Author: Rhys Gregory

A Welsh food wholesaler smashed expectations with record crowds and more than £3 million in sales at its flagship expo. Thousands of buyers and suppliers from across the UK descended on Venue Cymru in Llandudno for Harlech Foodservice’s annual two-day event. Around 2,500 registrations were recorded with more than 1,200 businesses attending and 117 suppliers exhibiting – from global food giants to top Welsh producers. The bumper turnout comes as Harlech Foodservice – which has sites in Cricieth, Chester, Carmarthen, Aberbargoed and Telford –  continues a period of rapid expansion, reporting sales growth of more than 30 per cent. Trade…

Ceredigion Youth Service has strengthened early-intervention and prevention work across the county through the Home Office–funded Bridges and Safe Spaces (BASS) programme, delivered in partnership with Dyfed‑Powys Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) Hotspot Action Fund. This investment has enabled youth workers to provide trusted adult support, positive community-activities, and a visible presence in key hotspot areas. A major highlight has been the youth-led graffiti project at Cardigan RFC, designed to reduce anti-social behaviour by giving young people meaningful ownership of public spaces that they enjoy. By working with local artists and youth workers, the project channels creativity…

Construction has now begun on the South Wales Industrial Transition from Carbon Hub, otherwise known as SWITCH. It is a £28 million research facility designed to accelerate the decarbonisation of the steel and metals sector. When fully operational, up to 95 staff are expected to be based there. The project, led by Neath Port Talbot Council in partnership with Swansea University, is being delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction, who were appointed to design and build the centre, part of the Swansea Bay City Deal and TATA Transition Fund, on a brownfield site at Port Talbot’s Harbourside.  SWITCH was awarded £8.2m from…

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet has taken major steps towards providing fantastic new leisure facilities across the County, including the proposed building of new leisure centres for Pembroke and Milford Haven. The Cabinet has backed a multi-million pound Leisure Investment Programme which also includes £4.6m to repair and improve the swimming pool at Tenby Leisure Centre. Pembroke Leisure Centre was opened in 1974 and Milford Haven Leisure Centre opened in 1984 (ten years after the swimming pool opened on site). The report to Cabinet detailed that both aging facilities require significant ongoing maintenance, totalling millions of pounds. Replacing these leisure centres…

Pembrokeshire residents and visitors are being advised to be cautious when accessing the Coast Path and beaches following a number of recent landslips at coastal locations. A wet winter following last year’s dry summer may lead to further landslips and cliff falls over coming weeks. Those visiting the coast are reminded to stay clear of cliff edges and advised not to sit directly beneath cliffs when visiting beaches. Cliffs along the Pembrokeshire coast are naturally formed and constantly changing as a result of coastal erosion and weathering. Heavy or prolonged periods of rainfall can seep into cracks and weaken layers…

A long-awaited community facility in Rhymney has officially opened its doors, following the successful Community Asset Transfer of the former Meals Direct building to JM Gym Fitness CIC. The building, which previously served as a meals on wheels depot before being used for council storage, has been transformed into a thriving community gym after Caerphilly County Borough Council agreed to transfer the asset to the community organisation. The project forms part of the council’s wider programme to support local groups to take on and revitalise unused buildings for community benefit. On Friday 6th March, a delegation including Nick Smith MP…

The Senedd has voted in favour of protecting greyhounds in Wales from the harms of racing. The Bill will prohibit greyhound racing in Wales. A transition period to allow the industry to wind down responsibly, strengthen rehoming arrangements for retired greyhounds, and prepare enforcement bodies and local authorities for the change which will see the prohibition brought into effect between 1 April 2027 and 1 April 2030. The Bill reflects a clear policy choice: that the injuries, fatalities, and poor post-racing outcomes associated with greyhound racing can no longer be justified. Despite efforts within the industry, harm to greyhounds has remained a consistent reality. Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy…

A new deal has been launched to ensure Wales meets its renewable energy targets, whilst maximising the benefits for communities. The Renewable Energy Sector Deal will be a strategic partnership between Welsh Government and industry, focused on unlocking the full economic potential of Wales’ renewable energy future. It coincides with the publication of the latest Energy Generation and Energy Use in Wales report, which shows renewable electricity generation in Wales in 2024 was equivalent to 54% of its electricity consumption. The target is for renewable electricity generation to meet 70% of our consumption by 2030 and 100% by 2035, whilst…

The Senedd has passed a Bill to support the development of tourism in Wales and improve visitor accommodation. Providers of visitor accommodation – beginning with self-contained, self-catering accommodation like holiday cottages and flats – will need a licence. To get a licence, providers will need to prove their accommodation is fit for visitors, by showing they have gas and electrical safety certificates, carbon monoxide alarms, public liability insurance, and that they have both conducted a fire safety risk assessment and taken relevant precautions. Over 80% of people planning trips in the UK said they would be more likely to book…

Avid viewers of House of the Dragon may, once again, recognise key Welsh locations when the new series reaches screens later this year, after HBO spent June and July filming at several locations across Anglesey, Conwy and Gwynedd. Filming locations included Beaumaris Pier on Anglesey, Craig Yr Undeb (Union Rock) in Gwynedd and Ffynon Llugwy, a stunning lake in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. The second and third seasons of the drama received Production Funding from Creative Wales, with £674,600 provided for season three, the investment is expected to generate £6.7 million for the Welsh economy. Behind the camera, 12 trainees…