Author: Rhys Gregory

Skills for Swansea has opened registration for its next round of fully-funded hybrid courses, offering seven comprehensive sessions throughout January and February 2025. The UK Government funded programme delivered by Tramshed Tech continues its mission to enhance digital capabilities across the region through practical, industry-focused training. The upcoming schedule features courses designed to address current market demands, including artificial intelligence, data handling, and digital marketing strategies. Starting January 28th with Computational Thinking for Educators, the programme extends through February with multiple opportunities for participants to engage and upskill in these cutting-edge fields. Upcoming Courses Feb 6th – Data Handling &…

A vibrant new children’s library has opened its doors within the redeveloped Grade II listed Maesteg Town Hall, quickly becoming a celebrated hub for learning, play, and community connection. With its innovative design, inspired by the local landscape and industrial heritage, the space is already being hailed as a pioneering example of how public facilities can captivate young imaginations and foster a love of reading. From a “Dynamic River” that flows through the library’s layout to tiered seating and storage inspired by the nearby mountains, every element of the design sparks curiosity and exploration. Reading spaces modelled on coal mine…

A CUTTING-EDGE medical device which purifies and concentrates urine could be a game-changer in the research and diagnosis of health conditions including cancer. With the support of Bangor University, Caernarfon-based Bee Robotics Ltd developed a prototype which purifies urine to leave a concentrated sample for biological analysis. Spearheaded by coordinator Osborn Jones, the company – a leader in the design and manufacturing of advanced liquid-handling robotic solutions for more than 25 years – worked with the University to analyse and evaluate the automated process, having successfully been awarded a Skills and Innovation Voucher (SIV), which was redeemable against academic support.…

Marubeni has welcomed news that Councillors have set a new date to determine the application for the HyBont Green Hydrogen Project. At a meeting on 23 January, Members of the Development Control Committee agreed with a council officer proposal that a Special Development Control Committee meeting to determine the application should take place on 20 February. The meeting will include a briefing for all members in the morning followed by a visit to the sites. The Development Control Committee will be asked to determine two applications. The first application, reference P/24/788/HAZ is for a Hazard Substances consent. The second reference…

Two well-known Welsh entrepreneurs have teamed up to provide a unique offer for the tourism and hospitality sectors in Wales. PR and marketing expert Robert Petersen and sustainable tourism specialist Nicki Page are working together to transform the way businesses in the sectors promote themselves and their sustainability. Using their knowledge and experience, the pair plan to offer tailored packages of support to government bodies, charities and tourism and hospitality businesses in Wales to help them shout about their climate credentials and attract visitors and investment from across the world. Nicki Page said: “Climate change is having a significant impact…

Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co has launched a new range of honey-sweetened soft drinks. Hive Mind Honeyade is a blend of 100% british honey, sparkling water and natural flavours. Two flavours have been launched this month – lime & mint and just honey – with two more joining the range later this spring – strawberry & basil and rhubarb & ginger. The drinks are lightly sweetened with honey, and have no refined sugar or artificial sweeteners. Using 100% British honey supports bee-keepers and honey producers across the country and the rural economies and communities around them. Bee-keeping also protects…

Quatro Gymnastics, a Welsh-founded business specialising in gymnastics apparel, has announced a new sponsorship partnership with Welsh Gymnastics, set to run until 2030. The five-year deal demonstrates the company’s commitment to supporting elite gymnastics in Wales and beyond. Quatro Gymnastics started nearly 15 years ago in Swansea and has grown from a family business into an international company with a multi-million-pound turnover. Products are sold online, with pop-up shops featured at major gymnastics championships to connect directly with athletes and customers. The company employs 42 full-time staff worldwide, 27 of whom are based at its headquarters in Fforestfach, Swansea. Quatro…

A South Wales college has been crowned ‘Best College’ for the second year in a row at a national culinary competition after impressing judges with the quality and skills of its learners. Alongside this impressive title, Coleg y Cymoedd also won an additional 31 awards at this year’s Welsh International Culinary Championships – one of the most prestigious hospitality skills events in Wales – setting the highest record yet for the college. Organised by the Culinary Association Wales, a partnership of professional chefs and caterers, the Welsh International Culinary Championships aims to raise the culinary profile of Wales, providing aspiring…

Leading UK adventure park operator and certified B Corp, Zip World, has announced a majority investment from direct equity investor, Dolphin Capital, marking a pivotal moment in Zip World’s ambitious plans for growth and expansion in 2025 and beyond. Dolphin Capital has invested alongside Zip World founder, Sean Taylor, in a deal that values the company at more than £100m. The transaction marks an exit for LDC, the private equity investor which is part of Lloyds Banking Group, and follows a successful six-year partnership in which Zip World increased turnover by 95% and grew headcount by 200%. LDC originally backed…

his is the moment a motorcyclist was brought to a controlled stop at one of Cardiff’s busiest junctions after his reckless driving saw him hit speeds of up to 120mph. Paul Desmond Kelly initially pulled over to the hard shoulder of Eastern Avenue when signalled to do so by one of our Roads Policing teams in March last year. But as officers pulled in behind the 43-year-old, he once again sped off, overtaking other motorists and continuing to ignore the flashing blue lights and sirens. After pursuing the vehicle for almost three minutes, officers were left with little option but…