Author: Rhys Gregory

An award winning series of apps to help families learn Welsh is now inspiring the next generation of Cornish speakers get off to a flying start. The National Lottery funded Magi Ann Welsh Language apps were launched in 2016 with the aim of helping young children and their families learn Welsh. The apps, which are the brainchild of Menter Iaith Fflint a Wrecsam in north east Wales, is the inspiration behind a new Cornish equivalent being launched in Truro, Cornwall today. A direct result of a partnership they forged with Menter Iaith Fflint a Wrecsam at the 2017 National Lottery…

The two events, sponsored by Hodge Bank, were held at the Cardiff Marriott in December, and attracted more than 500 guests. The guests included former British Lion John Taylor and former cricketer Alan Wilkins who both supported the Christmas lunches as auctioneers for the charity auctions. Both lunches were compered by comedian Rod Woodward who starred in the Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium in December. Ed Meggitt, Chairman of the Lord’s Taverners Wales, said: “We’re proud to see the success of our annual Christmas lunches. It’s great to see how the hard work of everyone involved ensures a…

Travelodge has received over 500 applications for 25 positions it advertised, to help create a new team at its forthcoming hotel opening at Rhyl seafront – which is scheduled to open this spring. [aoa id=”1″] Sophie Owen, Hotel Manager at Rhyl Seafront Travelodge was overwhelmed by the high calibre of candidates that applied and recruited her strong team of 25 team members in just one day. This includes six Receptionists, nine Bar Café team members and 10 housekeeping team members. Travelodge is dedicated to helping unemployed parents return to work by offering flexible working hours; they can come to work,…

Rhug Estate Owner, Lord Newborough, has started work on his latest venture – an organic and natural face and body care range of creams. The newly formed company Rhug Organic & Natural Ltd has been set up this week. [aoa id=”1″] The skincare business will be an extension of Rhug’s present activities which have been built on the reputation of producing the highest quality, healthy and organic meat supplied into the best restaurants and hotels in London, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and various countries in the middle east. Lord Newborough said, “I am extremely excited by the prospect of this…

Applications are now open for April’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, participants do not have to bank with them to take part in the programme or give-up any equity in their business. 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…

LDC, the leading mid-market private equity firm, invested £437million of equity last year in 23 new deals, a record total for the business, driven by continuing demand for private equity from the UK’s medium-sized businesses. In an annual summary of its performance, LDC – which typically invests between £5million and £100million in a single transaction – said every one of its seven UK regional teams invested last year. The firm is committed to investing £1.2billion in ambitious high-growth firms over the next three years (2019-2021). In Wales, LDC invested in the award-winning outdoor adventure business which features the world’s fastest…

Economy Minister, Ken Skates is calling on the business community to support a new initiative aimed at increasing the number of women entrepreneurs in Wales and providing them with the best possible support. [aoa id=”1″] The Welsh Government’s new Supporting Entrepreneurial Women programme was informed by the work of a panel of experts, convened in 2017 to consider how best to encourage, develop and support female entrepreneurship in Wales. The panel, chaired by Helen Walbey, considered an array of academic evidence and literature on women in entrepreneurship,  spoke to a range of business women, representative groups and partner bodies, and…

AN ESTEEMED clinician plans to change the face of the cosmetic industry with a pure vision for quality skincare treatment. Sara Cheeney’s unblemished approach towards the aesthetic sector has seen her place training and teaching at the top of her priority list, delivering talks and workshops across the UK and in Europe to encourage future generations. [aoa id=”1″] Sara’s first venture was Pinks nail and beauty salon in Rossett, which she opened 10 years ago after leaving her career as a nurse. The 37 year-old later turned her attention to medical skincare and decided to take the business to the…

Welsh business confidence fell to its lowest level in three months in January, dropping 11 points to nine per cent, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. [aoa id=”1″] The decline in confidence was largely due to economic optimism falling sharply for the second successive month. Similarly, a net balance of four per cent of firms were pessimistic about the wider economy this month, compared with a net balance of 14 per cent that were optimistic in December. Businesses’ confidence in their own prospects fell by a more modest six points to 22 per cent. Welsh…

OVER 150 live music fans gathered in Llanelli over the weekend to celebrate the life of one of their own. Three live bands performed at the Thomas Arms on Saturday evening (January 26) to pay tribute to Clive Jones, who played in many bands over the years. Clive, who was 69, lost his battle with Parkinson’s Disease in May last year. He is survived by his wife, Heulwen; his two sons, Richard and Greg; and his grandson, Ryan. A guitarist, Clive’s passion for music started in the 1960s, when he was a member of Llanelli bands including The Spartans and…