Author: Rhys Gregory

The latest arrivals at Neath’s Leisure and Retail Centre have been welcomed by Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Cllr Steve Hunt and Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economic Growth, Cllr Jeremy Hurley. Among the new outlets are Neath Deli, which opened in July this year, Baroc, a fashion, jewellery and home accessories store which opened this week and a new children’s space, Dream Street. The council’s Economic Development and Regeneration Teams have worked closely with these businesses providing advice and grant funding to support the realisation of their owner’s ambitious plans. These new and growing businesses, as well as…

he number of people waiting more than two years for treatment fell to the lowest level since March 2021 in June, the latest NHS figures show. Just over 7,400 pathways were waiting more than two years – almost 90% lower than at the peak, and a 27.4% decrease on May. The figures also show a reduction of more than 2,000 on the overall waiting list. For the first time today, the Welsh Government is publishing provisional waiting times data for the following month to provide people with more up-to-date information. The provisional data for July indicates a slight increase in…

Quantum Advisory, the leading pensions and employee benefits consultancy for small and medium sized schemes and employers, today announced the successful completion of a full £4 million buy-out for the SPM Plastics Pension Scheme. The transaction secured the benefits of all 38 members. Quantum Advisory provided actuarial, investment, and administration, Just Group was the insurer. David Jervis, Consultant and Actuary at Quantum Advisory, commented: “The transaction followed a period of proactive risk management by the scheme and its sponsor, including an enhanced transfer value (ETV) exercise and timely adjustments to the investment strategy to align with insurer pricing. Data quality…

A father-of-four from Caerphilly will be donning his wetsuit to run the Brecon Carreg CDF 10K in memory of his best friend who loved to surf. Lee Treherne also plans on carrying a bodyboard with him around the course in the hope to raise awareness of brain tumours, a condition which tragically took his friend Chris Moore’s life. The 47-year-old said: “Chris passed away quite suddenly just over a year ago. He was a fit guy, and it didn’t appear there was anything was wrong until he collapsed in work in 2022. He went home but his girlfriend said he…

As a North Wales tidal energy scheme moves into its next phase, a local company has secured the £10 million contract to deliver the infrastructure work at Parc Cybi, Holyhead. Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK and Menter Môn Morlais Ltd have a well-established working partnership, and the signing of this new contract promises more local jobs and skills development opportunities. The announcement follows the recent award of funding worth £9million from the North Wales Growth Deal for the current phase of work, known as the Cydnerth Project. Andy Billcliff, Chief Executive of Menter Môn Morlais, owner of the tidal scheme,…

FleetEV, a leading electric vehicle (EV) provider, has proudly sponsored the National League for another season, which wrapped up with an exhilarating finals weekend earlier this month. Owned by Wales Netball, the FleetEV National League comprises eight teams from across Wales who compete in tournaments throughout the year, bringing together seasoned netballers aged 17 to 45 in a competitive arena. Each team includes 18 players or training partners and three management staff, many of whom balance their commitment to netball alongside full-time jobs, studies and everyday responsibilities. This season’s success reflects the growing momentum behind women’s sport in Wales. Across…

An engineering-solution business headquartered in the UK has rebranded, opened new offices internationally, and plans to double its £27m turnover in the next five years. Now referred to as the IPM Group (International Power and Marine Group Limited), the collective includes the formerly known Industrial Power and Marine Limited, and Power Consulting Midlands Limited (PCML). From its headquarters in Barry, South Wales, IPM Group is looking to expand its global footprint, having already completed over 16,000 projects worldwide. With significant growth being a driving factor, the desire was to establish the Group and become the preferred engineering partner for clients seeking to…

Everyone has that loved one. Their heads are always in the clouds, ears covered by headphones blasting new obsessions. Or perhaps they’re locked away, perfecting a guitar riff or nailing a drum fill. However, their passion is evident; music is at the centre of their universe. Buying this person a present can be tricky. On a surface level, it’s great that they have such apparent interests, but the question is, what to buy? Whether or not you’re musically inclined, these are the best gifts for the music lover in your life — no expertise necessary. Vinyl records: the timeless gift…

City Hospice, Cardiff’s local hospice, has paid tribute to one of its founders, Dr Elinor Kapp, who died peacefully over the weekend. In the early 1980s, Dr Elinor Kapp recognised the urgent need for a palliative care service in the city and played a leading role in founding City Hospice in 1984, transforming the way end of life care was understood and delivered in Cardiff. For over 40 years, she continued to serve as a trustee and, for many years, as Chair of the Clinical Governance Committee, guiding the charity with compassion and an unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest…

Miller & Carter Cardiff Bay reopened its doors to guests this month, unveiling a stunning new interior following a comprehensive transformation. Reimagined with elegance and sophistication in mind, the restaurant now boasts a beautifully contemporary design. The new look Miller & Carter Cardiff Bay seats 264 covers in a mix of bar and restaurant covers, both in the main dining and its new bar area. The restaurant can also hold an additional 48 covers in the external garden and patio areas. Miller & Carter Cardiff Bay has created 7 new jobs for the local area, with the positions being a…