Author: Rhys Gregory

Monmouthshire Building Society has appointed Marian Evans as its new chair, succeeding Roger Turner who stepped down following the end of his tenure at the end of 2024. Marian has an impressive career in financial services, property and business consultancy and has been a member of the Society’s Board since 2021. Marian’s early career was at NFU Mutual, where she rapidly reached the top of her profession and became the youngest female sales manager in the country, looking after a portfolio in excess of £54 million by the age of 30. Following her appointment to Head of Special Risks at…

Caernarfon, United Kingdom: n Industries Group Limited (“n Industries”), a leading supporter of UK SME industrial businesses, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Friction Technology Limited, a market leader in the friction materials sector. As part of its decentralised structure, n Industries will collaborate closely with Friction Technology’s management team to drive further growth for the business. Friction Technology operates as an extension of its customers’ R&D departments, developing and supplying mission-critical friction materials to global Original Equipment Manufacturers and aftermarket customers. The company serves a diverse range of industries, including wind energy, industrial equipment, and commercial…

A man from Swansea has been jailed after stealing a taxi. 31-year-old Jeremy Higgins, of no fixed abode, asked a taxi driver to help him carry his belongings into the vehicle. When the taxi driver got out to assist, Higgins jumped into the driver’s seat and drove away. He was found by officers on Princess Margaret Way, Aberavon, having crashed the vehicle and caused significant damage to it. He was in the act of attempting to remove the dashcam and card machine from the vehicle. Higgins was arrested and found to be in possession of two knives. A phone in…

A 43-year-old man who threatened his neighbours with a machete has been jailed. Gary Pierce Williams, of Cae Bold, Caernarfon, appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court on Tuesday February 18th after admitting affray. During the early hours of December 21st, Williams was stood outside the home of one of his neighbours when he began threatening them and stating he had a weapon. He tried to enter their property, making the resident fear for their safety. Police attended the area and arrested Williams whilst also searching his home address. A machete and another weapon were discovered inside. He was jailed for 10…

Site clearance work has begun off Darran Road in Mountain Ash after a contractor was appointed to prepare the land for development. Construction of a brand new, modern care accommodation for older people will get underway later this year, in a joint project between Linc Cymru (Linc) and the Council. Planning consent for the old pavilion site was granted in August 2024, for a development that includes 25 Extra Care apartments, 15 dementia residential care beds, and eight ‘Later Living’ bungalows. A new three-storey block will be built on the western part of the site (below Bryn Ifor) while the…

Plans submitted by Landsec for a new city square at St David’s Cardiff have been approved by Cardiff City Council, marking the next step towards creating an open, safe, and inviting new space in the city centre. Located on the site of the former Debenhams store, where demolition is underway, the plans and £17 million investment from Landsec will create a vibrant, cultural place for residents and visitors to St David’s and the city, aiming to open by 2026. The proposal follows extensive engagement with more than 5,000 people across the local community, including recent research by Landsec which revealed…

BUSINESS is bubbling at a luxurious spa complex following a healthy start to the year. Iâl Spa was launched by Coleg Cambria in November, the focal point of its £14m Health and Wellbeing Centre at Yale in Wrexham. An “incredibly busy” Winter has seen the state-of-the-art facility – which features a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and health food bar – far surpass expectations and targets within the first three months of trading. Cambria’s Head of Commercial Operations Maria Stevens revealed they will now look to recruit more industry-qualified staff and an apprentice to keep up with demand for commercial services…

Acuity Law, one of the UK’s leading law firms, is sponsoring a team of four Pembrokeshire women, as they embark on a sailing challenge to raise funds and awareness for cystic fibrosis and hospice care. As part of the ‘Cruising Free’ challenge, Sophie Pierce (32), Polly Zipperlen (50), Janine Williams (70), and Miyah Periam (24) are undertaking a 3,200-mile sail from Lanzarote to Antigua, with the goal of breaking several world records along the way. Sophie is set to become the first person with Cystic Fibrosis to row across an ocean, and Janine hopes to be the oldest woman to…

Following its success as a project at Swansea University, Oriel Science is entering an exciting new phase as an independent charity, unlocking fresh opportunities for growth and innovation. Since beginning as a public engagement project in 2016, Oriel Science has helped bring Swansea University’s cutting-edge research to the heart of the community through interactive and engaging exhibits. Professor Chris Allton, Former Director of Oriel Science and current Trustee, said: “It’s wonderful to see Oriel Science grow from strength to strength. We have engaged with over 150,000 people since we began in 2016 in our Pop-Up venue, and we now have…

Young people today face significant challenges, making emotional skills more important than ever. Emotional intelligence helps individuals handle difficulties, build resilience, and develop healthier relationships. Strengthening these skills benefits students beyond the classroom, improving overall well-being and mental health. The Importance of Emotional Intelligence Understanding emotions is foundational for personal and interpersonal growth. Emotional intelligence encompasses the ability to recognise, understand, and manage one’s emotions while also empathising with the feelings of others. Studies indicate that individuals with high emotional intelligence are often better equipped to handle stress, conflict, and challenges. Engaging young people in activities promoting emotional awareness can…