Author: Rhys Gregory

Organisations and businesses from across Wales have been recognised for their high standards of HR and people development practices with the announcement of the shortlist for the first ever HR in Wales awards ceremony. Launched by Lesley Richards, independent HR consultant and former head of the CIPD in Wales, with support from industry experts Louise Price (Hugh James), Mera Mann (Human Resourcing), and Paul Harris (Skylite Associates), the HR in Wales awards will celebrate the achievements of HR and people development professionals following the CIPD’s (the body representing HR and people development in the UK and globally) pause on its…

Native Welshman and globe-trotting fire chef Chris ‘Flamebaster’ Roberts heads to Swansea for his next stop – a city which, believe it or not, he has never set foot in before! He is joined on his tour by none other than the world’s most capped rugby player and now local rum producer, Alun Wyn Jones. With the stunning Oystermouth Castle as their backdrop, Chris fires up his barbecue and cooks a superb steak with a rum-infused peppercorn sauce, which they devour in moments. His trusty Flamebaster tool, of course, is essential to the process. Before hooking up with Alun Wyn…

In an exciting new chapter for Welsh heritage and luxury spirits, Cygnet – founded by renowned Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins OBE and social-impact filmmaker Professor Andrew Levitas, has found a new home at the historic Penderyn Copperworks Distillery in Swansea. About a partnership which brings together two of Wales’s most celebrated names in a perfect blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation Stephen Davies, CEO of Penderyn Distillery, comments: “We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with Katherine and Andrew on this exciting venture. Cygnet Gin is a truly remarkable product, and we’re honoured to welcome them into the Penderyn distillery. Katherine’s passion for quality, innovation, and her love for Wales…

A man who punched a police officer unconscious has been jailed. Gary Wyn Morgan, of Love Lane, Bangor, appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court on Monday February 3rd, where he admitted to assaulting three emergency workers and a further assault. On Sunday August 18th, the 33-year-old was arguing with another man when he smashed a plate over the man’s head before leaving. Officers located Morgan on August 22nd near Deiniol Road in Bangor where they attempted to arrest him, but he became aggressive, punching one officer to the face and spitting in the face of another. Morgan was taken into police…

A man from Hertfordshire has been jailed after running a county lines-style drug line in the Swansea area. 36-year-old Omar Gul was stopped by officers and found to be in possession of approximately 60 wraps containing what appeared to be a mix of crack cocaine and heroin. He also had two mobile phones in his possession, with one being highly active in receiving calls. He has been sentenced to six years in prison for possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin. Detective Sergeant Luke Tucker said: “Omar Gul had come to the Swansea area for the sole purpose…

Plans have been approved for the future of two historic buildings that form part of Swansea’s great industrial heritage. Swansea Council wants to save and transform the disused structures as part of its work to bring new life to the Lower Swansea Valley. A planning application has just been approved for the copperworks’ Vivian and Musgrave Engine Houses. Both have listed status. The engine houses would, in future, be suitable for a range of uses, including restaurants and cafes, exhibition-style space and shops. As part of the planning process, public feedback was given on the plans. It’s all part of…

Creative Wales, the Welsh Government’s internal agency for promoting and growing the nation’s creative industries, is celebrating its 5th anniversary after what has been an exciting but challenging half-decade for the sector. Since its inception in 2020, Creative Wales has been proud to support a range international successes across the creative sectors – from supporting home grown games companies that have topped the global streaming chart, to Hollywood blockbusters filmed in Wales using local talent. The £28.6m of production funding Creative Wales has invested so far is projected to bring an additional £342m of additional spend into the Welsh economy,…

An additional £10m has been made available by the Welsh Government to help kickstart the development of new affordable housing schemes across Wales.   The additional funding contributes to a broader package of investment secured with the aim of delivering more homes for people across Wales, a key priority for the Welsh Government. 16 schemes that are ready to start work have been identified and this investment will see the delivery of 238 new homes. The funding will be used to acquire properties and land where homes will be developed and completed. A further £30m from the Social Housing Grant in…

The Rudder’s Boatyard pontoon in Milford haven is the site for a native oyster hotel   – which aims to reverse the decline in native oyster population. Native British oyster populations have declined dramatically over the decades, as a result of habitat loss, pollution, over-harvesting and disease. During a recent visit to Pembrokeshire, the Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, saw the oyster hotel, which is part of a project to help restore their population and strengthen the marine ecosystem in Pembrokeshire. Underneath the pontoon at Rudders Boatyard the Deputy First Minister saw the…

In the ever-evolving world of technology, staying connected has become more seamless than ever. The introduction of eSIM technology has transformed the way we access mobile networks, offering flexibility and convenience that traditional SIM cards can’t match. eSIM, short for “embedded SIM,” eliminates the need for physical SIM cards by embedding the functionality directly into devices. This modern approach allows users to activate and switch mobile plans effortlessly. If you’re in the UK and looking for the best eSIM provider, you’re in the right place. With numerous options to choose from, finding the ideal eSIM provider can feel overwhelming. To…