Author: Rhys Gregory

This month sees the 450th anniversary of the death of Humphrey Llwyd (1527-1568), credited by some as the inventor of Britain. To mark this anniversary, The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth will be mounting an exhibition to show some of his works and explain his many achievements. [aoa id=”1″] Llwyd’s achievements include producing the first published map of Wales as a country, translating the early Welsh chronicle the ‘Brut y Tywysogion’ into English, helping to steer the Bill for the translation of the Bible into Welsh through Parliament, fostering the idea of Wales as a nation, popularising the story of Prince…

New research from American Express has revealed that almost half of small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are gravely concerned about their business’ cash flow. [aoa id=”1″] The key decision markers surveyed also said that cash flow challenges often steal focus from expansion plans and other aspects of business growth, a worrying observation that has seen the accountants at leading firm Bevan & Buckland share some business critical advice. The importance of maintaining positive cash flow from month to month may be no secret throughout the business world, but knowing where to turn to develop a cash flow management strategy…

A talented sports scholar at Rydal Penrhos has received a national hockey squad call-up for a high-profile tournament later this month. Jacob Heaton-Rue, a Year 11 pupil at the school, will be part of the Welsh U17 side that compete in the Futures Cup, which takes place at Oakland College, St Albans from August 22-25. The young hockey talent from Wales will play under the banner of Celtic Jaguars, competing in both the Boys and Girls events at U15 and U17 level. This is the third year the Celtic Jaguars have been part of the event, which is the perfect…

A record number of people enjoyed RCT Council’s popular Big Welsh Bite food festival last weekend over two fun-filled days for all the family.  Around 20,000 people of all ages came along to the Council’s flagship food festival at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in Pontypridd – which is also the home of the National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty. Around 20,000 people of all ages came along to the Council’s flagship food festival at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in Pontypridd – which is also the home of the National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty. Sponsored by Sub Zero Ice Cream,…

Thousands lined the streets of Cardiff on Thursday to welcome home Wales’ cycling superstar and Tour De France winner Geraint Thomas. The Cardiff-born cyclist was given a hero’s welcome at an event staged along St Mary Street and outside Cardiff Castle. The Tour de France winner and Olympic Gold medallist lead a peloton of young riders from Welsh Cycling accredited go-ride clubs up St Mary Street to Castle Street before taking to a stage in the castle moat where he will speak to the crowds. The ride up St Mary Street took place after a short public appearance at the…

Specially trained dogs with a nose for trouble will be demonstrating how they are helping to stub out the illegal trade in tobacco in Swansea. The search dogs will be put through their paces at a roadshow organised by Swansea Council’s Trading Standards team in the city centre on August 14. [aoa id=”1″] Counterfeit tobacco is completely unregulated and often contains large amounts of contaminates over and above what is found in legal tobacco items, adding seriously to the health risks. It can also be more easily accessible to children and can even fund serious organised crime. Swansea’s Trading Standards…

New research by health comparison provider, ActiveQuote, reveals that 82% of those who are self-employed do not have income protection, 88% do not have any critical illness cover and a staggering 96% don’t have private medical insurance. [aoa id=”1″] Mark Todd, PMI Team Leader at ActiveQuote.com, said: “These numbers are quite shocking – it’s understandable that cost would be a consideration for those who are self-employed, but with 28% claiming they would be unable to pay their energy bills and a further 25% saying they would struggle to pay food bills if they were unable to work, it’s also worrying…

 Cardiff and Vale College and Persimmon Homes have joined forces to set up a new scheme, called the Training Academy, to address skills shortages in the growing South Wales construction industry. Working in partnership with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the College and Persimmon are launching the new Training Academy initiative. With the upcoming City Deal a further 40,000 new homes will be built in the Capital Region alone, and Persimmon wanted to pre-empt any skill shortages by making sure a workforce is already in place. The Persimmon Homes PLC Training Academy will see the one of the largest…

A family-run farm in Powys has used a £300,000 finance package from HSBC to build two new luxury holiday homes. Fourth-generation beef and sheep farmers Gareth and Julie Rees, who own Lower Pentre Farm near Llandrindod Wells, have used the HSBC funding to convert two derelict barns into self-catered holiday lets. A full-time job has also been created to help maintain the new properties. [aoa id=”1″][/aoa] The three and four-bedroom holiday homes are situated on the couple’s 350-acre farm, which boasts spectacular countryside views. Both properties feature an outdoor decking area with a hot tub, as well as spacious kitchens…

With cycling fever sweeping over Cardiff as residents embrace their brand-new bike share scheme, nextbike are now on the hunt for true fans to be become the face of the service. nextbike, the world’s most extensive bike-share operator, is calling for all fanatics of the scheme to get in contact if they are interested in becoming an ambassador of the brand. [aoa id=”1″][/aoa] Ambassador perks include unlimited free cycling on all the nextbike schemes across the world as well as the opportunity to take part in Cardiff community events. Julian Scriven, UK MD of nextbike, expressed his passion for putting…