Author: Rhys Gregory

Business confidence in Wales rose to its highest level in eight months in March, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds. Companies in Wales reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 25 points at 56%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up 27 points to 45%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 51% (vs. 24% in February) – the country’s highest level since July 2024. A net balance of 33% of businesses in Wales also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 13 points on last month. Looking ahead to…

A former royal home has been crowned as the best hotel in Wales and its acclaimed restaurant was named as the nation’s best place to eat. The five star Plas Dinas Country House Hotel in Bontnewydd, near Caernarfon, won the accolade at The National Tourism Awards of Wales staged by the Welsh Government and Visit Wales at Venue Cymru in Llandudno. Meanwhile, its fine dining Gunroom Restaurant – run by head chef Daniel ap Geraint who’s representing Wales in the finals of the popular BBC 2 television show, Great British Menu – also came out on top. A total of…

Costa Coffee, the Nation’s Favourite Coffee Shop*, is pleased to announce that its Llantrisant Green Meadow store becomes the first 24-hour Costa Coffee drive thru in Wales.  This exciting expansion means customers can enjoy their favourite handcrafted coffees, teas, and delicious food options whenever they need them. To support this expansion, the store has welcomed three additional baristas, ensuring great service for the local community, whether in the morning, afternoon, or late at night. A Costa Coffee Spokesperson said: “With our new 24-hour drive thru, the first of its kind in Wales, we’re making it even easier for customers to…

Rural towns and villages in Flintshire have been empowered to sustain key facilities, improve the built environment, and strengthen their resilience thanks to a range of innovative schemes. From integrating sustainable energy solutions to upgrading and repairing community spaces, more than 40 businesses and social enterprises in remote or semi-remote locations have been boosted by an investment of nearly half-a-million pounds from the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). From Gwaenysgor Village Hall building a vegetable garden that grows produce which is free to those who need it, to improved energy efficiency at Talacre Community Centre, residents across the region…

A Swansea University project to improve understanding of fish behaviour in Welsh rivers and seas has received a £657,000 funding boost. The fisheries research has been funded after making a successful bid to a prestigious environmental funding programme, overseen by Welsh Government. It was named as one of the projects chosen to benefit from the latest round of the Nature Networks Fund. Delivered in partnership with The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Natural Resources Wales, the Fund helps Welsh Government work towards the Global Biodiversity Framework 30 by 30 goal, which aims to protect and effectively manage 30 per cent…

Comedian and BBC Presenter Elis James will cycle over 90km from Swansea City to Cardiff City alongside former Swansea striker Lee Trundle as the Sky Bet EFL Every Minute Matters Relay passed through Welsh clubs at the weekend to inspire supporters to learn lifesaving CPR. The Sky Bet EFL Every Minute Matters Relay, which kicked off on 25th March, is a gruelling 4,000-kilometer 28-day journey that will feature an incredible 72 legs stopping off at each and every EFL club before culminating at Wembley on 21st April. The truly unique charity event will see supporters of each EFL club team…

THE “incredible” amount raised by a leading pet retailer for a children’s charity is approaching the £100,000 mark. PetPlace – which has stores in Llangefni, Ruthin, Mold, Abergele and Gledrid, Oswestry, and a HQ in Kinmel Bay – has collected a staggering £94,789 for Hope House and Ty Gobaith children’s hospices. Led by Managing Director Sion Pritchard, the independent retailer organised a series of events and activities while sponsoring and supporting innumerable campaigns over the years. The Snowdon Sunrise Trek, annual ball and the Summer Bumper Raffle are just some of the milestones and challenges PetPlace has got behind for…

A man has pleaded guilty to a series of charges – including the attempted murder of a police officer – at the Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey. Following an incident at Talbot Green Police Station on Friday, January 31, which resulted in three police officers being injured, 28-year-old Alexander Stephen Dighton, from Llantrisant, pleaded guilty to 10 offences. Dighton, who was arrested at the scene, was charged on February 2. The offences are: attempted murder of officer 1 attempt to cause grievous bodily harm of officer 2 threatening officer 3 with an offensive weapon assault of an emergency worker (officer…

Denbighshire Councillors have approved a proposal to change the operating model for leisure services in the county, which will protect high-quality services for residents and visitors for years to come. Following a special Council meeting in County Hall, Ruthin on Wednesday, 26 March, Councillors voted in favour of Denbighshire Leisure Limited’s proposal to purchase the company to ensure the future success of leisure services. The move will see DLL being funded £1.5m by a private investor to purchase the company. This investment will allow DLL to grow the company, safeguarding the future of leisure in Denbighshire and sustain and protect…

Neath Port Talbot Council is looking for feedback from residents, businesses and visitors on proposed walking, wheeling, and cycling improvements to enhance active travel options in and around Neath Town Centre. These proposals aim to make local routes safer, more accessible, and sustainable, as part of the council’s commitment to improving health, wellbeing, and the environment, while reducing congestion. What is Active Travel? Active Travel refers to making everyday, short-distance journeys (e.g. commuting to work, school, or shops) by walking, cycling, or wheeling, rather than using motorised transport. It excludes trips made purely for recreation or social purposes. Proposed Routes…