Author: Rhys Gregory

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s Bridgend Extrication Team have once again been crowned World Champions in the 20th World Rescue Challenge in La Rochelle, France. This is the fourth consecutive time and seventh world title in 20 years of competing that the team have achieved this prestigious award. Competing against 35 extrication teams from across the globe in rapid, standard and complex scenarios, the team’s skills have been tested to the highest level, having to deal with the most up to date vehicle technology with cars provided by Renault. The team gained two gold medals and one silver with…

An urgent appeal for information has been launched by RSPCA Cymru after three equines were found on the hillside at Wolfscastle in Haverfordwest. Officers from the animal welfare charity were contacted after the horses were spotted by a member of the public on Sunday (8 September). The horses – one Shetland, and two Welsh Section B type – are now in the care of the RSPCA as the search for an owner continues. Anyone with information about where they may have come from, or the owner, has been urged to contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line. One of the horses…

A TRIO of young financial advisers are the next generation to lead a well-respected Wrexham wealth management firm. [aoa id=”1″] Ben Gittins, Gwyn Edwards and Tom Hadlow have all been appointed as Directors at Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Ltd, as part of a long-term strategy to ensure the continued success, direction and longevity of the firm. Existing senior board director James Parry has also increased his stake in the business. The company, which was set up by founding directors, Warren Hadlow and Medwyn Edwards in 2000, moved their rapidly expanding team into the former Wrexham Lager Old Brewery building in…

Leading law firm Blake Morgan has announced the promotion of seven individuals in its Cardiff office. [aoa id=”1″] The promotions are across a range of practice areas and reflect the team’s commitment to finding relevant, realistic legal solutions for their clients and their contribution to the continued success of Blake Morgan. The success of the Blake Morgan construction and property teams is reflected in the promotion of Kate Howell to Senior Associate, Dawn Smith to Legal Director and Tanya Barrett to Senior Solicitor. These promotions follow an outstanding 12 months which saw the teams named Property and Construction Team of…

Property consultancy Knight Frank has appointed Jon Ely as partner to head up a new Business Rates service from its Cardiff office. Joining from Cushman & Wakefield, Jon will provide an on-the-ground ratings service to local and national companies operating in South Wales and the South West. Matt Phillips, office head of the Knight Frank office in Cardiff, said: “This is a senior appointment and is a strategic step in providing an unrivalled service to our clients. Business rates represent a very significant cost to occupiers and having Jon based locally – supported by our large national team – can…

Tens of thousands of pounds in drugs have been seized and hundreds of stop-searches carried out by specialist police teams in Cardiff and Swansea. The Operation Sceptre teams – aimed at tackling drug supply, knife crime and serious violence – were extended in July, with the existing Cardiff team enlarged and a new Swansea team introduced. In the 10 weeks since those larger teams were established, their successes have included: Making 126 arrests Carrying out 459 stop-searches Taking 74 weapons off the streets Seizing drugs with a street value of more than £24,000 In the previous 12 months, the Operation…

From its chefs, producers, farmers, and makers, Wales’ food scene is continuing to thrive and flourish in 2019 with some of the industry’s best talent heading to this year’s Abergavenny Food Festival (21st – 22nd September).  [aoa id=”1″] Launching a new Welsh Chefs Demo Stage at the festival for 2019 and with more Welsh traders in the markets than ever before, Abergavenny Food Festival CEO Aine Morris underlines the strong connection between produce and the land as a key factor to the continued rise of Welsh food. Aine says: “We’re very proud to showcase a thriving Welsh food scene at the…

To underline its commitment to Wales and greater independence from BT Group, Openreach has established a new Board for Wales. [aoa id=”1″] The Openreach Cymru Wales Board, whose members represent the teams of engineers and support staff working across Wales, will provide guidance and direction to the organisation throughout the nation. The board recently convened in Cardiff at the Principality Stadium to hold its very first meeting under the leadership of Kim Mears, Openreach’s Managing Director for Infrastructure Development.  Kim Mears said: “There’s a great deal of work going on in Wales to extend fibre broadband even further across the…

A Welsh businessman stood out at this year’s ICAS (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland) Top 100 Young CAs Awards for embracing technology in the finance industry. [aoa id=”1″] Each year, the professional body celebrates a pool of bright young accountants they believe will shape the industry. Among the winners was Gareth Lewis, co-founder of global fintech provider Delio, whose innovative approach set him apart. With its HQ in Cardiff, Delio designs and delivers white-label technology platforms and their clients include global financial organisations. Through their platforms, the Welsh company connects investors to unique investment opportunities within private markets. Gareth Lewis…

The finalists for the 2019 Wales Transport Awards that represent the best of the Welsh transport sector have been revealed. [aoa id=”1″] The Wales Transport Awards was launched to celebrate the outstanding achievements of those in the Welsh transport industry and recognises the significant contribution made by the transport sector to the Welsh economy. The inaugural awards will take place on Friday 1st November at the Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel, where over 40 finalists will compete for awards in 11 categories including; Fleet of the Year, Transport Operator of the Year and Apprentice of the Year. [/aoa] Liz Brookes, Founder of the…