Author: Rhys Gregory

The new Real Voices, Real Trauma report projects the voices of 30 young people who have experienced homelessness across Wales. [aoa id=”1″] 100 per cent of the study’s participants cited at least one form of trauma from their childhood. The report analyses how many of the participants have had to deal with mental health, substance misuse or family issues and whether these were a factor of their homelessness. The report was commissioned by leading homelessness charity, The Wallich, and was carried out by Nia Rees, who acted as a Research Consultant to the organisation. The Wallich has produced a comprehensive…

Popular US brand Slim Chickens is winging its way to Cardiff for the launch of its first regional restaurant outside of London. [aoa id=”1″]Fans of American cuisine will be able to get their hands on Slim Chicken’s signature buttermilk marinated, hand-breaded chicken tenders, which are freshly prepared to order. The menu will also feature chicken sandwiches and chicken wings, as well as quintessential Southern sides, including 13 dipping sauces, mac and cheese, fried pickles and Texas toast. For those with a sweet tooth, there will be milkshakes, fried pies and jar desserts.[/aoa] The ambience and hospitality of the Cardiff restaurant…

Retail expert Helen Hodgkinson has been working with shop and business owners alongside the County Council’s Economic and Business Development Team on how to make the most of the festive season. [aoa id=”1″] Helen, a former fashion retailer and college lecturer herself, has been holding one-on-one sessions with businesses and is keen to get out the message that the county’s shops have plenty to offer shoppers for Christmas. It’s part of Denbighshire County Council’s #LoveLiveLocal campaign to encourage people to use their local shops and services and for businesses to promote themselves and for everyone to use social media platforms…

On Thursday 1 November, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Bridgend will host a special, late night shopping event, with the centre’s opening hours extended from 10am to 10pm for one day only. [aoa id=”1″] Arriving at the perfect time for those looking to purchase their new season wardrobe or tackle Christmas shopping before the festive frenzy begins, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Bridgend’s late night shopping event will include an array of exclusive discounts up to 70% off RRP.   Some of the centre’s best loved brands will also host special deals, including Jack Wills, Superdry and Levis. In addition to this, centre staff will be…

Cardiff-based sock subscription service, FUTT, has recently been shortlisted as a finalist in the online retailer of the year category at the 2018 Digital Entrepreneur Awards (DEAs). The Welsh brand which officially launched in July 2018 has already been recognised for its inclusive online sock subscription service in the Wales Start-up awards. Created out of a passion for celebrating the little things in life, FUTT works across a range of industries including architecture and typography to deliver its unique designs. With its goal being to deliver great socks right to your front door with its subscription service, the brand has earned its place…

Representatives from partnership homes developer Lovell, Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council celebrated the start of construction on a major home development, Ymyl Yr Afon, near Merthyr Tydfil. The breaking-ground ceremony on Monday, 22 October marked the beginning of work to reinvigorate the site of the former Merthyr Vale Colliery with 153 brand-new homes. The £25 million development will create 110 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes for open market sale and 43 one-, two-, three- and four-bed affordable houses and apartments on the land which lies close to the River Taff at Merthyr Vale, between Merthyr…

Talented butchers across Wales are sharpening their knives as they prepare to put their skills to the test in the nation’s top butchery competition at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in Builth Wells next month. [aoa id=”1″] Winner of the contest, on Tuesday, November 27, will win the coveted Welsh Butcher of the Year title together with a cheque for £130. The runner up will receive £70 and all the finalists will receive a trophy. There is no age limit to the competition and butchers, who must work or live in Wales, have until 5pm on November 12 to submit…

A new commercial property hub for entrepreneurs and SMEs has been declared open by the Mayor of Merthyr Tydfil, Councillor Clive Tovey. [aoa id=”1″] Business in Focus, the specialist business support organisation for South Wales, has recently acquired Crownford House, expanding its portfolio of properties across the region, allowing the social enterprise to offer further specialist support and premises uniquely tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. The site, located in the heart of the town centre, in Swan Street, has already witnessed a number of entrepreneurs moving in. These include Alpha Safety Training Ltd, Apollo Teaching Services…

The global beauty company Coty today announced a new initiative led by its cosmetics brand Rimmel designed to combat the growing issue of beauty cyberbullying affecting millions of people, predominately young girls, around the world. Beauty cyberbullying is when someone is bullied about their appearance through negative or abusive comments on their social media channels.  [aoa id=”1″]The Rimmel initiative, #IWILLNOTBEDELETED, aims to tackle the societal issues that stop people of all ages from feeling unable to fully express themselves on social media due to fear of negative commentary or retribution – a key reason people delete social media posts or…

Cardiff-based Orbis Education and Care has bought its first school and residential home in England in a multi-million-pound deal. [aoa id=”1″] Orbis Abbey Rose is in Tewkesbury and will educate and home 30 children who have complex needs associated with autism. The school plans to be fully open in the new year following refurbishments and registration. The school and residential home, which is situated on a 17-acre site, was formerly known as Southwick Park and was owned by Cambian Group. It was closed in April 2018. [/aoa] Mike Currier, CEO of Orbis Education and Care, said: “This is a milestone…