Author: Rhys Gregory

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…

To celebrate their 50th anniversary housing, support and care provider Hafod are looking back over the years to find out the difference they’ve made to people’s lives. [aoa id=”1″] This includes the story of the Morris and Thomas family who both moved into Hafod’s first ever development in Marlborough Close, Barry on the same day in 1976 with their young families. As a newly married couple, Elizabeth and Gwyn Thomas lived in a flat locally but their plans to have children meant that they needed somewhere bigger to call their family home. Similarly, Jennifer and Bill Morris needed to find…

Head teachers across Wales will have the chance to learn about education systems abroad and share their skills and knowledge with partners overseas as part of a new scheme. [aoa id=”1″] ‘Global Education Dialogues’ is part of Welsh Government’s new flagship for school leadership, the National Academy for Educational Leadership (NAEL). British Council Wales has developed the new international programme for the Academy, which has helped an initial cohort of 12 head teachers develop their own programmes, choosing the focus and aims of their international visits. The head teacher ‘associates’ on the programme will share best practice with educationalists in…

A partnership project designed to educate tenants about bonfire safety and encourage them to attend organised displays has been heralded a major success, with a big reduction in fire setting incidents reported on Bron Afon Housing land, the lowest number reported for 40 years. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service working in partnership with Bron Afon Housing Organisation implemented highly successive multi agency initiative as part of Operation Bang over the Bonfire period and Halloween period.  Theyused a range of interventions such as consequencestalks in schools, community engagement and community engagement activity plus community patrolswith partners includingGwent Police and Torfaen…

Work-based learning in Wales is a great success for the Welsh Government. Over the last 18 months, the Apprenticeship programme, in particular, has seen fantastic growth with almost 6,000 more apprentices commencing learning during the 2017/18 contract year than in the previous year. Some of this success can be attributed to the impact of the Apprenticeship Levy for large employers, where the tax they now pay has increased interest and activity in the Apprenticeship programme. Other contributory factors include the collaborative activity that has taken place between the NTfW and the Welsh Government, investing in external marketing, employer events and…

Emergency services were called to woodland near Brookfield Drive at 7.13am today. [aoa id=”1″]Although formal identification has not been carried out, the body is believed to be that of a 32-year-old Cardiff man. Next of kin has been informed and they are being supported by specially trained liaison officers. Detectives are carrying out house to house enquiries and scenes of crime officers are conducting forensic examinations of the woodland. An incident room has been set up at Cardiff Central Police Station and an appeal for information has been issued. [/aoa] This is not linked to the on-going murder investigation of…

Towergate’s group charity, The Ardonagh Community Trust (ACT), has given £4,000 to The Hollies, a primary school for children aged 3-11 years, who have special education needs in Pentwyn, Cardiff. The grant from ACT will go towards a replacement ‘Nest Swing’ for the children’s playground. Headteacher Lisa Marshall said: “Children with autism often prefer solitary play. To help further develop their play skills, the nest swing will encourage turn taking and social interaction but most importantly to have fun! With limited funds available to replace worn out equipment we are so pleased at the amount of money Towergate has given…

Around 100 Swansea City Centre businesses have signed up to a fantastic Golden Ticket competition this year, giving shoppers the chance to ‘win Christmas’, while encouraging people to shop locally. Swansea Bid (Business Improvement District) is behind the Golden Ticket competition, via its Big Heart of Swansea brand, which is offering a massive £500 worth of prizes for one lucky winner. Tickets are available in up to 100 Swansea City Centre shops and outlets – from big retailers like Ann Summers, New Look, Top Shop, Marks & Spencer and Top Man, to much loved small businesses like Madame Foner, Lee…