Author: Rhys Gregory

A predatory paedophile who abused three children is today starting a 25-year jail term after being convicted of 19 child sexual offences. Vincent Slater, 57 (left), was convicted at a previous hearing at Swansea Crown Court of a string of offences including rape, sexual assault, assault by penetration, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Slater’s crimes first came to light in January this year when one of his victims reported the abuse he suffered at the hands of the former taxi driver approximately 11 years ago. The…

Educational charity Techniquest has recruited a brand-new Head of Engagement and Partnerships ahead of a “game-changing” 2019.  [aoa id=”1″] The appointment is the result of an open recruitment process which saw one of its longstanding employees, Clare James, being promoted to this exciting new role.  Clare was previously the centre’s Fundraising Manager. As part of her new role, Ms James will lead the charity’s stakeholder engagement programme across its wide range of partners, including corporate sectors, academic institutions, and local communities. Working with relevant organisations and STEM partners, Ms James will develop crucial relationships and provide essential support in shaping…

THE £21m redevelopment of Coleg Cambria’s Wrexham campus will begin in the New Year. [aoa id=”1″] Cambria’s Yale site is to undergo a major overhaul that will feature a three-storey complex equipped with the latest digital technology, a 200-seat conference hall, new training kitchens and restaurant, a cutting-edge study space, revolutionary sports facilities and IT suites. Hundreds of jobs will be created during construction, and the commitment – including more than £13m from the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Education Programme – sees Cambria delivering on its promise of spending more than £35m on new education facilities in Wrexham…

The festive feeling is taking hold as we all begin counting down to the start of the holidays. [aoa id=”1″] For many Welsh businesses, the festive season means a busy – and sometimes challenging –rush. It’s a fact that the upturn in demand which comes every festive season creates great opportunities for Welsh businesses. Indeed, recent research from PwC found British people will collectively spend nearly £446,000 on gifts in every minute of every day during December. To capitalise on this opportunity, many businesses in Wales have been busy planning for months. But all should take steps to ensure they…

Behind the Label, a gritty new theatre production written, produced and performed by people who have experienced life on the streets or have been threatened with homelessness, will take centre stage at Wales Millennium Centre today (Thursday 13) and Friday 14 December.  Behind the Label is produced and performed by a group of real people who are clients of The Wallich, Wales’s leading homelessness charity. The performers will share their real-life experiences – including trauma, addiction, homelessness and mental health issues – and their feelings of being labelled by society. This unfiltered performance will challenge audience members’ ideas and preconceptions…

A Welsh unified communications and collaboration company with a global perspective has received a £500,000 investment boost. [aoa id=”1″] The funding for Conversant of Cwmbran is a joint loan and equity package by Development Bank of Wales and Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise. The company is aiming to create around 32 jobs as the business develops. Conversant has built several cloud-based communications platforms providing unified communications technology to partners servicing global clients. [/aoa] Director Patrick Copping explained : ”The Conversant platforms offer our partners a fast, secure and profitable way into providing Unified Communications solutions to end customers without…

South Wales Police is appealing for information leading to the whereabouts of a missing man called Max Screeton, aged 29 years old and from the Uplands area of Swansea. He is described as: – white – Southern American / Texan accent – athletic build – full trimmed beard – dyed blonde hair on the top and black hair on the back and sides – hazel eyes – possible cut to forehead – he was last seen wearing a grey/navy blue ‘Superdry’ parka jacket with a hood, red ‘Superdry’ sweater, blue denim jeans with the bottoms turned up around the ankle, multi-coloured…

North Wales Police and Denbighshire County Council are urging licensed premises to be well prepared for the festive period. [aoa id=”1″] Licensees are reminded to ensure intended activities are covered by your licence/certificate or an exemption and any extended hours planned are within those permitted by your licence. Chief Inspector Andrew Williams said: “Everyone has a part to play in ensuring a safe and vibrant nightlife across Denbighshire. “Good planning before we get into the weeks and days before Christmas and New Year can help make it a successful and safe time for everyone.” [/aoa] Cllr Tony Thomas, the Council’s…

Tuesday the 11th of December saw the launch of a new partnership between learning technology solution specialists Aspire2Be and six Ceredigion rugby clubs as part of the Scarlets’ Three Counties, Three Years strategy. [aoa id=”1″] The initiative, courtesy of Scarlets, invites Ceredigion rugby clubs and schools to participate in a pilot project providing free analysis equipment, software and training worth over £20k. The initial pilot project will work with Aberystwyth Rugby Football Club and Ysgol Penweddig, with a funding application written for remaining clubs once the pilot is completed. ‘Analyse That’ training with Ysgol Penweddig will take place at Penweddig Comprehensive…

Brexit uncertainty is continuing to be felt in the housing market in Wales, with surveyors expecting prices and sales to edge lower in the three months ahead, according to the latest RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Residential Market Survey. [aoa id=”1″] Whilst the headline price balance moved back into positive territory, having been flat in October’s survey, it is the third month in a row that Welsh surveyors have indicated that they expect prices and sales activity to fall or be flat. It is also the fifth month in a row that respondents in Wales have reported lower levels…