Author: Rhys Gregory

A leading civil engineering firm has started work on a multi-million-pound wind farm in Scotland that will have the capacity to power more than 130,000 UK homes annually. Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has been appointed as principal contractor for the 20-turbine Windy Standard III Wind Farm in Dumfries and Galloway. The Fred. Olsen Renewables-led development, which was first consented in 2021 and will be capable of generating 87.6 megawatts of renewable energy. Scheduled activity for Jones Bros includes ground investigations, reinforced concrete foundations, excavating, and backfilling for cabling, as well as creating more than 10km of new access tracks…

Thomas Carroll, independent insurance, risk, wealth management and insurtech company, is to open its first office in Bristol on May 1, 2025 in Aztec West. Headed up by Thomas Carroll’s regional director and Bristol native Scott Levett, the office will also house team members that represent the whole Thomas Carroll Group, including employee benefits, health and safety and of course insurance broking. Scott said of the new office opening: “This is an exciting time for us to be opening a new office in Bristol. Thomas Carroll already has a very successful office in Hereford, and we thought the time was…

A technology spin-out of the Alacrity Foundation has closed a significant six-figure equity investment pre-seed round led by SFC Capital, the Development Bank of Wales and a syndicate of business angels. Lumin Solutions is run by Directors Piers Oliphant who is 25, along with 23 year old Ben Gretton and Ben Miller who is 24 years old. The three young entrepreneurs first met when taking part in the Alacrity Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme and have now developed a case management system for use by child social care providers. Lumin’s innovative software product is an outcome-focused recording and planning system for care…

A Newport-based bilingual nursery has secured funding and a new location following a major fire, with the support of Business Wales helping to drive its recovery and expansion. Wibli Wobli, the city’s first Welsh-language nursery, was left in ruins after a fire at Wern Industrial Estate caused significant damage, forcing its closure and leaving families without childcare. The nursery, which supports over 100 children – ages zero to five- faced uncertainty as owner Natasha Baker searched for solutions. Business Wales played a pivot role supporting and advising Natasha in the recovery effort, to discuss financial strategies and location options. With expert…

“RHYL is about to embark on an exciting and transformative journey, I feel privileged to be among those shaping its future.” Craig Sparrow is the new independent chair of Rhyl Neighbourhood Board, a group tasked with developing a £20m regeneration strategy that will enhance the seaside resort, create employment, improve infrastructure and remove barriers to opportunity, driving UK Government missions including economic growth and sustainability over the next decade and beyond. A former pupil at Ysgol Bryn Hedydd and Rhyl High School, and now Executive Director of Property and Development at ClwydAlyn, he is “privileged” to lead a collective made…

The first homes are set to be released for sale on an exciting new housing development in Aberbargoed. The St Sannans Field development, built by South Wales developer Llanmoor Homes, will feature 67 new homes, comprising a mix of 59 two, three and four-bedroom properties to be sold on the open market. Llanmoor will also be building eight one-bedroom apartments as affordable housing, which will be sold to Caerphilly Council. Situated off Bedwellty Road, the site is connected to Aberbargoed town centre, and enjoys excellent links to nearby Bargoed with its park, golf course, leisure centre, supermarket and local shops.…

Entrepreneurs are celebrating a successful year as part of Caerphilly’s flagship container-style market as it marks its first anniversary. Ffos Caerffili opened in April 2024 offering a refreshed modern commercial and leisure space to replace Caerphilly’s old indoor market. In its first 12 months, the market and food court has established itself as a destination venue with appearances on the BBC’s Chris Cooks Cymru and Escape to the Country, as well as being named one of the UK’s best food halls by The Sunday Times. Tomas Williams grew up in Llanbradach and was working as a computer aided design technician…

Business leaders and directors across North Wales have been equipped with professional insights into the UK’s latest economic updates and regional trends. The Institute of Directors (IoD) North Wales event covered key topics including trade opportunities for Welsh firms and the impact of the proposed £160m Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone on job creation and retention. Expert understanding was provided by IoD chief economist Anna Leach, Paul Brooks, who is head of nations and regions at the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade, and Ambition North Wales portfolio director and North Wales Corporate Joint Committee’s interim chief executive Alwen Williams. Anna…

Cambrian Training Group, a leading provider of apprenticeship and vocational training across Wales, has marked its 30th birthday by becoming employee owned. The company was established in Welshpool, Powys, in 1995 as a subsidiary of Mid Wales Tourism to deliver vocational and hospitality skills to support the development of the region’s tourism sector. In 2002, Cambrian Training Group underwent a Management Buy Out (MBO). Nine employees, plus an independent chair took up the offer, paving the way for the company’s growth and establishing a foundation of shared responsibility.   Since then, the company – which now employs 65 staff – has…

Azets, a UK Top 10 accountancy firm, has expanded its Swansea office after experiencing substantial growth over the past three years. The new space within Enterprise Park will serve as one of Azets’ flagship offices in South Wales, following a double in team size. Paul Bowden, Office Managing Partner at Azets in Swansea, said: “Opening our new office in Swansea is a major milestone that underscores our long-term commitment to the city and marks an exciting new chapter for Azets in the region.” The move comes following a range of senior hires at Azets in the region, including Tracy Harries…