Author: Rhys Gregory

The Development Bank of Wales has backed Cardiff-based QTS Industrial Supplies Ltd with a micro loan, allowing the business to set its sights on growth with improved machinery and stock. Established in 1984, and now led by current owner Andrew Harrison, QTS provides all aspects of industrial supplies and machining equipment to business customers, including cutting tools, precision engineering equipment and hand and power tools. It also offers maintenance, repair and overhaul services and uniforms and textiles equipment including PPE, with clients including Transport for Wales, Caerdav, Dow Silicones and Ryanair. The micro loan, from the Wales Flexible Investment Fund,…

The National Library of Wales revealed its bold new strategy for 2025–2030 this week (20 May) — at a launch event which also previewed a new ‘Clip Corner’ at the Wales Millennium Centre. The Library’s new strategy underpins the Welsh Government’s newly publishedPriorities for Culture — which aim to make Wales’ rich cultural legacy more accessible for future generations. The new space — known as a ‘Clip Corner’ — will officially open in June, providingfree access to digitised film, video, and audio from the Wales Broadcast Archive and the Library’s Screen and Sound Archive. With support from the National Lottery Heritage…

A NEW craft lodge, café and wellbeing hub is attracting even more families to one of the country’s most popular holiday parks. Darwin Escapes’ Talacre Beach Resort – which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary – opened the child-friendly facility to meet demand from visitors and owners. The move increases the 44-acre site’s all-weather offering and is proving a big hit, according to Entertainment Supervisor Rychard Martinez. He says activities including pottery painting, yoga and mindfulness, fabric and jewellery craft, tasty creations and ‘Stuffed with Fluff’ teddy factory workshops have attracted people of all ages. “The lodge is brand new but…

A North Wales precision engineering company is targeting major sales growth in Eastern Europe after launching its first sales force in Poland. Leading the team is Mariusz Kowalski, the new Sales Manager for Poland, who will lead a drive for new orders for fast-growing Continental Diamond Tool (CDT) who are based in Kinmel Bay. The business, which supplies Tier 1 aerospace and automotive companies, specialises in designing and producing high spec grinding wheels for advanced manufacturing processes. The product range includes diamond-encrusted rotary dressers, accurate to 1,000th of a millimetre. The company has also ramped up the manufacture of new…

An entrepreneur running mindfulness craft workshops is expanding into larger premises at Ffos Caerffili after a successful first year at the town’s container market. Joy House Creations, managed by Bethan Davies, 29, has been a staple of creativity at Ffos Caerffili since it opened its doors in April 2024. Through guided workshops featuring activities such as pottery painting, knitting, or needle felting, Bethan encourages her guests to slow down, have conversations, and take a break from the busy world. During its first year in a permanent home at Ffos Caerffili, Bethan has welcomed hundreds of people into Joy House Creations…

With just days to go until the foodie favourite that is the Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival, details of the much-loved food demos have been set with so much to entertain festival goers across this Spring Bank Holiday weekend. Masterchef finalist and Steps singing star Ian ‘H’ Watkins will be taking to the stage to cook up a festival street food special inspired by his time on the show last year; part of a jam-packed schedule across both days (May 25th-26th) with something to tempt all tastes at the Cowbridge Town Hall. ‘H’ is also busy preparing for another great…

A blind teenage singer will be one of the stars of the show at the 10th anniversary concert of a music cooperative that transformed her life. Inspirational Isabelle Harrison, 19, from Llandegla, will be centre stage at the North Wales Music Cooperative’s gala event at St Asaph Cathedral on Thursday, June  12. The concert will be hosted by popular tenor Rhys Meirion who will also be singing on the night. It will be a celebration of the impact the music cooperative has had on its former and current students over the last decade. Among those taking part will be various ensembles,…

Cardiff Arms Park, the historic home of Cardiff Rugby at the heart of the Welsh capital, will transform into the Champions Rugby Village on May 23–24, offering fans an electrifying festival atmosphere as part of the 30th EPCR Finals Weekend celebrations. Situated just steps from the Principality Stadium, the fan zone will be the heartbeat of the weekend, featuring live music, entertainment, food and drink stalls, family-friendly experiences, community outreach initiatives, as well as special appearances from rugby legends. Whether you’re heading to the games or simply soaking up the buzz, the free to enter Champions Rugby Village promises a…

Ruthin-based craft supplier, Lavinia Stamps, has expanded exports to over 60 countries and counting, as support from Business Wales generates a 12% increase in sales through new exposure to international markets. Established in 1992, the craft supplier is best known for their signature polymer stamps, featuring original artwork from founder Tracy Dutton. Looking to safeguard and expand exports following the UK’s exit from the EU, the team enlisted export experts from Business Wales for strategic guidance to build resilience and better navigate evolving international trade landscapes. Working with Lavinia’s Product Development Manager, Andrew Peers, Business Wales Adviser, Anthony Kirkbride, set…

A 50-year-old man who burgled an elderly woman’s home and then fled the country has been jailed. Peter Jason Lee, of no fixed abode, appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court yesterday, Wednesday May 21st, after admitting burglary with violence. It comes after Billie Jo Kane, 27, of no fixed abode, and Ieuan Parry, 28, of Llanbabo, Rhosgoch, were sentenced at Mold Crown Court on 27 February for their part in the incident. During the evening of October 23rd 2023, Lee and Kane forced their way into an 83-year-old woman’s home near Brynteg, Anglesey. The burglars ransacked the elderly woman’s home, demanding…