Author: Rhys Gregory

There is too much at stake and too much potential disruption for both parties for the UK and the EU to risk failing to reach a deal on trade ahead of the UK’s exit in March. But investors should still prepare for the worst and be mindful of the consequences of a ‘No’ deal, an experienced investment director has warned. Chris Davies, investment director at Estate Capital, a firm of chartered financial advisers in South Wales that manages more than £200 million in its own investment portfolios, said that a ‘No’ deal will have serious implications for the economy. “We…

Two Gwent businesses have been given a major boost by Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise. [aoa id=”1″] V3 Apparel and Menu4Life have won free tenancies for fixed periods at the prestigious Ebbw Vale Innovation Centre (EVIC), owned and run by UKSE. The locally-based companies won the prizes against strong competition. V3 Apparel will have a free office for a year, and runner up Menu4Life will have six months at EVIC. Their successful submissions demonstrated potential to grow and create lasting jobs. [/aoa] Gail Hannam, EVIC Administrator, said: “We had a good number of entries for the competition and were delighted with the standard.  “We are very…

Cardiff-based Coles Funeral Directors is going from strength to strength as it announces the opening of its second premises, the creation of between seven to ten new jobs and four award-nominations. [aoa id=”1″]The family-run business will be opening a second funeral home in Cardiff in October 2018 to better serve its growing customer base in the North of Cardiff. The old Barclay’s Bank on Heathwood Road, which was once a hub of the community, is finally getting its new lease of life as it is currently undergoing a re-fit ‘The Coles Way.’ The new funeral home will be a light,…

A group of men and women who work on the Menai Strait are to be the stars of a network series on ITV. [aoa id=”1″] Starting today (Friday) at 8pm, The Island Strait tells the stories of different characters who earn their livelihoods on and around what’s described as ‘the most incredible saltwater river in Britain.’ And they are hoping that the show will bring a big boost to tourist and other businesses along the waterway. Frankie Hobro from the Anglesea Sea Zoo is one of the stars of the show.  She and the other characters first appeared in an…

One of Cardiff’s best-loved restaurants has opened its doors after an extensive summer refurbishment, bringing a true taste of Italy to The Red Dragon Centre. After 14 years at Cardiff Bay’s premier entertainment destination, Bella Italia has undergone a transformation resulting in an atmosphere that aligns with the traditional Italian cuisine of Bella Italia. Over £175,000 was spent on the restaurant’s make-over. With such a significant investment, Bella Italia was able to create a little piece of Italy at the entertainment centre. The new open plan layout and lighter Italian decor has completely transformed the restaurant to create something modern…

A small committee from Crickhowell has shown its commitment to Cancer Research Wales by fundraising over £110,000 in ten years for one of Wales’ leading charities. [aoa id=”1″]The team of eight has organised several events in this time, which have encouraged the community of Crickhowell to take part and show their support for Cancer Research Wales en masse. Demand for the events held by Hazel Thomas, Chairwoman of the Cancer Research Wales Crickhowell branch, and her team’s popular events has become so high that they often sell out well in advance.[/aoa] Annual events include a Charity Ball with a raffle…

A vegan cafe in Whitchurch is celebrating its successful opening weekend. [aoa id=”1″] Ve Wild Cafe is a vegan, organic, palm-oil free cafe in Whitchurch, in North Cardiff, that offers a sustainable, plant-based menu of sweet and savoury food. It is the first fully vegan and organic cafe to open in the suburb that already has a thriving cafe culture. The cafe is the brainchild of Maria A Gil and Richard T Horn who say it is their mission to make compassionate living more accessible. Richard said: [/aoa] “We want to show that going vegan is not a sacrifice but…

A retail manager turned care worker who has transformed the lives of her clients by helping them to fulfil their dreams is in line for a top industry award. [aoa id=”1″] Liz Williams, 54, quit her retail management position 17 years ago to follow her heart into social care and “give something back” to the community. The mother-of-two, who works as a team leader for Lifeways Inclusive Lifestyles Ltd in Wrexham, hasn’t looked back since and is now celebrating a place in the final of one of Wales’ most prestigious industry events – the Wales Care Awards 2018. Now celebrating…

A mum from Pontypridd tackled the Great North Run on Sunday 9 September to raise vital funds for Diabetes UK Cymru. [aoa id=”1″] Jen Matchett, 32, chose to run the world’s biggest half marathon in support of her dad David, 56, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1991. Jen, 32, a secretary at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: [/aoa] “A colleague mentioned how much water dad was drinking and suggested he get tested. He had just given up smoking so thought that was the reason for his increased thirst. “Dad doesn’t let diabetes affect his life;…

Insole Court, a gothic Victorian mansion and gardens nestled in the leafy suburbs of Llandaff, Cardiff, has been shortlisted for a Heritage Angel Award. The award is in recognition of the tremendous efforts undertaken by the community, campaigners, volunteers, trustees and staff to rescue its historic buildings and bring the once forgotten national heritage treasure back to life. The former home of one of Cardiff’s great coal-merchant families, the Insoles, was originally saved by a community effort and has since been restored to preserve its rich local history. Now in the hands of a charity, Insole Court Trust, the house…