Author: Rhys Gregory

Starting primary school or going on to secondary school can be an exciting time for children and parents, but it can also be a stressful time as decisions need to be made on which schools to apply for, and then waiting to find out if the application has been successful. A few key things that can be done to help to make the process as smooth as possible: Visiting schools before applying to get as much information as possible – a full list of schools in Cardiff can be found online via www.cardiff.gov.uk/schools Submitting applications by the relevant closing dates (Secondary…

A new report is calling for Welsh arts and culture to be better promoted to international markets. [aoa id=”1″]The report, International Showcasing Strategy for the Arts of Wales, was commissioned by British Council Wales and is the result of research into how Welsh culture, including its artists, performers and writers, can best find new international audiences.[/aoa] The focus of the report is showcasing, which gives artists and cultural organisations the chance to show their work to promoters from across the UK and around the world. The report examines how showcasing can be improved for Welsh visual arts, crafts, music, theatre,…

A significant new property investment acquisition by Swansea Council is to help it deliver top class services over the coming years. [aoa id=”1″] The council has bought two city centre multi-storey car park leasing investments – and will now collect rent from the tenant for at least the next 19 years. NCP, the UK’s biggest car park operator, is committed to long term leases and will continue to operate and maintain the premises in Orchard Street and The Kingsway. [/aoa] Both Kingsway and Orchard street car parks are significant city centre assets providing 328 and 512 car parking spaces respectively.…

Cancer Research Wales and Rhiwbina RFC launched their first annual raffle earlier this month at Caedelyn Park in Cardiff. This new joint venture will help raise vital funds for the causes of both organisations. As well as raising money for Cancer Research in Wales, the raffle will also support community rugby for all ages and levels in North Cardiff. On this new partnership, Anna-Marie Jones from Cancer Research Wales said: “We are excited to work with Rhiwbina RFC to raise funds for both these important causes”. “Cancer now affects approximately 130,000 people in Wales and is likely to increase to…

Cered: Menter Iaith Ceredigion will be supporting a group of residents from Llan-non, near Aberaeron to hold a series of Welsh-medium environmental activities under the banner ‘Arwyr yr Arfordir’ – Heroes of the coast, over the next few months. The series of activities will start with a plastic-free beach clean on the village’s beach on Saturday, September 29. Arwyr yr Arfordir was launched in 2017 when Cered worked with the local community on a similar beach clean campaign, where over 20 local residents of all ages took part. This included a number of families looking for an opportunity to socialise…

More students from Cardiff and Vale College have fought off tough competition to secure a place in the prestigious national finals of WorldSkills UK than any other Welsh college. Twelve CAVC students from a range of different disciplines will compete against some of the best learners, trainees and apprentices the UK has to offer in front of 70,000 people at WorldSkills UK LIVE. Taking place from 15th-17thNovember at the NEC in Birmingham, WorldSkills UK LIVE is the country’s largest experiential skills, apprenticeships and careers event. The CAVC students are: Automotive Body Repair – Ross Colcombe Automotive Refinishing – Henry Deane…

Summer ends on a high note for 10-year-old Joti Sandhu of Brecon, who successfully auditioned for the renowned Brecon Cathedral Choir. A Year Six pupil at Christ College, Brecon, Joti has been part of her school’s choir for the last three years. Now a chorister at Brecon Cathedral, she joins the long line of musicians who have helped make worshiping at the cathedral such a joyous experience for over 900 years. Talking about her experience, Joti said: “I’m really excited about this new adventure. It’s great to be meeting new singers and to be part of the Cathedral’s community. I’ve…

A leading training and apprenticeship provider has appointed a new Sales Director as it looks to grow its business across Wales and into the private sector in England. Timothy Barnett joins the board of Educ8, which is headquartered from its base in Tredomen, Caerphilly, after spending a decade in Cambridge running his own business.   Speaking of his appointment, Mr Barnett said: “I am delighted to be joining Educ8 at a pivotal point in the company’s evolution. Despite challenges within the sector, the company has achieved impressive growth in recent years founded on values that remain at the core of…

Trivallis, a registered social landlord based in Rhondda Cynon Taff in South Wales, has appointed Michelle Thomas to the role of Director of Development and Regeneration. [aoa id=”1″] Michelle joins the organisation with over thirty years’ experience in social housing and brings with her extensive knowledge of the sector from her work in local government and other housing associations. She joins Trivallis from her previous role as Director of her own development consultancy, Riverside, based in the South of England. [/aoa] Michelle said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been announced as the new Director of Development and Regeneration at Trivallis.…

Finalists have been announced for the expanded Monmouthshire Business Awards, with private self storage company, Storage Giant Ltd, Environmental Management Company, Eco Vigour and Chepstow Race Course having caught the judges eyes in the key Company of the Year category. [aoa id=”1″]The 30 shortlisted companies across ten categories are all operating within the Old Monmouthshire area and all show a commitment to nurturing deep-rooted business success, which is an asset to the local economy and to the communities within the area.[/aoa] Simon Williams is Managing Director of Storage Giant, one of the shortlisted firms. His company has grown from a…