Author: Rhys Gregory

BUSINESSES that took a leap of faith and relocated from Chester’s historic market hall to the city’s landmark £72 million Northgate development are reaping the rewards – many reporting significant growth and increased footfall since making the move. Among those thriving at the new Chester Market is Otis Barbershop, one of a number of companies supported by Mackenzie Jones Solicitors in securing their place within the new 36,000 sq ft destination on Exchange Square. When traders prepared to leave the old market in 2022, the law firm – based in Chester, St Asaph and Menai Bridge – represented several of…

McDonald’s on Lyne Road in Newport has reopened following a major redesign aimed at improving the experience for customers and restaurant staff. The restaurant, which is owned and operated by local franchisee Ron Mounsey, has been refurbished as part of McDonald’s reimaging programme, introducing a new layout and the latest technology to provide faster, more efficient and more flexible ordering. The redesign reflects changing customer habits, with increasing demand for speed, efficiency and choice when ordering food. The updated restaurant better integrates digital sales channels, including the McDonald’s App, while making smarter use of internal space to improve the dine…

FROM online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations to customer loyalty and repeat business, customer experience has become one of the most important factors in organisational success. Now a new awards programme aims to recognise the businesses and individuals setting the benchmark for stellar service, communication and customer care across North Wales, Chester and the Wirral. The inaugural North Wales, Chester and Wirral Customer Experience (CX) Awards will open for entries on July 1, culminating in a celebration event at The Assembly Room in the historic Grade II-listed Chester Town Hall on October 23. The prizegiving has been founded by Connah’s Quay-based…

A financial planning firm’s commitment to the environment and the community was front and centre as it held a carbon neutral charity ball while raising thousands of pounds for two worthwhile causes. North Wales-based Celtic Financial Planning reached its target to generate £8,000 in key funds for Alder Hey Children’s Charity and North East Wales Mind with more than 180 attendees contributing to the achievement. Held at St David’s Hotel, Ewloe, fundraising activities included charity auctions and raffles, while attendees heard from former Welsh rugby union star Shane Williams MBE and former rugby union referee Nigel Owens MBE. The event…

Work has begun at Taylor Wimpey South Wales’ flagship North East Cardiff development, Carreg Coetir, marking a groundbreaking step forward in the delivery of a major new scheme. Over the coming years, up to 2,500 high quality homes will be delivered across five phases. In addition to new primary and secondary schools, a district centre will provide everything future residents need, including shops, food and drink outlets, and health and community facilities. Further land will also be available for new business and employment uses. The plans also include thoughtfully designed walking and cycling active travel routes linking to green open…

There are some bands that instantly transport you back to a particular time in your life, and for many people, McFly are one of them. Returning to Cardiff Castle as part of TK Maxx presents Depot Live, the pop rock favourites proved they have lost none of the energy, charm or crowd pleasing ability that has kept them going for 23 years. After several days of scorching temperatures, there had been some concern that the heat might overshadow the evening. Thankfully, a welcome layer of cloud arrived just in time, creating perfect conditions for an outdoor concert. With easy access…

Pete Tong brought the unmistakable sound of Ibiza to North Wales on Thursday night as his acclaimed Ibiza Classics show transformed TK Maxx presents Live At Llangollen Pavilion into a huge open air dance party. Backed by the Essential Orchestra, the legendary DJ and dance music pioneer delivered a 90 minute set packed with some of the biggest club anthems of the past three decades, keeping the capacity crowd on their feet from start to finish. The show burst into life with an energetic performance of Right Here Right Now, setting the tone for a night celebrating dance music classics.…

A SIGNIFICANT new force in specialist recruitment has been created following the acquisition of Kenton Black Group by Sphere Solutions – bringing together two highly respected businesses with a shared ambition for growth. The move sees Birmingham-headquartered Kenton Black join the Sphere Solutions group, creating a recruitment business with enhanced national reach, broader capabilities and a strengthened offering for clients and candidates across the UK. Founded in 2005, Sphere Solutions has built a strong reputation as one of the UK’s leading specialist construction recruiters, with offices across Wales and the South of England, including Cardiff, Bristol, Manchester, Gloucester, Plymouth, Truro,…

Primary school pupils have been given a first-hand insight into the mystical world of ancient Egypt, thanks to a unique collaboration between Swansea University’s Egypt Centre and the British Museum. Brightly painted masks, collages, models – and even a full-sized sarcophagus – created by youngsters at two city schools are now on show alongside an ancient Egyptian hieroglyph-inscribed stone dating back more than 2,000 years.  The stone, known as a cippus, is now on loan as the centrepiece of new exhibition Ancient Egypt: magic and medicine which is at the heart of the project between the British Museum and The Egypt Centre.…

The redevelopment of St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School has reached a significant milestone with an official steel signing ceremony at the new site. The project is the final phase in the transformation of Barry’s four comprehensive schools, following the construction of new school buildings at Pencoedtre High and Whitmore High and the extension of Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg. The steel signing marks a key stage in the development, which will see old buildings replaced with modern, purpose-built facilities for more than 1,100 pupils. Representatives from the Vale of Glamorgan Council and developers Morgan Sindall signed one of the building’s…