Author: Rhys Gregory

An updated agreement entitled ‘Obligatory Responses to Violence in Healthcare’ with regards to violence and aggression towards NHS Wales staff, has been launched today (Wednesday, 21 November 2018) to dignitaries at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells. [aoa id=”1″]The Obligatory Responses to Violence in Healthcaredocument between NHS Wales, the Police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has been updated from a previous agreement in terms of criminal procedure and sentencing legislation. This includes references to the assaults against Emergency Workers Act 2018, which increases the penalties available to the courts, recognises the aggravating features of such assaults and has been shortened to…

Changing consumer demand is forcing the West’s hospitality sector into an urgent rethink in order to cater for growing numbers of “wellness tourists.” Hospitality specialists at Colliers International say vegan menus, wellness centres, spas and retreats are in increasing demand from a new generation of guests. Ed Jefferson from the firm’s Bristol-based Hotels team said: “Wellness tourism used to be something of a niche activity within the sector but increasing numbers of guests are seeking this kind of stay. “Veganism has made huge strides and the traditional nut cutlet at the bottom of the typical old-school hotel menu is very…

A Management Buyout in 2008 saw Tracey Jones and Dean Beniamous take over the firm from founder Keith Ferguson. [aoa id=”1″] In May 2017 Fergusons, based in Gorseinon, took another important step when it acquired  Pontardawe practice Harvey Peters & Co, in a six-figure investment supported by Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise and Development Bank of Wales (then Finance Wales). A year on, and the new practice Fergusons & Peters is increasing staffing levels and its client base, and looking at further expansion. Key to success has been introducing the latest accounting technology to the new firm and helping…

A selfless volunteer who continued supporting brain injury survivors after her own breast cancer and arthritis diagnoses has been shortlisted for a national award. Sally Palmer, 63, has been volunteering at Headway Cardiff and South East Wales for more than 20 years and has helped to raise over £150,000. Her incredible achievements have seen her named as one of three finalists for Headway – the brain injury association’s Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Anthony Gold Solicitors. “I love everything about volunteering for Headway,” said Sally. “When I tell people I work with brain injury survivors they say ‘isn’t…

Sporting clubs and organisations in Ceredigion have benefitted from receiving over £126,000 in funding for 2017/18 through Development grants and Community Chest grants awarded by Sports Wales and delivered by Ceredigion Actif. Community Chest offers grants of up to £1,500 for activities that encourage people to become more active. The grant can also be used to pay for volunteer training and coach education, marketing, club set up costs and new equipment. Clubs and organisations can also apply for up to £25,000 from the Sport Wales Development Grant scheme for activities that can help increase participation and improve standards of performance…

The ancient market town of Montgomery is to hold its first Live Advent Calendar, showcasing the ingenuity and talent of many groups and individuals. [aoa id=”1″] Every evening in December, at 6.15pm, a door will open and those gathered outside will experience something related to Christmas for a few minutes in that doorway. Most people will be familiar with chocolate Advent calendars, but the town’s Live Advent Calendar will be filled with story, song and the best that Montgomery’s creative minds can bring. Organised jointly by the St Nicholas Church and Montgomery Presbyterian Church, groups, individuals and businesses have agreed…

Last year the First Minister announced an extra £10million to support the Welsh Government’s mission to end youth homelessness in Wales by 2027. Today, he has set out how this funding will be used to identify those at risk of becoming homeless sooner and to take preventative action. The funding includes: £3.7million for the Youth Support Grant to strengthen services to prevent youth homelessness and tackle its root cause £4.8million for an Innovation Fund to develop new housing approaches for young people, which could include support for young people leaving care £250,000 for targeted communications and engagement programmes: to improve…

A LEADING manufacturer is encouraging other companies to sign-up for a popular management programme that had a positive impact on staff development and growth. Chris Whitehouse, Project Director at the award-winning isGroup, was among those to complete the 20Twenty Business Programme and says the focus on strategy and finance was particularly helpful in his day-to-day operations. The Flint-based company employs 30 people and has worked alongside some of the UK’s top organisations in creating unique signage solutions, from the public sector and universities to football clubs, including Liverpool FC, and the Hard Rock Café chain. 20Twenty is built on modules…

A dedicated young nurse who brings comfort to people as they come to the end of their lives has won a prestigious national award. While most young nurses are attracted to the more high-profile units such as accident and emergency Joseph Maund soon knew that he wanted to specialize in care of the elderly. Now, at the relatively young age of 27, he works in the field of palliative and end-of-life care and has earned so much respect and admiration that he has received one of this year’s Wales Care Awards. The awards are organized by Care Forum Wales to…

A day of action to tackle drug supply throughout the Vale of Glamorgan has led to 11 arrests. Operation Avalanche saw 120 officers take part in early-morning raids today with drug warrants executed at 10 addresses across Barry, Dinas Powys and Penarth. Local officers joined specialist officers from the Territorial Support Team and the dog section, as well as National Crime Agency officers for the operation. Of the 11 people arrested on suspicion of drug offences, seven are men and four are women. Those arrested are aged between 19 to 51. They are all currently in police custody. A quantity…