of adults smoking in…

A woman from Machynlleth, Powys, turned daredevil on Sunday 09 June and completed an abseil challenge to raise over £640 for charity Parkinson’s UK. Jacqueline Whiteley faced her fears to abseil 150 feet down a cliff edge in Breakwater Country Park in Anglesey. Jacqueline, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in September 2018, says she was inspired to take on the challenge to raise money for Parkinson’s UK, who have provided her with invaluable support through their services. Parkinson’s UK is the leading charity driving better care, treatments and quality of life for those with the condition. Its mission is to…

Business confidence in Wales fell seven points during June to 12 per cent, though their hiring plans held firm, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Companies in Wales report lower confidence in their business prospects, down five points to 23 per cent, and lower economic optimism, which fell eight points to one per cent. Together, this gives an overall confidence of 12 per cent. However, businesses’ hiring intentions show a net balance of 27 per cent of businesses in the region expect to hire more staff during the next year, up two points on last…

Eight heritage projects across the length and breadth of Wales have this month received a share of nearly £10 million (£9,716,300) raised by National Lottery players. The projects range from protecting nature and landscapes, to safeguarding the nation’s broadcast history and saving important historic buildings. From running outdoor classrooms and memory sessions for people with dementia, to creating new public spaces and facilities that will benefit entire communities, the eight successful projects will all make a real difference to people living and working in Wales. The successful projects are: A National Broadcast Archive for Wales (£4,751,000 to The National Library…

Oakwood Theme Park is giving die-hard fans the chance to take a piece of the park home with them this summer as hundreds of its former ride parts are set to go on sale. The Pembrokeshire attraction is selling off parts of some of its most famous and popular rides to the public, including family coaster Treetops, water thrill ride, Drenched, and globally renowned fan favourite, Megafobia. [aoa id=”1″]Following the refurbishment of its attractions, more than 20 different types of ride parts and items of park memorabilia will be up for grabs at Oakwood’s on site ‘Mega Shop’ retail outlet.…

A Swansea University student is hoping her research will make a splash when it comes to helping us all enjoy a safer swim. Hannah Jones, who is about to complete her PhD in Public Health, has helped create an eye-catching new animation aimed at promoting better swimming pool hygiene to stop the spread of germs. She said: “The more people that follow hygienic swimming behaviours, the less chance there is of germs spreading in the swimming pool water.” [aoa id=”1″] Entitled A healthy swimmer is a happy swimmer, it is now set to be used by swimming pools on public…

On Wednesday 26 June, the chairman of Ceredigion County Council, Councillor Peter Davies MBE, formally re-opened the wooden jetty on Aberystwyth Promenade. The jetty, a popular spot for fishermen and swimmers, has been closed for boating use for up to three years as marine worm damage had weakened its structure to make boating activity unsafe. [aoa id=”1″] Due to a valuable contribution of £72k from the Coastal Communities Fund, the jetty has been renovated by the council so that sightseeing boats can use the facility to take tourists and residents alike for short trips around the bay. The council recognises…

People in Wales believe skills and values developed in the military are essential for good performance in the wider working world, according to new research published in Armed Forces Week by veterans’ employment charity The Poppy Factory. Communication and team work were the highest-rated workplace skills in the survey of adults in Wales, with 4 in 5 people saying these skills are vital. Organisation and problem-solving were also in the top four. [aoa id=”1″]All of these skills are cited by the Ministry of Defence as being typical of veterans who are transitioning to the civilian world after leaving the Services.…