Author: Rhys Gregory

Howden, the global insurance group has bolstered its growing presence in south Wales with the appointment of five insurance experts. Chris Knowles, Stuart Daviss and Geraint Jones join the team as account handlers, and Simon Peasley and Andrew Davies join as account executives. Stuart and Geraint join Howden’s Cardiff office and Chris joins the Swansea office as account handlers, leaving their previous roles at Thomas Carroll and Towergate. In their new roles they will be working closely with Howden’s account executives to secure the best terms and cover for clients in a variety of sectors, as well as developing new…

Companies House confirms that from Tuesday 18 November 2025, legal requirements for directors and people with significant control (PSCs) of companies to verify their identities will begin. From 18 November 2025: new directors will need to verify their identity to incorporate a company or be appointed to an existing company. existing directors will need to confirm they have verified their identity at the same time as they file their next annual confirmation statement, during a 12-month transition period. existing PSCs will need to verify their identity in line with an appointed day within 12 months of the commencement of mandatory…

Organisations must skillfully manage grant funds in a digitally connected world, which makes grant software crucial. It cuts down on work and helps your team achieve more. You’ll learn how to use this software and understand its true power. Simplifying Application Processes One of the primary uses of UK grant management software is simplifying the application process. You get one convenient place to manage all your applications. Send them off, track their journey, and hear back quickly; it facilitates fewer mistakes and more time. Automating tasks frees your team to hit bigger goals. Improving Communication and Collaboration Effective communication is…

The 36 finalists for this year’s prestigious Powys Business Awards have been announced by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG), the organiser. There are three finalists in each of the 12 categories, with several new faces included in the shortlist. The award ceremony will be held at The Hafren, Newtown on October 17.  Two Brecon companies are shortlisted twice – SudoCyber Limited for the Small Business and Technology & Innovation Awards and Silver Assist Homecare for the People Development and Business in the Community Awards. “We were delighted to receive more than 150 entries this year and it was a very…

Cardiff-based Nightingale HQ (NHQ), has launched GoSmarter.ai, an AI-powered platform designed to help steel manufacturers to reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, and improve production efficiency. Purpose-built for the reinforcement steel industry, GoSmarter.ai has already worked with manufacturers like Midland Steel to use digital tools to address practical, day-to-day challenges such as automating data extraction, optimising reinforcing bar (rebar) production planning, and monitoring environmental impact.  The launch comes at a critical time for the industry, aligning with the UK Government’s newly announced £725bn infrastructure investment strategy. The strategy, which emphasises large-scale public infrastructure development, is underpinned by digital innovation and a strong commitment to achieving net zero. In line with the…

Two Welsh elite sportswomen have launched a new business to support and upskill sports captains across the UK and beyond. They’ve been backed by a £20,000 micro loan from the Development Bank of Wales. Captains Clubhouse is a world-first global platform, dedicated to growing and supporting sports teams’ captains, vice-captains and aspiring captains at every level, from amateur clubs to international professionals. Founders Ria Burrage-Male and Vicki Sutton have years of experience in the sports sector, including serving as team captains themselves, along with backgrounds in leadership, mentoring and consulting. Ria is founder of KIBO Group and owner of Aberdare…

The organisers of the Amlwch Viking Festival have expressed their gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the 2025 event a resounding success. Over the weekend of 26–27 July, thousands of people ‘invaded’ Amlwch to enjoy the return of the festival after a 13-year hiatus. From living history displays and Viking encampments to axe demonstrations and an impressive torch-lit procession and boat burning, the festival brought the community together and created a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. Elaine Hughes, one of the event organisers, said: “We were blown away by the support. Seeing thousands of people lining the…

Morgan Sindall Construction and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council are celebrating significant progress in the delivery of the pioneering Net Zero Carbon refurbishment of Pen-y-Dre High School, with final handover scheduled for 2026. The groundbreaking project represents one of Wales most ambitious school refurbishment programmes, transforming the 1970s building into a state-of-the-art educational facility whilst maintaining its operational status throughout the three-year construction programme. The comprehensive refurbishment has included new roofing, cladding, windows and external doors, mechanical and electrical works, internal alterations, internal finishes, fixed furniture and fittings, and extensive external works across the 11,250m² site. The project has been…

A man who casually brandished a firearm at a group of teenagers in McDonalds, before aiming it at a police officer responding to the incident, has been jailed. Jacob Jenkins caught the attention of the youths at the Tonypandy fast food restaurant on May 2, as they noticed he was wearing a stab-proof vest under his coat and was staring at them. One of the group asked the 29-year-old if he was a police officer, to which he replied “marines” before showing them a pistol he was carrying. Concerned for their safety the group then left the restaurant before reporting…

A 32-year-old man has been jailed for the rape of a schoolgirl. Ursaloan Ansari, of Birch Road, Manchester, denied the offence but was found guilty by a jury at Mold Crown Court last month. Ansari drugged the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, before raping her at a property in Rhos-on-Sea in January 2022. He was sentenced at Mold Crown Court yesterday (Monday, 4 August) to ten years in prison. He was subject to sex offenders register notification requirements for life and handed a 10-year restraining order to protect the victim. He was also issued an indefinite sexual harm…