Author: Rhys Gregory

Wales’ economic ties with Japan have been further strengthened at an investor showcase in Tokyo. The centrepiece of activities taking place as part of the Welsh Government’s Year of Wales and Japan celebrations in 2025, the event was attended by key Japanese entrepreneurs and businesses in a range of sectors. The Wales Investor Showcase was hosted by the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, to foster long-lasting trade benefits for both countries in areas such as renewable energy and digital transformation. Wales has long enjoyed a partnership with Japan. The first investments in Wales by Japanese companies…

AN EMPLOYEE at Specsavers Flint is calling for donations for North East Wales Mind as she prepares to take on the Chester Half Marathon during Mental Health Awareness Week (12 – 18 May). Dispensing optician, Dawn Dale is set to take on the 13-mile race to raise funds for the charity, which provides much-needed support to people living with mental health challenges across Flintshire and Wrexham. Having faced her own mental health challenges, Ms Dale says running has played a big part in her journey towards recovery following a particularly difficult period during the Covid-19 pandemic. She says: ‘That time…

A power shift of sorts is taking place in Welsh football, and has been on the cards for a while. The remarkable story being pieced together by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has captured the imagination of a global audience. While Red Dragons from the Racecourse Ground are flying high, Bluebirds in Cardiff have seen collective wings clipped, while Swans in Swansea find themselves treading water. The ultimate goal for those in Wrexham would be to claim country-wide bragging rights in Wales. The famous co-owners have made no secret of the fact that they intend to reach the big time.…

Congratulations on passing your driving test, a milestone which is as thrilling as it is liberating! However, the excitement of newfound freedom on the roads is often dampened by the realisation of the financial constraints that come with owning a car. The costs of car maintenance, fuel, and most importantly, insurance can be daunting for newly passed drivers. At this point, cost-efficient driving becomes especially relevant. This article aims to unpack how new drivers can take proactive steps to save money whilst enjoying the delight of independent driving. Selecting a Cost-Effective Vehicle Choosing the right vehicle can make a significant…

Landing a job offer is exciting, but the process isn’t quite over. The salary discussion is a crucial step, yet one many candidates approach with trepidation. However, navigating this conversation effectively can significantly impact your long-term earnings and job satisfaction. Avoiding negotiation could mean leaving money on the table. Here’s how to approach salary negotiation with confidence during the recruitment process. Lay the Groundwork: Research is Paramount Before you even think about discussing numbers during the salary discussion stages of a recruitment campaign, you need to understand your market value. Ignorance isn’t bliss when it comes to salary; it’s costly.…

With such a vast selection of online slot games available, it can be tricky to find one that suits your preferences and playing styles. Therefore, whether you’re looking for a game with classic gameplay, high payouts, or unique bonus features, it’s important to understand how the different aspects of slot games can help you make an informed choice. If you’re exploring Slots online in the UK, here are some of the key factors to consider when selecting a Slots casino game that matches your playing style: Understand slot volatility Slot volatility is what theoretically determines how often and how much…

Wrexham has unveiled a new city-wide public art trail as part of its bid to become UK City of Culture 2029.  Wrexham has officially launched a new trail of striking art installations as part of Wrecsam2029, its UK City of Culture 2029 bid. The project, coordinated by local artist Liam Stokes-Massey, features 14 striking murals across the city centre that form a new ‘open air gallery’. The aim of the trail is to showcase the work of local artists and celebrate Wrexham’s rich heritage, industries and creative identity ahead of the UK City of Culture 2029 bid process opening later…

The outstanding work of a pioneering care organisation that’s celebrating its 40th anniversary is an example to the rest of Wales, says a Welsh Government Minister. The glowing praise for Pendine Park came from Dawn Bowden MS, the Minister for Children and Social Care during a tour of Pendine Park’s Highfield nursing home in Wrexham during a visit to North Wales. Owner Mario Kreft MBE showed the Minister around the site where she met staff and residents and enjoyed some of the activities taking place, including a music concert. The visit comes as Pendine Park celebrates four decades of success,…

A talented singer-songwriter from the Llyn Peninsula is on a mission – to get more people gardening. Meinir Gwilym, who lives near Pwllheli and hails from Anglesey is one of the presenters of the popular S4C gardening series, Garddio a Mwy (Gardening and More). The show, made by Caernarfon-based production company Cwmni Da, has just returned for a 22-programme run and is broadcast at 8.25pm on Monday evenings. The other main presenters are green-fingered social media influencer Adam Jones  and florist Sioned Edwards, whose claims to fame include working on hit TV shows EastEnders and Death in Paradise. Among the…

Occupier and investor demand for commercial property in Wales edged upwards in the first quarter of the year according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Commercial Property Monitor. A net balance of 5% of Welsh surveyors reported a rise in overall investor demand through Q1 2025, which is the highest this balance has been since March 2022. Looking at the subsectors, the industrial sector outperformed office and retail as a net balance of 21% of surveyors reported a rise. Investor demand for office space was said to have fallen flat, and a net balance of -8% of…