Author: Rhys Gregory

Welsh mid-market businesses could generate around £252m in additional annual economic output if key decisions were made more quickly, according to new research from advisory firm FRP. The findings suggest there is significant further growth potential for the Welsh mid-market, with faster decision-making able to support stronger revenue growth, improved efficiency and greater resilience in response to changing market conditions. The findings form part of FRP’s new Decision Economy report, a major new study delivered in partnership with research firm Development Economics to assess the importance of mid-sized businesses – those with between 50 and 499 employees – to the…

The Met Office says unsettled weather across Wales and the UK is set to give way to warmer conditions later this week, with forecasters predicting the warmest day of the year so far ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend. After a mixed start to the week featuring heavy showers, strong winds and the chance of thunder, temperatures are expected to climb steadily from Thursday onwards, bringing brighter and warmer weather for many parts of the country. Tuesday is expected to bring a mix of sunshine and heavy, blustery showers across Wales, with some thunderstorms possible before conditions ease later in…

Newport City Council has revealed the next list of roads set to be resurfaced over the next two years as part of its ongoing Fixing Our Roads programme. The announcement follows increased investment in road repairs and maintenance as part of the council’s 2026/27 budget, with the authority saying it is responding directly to concerns raised by residents. So far, resurfacing work has already been completed on more than 30 major roads across the city, including Chepstow Road, Cardiff Road, the A467 Risca bypass and Malpas Road. Councillor Rhian Howells, cabinet member for infrastructure and assets, said: “When setting our…

Community groups, voluntary organisations and local partners across Swansea are being invited to apply for grant funding this summer to support food provision and activities for residents. Swansea Council has opened applications for a range of grant programmes under its #HereForYouThisSummer campaign aimed at helping children, young people and older residents, as well as supporting emergency food provision across the city. Almost £700,000 is available to support a wide range of activities, including holiday provision, community food projects and initiatives that help people stay connected, active and supported during the summer months. Jane Whitmore, from Swansea Council, said: “These grants…

he new Mayor of Neath Port Talbot says he is looking forward to serving the community, seeing the role as a culmination of a lifetime of connection to the area. Cllr Alan Lockyer, who has recently served as Deputy Mayor, has now officially taken up the main role following a ceremony at The Orangery, Margam Park. The Mayor has thanked outgoing Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Wayne and Carol Carpenter, praising their exemplary service and expressing gratitude for their long friendship. Although born in England (Romsey, Hampshire), incoming Mayor Cllr Alan Lockyer strongly considers himself Welsh, having lived in Neath from…

A man from Neath Port Talbot has been jailed after he was found to have a significant number of illegal weapons within his property. 51-year-old Maximin Carter had stored the weapons in a house on Commercial Street, Abergwynfi, and prompted a large-scale police response when the weapons were discovered in February. In March, Carter pleaded guilty to six counts of possessing an offensive weapon in a private place, and a further count of possessing a prohibited self-contained gas cartridge air weapon. He has today been sentenced to five and a half years in prison. Detective Sergeant Kristian Burt said: “This…

Kane Evans, 29, was arrested by police in Bristol airport on January 29, 2026, where he had returned from a holiday in Cyprus. At the time he was under investigation by officers from the Cardiff and Vale organised Crime team. Back in November, 2025, he was inside a flat in Mill Road when officers from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team executed a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act. As officers forced entry, a rucksack containing crack cocaine had been thrown out of a bedroom window where they found Evans and arrested him. Officers seized two phones from the address,…

A man has been jailed after being found to be concerned in the supply of cocaine. Leon Jones, 24 from Merthyr, was sentenced to two years and six months in prison following his conviction. The sentencing took place on Friday May 15 at Cardiff Crown Court where Jones pleaded guilty to one count of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and one count of possession with intent to supply crack cocaine. This follows a police investigation into a drugs line working across the mid Glamorgan area. Officers identified a number known to be linked to one of these drug…

Transport for Wales (TfW) has today launched its contactless pay as you go rail travel in North East Wales and borders, making journeys simpler and more flexible for customers across the region. Passengers travelling on TfW rail services can now tap in and tap out using a contactless card or smart device at 15 stations in North East Wales and borders. The service automatically calculates the best value fare for each journey, removing the need to purchase a ticket in advance. The 15 stations launching with the service are below, with more to be added in a phased rollout later this year: Bidston Buckley Caergwrle Cefn‑y‑Bedd Gwersyllt Hawarden Hawarden Bridge Heswall Hope Neston Penyffordd Shotton (High Level) Upton Wrexham Central Wrexham General…

Motorists are facing major delays on the M4 in Swansea this morning following a collision on the eastbound carriageway. According to Traffic Wales, traffic is currently at a standstill between Junction 47 Penllergaer and Junction 46 Llangyfelach. In an update shared shortly after the incident, Traffic Wales said: “#M4 J47 Penllergaer – J46 Llangyfelach, Eastbound. Traffic on stop. Please find alternative route.” Drivers are being advised to avoid the area where possible and use alternative routes while the incident is dealt with. There is currently no confirmation on the number of vehicles involved or whether anyone has been injured. Traffic…