Author: Rhys Gregory

Craig Holly, 29, from Neil Powell Butchers, Abergavenny, a former Welsh Pork Butcher of the Year, was runner up to gold medallist Saulius Repecka, 30, who works for Emerson’s Supermarket, Armagh in the final at the WorldSkills UK Live Show at the NEC Birmingham. [aoa id=”1″] The competition focused on all the essential skills required for a successful career as a multi-skilled butcher within the food manufacturing industry. Butchers were tested for overall skill, innovation, creativity, presentation, work ethic, method and approach to tasks, carcass and primal utilisation, waste and safe and hygienic working practice. They had to complete five…

Once a regular scene in Cardiff, computer fairs were all the rage back in the 90s and early 00s. However, over the years as technology has enabled accessing hardware and gadgets even easier and cheaper over the internet, these computer fairs had made themselves redundant in effect. At a time when friendships are made and broken over the internet, it’s great to see a return of such events, even if they still remain a rare sight. It brings people together, whether you are a hardcore computer or tech fan, or just a bargain hunter. The Cardiff Computer Fair promises discount…

Rhug was delighted to have been presented with a Purdey Highly Commended Award last night (Thursday, 22nd November) by the Duke of Wellington. Rhug’s Head Game Keeper, Dave Pooler, was also given a Special Commendation Purdey Award. The Purdey Awards have been held annually since 1999 and seek to promote a wider appreciation of the outstanding game and habitat conservation work carried out throughout the United Kingdom and to give well-deserved recognition and reward to the best. The Rhug Estate was Highly Commended in recognition of the imaginative use of planting and crop management which has created corridors of cover…

The awards acknowledge outstanding individuals and teams as the best in HR, learning, and people management practice in businesses across Wales. The prestigious National Museum Cardiff provided the backdrop for the awards, on an evening that saw three outstanding individuals and eight companies claim the industry’s most coveted accolades. Thousands of people are employed in the people profession across Wales, with HR and leadership development spanning every industry. The awards recognise some of Wales’ top businesses and organisations including: Doncasters UK Forgings, Conduit Global, National Assembly for Wales and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. This year’s winners were selected by a…

This Black Friday guests can enjoy a full weekend of shopping with extra reductions on top of the already incredible up to 60% off RRP prices at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlets. [aoa id=”1″] With centres located in Ashford, Bridgend, Cheshire Oaks, East Midlands, Swindon and York and huge offers available on top gifts, there has never been a better time for guests to shop their hearts out. With all the savings, they can afford to treat themselves to something special too. Whether guests are looking for the perfect present or something special for themselves, they are sure to get a…

The cult chicken restaurant, which is set to open in Cardiff next month, will be handing out free samples of the brand’s chicken tenders alongside its iconic dipping sauces, which come in 13 flavours including Garlic Parmesan, Mango Habanero, Honey BBQ, Blue Cheese and Sriracha Garlic to name a few. [aoa id=”1″] Food fans will be able to treat their taste buds to moreish chicken and finger-licking sauces on the Hayes on November 23 and 24. Slim Chickens will open its new 92-seater restaurant in St David’s on the 18th December. The restaurant’s menu will feature freshly prepared signature chicken…

The ancient town of Montgomery and the former county that took its name are to be recognised in the form of a brand new steam locomotive. [aoa id=”1″][/aoa] The Churchward County Trust (CCT) in Barwell, Leicestershire is in the process of constructing a full-size working replica of one of the Great Western Railway’s (GWR) ‘County’ class 4-4-0 locomotives, which will be named ‘County of Montgomery’. The project, which comes 85 years after the last of these locomotives ran in service, is using a combination of original GWR components and brand new parts. The original 40 locomotives were built at the…

A Swansea-based motorcycleparts and accessories company will expand its franchise offering and create 20 new jobs in South Wales after securing seven-figure bank funding. [aoa id=”1″] M&P Motorcycles will use a £1.5 million funding package from NatWest to expand its current franchise operations in Gorseinon to incorporate additional retail space for a BMW dealership, a separate Honda dealership and used bike superstore as well as open a dedicated Harley Davidson dealership in Cardiff along with M&P parts and accessories and clothing. Plans to expand M&P’s existing premises are already underway and once complete will create an additional 20,000 sq. ft…

Father Christmas made his way through the shopping centre with his helpers greeting visitors along the way, before taking up residence in his grotto and listening to Christmas wishes from over 600 of Merthyr’s children. To celebrate Santa’s arrival, the shopping centre held a Christmas craft fair where local people were selling handmade festive decorations and unique gifts suitable for all members of the family. A balloon modeller was also entertaining young visitors and the Llwydcoed Brass Band played festive favourites. Julie Calderbank, Operations Manager at St Tydfil Shopping Centre, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Father Christmas back to St…

As one of the biggest online shopping days of the year approaches, we are offering advice about staying safe online. On November 23 people across the UK will log on in an attempt to make savings on a whole range of items as part of the ‘Black Friday’ shopping day . Yet with so much personal data and bank details being entered online, this time of year can make it rich pickings for cyber criminals. Top tips to avoid falling victim include: Be wary of any items which seem too much of a bargain. They could well be of poor…