Author: Rhys Gregory

A total of £1.22 million is being invested in the Powys economy – by businesses and the county council – after 18 capital grants were awarded. The companies are investing nearly £1 million in their own futures, while the council has added £243,000 to the pot from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. There were 150 applicants for the capital grants, announced in August, which are being used to cover up to 50% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of £25,000, for projects that support growth or long-term sustainability. The 18 businesses that were successful, are buying new equipment,…

Police are appealing for help to locate a US national who has not been seen since November 2025. South Wales Police are trying to trace 59 year old Tana Garner, who is believed to be in the Cardiff area. Tana is described as being in possession of a suitcase tied with rope and is known to frequent Cardiff city centre. Officers believe she may have been living homeless for a period of time. She speaks with a broad American accent and enquiries suggest she may have travelled elsewhere in the UK, potentially to the Windsor area. Police have confirmed that…

Police have confirmed that the search of the River Teifi for missing man Kurtis Brooks has ended. Officers from Cardigan, Crymych and Newcastle Emlyn Police have been involved in the search, which has been carried out as part of ongoing efforts to locate Kurtis. Confirming the decision, Chief Inspector Richard Yelland said: “Whilst this is an extremely difficult decision to make, we are satisfied that we have done absolutely everything we possibly can to try and locate Kurtis and his family have been informed of this decision. “We will continue to respond to any new information that could lead to…

Few careers follow a straight line, and for one local funeral director, life took him from the army to a different kind of service – helping families at their most difficult times. After a 22-year career in the British Army with 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards, Ian Rees faced a major crossroads. “After leaving the Army, I had two main routes in mind: joining the Welsh Ambulance Service or working in the funeral industry. My tours of Bosnia and Kosovo saw me providing humanitarian aid on a peace implementation mission. “It was during this period that I realised I am a ‘people person’ and took satisfaction in being able to help…

The CIPD – the professional body for HR and people development – has revealed the programme for its inaugural conference in Wales, taking place on 5 February 2026 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. The CIPD in Wales conference will bring HR and people professionals together to explore the biggest workplace trends, legislation and developments shaping the future of work in Wales. It will also help organisations to build a more high-performing and sustainable workforce, underpinned by effective people management. Tori James, the first Welsh woman to summit Mount Everest, at age 25, and a member of the first all-female…

LQ Resorts has expanded its UK portfolio with the acquisition of the Parkway Hotel and Spa in Cwmbran, supported by a seven‑figure loan from the Development Bank of Wales. The long‑established spa and resorts operator, which already runs three destination resorts including its flagship site near the Welsh border between Oswestry and Wrexham, has added the 80‑room Parkway Hotel and Spa to its collection. Set in more than seven acres, the venue is a popular destination for spa breaks, conferences, weddings, and leisure stays. Funding was provided through the Wales Tourism Investment Fund. The business has already begun upgrades at…

DETERMINED Carmarthen racing driver Rhys Lloyd is hoping it’ll be third time lucky when he pulls on his helmet to take part in the Dubai 24hr race this weekend. Frustrated but resolute Rhys, aged forty, has competed in the gruelling endurance race in the United Arab Emirates before but was thwarted both times. The multi-talented Welsh driver Rhys, with varied motor racing experience gained over many years under his belt, believes he is in the best shape ever, both mentally and physically, to  compete at the highest level. “I’m absolutely determined to get the job done this time and drive over…

Emerge Digital Scores Big with South Wales Expansion and Signing of Welsh Rugby Legend. Emerge Digital has announced a significant expansion into South Wales, strengthening its footprint in the region and appointing former Wales and British & Irish Lions wing Alex Cuthbert as its new Regional Business Development Director. The move marks a major milestone for the growing managed IT services provider as it increases operations across the UK from existing bases in Gloucestershire. Alex, who retired from professional rugby last September following a distinguished career, will lead on business development and regional growth. Known for standout moments during Wales’s…

Persimmon Homes East Wales has appointed its new Commercial Director Designate. Nathan Evans takes on the role where he will be overseeing and managing the commercial operations of the accredited five-star developer such as the procurement, surveying, and estimating functions of the business. Additionally, he will be working with the company’s directors to set and drive business performance, focussing on its build costs and opportunities for both current and pipeline developments, as well as future land opportunities. Nathan joins Persimmon after eight and half years with Taylor Wimpey, where he was a Commercial Manager. Having entered the industry as a…

A University of South Wales (USW) academic has become one of the first ever Royal Academy of Engineering Green Future Fellows, and will be one of 13 engineering innovators to receive £3 million each to develop solutions that tackle multiple causes of the climate crisis, and mitigate and adapt to its impacts. Dr Jaime Massanet-Nicolau, Associate Professor of Bio-Based Chemical Production at the USW-based Sustainable Environment Research Centre (SERC), will lead the team which will benefit from part of the £150 million long-term investment from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The team will include Professor Alan Guwy and…