Author: Rhys Gregory

Swansea Building Society’s Carmarthen branch has achieved a record amount in mortgage balances, which the Society has attributed to its personal approach to mortgage lending and strong links with the region’s business community. The Society’s Carmarthen branch, which opened in October 2015, has reached £50 million in mortgage balances – an impressive figure considering the branch has been in operation for less than three years. Swansea Building Society’s championing of mortgages to the self-employed has been welcomed by the West Wales business community. Whilst many cases are complex, the Society’s face-to-face approach to delivering services along with building a strong…

Promising youth runner Jake Smith ran a personal best time to secure a highly respectable third placed finish at this year’s Cardiff 10K. Twenty-year-old Jake from Axmouth in Devon ran a time of 29 minutes 30 seconds as he shaved a staggering 45 seconds off his previous best time and one minute 26 seconds from his previous best on the road. A second year BSc (Hons) Sport Development student at the University, Jake is training under the guidance of former World, Commonwealth and European middle-distance runner James Thie – a relationship that has helped see his running times tumble in…

A new team of apprentices have started their journey at Swansea Council to help build a bright future for the area. [aoa id=”1″] The 15 recruits will train for four years as the council develops a new generation of carpenters, plumbers, electricians, plasterers and multi-trade personnel. They will work on projects such as constructing top quality new schools, building new energy-efficient council homes and improving existing council housing. [/aoa] Jen Raynor, the council’s cabinet member for education improvement, learning and skills, said: “Hiring apprentices is an investment in the future of the council and the city. “We’ve been recruiting apprentices…

University of Wales Trinity Saint David is delighted to announce two new Higher Apprenticeship programmes in Construction Management and Quantity Surveying. [aoa id=”1″] With Wales set to lead UK construction growth with over 12,000 new construction roles forecast to be created in the nation over next five years, two new Higher Apprenticeships have been developed to meet this demand. The University is working directly with industry partners and in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), The Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC) and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to deliver these programmes at The Faculty of Architecture, Computing…

On October 2nd, thousands of students will attend one of the UK’s biggest student shopping events – the St David’s Student Night 2018. This year the event is better than ever, with longer shopping time and no queues! Taking place from 4-9pm, St David’s will come to life as excited students from universities and colleges in South Wales and beyond take advantage of the epic discounts, freebies and music throughout the centre. At this year’s event there’s no need to queue, with everyone who registers receiving a PASS that allows you to enjoy the discounts once you head to the…

One of the oldest and best respected Lettings Agents in south Wales, Parkmans, is concerned for the future of the rental sector following the alarming market snapshot information released by RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) recently. [aoa id=”1″] According to RICS rents in England are expected to surge by 15 per cent over the next five years as a direct result of increasing demand and limited supply following government tax assaults on buy to let investors. Also, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ market snapshot stated 22 per cent more lettings agents had reported a fall in new landlord…

ONE of the country’s brightest business minds is among the headline speakers on a popular leadership programme. [aoa id=”1″] Dr Paul Thomas will discuss themes including change management, employee engagement, innovation and sustainability with the next CMI Level 5-7 20Twenty Business Growth cohort in Wrexham. The former BBC Wales Business Doctor and chairman of Sport Wales is now at the helm of think tank DNA Global Solutions. He is one of 10 well-known faces that will present to the group over 10 months, beginning this December. Dr Thomas says the value 20Twenty can bring to companies in Powys, Wrexham and…

A North Wales bakery is going back to the future after planting and harvesting 50 acres of retro wheat. The Village Bakery will be using the flour milled from the wheat to bake a new range of speciality bread to be launched in the Autumn. The crop was grown at a secret location in Flintshire. [aoa id=”1″] They planted Hereward wheat which was popular in the 1970s and 80s but has now fallen out of fashion with scientists developing other varieties with a higher yield. The idea is the brainchild of Village Bakery managing director Robin Jones and it’s all…

A HIGH-FLYING travel firm boss who has created more than 50 jobs in less than a year will tell Wrexham business leaders how his 35-store empire remains rooted in the heart of the town. [aoa id=”1″] Don Bircham, Managing Director of Hays Travel North West, will share the secrets of his success with members of an influential business group, Wrexham Business Professionals (WBP) on Friday September 21. The group is made up of successful businesses and highly skilled professional firms of solicitors, accountants and other business professionals working together to raise the profile of enterprise and expertise that exists in…

Bridgend based Magenta Financial Planning is celebrating its two-year anniversary this week! Headed by Chief Executive, Julie Lord and Managing Director, Gretchen Betts, Magenta is a small financial planning business based in Bridgend. With 43 years financial experience, Magenta works with clients to organise their financial affairs and create personal financial plans for their future security and happiness. Magenta prides itself on a friendly approach to financial planning, and works with clients from a variety of different backgrounds and sectors. The winner of various prestigious awards in 2017, including the Bridgend Business Forum’s ‘Start Up Company of the Year’ the…