Author: Rhys Gregory

Lidl GB has today announced plans to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion, as the discounter moves forward with plans to open more than 40 new stores across the country this financial year. As part of its continued mission to provide all communities across the country with access to affordable, high-quality food, Lidl has published its 2025 site requirements brochure, outlining potential locations across Wales, including: Abergavenny Barry Merthyr Tydfil Pontypool Richard Taylor, Chief Development Officer at Lidl GB, said: “This level of investment is a clear sign of our ambition. As we enter our fourth decade in…

Tata Steel subsidiary UKSE has announced that its ongoing Support Programme for Wales has exceeded expectations, so far investing £3 million and creating 400 jobs. The Programme was launched last summer in response to changes as Tata Steel moves to greener steel-making at its Port Talbot plant with a £1.25 billion investment in the new Electric Arc Furnace. Many of the 84 companies supported are in the Port Talbot and Swansea area, while the others are across South Wales. “Our strategy is to stimulate the jobs market by identifying businesses with growth potential that can create the jobs of the…

Green Man, Wales’ largest music, arts and science festival has confirmed details of its 16th edition of the Green Man Rising Final, presented by BBC 6 Music’s Huw Stephens at Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff on 20th May. Part of Green Man’s pledge to support the festival headliners of the future, the esteemed Green Man Rising competition offers new artists from across the UK the opportunity to compete for a slot at the sold out 2025 edition of Green Man later this summer. This year, the competition saw a record breaking 4000 applicants, with the final five shortlisted artists revealed today. This…

Business confidence in Wales fell 36 points during April to 15%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds. Companies in Wales reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 32 points to 24%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, which dropped 38 points to 7%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 15% (vs. 51% in March). Looking ahead to the next six months, Welsh businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (47%) evolving their offering, for instance by introducing new products or services (41%),…

THE ‘Best Holiday Park in Britain’ is celebrating its 10th anniversary in style. Darwin Escapes’ Piran Meadows retreat in Newquay has been welcoming people from all over the UK to the south of England for the last decade. The 33-acre resort won Diamond Awards for Best in Britain Holiday Park and Relax and Explore Cornwall Large Park at the illustrious Hoseasons Awards. General Manager Paul Wilcox also oversees another local victor, Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat in the Cornwall Lodge Escapes category. Paul says the region is a “jewel in the crown” of the Talacre-based holiday operator and there are plans to attract…

A woman from Swansea has been jailed after launching a seven-minute assault on a man which left the victim with significant injuries. 32-year-old Sarah Giffard, from Waunarlwydd, was in an intoxicated state when she attacked the victim, with the incident taking place on Plymouth Street, Swansea, on November 1 last year. A PCSO arrived on the scene within thirty seconds of the assault, with the victim having become unconscious. The victim was taken to hospital, but his injuries, which included fractures to the skull, cheekbone and collarbone, fractures to two ribs and a bleed on the brain, were found not…

A heart-warming celebration took place recently at Plas Pentwyn, Coedpoeth, as residents gathered to honour the railway heritage of Minera. Once the lifeblood of the area in the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, Minera’s mineral railway lines were brought back to life during a special launch event for Timeless Tracks, a beautifully curated booklet of memories, history and creative expression. The event was delivered in partnership with the 3 Counties Connected Community Rail Partnership, Minera’s Coffee Companions Group and the Minera Community Agent. It marked the culmination of weeks of workshops held at Minera Lead Mines, where members of the…

Cardiff Castle will glow red as Cardiff marks the 80thanniversary of VE Day with a special celebration picnic in the Castle grounds, residents host street parties, and a ‘Victory Days’ exhibition exploring how the city’s residents celebrated the end of the Second World War is held at the Museum of Cardiff. VE Day Picnic Organised by Cardiff Council and supported by Welsh Government, the celebration picnic in Cardiff Castle’s public open space will take place from 11am – 5pm on Bank Holiday Monday May 5th. The family-friendly event will feature a range of free entertainment. Expect music from the bandstand,…

People who need mental health support will increasingly have access to same-day services, as part of an ambitious plan to further improve care across Wales The new 10-year Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy is centred on early intervention, prevention and person-centred and ensuring people are referred to the most appropriate form of support, at the right time and without delay. A key part of the transformation of mental healthcare will be open access services, with people receiving same-day support without the need for a referral. This shift has already begun with the introduction of Wales-wide 111 press 2 service for…

A new £1 million fund will help to ensure tourism attractions across Wales can welcome visitors whatever the weather. The ‘Year of Croeso Weather-Proofing Fund’ is being launched as Visit Wales celebrates the unique welcome that can only be found in Wales that means many choose to return time and again. The fund will provide grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 to eligible businesses, enabling them to implement weather-proofing measures. Tourism makes an important contribution to Wales, putting £3.8bn into the Welsh economy each year, thanks to the huge amount the country has to offer visitors who can be assured…