Author: Rhys Gregory

The Investment Fund for Wales (IFW) has invested more than £18m into Wales’ small businesses since its launch in late 2023. This milestone was reached almost eighteen months after the launch of the fund, following 71 investments into over 67 businesses located across Wales and includes an additional £3m of private sector co-investment which has been leveraged as a result of the IFW’s support. The £130m fund was launched by the British Business Bank in November 2023 with the aim of driving sustainable economic growth by supporting new and growing businesses across the whole of Wales. The fund includes a…

During the summer months when temperatures soar, staying cool can be challenging, particularly when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. With the UK experiencing more frequent weather extremes — and areas of South Wales already recording temperatures of up to 31 °C this week — Barratt Homes South Wales is sharing expert advice on how homeowners can keep their homes cooler during heatwaves. The advice is tried and tested by the wider Barratt Group, which is currently working with the University of Salford’s Energy House 2.0 — the world’s largest climate test chamber — to test how homes…

It’s time to get set for an exhilarating weekend as the free Wales National Airshow returns to Swansea Bay on 5 and 6 July 2025 – promising breathtaking aerial performances and engaging ground activities. Organised by Swansea Council, this year’s event will showcase an impressive mix of historic aircraft and modern military precision, featuring world-renowned display teams. The confirmed lineup includes: RAF Red Arrows on both days Battle of Britain Memorial Flight RAF Tutor Display Team Typhoon Team Raven The Starlings Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers (supported by FRF Volvo) Gazelle Squadron Melanie Astles Extra 330 Rolls-Royce Spitfire NavyWings Swordfish Firebirds The Wales National…

Neath Port Talbot Council is proposing changes to parking arrangements at Aberavon Seafront in response to feedback from residents and visitors following the introduction of charges along the laybys. The introduction of parking charges at The Princess Margaret Way laybys earlier this year brings Aberavon Seafront in line with many popular visitor destinations. The additional income helps support the ongoing operation and maintenance of the seafront and its facilities—ensuring the area remains clean and welcoming for residents and visitors. There will continue to be no charges to park at the laybys between 1st October and 31st March. Blue Badge holders…

Just under 2,000 people visited Risca Town Centre over the weekend, with nearly 1,500 joining in the fun at this year’s Risca Beach Party, held in Tredegar Park on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th June. Despite heavy rain on Saturday and a chilly breeze throughout the weekend, the event remained a popular draw for the local community. The giant urban beach was once again the star of the show, with many wrapping up warm and pitching up for the day. Free attractions included donkey rides, exotic animals, craft workshops and more. The park was buzzing with stalls offering hot food,…

Six potential operators have submitted proposals to breathe new life into the Grade I listed Llancaiach Fawr Manor House, located near Nelson. Caerphilly County Borough Council appointed agents Avison Young to help create an exciting new future for the site after the venue closed its doors to the public at the end of last year. Following a series of open days held at the Manor, six parties submitted business cases followed by interviews to determine who will take over the running of this historic site. The full and final bids have now been received and the council will evaluate the…

Attainment in Numeracy, Welsh Reading and English Reading has improved in 2023/24, new statistics show. English Reading saw attainment levels improve across all year groups compared to 2022/23. Learners in Year 3 showed sustained improvement with levels in English Reading being higher than in both 2020/2021 and 2021/22. Welsh Reading presented some improvement across Years 3 to 9, compared to 2022/23. Younger years have shown the greatest degree of improvement in Numeracy (Procedural), whilst Numeracy (Reasoning) has remained relatively stable. These statistics were published today using anonymised data from the national personalised assessments. Personalised assessments are adaptive online assessments in…

Health Secretary Jeremy Miles today announced a £120m package to fund Wales’ ambitious plans to continue cutting waiting times and the waiting list this year. The new funding will support the NHS to build on the progress made to date to reduce the longest waits for planned treatment. The new Planned Care Recovery plan sets out our ambition to: Reduce the overall size of the waiting list by 200,000 Eliminate all two-year waits Restore the diagnostic wait times to be reduced to under 8 weeks by March 2026. Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said: “Tackling waiting times is our number one…

The benefits of businesses being bought out by employees are being celebrated – as the number of employee-owned businesses in Wales nears 100. Today is Employee Ownership Day and research shows that employee-owned businesses perform particularly strongly, with employees demonstrating greater engagement and commitment. The commercial benefits are also becoming increasingly popular with entrepreneurs creating new businesses, to help attract and reward talented employees and drive business growth. The number of employee-owned businesses in Wales now stands at 95, far exceeding the Programme for Government commitment to double the number in Wales and reach 74 by 2026. The Welsh Government’s…

Thousands of Prestatyn residents will benefit from enhanced protection against coastal flooding following the completion of a major £26 million coastal defence project which has completed nine months ahead of schedule. Homes and businesses in the area will now benefit from reduced risk of coastal flooding thanks to the innovative flood defence scheme which includes a new embankment to store storm surge waters and reduce the risk of them reaching Prestatyn town centre The new coastal defences, delivered by Balfour Beatty on behalf of Denbighshire County Council, will safeguard 2,297 homes and 86 businesses from the increasing threat of storm…