Author: Rhys Gregory

Newport Wafer Fab (NWF), the UK’s leading 200mm silicon chip semiconductor processing facility, has completed a multi-million pound refinancing deal, involving a restructure of existing Welsh Government loans and a new asset finance facility from HSBC UK. [aoa id=”1″]The finance deal includes the early settlement of deferred consideration, the purchase of specialist, back end of line equipment to broaden the foundry’s manufacturing capabilities and a £3 million contribution to a new Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant designed to reduce utility costs by over £1.5m per annum.[/aoa] NWF is a critical component of CS Connected, the world’s first compound semiconductor…

A partnership to tackle vehicle emissions between Cardiff-based technology company, Clayton Power UK, and one the UK’s leading gas distributors, has been recognised at a national industry award for its innovative approach to tackling vehicle emissions. Working with Clayton Power UK and vehicle conversion specialists, Bri-Stor Systems, has allowed national gas distributors, Cadent, to retrofit 80 vehicles within its ‘Operate and Maintain’ fleet with state-of-the-art lithium battery power systems. [aoa id=”1″]That upgrade has drastically cut the otherwise unavoidable carbon emissions produced by the vehicle fleet and removable diesel generators during its crucial daily role in maintaining gas installations and apparatus…

Principality Commercial has provided £2 million in funding towards a new coastal development in Broad Haven. Developed by Waterstone Homes, Sand Banks will provide an impressive array of 18 family homes to families in Pembrokeshire. [aoa id=”1″]Overlooking the stunning Broad Haven beach, Sand Banks has already proved its popularity to the market with 9 of the 12 private houses sold to date. The high-quality development consists of 12 private and six affordable homes, with the first homes set to be completed by early autumn 2019. [/aoa] The latest project at Sand Banks affirms both Principality’s strong relationship with Waterstone Homes as…

The Cardiff-based health entrepreneur behind femcare brand, Kind Organic, has launched a website that promises to help women through the menopause. [aoa id=”1″]Health & Her® is the brainchild of Kate Bache and her business partner Gervase Fay, which was born out of frustration at a gap in the UK market for female health and the menopause in particular.[/aoa] The e-commerce site will offer free expert advice, not just from gynaecologists and GPs, but also psychologists, career coaches and make-up artists. It will also feature a menopause symptom tool and tracker, the first of its kind in the UK, and will…

A Welsh plastic colourant firm has developed technology which could save thousands of tonnes of waste from being sent to landfill. [aoa id=”1″] Most black plastic used in packaging is not recycled because it cannot be identified by the near infrared detectors used at waste sorting facilities. Despite the plastic itself being recyclable, because it can not be detected it ends up in landfill. [/aoa] Colour Tone Masterbatch, based in Bedwas, Caerphilly, has developed a colouring package which means manufacturers can colour their products however they want (including black) – while retaining its detectability when it comes to being sorted…

Two new senior business development staff have been appointed to Chepstow and Ffos Las Racecourses. Kevin Hire is the new Business Relationship Manager for both Chepstow and Ffos Las. [aoa id=”1″]Kevin, from Ammanford, brings a wealth of experience of looking after key clients in the South Wales area having worked for over 30 years in regional media including managing teams in both the print and radio industries. Kevin said: “I’m thoroughly enjoying my new challenge promoting two quality racecourses across South Wales.”[/aoa] Kevin has an extensive sporting background having played rugby locally for Llanelli and Burry Port RFC in his…

Swansea University has played a key role in transatlantic research to develop a greater understanding of megaviruses and their potential to cause life-threatening illnesses. [aoa id=”1″]The findings, which have just been published in the prestigious Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS), examine the unexpected genes carried by these giant viruses found inside amoebae.[/aoa] Professor David Lamb, recipient of a highly prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, worked with his Swansea University Medical School colleagues Professor Steven Kelly, Dr Claire Price and Dr Andrew Warrilow on the paper On the occurrence of cytochrome P450 in viruses.…

Applications are now open for October’s intake at the NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator in Cardiff. [aoa id=”1″]Entrepreneurs from across Wales are being encouraged to take part in the programme, which helps them scale and grow their businesses. Fully funded by NatWest the six month programme is open to entrepreneurs of any age and at any stage of their business, including larger companies with higher turnovers. It provides successful applicants with coaching and support and office facilities at its One Central Square headquarters.[/aoa] The accelerator takes in two cohorts of 80 entrepreneurs each year – one in April and one in October.…

Tributes have been paid to Olympic hero Ken Matthews MBE who has died at the age of 84. Mr Matthews, who won the 20k walking race for Great Britain at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games,  passed away on Sunday at Wrexham Maelor Hospital after being taken ill on Saturday night at Pendine Park’s Hillbury Care Home. He was diagnosed with vascular dementia in August 2016 and moved to live at Hillbury House in January. Mr Matthews leaves his son, Ian, 52, and three grandchildren, Daniel, 23, Georgia, 21, and Joel, 14. Son Ian was his dad’s full-time carer until January and…

Schroder UK Real Estate Fund (‘SREF’) has signed a deal to bring Hubbox to Mermaid Quay, the popular 150,000 sq ft mixed-use destination on the waterfront in Cardiff Bay, as the fund continues its multi-million pound strategic repositioning of the scheme. [aoa id=”1″]Hubbox is a small, independent chain with seven outlets across South West England, this letting marks its first restaurant in Wales. The restaurant has taken a 3,000 sq ft unit, with 500 sq ft of outside seating, located next door to Cosy Club, which opens its doors  this month.  Everyman will open an 11,500 sq ft, 5-screen boutique cinema…