Author: Rhys Gregory

Social care, childcare and local councils are set to benefit from more than £100m in extra funding secured through a budget agreement. The details of the agreement, between the Welsh Government and Jane Dodds MS, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, can be revealed this week (20 February) as the Welsh Government publishes its Final Budget 2025-26 in the Senedd. Key elements of the budget agreement include: An extra £30m for childcare, which will ensure funding for the Flying Start programme to deliver childcare to two-year-olds across Wales. The hourly rate will also be increased to £6.40 an hour to…

Supporting Welsh Industry: Lloyds Beal’s Commitment to Investing in Local Talent and Innovation Wales has long been a hub for industry and manufacturing, with a rich history of engineering excellence and innovation. As the economy evolves, local businesses are playing a crucial role in driving forward sustainable growth, particularly in the construction, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. Central to this progress is the development of high-quality lifting solutions and structural steel fabrication, which are essential for supporting large-scale infrastructure projects, streamlining operations, and ensuring safety in industrial settings. A key factor in maintaining this momentum is the investment in local talent.…

Operating a HIAB crane isn’t just about getting the job done—it’s about doing it safely and efficiently. In the UK, employers are responsible for ensuring their operators are properly trained to handle these powerful machines. This is why certification is vital, as it proves that operators have the skills and knowledge to operate a HIAB crane safely, which reduces risks and increases confidence on-site. For operators, being certified is more than a formality—it’s about safety, professionalism, and standing out in a competitive job market. Employers benefit too, as certified operators help maintain a safer workplace and minimise costly mistakes. It’s…

The growing popularity of online casinos has driven many platforms to innovate, providing players with more flexibility and anonymity than ever before. One such exciting innovation is the no verification online casino. These platforms allow users to indulge in gambling without the need for traditional identity verification, thus ensuring player privacy and maximizing convenience. Among these, the best no verification online casinos to try are designed for ease of access, enabling fast and seamless registration processes that omit the usual Know Your Customer (KYC) checks. In the rapidly evolving digital age, they are particularly appealing due to the increasing demand…

As the world embraces digital currencies, the online gambling industry is experiencing a transformative shift with the emergence of cryptocurrency casinos. These platforms, often known as the top rated cryptocurrency casino, leverage blockchain technology to offer fast, secure, and anonymous transactions. This evolution marks a significant departure from traditional online casinos, presenting a new frontier for tech-savvy gamblers and casino operators alike. The allure of crypto casinos extends beyond rapid transactions; they feature a vast array of unique games, generous bonuses, and a level of privacy previously unattainable in the gambling world. As trust and transparency become crucial in digital…

In the dynamic world of online gaming, sweepstakes casino sites have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional casinos. These platforms offer a unique model that combines the thrill of casino games with the accessibility of social gaming, appealing to a broad audience. This engaging experience is rooted in the concept of offering players the chance to win real cash prizes through sweepstakes entries, rather than direct gambling. This approach not only attracts seasoned gamblers but also newcomers who might be hesitant to engage in traditional gambling activities. Furthermore, sweepstakes casino sites circumvent restrictive gambling laws in many regions, allowing…

Coleg Gwent is proud to announce that this week, Karen Riste, a dedicated and inspiring tutor, has been awarded with the prestigious Inspire! Tutor Award in the Welsh for Adults category. The annual Inspire! Tutor Awards, organised by Learning and Word Institute, recognise the valuable work of tutors and mentors in supporting lifelong learning across Wales. Karen has been a part of the Coleg Gwent community since 1994, during which she has demonstrated exceptional commitment to her students. The Welsh for Adults tutor, who learned Welsh as an adult, consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that her learners reach…

Econ Engineering, the UK’s leading manufacturer of winter maintenance and highways vehicles, has donated £15,000 to three Men’s Sheds located near its depots in Cardiff, Alloa and its Ripon HQ. The UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA) is a charity dedicated to creating spaces where people can connect, share skills and work on practical projects in a friendly, relaxed environment. Recognising the immense benefits of Men’s Sheds, Econ Engineering has given a £5,000 contribution directly to goodShed in Cardiff, part of Men’s Sheds, to support their ongoing initiatives. goodShed aims to improve physical and mental health by offering a welcoming workshop…

Pembroke Dock-based Ledwood Mechanical Engineering is strengthening its senior leadership team with the appointment of two industry experts. Nigael Lewis has joined Ledwood as Head of Operations from National Grid. He brings significant international experience in terminal management, production, project management, construction and commercial operations within the LNG and oil and gas industry over the last 36 years within the UK, Europe, Asia and North America. Taking the role of Head of Finance and Company Secretary is Andrew Miller, a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants. He has worked across various global manufacturing sectors with experience ranging from…

A new report identifying some of key issues facing the teaching profession in Wales has been published by Cardiff Metropolitan University this week. Over the last year, researchers from Cardiff Met’s School of Education and Social Policy have surveyed and interviewed undergraduate students, student teachers, teachers, school leaders and key players in the education system in Wales. Findings from the report, ‘A Future Teaching Profession for Wales’, highlighted the challenges the educational system in Wales is facing, including recruitment, the retention of teachers – in particular newly qualified teachers – and the overall appeal of teaching. David Egan, Professor of…