Author: Rhys Gregory

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…

A man from Swansea has been jailed for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, as well as importing a weapon. 33-year-old Andrew Hanley, from Townhill, was the intended recipient of a parcel which contained a police-style extendable baton that was intercepted by Border Force in November 2024. When officers attended to search Hanley’s address, they located four large sandwich bags containing a substantial amount of white powder. Hanley then directed officers to several other substances which were stored around the address. He has been sentenced to 42 months in prison. Sergeant Geraint Thomas said: “For Andrew Hanley to…

Up to 780 local businesses will once again be eligible for business rates support after Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet agreed to adopt Welsh Government’s Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rates Relief Scheme for the 2025/26 financial year. Applications are now open for 2025/26 – Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rates Relief. Eligible businesses will benefit from a reduction of 40% off their business rates bill. The total amount of relief available is £110,000 across all properties occupied by the same business throughout Wales. The business must be in the retail, leisure, hospitality or tourism sectors, for example shops, markets, pharmacies, opticians,…

Denbighshire Council is participating in a new, innovative project to identify residents who are missing out on over £42 million of unclaimed benefits. Over 13,000 Denbighshire households are missing out on financial support resulting in over 28,500 missed claims. Led by the Welsh Government, 12 local authorities across Wales are participating in the project from January-December 2025 to identify and reach out to residents who may not realise they’re eligible for support. Last year, pensioners across Denbighshire gained £872,442 in unclaimed benefits following a proactive Pension Credit campaign. In total, 115 residents benefitted, with £215,142 Pension Credit claims however, other…