Author: Rhys Gregory

Working with children was always Amy Parrotte’s dream – and now she has a successful business doing just that. [aoa id=”1″] Almost  five years ago Amy opened the Pitter Patter day nursery in the heart of Llanidloes in Powys, and she is now in charge of a thriving business with around 50 little ones enjoying time spent there throughout the week and providing 15 jobs in the local community. But without the financial backing and close support of ethical lender Robert Owen Community Banking the 29-year-old is certain her business idea would never have flourished. [/aoa] Indeed, when she went to a…

We are counting down to one of the biggest events in the Newport City Council calendar – the annual Tiny Rebel Newport Food and Drink Festival taking place this week. [aoa id=”1″]More than 80 stalls will be filled with a huge variety of goodies and drinks from participants visiting the city from across Wales and the rest of the UK and one of the best things about the day is access to visitors is completely FREE.[/aoa] For the first time ever the event will not only be staged in the High Street and at Newport Indoor Market but will also…

M&S stores across Cardiff have raised £4,660 for Macmillan Cancer Support following a Disney-themed World’s Biggest Coffee Morning as well as lots of different fundraising activities throughout September. Cardiff M&S customers joined millions across the country to take part in the stores’ World’s Biggest Coffee Morning events on Friday 28th September, which saw staff dressing up in a Disney theme and braving the shave. [aoa id=”1″]The store was staggered by the generosity, support and involvement of the local community in the fundraising efforts for Macmillan, with plenty of coffee, tea and cake eaten along the way. With donations still coming…

Denbighshire County Council, supported by the Welsh Government’s Coastal Risk Management Programme, has drawn up plans to install rock armouring and increase the height of the sea wall along the promenade between Splash Point and the slipway adjacent to Rhyl Golf Club. [aoa id=”1″] Construction is expected to take 18 months and start during 2019, subject to planning permission, other necessary consents being granted and funding agreement. Residents will have the chance to view the plans and comment on them at a drop-in session on October 11 between 10am to 8pm at the Elwy Room, Rhyl Community Fire Station. [/aoa]…

Mark O’Neill from Cardiff has been named one of Wales’ best construction managers for his outstanding work on a flagship city homes scheme. [aoa id=”1″]Mark O’Neill, who works for South Wales partnership homes developer Lovell, secured a Seal of Excellence Award in the National House-Building Council (NHBC) Pride in the Job awards programme before going on to be named as overall Regional Award winner for Wales in the Large builder category. He now goes forward to compete against other Regional Award winners at the Supreme Awards event in January 2019.[/aoa] The accolades recognise Mark’s superb work overseeing the construction of 800 homes taking…

Acclaimed artist Corrie Chiswell’s latest solo show, ‘Dream of Flight’ is at the Off The Wall Gallery in Llandaff, Cardiff until 23 October. Corrie Chiswell said: “I’m very excited about this show, as several larger pieces haven’t been exhibited before. It’s the culmination of years of work, with more than fifty paintings and drawings on display.” [aoa id=”1″] All are welcome to the free exhibition in the Old Probate Registry in Llandaff village, where the gallery will be filled with a rich mix of large and small works. The artist, born in Scotland and Cardiff-based for over twenty years, has…

A leading firm of estate agents, independent auctioneers, chartered surveyors, valuers and rural professionals collected the Excellence in Leadership and Management Award at the annual Powys Business Awards. McCartneys LLP, which has eight offices in Powys and a workforce of 175, received the award, sponsored by Nidec Control Techniques, at the annual awards dinner held at The Hafren, Newtown. Tom Carter, McCartneys LLP partner and chair of the company’s property department, said: “We are overwhelmed and very proud to win this award which was unexpected. “The most pleasing thing is that the award is for leadership and management which recognises…

A fast-growing Newtown-based business has won the Powys Entrepreneurship Award. EvaBuild, which employs 35 people, collected the award, sponsored by Welsh Government, at the annual Powys Business Awards dinner at The Hafren, Newtown. Managing Director Nick Evans said: “This award is great recognition for the hard work of everybody in the team at EvaBuild. “I am passionate about being based in Powys. Delivering quality with high productivity is part of the DNA of Mid Wales people and that’s something that separates us from competitors nationwide.” EvaBuild increased turnover by a third and increased its workforce by 20 per cent in…

Passenger numbers have risen by more than 10% and revenue has increased by 13% this year, Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society’s annual meeting was told at the weekend. [aoa id=”1″] The railway company’s financial officer, Garry Mumford, reported the very encouraging figures, with revenue outstripping increased costs. Improved performances from catering and retail activities had contributed to increased revenue. Whilst cautious about the remaining months of 2018, he said there was evidence to suggest that the railway’s operating deficit could be reduced significantly by the end of the year. [/aoa] Many projects had been completed, including Locomotive No.3 ‘Sir Haydn’ returning…

A newly established youth rugby side in Ely, Cardiff, is preparing for a season of success after receiving a donation of brand new match kits from Principality Building Society. [aoa id=”1″]The match kits were donated to Caerau Ely RFC’s new under 15s side, established in August of this year. The kits had their first run out on Sunday (30 September) in an under 15s Blues Cup tournament set up by the WRU, watched by parents and supporters from the local community at the iconic Cardiff Arms Park.[/aoa] Caerau Ely’s under 15s side was established with support from School of Hard…