Author: Rhys Gregory

Three thrill-seeking intellectual property experts have abseiled 80 metres down one of the UK’s tallest sculptures to generate funds for people with brain injuries. The daring team, from leading intellectual property firm Wynne-Jones IP, have taken on the ArcelorMittal Orbit in Stratford, London. Recognised as the UK’s highest freefall abseil standing at 262 feet high, the sculpture is taller than the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Statue of Liberty, and Big Ben. Taking on the 80 metre abseil at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park were paralegals Alan Hammler and Hannah Champion, along with senior marketing executive Amy Kasprzyca. [aoa id=”1″]…

First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, has opened a new state-of-the-art primary school in Bridgend. Betws Primary School is the fifth of its kind to be built in Bridgend County Borough over the past 5 years thanks to a Welsh Government funding scheme. The 21st Century Schools and Education Programme supports schools to upgrade their buildings, outdoor areas and IT equipment to match modern-day needs. The previous Betws Primary was demolished after it was badly damaged following a fire but it has now made way for 2 contemporary buildings; the new Betws Primary and a Welsh-medium primary, Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg…

Four brand new primary schools have opened in Cardiff as part of the city’s 21stCentury schools programme.  [aoa id=”1″] Representing a combined investment of £22.6m, Gabalfa Primary School, Howardian Primary School, Ysgol Gymraeg Glan Ceubal and Ysgol Gymraeg Glan Morfa all moved into their new, purpose built, permanent homes over the summer holidays. They have been built as part of Cardiff’s Band A, 21stCentury Schools programme, totalling £164m and jointly funded by Cardiff Council and Welsh Government. Deputy Leader of Cardiff Council, and Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry, said: [/aoa] “I am so pleased to…

With year-long celebrations of the 250thanniversary of British circus on the back of a wave of popularity for Box Office smash hit ‘The Greatest Showman’, 2018 has been a good year for Circus. [aoa id=”1″] This is especially true for Wales, with more people learning, studying and performing the artform here than ever before. Hoping to support and sustain this growth, the UK’s leading contemporary circus company, NoFit State Circus is launching a new, year-long professional development programme. named Transitions. The project is open to circus professionals, teachers and youth circus graduates from across the nation, and is funded by…

There is too much at stake and too much potential disruption for both parties for the UK and the EU to risk failing to reach a deal on trade ahead of the UK’s exit in March. But investors should still prepare for the worst and be mindful of the consequences of a ‘No’ deal, an experienced investment director has warned. Chris Davies, investment director at Estate Capital, a firm of chartered financial advisers in South Wales that manages more than £200 million in its own investment portfolios, said that a ‘No’ deal will have serious implications for the economy. “We…

Two Gwent businesses have been given a major boost by Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise. [aoa id=”1″] V3 Apparel and Menu4Life have won free tenancies for fixed periods at the prestigious Ebbw Vale Innovation Centre (EVIC), owned and run by UKSE. The locally-based companies won the prizes against strong competition. V3 Apparel will have a free office for a year, and runner up Menu4Life will have six months at EVIC. Their successful submissions demonstrated potential to grow and create lasting jobs. [/aoa] Gail Hannam, EVIC Administrator, said: “We had a good number of entries for the competition and were delighted with the standard.  “We are very…

Cardiff-based Coles Funeral Directors is going from strength to strength as it announces the opening of its second premises, the creation of between seven to ten new jobs and four award-nominations. [aoa id=”1″]The family-run business will be opening a second funeral home in Cardiff in October 2018 to better serve its growing customer base in the North of Cardiff. The old Barclay’s Bank on Heathwood Road, which was once a hub of the community, is finally getting its new lease of life as it is currently undergoing a re-fit ‘The Coles Way.’ The new funeral home will be a light,…

A group of men and women who work on the Menai Strait are to be the stars of a network series on ITV. [aoa id=”1″] Starting today (Friday) at 8pm, The Island Strait tells the stories of different characters who earn their livelihoods on and around what’s described as ‘the most incredible saltwater river in Britain.’ And they are hoping that the show will bring a big boost to tourist and other businesses along the waterway. Frankie Hobro from the Anglesea Sea Zoo is one of the stars of the show.  She and the other characters first appeared in an…

One of Cardiff’s best-loved restaurants has opened its doors after an extensive summer refurbishment, bringing a true taste of Italy to The Red Dragon Centre. After 14 years at Cardiff Bay’s premier entertainment destination, Bella Italia has undergone a transformation resulting in an atmosphere that aligns with the traditional Italian cuisine of Bella Italia. Over £175,000 was spent on the restaurant’s make-over. With such a significant investment, Bella Italia was able to create a little piece of Italy at the entertainment centre. The new open plan layout and lighter Italian decor has completely transformed the restaurant to create something modern…

A small committee from Crickhowell has shown its commitment to Cancer Research Wales by fundraising over £110,000 in ten years for one of Wales’ leading charities. [aoa id=”1″]The team of eight has organised several events in this time, which have encouraged the community of Crickhowell to take part and show their support for Cancer Research Wales en masse. Demand for the events held by Hazel Thomas, Chairwoman of the Cancer Research Wales Crickhowell branch, and her team’s popular events has become so high that they often sell out well in advance.[/aoa] Annual events include a Charity Ball with a raffle…