Author: Rhys Gregory

Drivers’ access to rapid EV charging in South Wales has been boosted with 16 new high-power EV chargers installed at two new hubs in west Swansea and Hendy, supporting local residents, businesses and visitors with reliable EV infrastructure. Osprey Charging, Wales’ largest open-access rapid EV charging network, opened the two new hubs. The 300kW rapid charge points are compatible with every EV on the market today and can typically add 100 miles of range in just 15-20 minutes, depending on the model of the vehicle and its battery. Located at West Swansea Retail Park and Canolfan Gwili Centre in Hendy,…

House prices in Wales have continued to climb, with average property values up 1.6% year-on-year to £227,786, according to the latest Halifax House Price Index. While the pace of growth has slowed in recent months, this still represents steady progress against a backdrop of wider economic pressures. Across the UK, prices rose by 0.3% in August, pushing the average property value to a new record high of £299,331. Annual growth eased slightly to 2.2%, marking the third consecutive month of increases. Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages at Halifax, said: “UK house prices rose again in August, up by +0.3% (£932),…

Music written to celebrate King Charles’s 75th birthday will be performed publicly in Wales for the first time at a leading festival. A selection of seven songs written by one of the king’s ancestors, Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, have been orchestrated and arranged by royal composer Paul Mealor, the artistic director of the North Wales International Music Festival. They will be given their Welsh premiere at a concert at St Asaph Cathedral featuring the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and renowned tenor Gwilym Bowen at 7pm on Friday, September 19. The performance will be recorded live for both BBC…

The Construction Club Cambria has been officially launched this week.  The not-for-profit construction networking and altruistic club will serve south east Wales. It is aimed at those who work in the construction sector to network, develop business partnerships and raise money for local good causes. Initially chaired for a year by Gareth Hooper, CEO of DPP Planning in Cardiff, the club will be holding events, seminars, and networking events across the region with its first event, an Autumn Lunch, planned for Friday 24th October at the Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff. Other members of the club include Directors Justin Thomas of Bristol…

The RSPCA has issued an urgent plea for adopters in Wales to come forward after several large-scale cruelty and neglect cases left the animal welfare charity caring for a record number of dogs. In July, the RSPCA had 1,646 dogs in its care in England and Wales – the highest number on record and more than double the number from July 2020. Of all the animals in RSPCA care in July, a third of these were dogs – with 445 dogs rescued in July alone, compared to a five-year average of 245 per month. And because RSPCA centres are already…

A new operator has been chosen to run Caerphilly’s container-style market. Town Square Spaces Ltd (TownSq) x Crafty Legs are set to become the long-term operators of Ffos Caerffili marking an exciting new chapter for the retail and leisure facility. Caerphilly County Borough Council began the process in May 2025 to appoint a new long-term operator for Ffos Caerffili, following a successful first year where it was established as a thriving destination for the people of Caerphilly and beyond. The new long-term operator will take on an overriding lease and manage the scheme, working with and supporting the existing traders.…

Raise your steins, Cardiff, the big Bavarian Feast is back! After a sell-out debut event in 2024, Pasture Restaurant is teaming up with the DEPOT again this October for another night of fire-cooked feasting and Bavarian beers. On Saturday 11th October 2025, the warehouse venue will be transformed. Expect a live Oompah band, hearty Bavarian sharing platters of food served family-style, and an Oktoberfest atmosphere that could give Munich’s liveliest beer halls a run for their money – think long tables, clinking glasses, and more lederhosen than you can shake a schnitzel at. Pasture Restaurants are a celebration of fire-based…

A former Pembrokeshire dairy farmer and his wife have opened a new houseplant centre and botanical-themed coffee shop in Pembroke, supported by a £20,000 Start Up Loan. Husband-and-wife duo Kristian (35) and Beckie Howell (31), both from Pembrokeshire, are behind Vine & Vibe, a new 6,000 sq ft indoor houseplant centre and café designed to bring an inclusive, wellbeing-focused space to the region’s retail and hospitality offering. Housed in a converted commercial greenhouse, the venture is the result of both a personal and entrepreneurial journey. In 2017, Kristian sustained a life-changing spinal cord injury that ended his career in dairy…

The Barclays Business Prosperity Index reveals that despite ongoing global economic challenges and rising energy costs, UK firms are accelerating AI adoption and upskilling their workforce to drive innovation and growth. Analysis of 1m+ Barclays clients shows a picture of resilient but cautious activity amid global uncertainty 42 per cent plan to hire for AI-focused roles, while one in five are already creating new positions dedicated to AI, as firms see potential for the UK to be a world AI leader In a sign of confidence, businesses plan to increase investment by 5.5 per cent over the next 12 months,…

People who live and work in Caerphilly are being called on to offer their views to help planning for future development of the town. On Saturday, September 6, people of all ages are invited to visit Y Banc, on Cardiff Road, and Stockland Square, on Stockland Street, to take part in activities and workshops that will offer the chance to share their thoughts and ideas for Caerphilly. Organised as part of the Festival of Ideas, the event is designed to help Caerphilly Town 2035 officers understand people’s needs and wants as they look to develop the ‘Top of Town’. The…