Author: Rhys Gregory

Traffic across parts of South Wales is moving slowly this morning, with drivers being warned to allow extra time for their journeys due to congestion and poor conditions. Traffic Wales has reported difficult driving conditions on the M4 between junction 49 at Pont Abraham and junction 41 at Pentyla and Baglan. Wet weather is affecting the network, with motorists reminded that stopping distances in rain can be up to four times longer than normal. Drivers are being advised to reduce speed and leave plenty of space between vehicles. Congestion has also been reported on the A4232 between Culverhouse Cross and…

With just over 100 days to go until the Senedd elections in May, the Institute of Directors Wales (IoD Wales) has launched its manifesto, calling on the next Welsh Government to work in closer partnership with business and create the conditions needed for long-term, sustainable economic growth across Wales. The manifesto is informed by IoD Wales’ State of the Nation survey, which highlights the challenges facing businesses. Skills shortages remain the top concern for organisations in Wales (39%), followed by policy uncertainty (36%) and the rising cost of labour and materials (29%) – pressures that risk constraining investment, productivity and…

Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid has opened entries for the Wales Business Awards 2026, celebrating the ambition, innovation and impact of businesses across Wales. Firmly established as a flagship event in the Welsh business calendar, the awards, organised by the Chamber, recognise outstanding organisations that are driving growth, creating opportunity and making a meaningful contribution to the Welsh economy. The 2026 awards reflect the evolving priorities of Welsh business, with categories spanning inclusion, creativity, innovation, manufacturing and customer excellence. Alongside established awards, new categories have been introduced including ‘Inclusive Employer of the Year’, ‘Start Up Business of…

House price growth in Wales is expected to remain steady in 2026, with Cardiff and Newport emerging as the strongest performing markets, according to new analysis from property website Zoopla. The research, which assessed housing market conditions across 120 UK postal areas, suggests that while Scotland and Northern England offer the strongest overall prospects for price growth next year, several parts of Wales continue to show resilience driven by affordability and demand. Zoopla’s analysis looked at a range of indicators including how quickly homes are selling, the proportion of properties seeing asking price reductions, levels of older housing stock, and…

Scaffolding has started to come down at a car park development in Swansea city centre as work continues on site. The car park development – just over the road from Swansea Arena – forms part of the city’s Copr Bay district that also includes the bridge over Oystermouth Road and Amy Dillwyn Park. Work on completing the car park has been delayed after Swansea Council’s original contractor for the scheme went into administration. Workers from the new contractor for the development – Andrew Scott Ltd – remain on site at the car park, where remedial and finishing works are anticipated…

On Saturday, 24th January 2026, the streets of Colwyn Bay will vibrate with the sounds of the underground as the town hosts the inaugural Yr Arfordir Amgen – Alternative Coast. This multi-venue festival marks a return for the alternative scene locally, bringing the first dedicated Welsh-language and bilingual alternative gigs to the area in many years. Organised by members of the Pwyllgor Colwyn committee, the festival is a grassroots effort to put Colwyn Bay firmly on the UK’s alternative music map. The event is made possible through the support of ‘Winter Sounds’, Gwynt y Môr Community Fund, Menter Iaith Conwy…

Workspace hazard wearables company spacebands has secured an additional £1.1million in funding to accelerate its mission to prevent workplace accidents and reduce the risk of long-term occupational health conditions. Spacebands, which is headquartered in Cardiff, designs wearable technology that helps organisations prevent workplace injuries and long-term health conditions by monitoring exposure to hazards such as noise and hand–arm vibration. Its devices alert workers in real time and provide health and safety teams with clear data to help prevent problems before they arise. The funding will be used to further enhance spacebands’ wrist-worn wearables and continue developing its online analytics platform,…

A Swansea based ice cream manufacturer has grown its wholesale business after benefiting from a range of Welsh Government funded specialist support. GG’s Gelato has successfully secured SALSA certification with help from the Welsh Government’s HELIX Programme. Founded in 2019 by local businessman Keith Jones, GG’s Gelato have grown from a single parlour in Penclawdd on the Gower Peninsula to distributing their products to customers across south Wales, including cafes, restaurants, theatres and convenience stores. Having outgrown the production space available at their parlour, GG’s Gelato expanded into a dedicated manufacturing site in 2024 and purchased new specialist production equipment…

Chef Tom Simmons this week has unveiled Thomas, The Brasserie, a new chapter for his much-loved Pontcanna restaurant. Long regarded locally as one of Cardiff’s standout dining destinations, Thomas by Tom Simmons has undergone a reinvention from fine dining into a more accessible brasserie concept designed to reflect changing dining trends and make exceptional, high-quality food more welcoming to the wider community. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, The Brasserie offers a fixed menu alongside daily specials that celebrate the very best seasonal produce. Staying true to Tom’s ethos, the menu champions premium local ingredients, high-quality cooking…

A criminally exploited Flintshire teenager has reintegrated into education and continued his part-time job thanks to crucial support from a key government-backed programme. The 17-year-old, whose identity is anonymised for safety reasons, believed he was simply helping a close friend by paying off a drug debt, only to find himself manipulated into a cycle of selling the illegal substances. Recognising the detrimental effects of this new lifestyle, the youngster tried to escape but found his safety at risk after being constantly threatened and harassed at his college and workplace by his dealer. He bravely sought help from the police before…