Author: Rhys Gregory

A leading Welsh Security provider, Sonic Alarm Systems, has completed an Employee Ownership transaction (EOT), which will see the majority of the share equity become owned by a Trust on behalf of its employee base, to reward its loyal workforce. The move represents a landmark moment for the company and underscores a deep commitment to recognising the contribution of its long-serving team.   The transaction was supported throughout by GS Verde (an AAB Group Company). With expertise spanning across security solutions, Sonic Alarm Systems has built a reputation for reliability, technical excellence and customer-focused service. The company’s strength has always been…

Aspiring entrepreneurs across Wales are being urged to apply for the Business Wales Start-Up Accelerator by Monday 30 March 2026, for the cohort running from Tuesday 12 May to Friday 17 July 2026. The programme is open exclusively to Wales-based founders with high-growth business ideas who can demonstrate potential to reach £1 million in annual turnover, create ten or more full-time jobs, and export internationally by 2029. The Start-Up Accelerator provides intensive support to help founders move rapidly from concept to first customers. Participants benefit from one-to-one expert mentoring, weekly webinars and masterclasses and peer networking with like-minded entrepreneurs. The…

Footasylum, the sportswear and streetwear omnichannel retailer, is accelerating its UK expansion plans in 2026 after extending its revolving credit facility with HSBC UK from £35m to £60m. The enlarged facility will support the next phase of Footasylum’s store roll-out programme, with new locations planned in Leeds, Glasgow and Merthyr Tydfil. As part of the new store openings and upsizes, Footasylum expects to create over 80 new jobs. In addition, Footasylum will undertake significant development of its existing locations in Manchester’s Arndale and Trafford centres, creating two substantially larger stores in prominent, high-footfall locations. Footasylum’s Arndale store will increase in size…

Motorists are facing congestion on several key routes across South Wales during the Monday morning rush hour. Traffic Wales has reported delays on the M4 eastbound between junction 27 at High Cross and junction 23 at Rogiet, where congestion is building as commuters head towards the Severn crossings. Drivers are also experiencing slow moving traffic on the A470 southbound between Pontypridd and Coryton, one of the main routes into Cardiff. Traffic Wales has warned that delays are possible on both routes as the morning peak continues, with motorists advised to allow extra time for their journeys. Commuters are also being…

There has been an update to this story. Read it here. Two Cardiff secondary schools will remain closed on Monday (March 16) as a precaution while police investigate a report made on Sunday evening. Llanishen High School and Eastern High School will both shut for the day following discussions between South Wales Police and Cardiff Council. The decision has been taken as a safety measure while enquiries are carried out. Superintendent Mark Kavanagh said: “We have come to the decision, with support from Cardiff Council, to keep these schools closed on Monday in order to avoid risk, following a report…

A new permanent memorial dedicated to everyone in Swansea affected by the Covid-19 pandemic is set to be created on the promenade in the coming months. The reflective public artwork, designed  by Welsh glass artist Catrin Jones and sculptor, Angharad Pearce Jones, will offer a quiet space for remembrance and contemplation, overlooking Swansea Bay. The work will be fabricated by the artists themselves at Angharad’s metal workshop in the Amman Valley. The design was developed in response to extensive community engagement involving groups affected by the pandemic and will sparkle in the sunlight. It combines sculpted steel forms and coloured…

Two new tenants have recently joined the growing community of innovative businesses at the Bridge Innovation Centre (BIC) in Pembroke Dock. JCT EHS Ltd, a training and consultancy company working in the construction sector, was established in 1997 as a family run business and Director Tanya Cooze-Smith is now bringing training to the BIC. Whitestone Media Group has also recently moved into new offices at the Bridge Innovation Centre, Pembroke Dock as part of their expansion plans. Whitestone Media was founded during lockdown in 2020 by Dayne and Liby Stone with the aim to provide businesses with low-cost, highly effective…

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has confirmed an increase to its Local Business Rate Reduction Scheme for 2026 to 2027, providing extra financial support for shops, cafés, pubs and other high street businesses. The council says the move will help local traders manage rising costs while continuing to support town centres and the wider local economy. Rhondda Cynon Taf is one of the only councils in Wales currently providing this type of support to local businesses. Under the updated scheme, the maximum relief available to eligible businesses will rise from £500 to £625 for the 2026 to 2027 financial year. The…

Caerphilly Council’s Cabinet will be asked to approve an application for a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to allow essential works for a £20million repair of the A469 near Pontlottyn when they meet on Wednesday March 18th. The report has been billed as a “necessary next step in repairing this long-standing highway issue” by Council leader Jamie Pritchard. The report makes reference to every effort being made to reach agreement with interested parties for the acquisition of the land required, but that a CPO option should be run in tandem to reach a quick turnaround. Cllr Jamie Pritchard said the local…

Caerphilly county borough council is seeking a new operator to help secure a bright new future for Blackwood Miners Institute. The Grade II listed building is a landmark venue in the heart of Blackwood Town Centre, boasting a proud history as a performance and cultural hub. The council is looking to appoint an external operator to run the facility and Expressions of Interest can now be submitted. Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Leader of Council said, “We are working hard to ensure we can secure a bright new future for this historic venue, without the need for high levels of public subsidy. …