Author: Rhys Gregory

Cardiff Metropolitan University was delighted to welcome Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs Huw Irranca-Davies onto campus this week, for his announcement of Welsh Government’s £15 million plus Digarbon loan scheme supporting the tertiary education sector to reach carbon net zero by 2030. Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said: “We are pleased to see the continued efforts of the tertiary education sector in Wales in driving ambition to decarbonise. This latest investment through Digarbon reflects our commitment to supporting Wales’s tertiary education sector in cutting emissions, reducing energy costs, and accelerating progress towards net…

The second phase of a new housing development in St Clears, Carmarthenshire is nearing completion following a £6 million investment by the Development Bank of Wales. The loan from the Wales Residential Property Fund has been provided to Solitaire, a joint venture established specifically to deliver the scheme, known as Priory Fields. Construction is being led by Obsidian Homes – a fast-growing housebuilder which now employs some 40 local people in West Wales. Phase two of the Priory Fields development, located to the west of High Street in St Clears, comprises 29 new homes. These include 7 two-bedroom semi-detached houses,…

Careers Wales have announced the employers shortlisted for the prestigious 2026 Valued Partner Awards. A total of 38 organisations have been shortlisted in eight categories for providing outstanding careers support to pupils in schools. These awards celebrate employers who have worked with Careers Wales to deliver impactful and engaging careers experiences to pupils in Wales over the last twelve months. By working closely with schools, these organisations help young people make links between what they learn in school and the world of work and understand more about the opportunities open to them. Nikki Lawrence, chief executive at Careers Wales, said:…

A lifelong passion for learning has driven Bernice Juxon-Jones to continue her studies into her retirement. Now at the age of 92 she has just been awarded a Master of Philosophy degree in Medieval German from Swansea University. Moving to Swansea at the age of six, Bernice worked as a teacher before emigrating to Bermuda where still lives. Over the course of a busy professional life, she continued to study and already held two BAs and two MAs when she enrolled on her latest academic quest in 2019, investigating the medieval epic poem Parzival. Professor Julian Preece, chair in German…

IPM (International Power & Marine) Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding as the UK’s only service partner for Tokyo-based hibot and the company’s robotic Squid technology system. With its focus on infrastructure maintenance, hibot’s new robotic system Squid can offer a more enhanced inspection for industrial boilers with its differentiator being that tubes can be scanned continuously from the inside. 2D maps of the pipes indicate wall thickness by colour, and any areas where that data falls under pre-defined limits can be meticulously identified, making repair works more efficient and faster. Randall Smith, Chief Executive Officer, IPM Group said: “As…

The UK and South Korea have finalised a free trade deal which will boost exports, support thousands of jobs across Wales and the UK, and grow the economy. The deal, announced by Trade Minister Chris Bryant and his Korean counterpart Minister Yeo Han-koo at Samsung KX in London on Monday is the fourth trade deal the UK government has agreed this year following agreements with India, the EU and the US. It follows high-level talks between the UK and South Korean government last week. Wales already exports over £227 million worth of machinery to South Korea, with power generating machinery…

Businesses and workers affected by changes at Tata Steel’s Port Talbot site will be able to access an extra £22 million in support from the UK Government. Since July 2024, the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board, chaired by Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens, has allocated £80 million in UK Government funding to support where it has most been needed – so far funding thousands of training courses for individuals, and so far supporting nearly 200 businesses to start and grow companies, invest in new equipment and move into new markets. The rapid delivery of UK Government funding into the Port Talbot…

Professor Paul Boyle, Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University, has been appointed the new Chair of the British Council Wales Advisory Committee, succeeding Rob Humphreys CBE FLSW, who stepped down earlier in 2025. As Chair, Professor Boyle will guide the advisory committee in ensuring that the British Council’s work in education, arts, and culture continues to connect Wales internationally, promoting understanding and collaboration. Professor Boyle has served as Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University since 2019, prior to which he was President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester. He has worked across research, teaching and international engagement in Wales, the UK and internationally,…

Ordering flowers for Valentine’s Day used to be simple: you walked into a shop, pointed at something red and went home with a bouquet. Now there are letterbox flowers, hand-tied bouquets, luxury arrangements in boxes and vases… and ten different delivery options on top of that. You’re trying to organise a romantic Valentine’s flower delivery, and suddenly it feels like solving a small logistics problem. The good news: there isn’t one “right” format. The better news: each style actually fits a different kind of person, relationship and situation. Let’s break down letterboxes, hand-tied and luxury bouquets in normal language and…

Bingo has long been a cherished pastime across the United Kingdom, and Wales is no exception. From traditional community halls to modern digital platforms, the game has maintained a strong presence in Welsh culture. Its enduring appeal lies in the combination of entertainment, social connection, and accessibility, making bingo one of the most popular leisure activities in the country. Historical Roots of Bingo in Wales Bingo first gained popularity in Wales during the mid-20th century, when local halls became gathering places for communities. These venues offered affordable entertainment and a chance for people to socialise, particularly in towns and villages…