Author: Rhys Gregory

A quarter of people in Wales (25%) would like to run their own business, according to a study by Informi, who provide expert advice and guidance for Britain’s SMEs. In fact, 9 per cent say it is one of their life goals. Informi conducted the study to see how entrepreneurial the different countries of the UK are. Amongst other findings are that 33% wanted to start their own business because they feel they need to earn more money, 33% say they want to do it because they are unfulfilled in their day job, and 16% say they have a great…

The Dyfi Distillery in Mid Wales has been shortlisted for two business awards within a week. [aoa id=”1″] Last week, brothers Pete and Danny Cameron, who set up the distillery in Corris, near Machynlleth in 2016, were told that they were a finalist in the Rural Business Awards, which recognises companies across the UK who champion working in a rural location. This week, the news arrived that the distillery was also a finalist in the Wales Start Up Awards, which celebrates successful businesses in their first three years of trading. [/aoa] “It was great to receive two pieces of wonderful…

A Cwmbran online bathroom and kitchen retailer is set to triple its turnover after buying its own premises, with the support of a £680,000 funding package from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Plumbtap used the funding to purchase its 50,000 sq ft site on Avondale Business Park.  Investing in the new property will enable the company to streamline its processes, including consolidating its four warehouses into one space, consequently saving £50,000 on overheads. The increased space will also allow the firm to boost its capacity to meet rising consumer demand. As a result, it expects to achieve a turnover of £15million…

Have you ever wondered what would happen if a dinosaur met one of our animals today? Hundreds of local schoolchildren were encouraged to wonder about this and lots more fascinating animal facts at a special event held at Swansea University. [aoa id=”1″][/aoa] Six hundred pupils, aged from 11 to 13, were guests for science presenters Lizzie Daly and Ben Garrod’s Best Animal Facts show. The show, at Taliesin Arts Centre, took the form of an animal Top Trumps game with the presenters exploring how today’s species compare to prehistoric creatures, before the audience was given a chance to vote on…

In a meeting with Cabinet Secretary Lesley Griffiths, the Farmers’ Union of Wales has stressed the need for urgent contingency planning to buffer the potential harmful consequences of a hard Brexit. FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “Both the Welsh Government and FUW are in full agreement that allowing us to leave the EU without retaining full access to the Single Market would be catastrophic. “We had a very frank discussion with the Cabinet Secretary about the risks of a hard Brexit and current speculation that such an outcome may be more likely than was previously the case.” Mr Roberts said…

Directors Melanie Hamer and Thea Hughes of Cardiff based family law firm Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice have been named in the prestigious Legal 500 Hall of Fame. Recognised for their outstanding work, Mrs Hamer and Mrs Hughes are two of only three individuals named in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame specialising in family law in Wales. This is the first year the Legal 500 Hall of Fame has been introduced throughout the UK. For individuals to earn their spot, they must have received consistent praise from clients for their exceptional work within their sector for a minimum of…

The Chairman of RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) North Wales Local Members Group has received a letter from the Duke of Cambridge in recognition of the efforts of local surveyors in raising money to help combat homelessness and poverty. Eleven RICS members in North Wales raised nearly two-thousand pounds to help combat homelessness and poverty by swapping their beds for sleeping bags and sleeping rough in Llandudno. David Kelsall, Chairman of RICS North Wales Local Members Group, and 10 other chartered surveyors from a range of organisations including Cartrefi Conwy,Conwy County Borough Council and Celt Rowlands & Co, slept…

A popular Cardiff bar is shaking up bottomless brunch this summer with a new martini offering. Renowned for its bespoke range of martinis and signature cocktails, Dirty Martini Cardiff has developed its brand-new Martini Brunch, which will be available in its St Mary Street bar next month. [aoa id=”1″] Launching on Saturday 11th August, the Martini Brunch includes martinis, bottomless prosecco and delicious food for £25 per person. On offer will be the bar’s famous martinis, featuring favourites including the Passionfruit Martini, the Blood Orange and Vanilla Martini, the Mango and Chilli Martini, as well as beloved classics such as…

Aberystwyth Promenade is the place to be on Sunday, August 12 as the Aberystwyth Sea2Shore Festival returns with free entry to enjoy local produce and a variety of family attractions. [aoa id=”1″][/aoa] Michelin-starred chef Gareth Ward from Ynys Hir Restaurant & Rooms, near Machynlleth will be demonstrating some of his delectable dishes and Mandy Walters will be showing what to do with fresh shellfish. Baravin will provide cocktail making inspirations and Coleg Ceredigion will be introducing chefs of the future. Stroll between the food stalls and sample local cheeses or wines with an array of aromas from paella to pizza…

ENGINEERS are reaching for the sky thanks to the boss of a top UK airline. [aoa id=”1″]Generous Jet2.com Chairman Philip Meeson has presented Coleg Cambria with a Jet Provost T5 aircraft. Mr Meeson, whose nephew is completing an aerospace apprenticeship with Cambria and Broughton-based wingmakers Airbus, donated his own personal jet to the college’s Deeside campus.[/aoa] Nick Tyson, Assistant Principal and Director of Learning, said the plane will add another dimension to the award-winning department’s innovative delivery of work-based learning. He thanked Mr Meeson for the gift, and added: “Having the Provost T5 on campus is a major selling point…