Author: Rhys Gregory

Transport for Wales is launching a public consultation on proposals for a potential new express coach service that would transform connectivity between North and South Wales. The proposed service would run between Bangor and Carmarthen, cutting journey times by 90 minutes compared to current public transport options. The express-stop service would call at key town centres and railway stations along Wales’ western coast, including Caernarfon, Porthmadog, Dolgellau, Machynlleth, and Aberystwyth. With an expected journey time of 4 hours 45 minutes, the service is being proposed to provide a faster, more convenient travel option for tourists and university students, while improving…

Llangollen’s historic Plas Newydd has once again been transformed into a stunning sea of purple and white as thousands of crocuses burst into bloom across its lawns. Visitors to the picturesque site are being treated to a spectacular display of colour, marking the arrival of spring in the heart of North Wales. Crocuses are among the first flowers to bloom in late winter to early spring, often appearing as early as February. The vibrant flowers provide a crucial source of nectar and pollen for early-emerging bees and other pollinators. The gardens at Plas Newydd are renowned for their romantic setting…

Residents and businesses are being asked whether they’d support the potential for the introduction of a zero-emission fast ferry service between Swansea and the South West of England. The feasibility of the idea is being explored by a specialist maritime company called Ocean, thanks to funding from Swansea Council through the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. At this stage, people are simply being encouraged to head here to find out more, leave comments and cast a yes, no or maybe vote. Subject to feedback and the level of public support and demand, further work could then take place to…

As any rugby union fan will tell you, the Six Nations is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the rugby calendar – and Welsh fans, in particular, are gearing up for what they hope to be a barnstorming return to form. The Six Nations 2025 kicks off at the end of January and carries on all the way through to the middle of March. It’s a nice little pick-me-up for any sports fans who are bristling with the winter cold and want to warm up with some world-class rugby action! After a disappointing run during last year’s tournament, Wales…

Businesses across Wales are being encouraged by Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid to submit their entries for the highly anticipated Wales Business Awards 2025 as the deadline approaches. The Wales Business Awards celebrate the best of business in Wales and firms now have less one week to go until the entry deadline (Friday 7 March). The awards are free to enter for both Chamber members and non-members and entries can be submitted by completing an online application form. Gus Williams, interim CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “The Wales Business Awards annually…

A Swansea-based artist has successfully channeled his talents into creating a company that has allowed him to overcome homelessness. With support from Business Wales, Declan Stuart, from Townhill, launched Unleashed Creations from his in-home studio. The artist specialises in pyrography, a freehand technique that sees creators burn detailed illustrations and portraits into wood. Declan discovered pyrography while he was experiencing homelessness in 2022, and receiving support from the homeless charity, Crisis. After supporting him to find suitable accommodation, the charity suggested art classes could be a helpful outlet. Immediately taking to the artform, Declan discovered that pyrography could be more…

This month marks ten years of St. Mellons food bank distribution centre, providing a vital service to people in need by distributing food parcels to individuals and families in the community. Part of Cardiff Foodbank, the distribution centre opened in February 2015. It is wholly run by volunteers and provides emergency food parcels and essentials to people in crisis, as well as signposting clients to areas of support such as debt and benefit advice. Originally the food bank centre ran from a Cardiff Council community centre, but now the foodbank centre, which is open every Monday from 1pm to 3pm,…

SNOAP, an innovative solid soap dispenser, has successfully secured a £50,000 investment on the popular BBC show Dragons’ Den, gaining offers from all five Dragons before choosing Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones as partners in the business. Welsh businesswoman Lisa Hicks is the founder of SNOAP – the eco-friendly solution to excess plastic waste from hand, hair and body washing. Her pitch grabbed the attention of Dragons Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones, who won out against the other Dragons’, landing the business a double-dragon investment for a joint 7.5% stake in the business. SNOAP offers a unique hand soap dispensing…

They performed for the Queen at two Royal Variety Performances and at the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony after making male voice choirs mainstream. And now Only Men Aloud are bringing their diehard fans The OMAniacs just what they’ve been crying out for – a 25th anniversary tour. Launched by founder and conductor Tim Rhys-Evans (now Director of Music at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama), the one-time UK biggest boyband of 25 is now a condensed 8-piece whose day jobs include pharmacy, teaching, gardening, but mostly music and musical theatre. This four-date Wales tour in September and…

A mum who lost all her fingers to sepsis now has a full set again thanks to the amazing skills of a specialist team at Morriston Hospital. They overcame a series of unique challenges to create eight prosthetic fingers which are almost indistinguishable from the real thing. Louise Marshallsay, from Mumbles in Swansea, became critically ill in 2022. She says that staff at Morriston Hospital not only saved her life but are helping to give her life back to her. Now getting used to her prostheses, which were only fitted a few weeks ago, 47-year-old Louise said: “It means the…