Author: Rhys Gregory

Wales’s largest business representative body, FSB Wales (Federation of Small Businesses), has appointed John Hurst, Director of Cardiff-based B2B IT Services, as its new Chair. A dynamic entrepreneur and passionate advocate for the Welsh business community, John brings a wealth of experience to the role. Prior to his current venture with B2B IT Services, John had a successful career spanning manufacturing, technology, and professional services. He also has extensive experience in international trade, exporting to over 100 countries. John will lead the Wales Member Advisory Council, comprising business owners from across the Welsh small business community to help guide FSB’s…

Cyclists and spectators from all across the UK and beyond will be heading to the scenic county of Ceredigion this June for the Lloyds National Road Racing Championships by British Cycling. This comes as British Cycling and Welsh Government confirm landmark agreement to host the next three Lloyds National Road Championships in Wales from 2025 through to 2027. This forms part of Wales’ commitment to hosting world-class cycling in the coming years, following on from last week’s announcement that the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will both take place in the UK in 2027. Wales…

Ballers Pizzeria in Lakeside has appointed Giacomo Rimanti as its new Head Chef. Ballers Pizzeria was first established in 2020, starting life as a pop-up with a van, then evolving into a hatch in Heath, before opening the first bricks-and-mortar site in Lakeside in December 2023. Focussed on hand-stretched Neapolitan-style pizzas with Spanish influences and premium ingredients, Ballers quickly became a go-to spot in Lakeside for great-quality pizza, craft beers, cocktails, and a carefully curated wine list designed to complement the food offering, too. New Head Chef Giacomo now joins Ballers from the acclaimed (and recently closed) 591 by Anatoni’s…

A long-running care home has passed into the experienced hands of new owners, backed with the support of the Development Bank of Wales. Cherry Tree Care Home opened in Caldicot in 1993, and has since been run by owners Hallmark. Following an extension in 2003, the home has 38 bedrooms and is licensed to provide nursing and residential care for 41 residents. The home has now been taken on by Basanta Nepal and Bishwa Tara Ghimire, who have run Dreams Care Homes since 2021, with a seven-figure loan from the Wales Flexible Investment Fund. The couple had previously worked with…

A proposed zero-emission fast ferry service linking Swansea with the South West of England has received an encouraging response so far. More than 3,000 people voted during the first week of an online survey launched earlier this month, with over 98% saying they’d support the introduction of a fast zero-emission ferry. Supported by funding from Swansea Council through the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the research is being carried out by a company called Ocean which specialises in accelerated maritime decarbonisation and transition to zero-emission. People and business owners are encouraged to go to this Ocean webpage to cast a yes, no or maybe vote on the concept, leave…

The UK and Welsh governments have confirmed the release of £11.8m of funding for Mid Wales as part of an investment package aimed at boosting the regional economy. The announcement came as Ministers this week toured the first project to secure support from the Mid Wales Growth Deal, which is backed by £110m from both governments – aimed at attracting further investment from the public and private sectors. The visit to the Elan Valley Lakes development – which aims to set a new benchmark for sustainable tourism – marked a significant step forward for the Deal as projects begin to…

The Health and Social Care (Wales) Bill has this week received Royal Assent. The new law, passed by the Senedd in February, will improve services for children, families and disabled people. Wales is the first UK nation to legislate to end private profit in children’s residential and foster care. Care for looked after children will only be provided by the public sector, charitable or not-for-profit organisations in the future. This will ensure that money going into the system is reinvested into children’s welfare, rather than taken as profit for shareholders. The law will also enable the introduction of direct payments…

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Business Team and International Trade Support Officer attended Welsh Government’s international trade conference, Explore Export Wales 2025. The conference is Wales’s flagship event, designed to help Welsh businesses expand into international markets. With representatives from over 40 global markets, it was an excellent opportunity to highlight the commitment CCBC has to supporting local businesses and to highlight what the borough has to offer on the world stage. Sarah Gaze, CCBC’s International Trade Support Officer commented “It was great to be exhibiting at Explore Export Wales in Cardiff again this year. Caerphilly based businesses attending this event…

Wales, with its breathtaking landscapes, rugged coastlines, towering mountains, and charming villages, is a dream destination for road trip enthusiasts. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie seeking thrilling adventures or a nature lover wanting to immerse yourself in Wales’ stunning natural beauty, the country offers some of the best scenic drives and epic road trips. From exhilarating coastal routes to winding mountain passes, Wales is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable journey on wheels. The Brecon Beacons: A Journey Through Mountains and Valleys The Brecon Beacons National Park offers the perfect blend of scenic beauty and outdoor adventure. Spanning over 520…

St David’s Cardiff has hosted its enterprise challenge, ‘Made in Cardiff’, with two local schools. Made in Cardiff is a cross-school competition with students tasked with designing a brand-new community space for the city before going head to head in Dragons’ Den-style pitches. Centred around the theme ‘reimagining their local retail space’, the project challenged Cardiff pupils to present their ideas and vision for retail in the future, while considering the broader impact retail space has on the local area. Year 10 students from Cantonian High School in Fairwater and Ysgol Bro Edern in Penylan took part in three workshops…