Author: Rhys Gregory

The Welsh public are being urged to visit their local pharmacies for free advice and treatment for a wide range of illnesses, as new figures reveal more than 400,000 people used the common ailments service in the last 12 months. Visiting your pharmacy gives you convenient access to a healthcare professional, often without an appointment, and helps to free up GP appointments for people with more complex or urgent health issues. The common ailments service, available in 99% of pharmacies throughout Wales, provides access to free, confidential advice and treatments for 28 common illnesses including sore throats and urinary tract…

Castell Howell has launched a new Food Show, showcasing the food trends and innovations that the hospitality industry can expect to see in 2025 and giving visitors a preview of its growing range of Welsh food and drink products. The new industry event is taking place alongside the 2025 Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) at the International Conference Centre in Newport from 20-22 January. Castell Howell managing director Matt Lewis said: “The Castell Howell Food Show will be a new highlight in this three-day celebration of Welsh culinary excellence, hospitality skills, and innovation. As the largest wholesale supplier of Welsh…

Barclays has become the latest organisation to partner with FinTech Wales, the independent membership association dedicated to supporting the FinTech and Financial Services industry in Wales. Barclays joins an exclusive group of 11 partners that provide substantial support to FinTech Wales’ mission to empower Wales as a globally recognised hub of fintech excellence. As a partner, Barclays will play a key role in supporting the FinTech Wales community of over 150 members across key areas, including skills and talent development, fostering investment opportunities, and driving innovation within the financial technology sector. Their involvement will help strengthen collaboration, nurture emerging talent,…

With Farming Connect-funded trials ranging from growing lucerne in Brecon to establishing sunflowers as a companion crop with maize, farmers are being invited to apply for the next round of funding from the initiative that brought these projects to life. The new application window for the Try Out Fund opens on 27 January 2025 and will run until 17 February. Successful applicants will be awarded up to £5,000 to help fund on-farm trials that experiment with new ideas. The last round of funding saw farmers supported for several projects including Integrated pest management at pick your own strawberry enterprise. Project…

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of Bryngwy Residential Home in Rhayader, Powys. Bryngwy Residential Home is an established care business registered to care for up to 24 residents at a time. It is located in Rhayader, a market town in mid-Wales that lies on the River Wye on the A470 north-south trunk route. The home was brought to market to allow its previous owner to retire. Following a confidential sales process with Oliver McCarthy at Christie & Co, it has been sold to Oakwood Care Ltd owned by Kuljit Grewal who also owns the…

Mind Cymru has teamed up with Citizens Advice Cymru to offer support to people who may be struggling with money and their mental health, and to encourage them to seek help. The two organisations are offering joint advice and guidance throughout January in response to ongoing pressures people in Wales are facing when it comes to managing their finances. An online campaign has been put in place to help raise awareness of the support available to people in helping them to organise their finances, and around claiming benefits in relation to a mental health problem too. Throughout the month, social…

Holding meetings online has led to a greater diversity of elected county councillors in Powys, according to a report written by the Disability Policy Centre. The study points to the adoption of flexible and remote hybrid working by Powys County Council – in response to the COVID-19 pandemic but maintained since – as being a key driver in making the role of its elected members more attractive to people with disabilities, as well as to parents and carers. It adds that the changes have also made the role of county councillor more attractive to younger people. The report states: “All…

Nicotine pouches offer a smoke-free, tobacco-free alternative to traditional smoking methods. In recent years, these discreet products have seen a surge in popularity, particularly within Wales. As more consumers seek alternatives to smoking and vaping, nicotine pouches present a convenient solution. Designed as a discreet alternative to cigarettes and vapes, nicotine pouches are little bags that users can place between their lip and gum. With increasing interest in healthier lifestyles, many individuals in Wales are turning to smoke-free and tobacco-free options like nicotine pouches. These products not only eliminate the harmful effects associated with smoking but also provide the same…

Shelving plays a vital role in creating a well-organised and visually appealing business space. Beyond functionality, the right shelving can elevate the aesthetics of your environment and make a lasting impression on customers and clients. Whether you’re running a retail shop, a café, or an office, creative shelving solutions can transform the way you utilise your space. Here are some innovative shelving ideas to inspire your business setup. 1. Floating Shelves for a Minimalist Look Floating shelves are a fantastic option for businesses that favour a clean, modern aesthetic. These shelves give the illusion of being suspended in mid-air, creating…

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes a plethora of traditions that bring families together, fostering warmth and camaraderie. One modern tradition that has swiftly captured the hearts of many is the trend of family matching Christmas pyjamas. As the days grow colder and the nights longer, there’s nothing quite as comforting as snuggling up in a set of coordinating pyjamas with your loved ones by your side. The Origins of a Cosy Tradition The tradition of Christmas pyjamas isn’t entirely new. In fact, the notion of gifting pyjamas has been around for many decades, often as…