Author: Rhys Gregory

Derek Walker, the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales has visited Caerphilly to see for himself the work being undertaken as part of the Caerphilly Town 2035 Placemaking Plan. Mr Walker toured planned regeneration sites including the Caerphilly Leisure and Wellbeing Hub and the Pentrebane Street redevelopment site. The commissioner also visited the recently developed container-style market Ffos Caerffili, with Hefin David MS and the leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, Cllr Sean Morgan. Supported by Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns fund, the intention of the placemaking plan is to help the area reach its potential as a modern, thriving town for…

With LGBT+ History Month underway, communities across Wales are looking forward to a season of Pride celebrations in the coming months. From small towns to cities, these events will bring people together, creating welcoming spaces where everyone can celebrate diversity, feel seen, and be themselves. The Welsh Government supports grassroots Pride events, helping them grow, reach more people, hire Welsh performers, and create welcoming spaces shaped by and for LGBTQ+ people and their allies. Last year, Pride events across Wales received Welsh Government support, including the one in Brecon. Michael Price, Chair of Brecon Pride, said: “Pride events like Brecon…

The minister responsible for apprenticeship policy in Wales returned this week to the college where he himself studied as an apprentice to celebrate Apprenticeship Week and extol the benefits of this route into employment. Having left school at 17, the Skills Minister, Jack Sargeant, studied at Deeside College (now Coleg Cambria) and later Wrexham University. Throughout this time he was earning whilst learning at an industrial placement. Apprenticeship Week Wales kicks off today [Monday 10th] and celebrates the value apprenticeships bring to learners, employers and the wider Welsh economy. Addressing students, ex-apprentices and industry representatives at the college, he said:…

A dedicated women’s health research centre opening this April will provide vital evidence to improve healthcare for women in Wales. The Women’s Health Research Wales centre for excellence will benefit from a £3m investment from Health and Care Research Wales, supported by the Welsh Government, on top of £750,000 available for other dedicated women’s health research projects. The funding boost represents a significant commitment to address health inequalities and shape future services for women, as set out in the Women’s Health Plan for Wales. Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy, with responsibility for women’s health, said: “This new…

Having played a major role in the £10 million Swansea Palace Theatre refurbishment, a Welsh firm is looking to expand in 2025. Newport’s Tube and Steel Supplies (TSS) fabricated and installed balustrading for the famous theatre which once hosted a young Charlie Chaplin, and now the Grade II listed building has a new lease of life as a centre for business and enterprise. Tata Steel subsidiary, UKSE, has invested £100,000 in TSS to underpin its plan to take on a new team of 4 to cope with demand for their quality balustrading service, and to provide working capital. The UKSE…

Welsh food and drink companies are set to make a significant impact at Gulfood, one of the world’s largest food and drink exhibitions, taking place in Dubai later this month. Gulfood 2025 is a five-day event that takes place from 17-21 February 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. It is set to host a record 5,500+ exhibitors from over 190 countries, unveiling new business opportunities, meeting with suppliers, sampling new food products, and assisting with solutions to new and evolving global challenges. Supported by the Welsh Government, fifteen companies from across the industry will be attending under the Food…

A buy-out of Cardigan-based Arjay Factors funded by the Development Bank of Wales has given young entrepreneurs Danny and Lowri Grota the opportunity to take on their first business venture. The couple, who are both 27 years old and expecting their first baby imminently, have purchased Arjay Factors on the Pentood Industrial Estate in Cardigan. Danny is a fully qualified mechanic and Lowri is an experienced office manager and administrator. Arjay Factors provides car, van and 4×4 mechanical parts direct to the public and local garages.  It is a successful auto-parts business that has been owned and managed by John…

Iconic city landmark Cardiff Castle was bathed in yellow on Thursday, February 7, to mark the start of the UK’s leading end of life charity’s flagship fundraiser, the Great Daffodil Appeal. The Appeal helps raise much needed funds so that Marie Curie Nurses and healthcare professionals can provide expert support and hospice care in the comfort of home or at its hospice in Penarth. There’s only one chance to give someone the best possible end of life, which is why Marie Curie is calling on people across Wales to support its Great Daffodil Appeal this February and March by giving…

WORK is underway on the construction of a new £150,000 sports facility at a top 10 independent school. St Gerard’s School is building a state-of-the-art multi-use games area (MUGA) at its seven-acre Ffriddoedd Road site in Bangor. Set for completion in March, the development will feature a ‘next generation’ artificial grass surface, toilet block and changing rooms, parking spaces, upgraded fencing and landscaping, and, subject to planning permission, floodlights. The investment follows a series of internal and external improvements at the school, which produces some of the best A Level and GCSE results year on year in Wales and was…

After tickets were snapped up fast by excited families in Cardiff, Disney On Ice has added an additional performance to its Cardiff leg of the tour. Disney On Ice presents 100 Years of Wonder will now be visiting Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on Thursday 13th March at 2:30pm, along with the existing showtimes from 13th – 16th March. Disney On Ice presents 100 Years of Wonder is returning to the UK for a second and final time, offering a magical experience for families in Cardiff. Bringing together your most beloved Disney characters, be wowed by the stunning costumes and incredible special…