Author: Rhys Gregory

A FATHER-OF-TWO who turned his back on a life of crime and has gone on to help scores of disadvantaged people in his beloved Caernarfon has received a special award from a policing czar. Kenny Khan, 56, has spent time behind bars during a colourful past but decided to change his ways and has now become a pillar of society through his voluntary work on the Ysgubor Goch estate in the Peblig ward – which is one of the most deprived in the area. His passion for helping those who struggle to make ends meet, are unemployed or who may…

A mobile jobs and training service has been launched to help unemployed people in Conwy find work. The new Jobs Bus is the brainchild of Creating Enterprise, a subsidiary set up by housing association Cartrefi Conwy. The social enterprise was the first of its kind in Wales when it was established four years ago and has a pioneering Employment Academy. As a result last year Creating Enterprise help 39 unemployed tenants find paid work. The Jobs Bus is available to all “hard-to-reach” unemployed people in the county, not just Cartrefi Conwy tenants. It will be out an about every Wednesday…

Cardiff and Vale College and Santander UK have joined forces to deliver a bespoke Welsh language programme for employees across the bank’s branches in Wales. Since 2015, Santander UK has been working closely with the Welsh Language Commissioner to widen the services it offers in the Welsh language in order to better support local communities in Wales. The CAVC For Business team is supporting Santander UK in launching a new opportunity for its employees to embrace the Welsh language and incorporate it into their services across their branch network. The College has designed and delivered the first phase of a…

The Farmers’ Union of Wales is looking forward to explore and discuss the most important issues facing the farming industry in Wales, such as rural crime, Brexit, mental health, innovation and diversification, as well as mobile communication at the Royal Welsh Show 2018 (Monday 23 – Thursday 26 July) by hosting a series of seminars and discussion groups. Kick starting the show with a rural crime seminar on Monday 23 July at 11am, the FUW is looking forward to a discussion with Alun Davies AM, Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services; Simon Hart MP, Previous CEO of Countryside…

A perfect storm of skills shortages in the construction industry, Brexit plus increased demand for sustainability and potential cost and efficiency savings within the construction industry will result in a rise of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) within Wales’ social housing sector. That’s the view of a social housing legal expert who says the increasing pressure to build more homes will mean builders – especially those from the housing association (HA) sector – will become much more innovative in terms of how they actually construct the new homes required. Vicky Kells, who has forged a reputation as a prominent practitioner…

As a new survey reveals home repairs are top of most people’s to do list, households in Wales are being warned that trying to fix their own heating system could be dangerous and should only be tackled by a professional. Over 40% of consumers across Wales said when it comes to ticking off tasks on their to do lists, jobs around the home were the most important ahead of putting their finances in order, car servicing and reviewing internet and insurance deals*. In response OFTEC, the organisation which represents the oil heating industry and ran the survey, has highlighted the…

A busy mum of four, whose lifestyle store for stylish children is thriving, has urged other mums to pursue the opportunities for entrepreneurship available in Wales and to follow their passions. Mia Kowsor established Barney & Beau – which she has named after her two youngest boys – in Pontcanna, Cardiff, after finding her feet as an entrepreneur with a ‘kitchen table business’. She says many mums have the ideas, skills and drive to establish start ups and to turn them into viable businesses, but they should seek support in those initial months. “I’m passionate about supporting, assisting, helping and…

Cirque Berserk, the West-End show, which arrived in Cardiff’s New Theatre last night, is performing all this week (10 – 15 July), and is a ‘best-of’ mix of the most thrilling – and dangerous – circus acts chosen from shows around the world. Known as the “Berserkers”, the performers don’t use any safety equipment, which delivers maximum hold-your-breath moments, except for one trick which is so unbelievably dangerous that a safety wire must be worn. The company of 35 brings together the biggest and most diverse range of performers on tour anywhere in the UK. Included are Tumblers from Timbuktu; weapon throwers…

Chef Tommy Heaney has enjoyed fame as a result of starring on the BBC’s Great British Menu, experienced success with Restaurant Tommy Heaney at The Great House in Laleston, and recently announced plans to open second premises right here in the Welsh capital. Then, after purchasing the former Arbennig restaurant & adjacent deli in leafy Pontcanna last month, TV chef Tommy Heaney launched a crowdfunding campaign to help him cover the costs of refurbishing the site. Keen foodies were invited to pledge for a chance to enjoy dinner at the new restaurant cooked by a variety of guest chefs (including…

One of Wales’ best loved indoor markets will welcome a whole new range of traders this week. Swansea Market will host its first monthly farmer’s market from 9am-3pm on Friday and Saturday (July 13-14). It will mean a vibrant new feel to the heart of the historic, bustling attraction. Guest stallholders will offer everything from fudge, ice cream and deli delights to furniture and bathtime treats. Those behind the farmer’s market are the Swansea Market Traders Federation, Swansea Council and the Swansea Business Improvement District (BID). Federation chairman Chris Evans said: “Our farmer’s market will give more shoppers more reasons…