Author: Rhys Gregory

Leading specialist recruiter Acorn is celebrating after managing director Matt Southall was honoured at the 2018 South Wales Argus Business Awards with the coveted Lifetime Achievement award for his contribution to business and the economy, during a career spanning more than twenty-five years. The inaugural awards ceremony, held in partnership with Newport Now Business Improvement District, saw businesses from across Gwent recognised for their contribution to the region. Born and raised in Newport, Matt opened the first branch of Acorn on Bridge Street in 1992 with support from three local businessmen. Since then, the business has expanded to more than…

A top politician has backed calls for Wrexham to be granted city status. [aoa id=”1″] The message from Ken Skates AM, the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport, to local business leaders was: “Think like a city, act like a city and become a city.” Mr Skates, who is also the AM for Clwyd South, was speaking at a meeting of Wrexham Business Professionals at the Catrin Finch Centre at Wrexham Glyndwr University. [/aoa] The group, that’s at the forefront of campaign to secure city status for Wrexham, is made up of successful businesses and highly skilled professional…

The Welsh Government has announced that £119m of European Union funding has been secured to progress phase two of the South Wales Metro scheme, with £78.4m of this package allocated to delivering upgrades in Rhondda Cynon Taf. [aoa id=”1″]£23.7m of the funding announced today has been attributed to support the progress of the new rail depot at Taff’s Well, building on the almost £43m pledged to the project by the Welsh Government through Tuesday’s budget announcement. [/aoa] The remaining £51.1m of the funding will allow work to commence on developing the Aberdare and Treherbert lines, which will see faster journeys and…

Plans for a 780-bedroom student tower near Swansea’s city centre railway station have been given the planning go-ahead. They have been given planning permission by a Swansea Council planning committee. The building – described as having a “slender tower of bold design” – will rise up to 17 storeys from the existing Mariner Street Car Park and neighbouring land. Its ground floor will have commercial units. Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: “This is another signal that Swansea is on the up. “This tower will be a bold addition to the city skyline and symbolises the successful regeneration of High…

Following a successful test in South Wales on Monday, Tom Cave says he feels ready for his biggest challenge of the year, the Dayinsure Wales Rally GB – Britain’s round of the FIA World Rally Championship. [aoa id=”1″] Monday’s test saw the 26-year old from Aberdovey back behind the wheel of a Hyundai i20 R5 for the first time since finishing third in the WRC2 category on the Neste Rally Finland in July last year. It didn’t take long for Tom to re-acclimatise himself to the car and, with just a few tweaks made by the Philip Case Rally Sport…

A company that provides affordable IT support and services to businesses across the UK from its head office in Swansea is using Apprenticeships as an integral part of its recruitment programme. [aoa id=”1″] Established in 2003, Pisys.net is now one of the leading outsourced IT suppliers, with clients ranging from start-ups to multi-site operations in the public, private and third sectors. Pisys.net will be competing to become Small Employer of the Year at the awards ceremony at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on November 9. [/aoa] The annual awards are designed to showcase and celebrate the outstanding achievements of learners,…

One of Swansea city centre’s biggest ever transformation projects has been given the planning go-ahead. Full planning permission has been granted for the £120m Swansea Central Phase Onescheme. It means that building could start soon for a 3,500-capacity digital indoor arena, coastal park, digital plaza, “gateway” landmark pedestrian bridge, new homes and premises for retail, food and drink. [aoa id=”1″][/aoa] The project is likely to be a catalyst for city-wide regeneration. Council leader Rob Stewart said:  “This is a big day for Swansea. Today’s final planning decision allows us to progress swiftly with one of our city’s biggest ever transformation projects. “Our…

Author and medical broadcaster Dr Hilary Jones GP has been announced as host of St John Cymru’s Centenary Charity Ball. Dr Hilary’s extensive and varied medical career has seen him working as a single-handed medical officer on Tristan to Cunha, the most isolated inhabited Island in the world, and as a troubleshooting medic for the oil industry in Shetland. Described as the U.K.’s most well-known and trusted GP, Dr Hilary and his TV broadcasts have seen him cover breaking medical news stories not just at home but internationally. With regular appearances on Steve Wright’s radio 2 show, Dr Hilary has…

Welshpool-based recycling specialists Parry & Evans Ltd not only have to keep close control over the quality of recycled materials but also export trading prices. [aoa id=”1″] The family company, which has a turnover of £16 million and employs 62 staff, exports up to 40% of recycled cardboard, paper and plastic to America, China, India, Indonesia and across Europe. Now the company’s success story has been recognised with the International Trade Award, sponsored by Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors, at the annual Powys Business Awards held at The Hafren, Newtown. The awards are organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group. [/aoa] Director Lee…

A mum from Cardiff will be taking on the Cardiff Half Marathon to raise funds for Diabetes UK Cymru after her daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Amanda Lyon, 36, said her world was turned upside down when Emily, 5, was diagnosed with the condition in January. Now she is determined to complete the 13.1-mile challenge on Sunday 7 October to raise awareness of the condition and to fundraise for Diabetes UK Cymru. Diabetes UK Cymru’s Know Type 1 campaign aims to raise awareness of the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, encouraging people to look out for the 4…