Author: Rhys Gregory

Another exciting new business has chosen Merthyr Tydfil High Street as its home, with Coco’s Coffee & Candles being the latest shop to open in the town centre. Located at 143b High Street and Developed by Highfield Property Group, the building – formerly the location of Pizza Time – was a long-term vacant property on the lower part of the High Street. Grant funding of £730,000 from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme has enabled the re-development of the property into a commercial unit. Works have included the demolition of previous structures, with the full integration of new structures, including steel supports,…

Welsh public services will get extra money to help meet higher National Insurance costs this year. The increase in employer National Insurance contributions means: A £257m extra cost to the Welsh public sector each year. The UK Government have provided £185m, leaving a shortfall of £72m. The Welsh Government is providing an extra £36m to help fund the gap. The total funding package is £220m, covering about 85% of increased costs for Welsh public services. Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “We’re protecting our vital public services by using £36m from our reserves to help address the National Insurance shortfall left…

Rural families in Conwy can soon access more free support in one place when the upgraded Llanrwst Family Centre reopens this month. The centre, which has supported hundreds of local families over the past 22 years, has undergone a £480,000 transformation funded by the Welsh Government. More services can be delivered at the same time in the upgraded space, saving rural families repeated long journeys to the centre. The centre offers a range of support, including weekly baby clubs co-delivered with health visitors, young carers groups, and domestic abuse support for people of all ages. Minister for Children and Social…

Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies has visited an award-winning Anglesey farm to see how sustainable farming practices are creating a blueprint for climate-friendly food production in Wales. The Deputy First Minister, toured Castellior farm recently to learn how farmer Dylan Jones is successfully combining profitable beef production with environmental stewardship. Castellior farm, spanning 332 hectares and run by Dylan and his father Wyn, has recently received prestigious recognition at the British Grassland Society Awards Evening 2024 and was named Beef Farmer of the Year at the Farmers Weekly Awards 2024. During his…

We’re very lucky here in Wales. While many places have allowed their industrial heritage to fade into history, we’ve lovingly preserved it – and nowhere is that more evident than in the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways. These narrow-gauge lines are more than just transport – they’re moving museums, offering unforgettable journeys through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK. Of all the routes they run, the Woodland Wanderer stands out as the perfect experience for young families or anyone looking for a gentle taste of steam-powered adventure. Setting Off from Porthmadog The journey starts in Porthmadog, at…

Craig Bellamy has announced a 27-player squad for the key 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein at the Cardiff City Stadium (Friday 6 June) and Belgium in Brussels (Monday 9 June). Ethan Ampadu and Harry Wilson return to the squad after missing out on the opening games of the campaign in March due to injury. Craig Bellamy has also called up full-back Ronan Kpakio for the first time after featuring in last week’s training camp in Cardiff and Spain. Several players come into the international window after a successful end of season at club level, including Europa League winners…

Pitch perfect primary pupils are to perform at a gala concert in St Asaph Cathedral after impressing judges with their singing skills. The youngsters at Ysgol Melyd in Meliden near Prestatyn won a county-wide singing competition organised by the Denbighshire Music Cooperative. Children were encouraged to learn and perform a brand new song titled Sound of Denbighshire, with schools asked to submit their entries on video. Judges chose Ysgol Melyd as the winner, with the school picking up a package of prizes. They include new musical instruments for the school, a visit to the school by the cooperative’s in-house band, Make Some…

Following over 160,000 votes being cast, Deliveroo reveals winners of its 2025 Restaurant Awards, which celebrate the best and most loved restaurants across the UK and Ireland. In Cardiff, one restaurant has risen above fierce competition spanning across five regions, as passionate food enthusiasts cast their votes to support their favourite neighbourhood eateries. The full list of winners of the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards 2025 in Cardiff,  South England & Wales, includes:  Albany Fish Bar – Cardiff – Best Fish & Chips – South England & Wales This independent, award-winning fish and chip shop in Cardiff has been an institution since…

An actor and impresario who made history with British TV’s first gay kiss revealed he grows flowers to unwind from the hectic world of showbiz. Stifyn Parri, who hails from Rhos, near Wrexham, and now lives in St Fagan’s near Cardiff, loves nothing better than pottering in his garden to switch off and relax. He shared his passion for gardening with television presenter Meinir Gwilym when he was filmed for an item on S4C’s flagship gardening series, Garddio a Mwy. The episode featuring Stifyn is being shown at 8.25pm on Monday, June 2, and will then be available on demand…

Business confidence in Wales rose fell 21 points during May to 36%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds. Companies in Wales reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 28 points at 52%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up 14 points to 21%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 36% (vs 15% in April). A net balance of 23% of businesses in the country also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 28 points on last month. Looking ahead to the next six months, Welsh businesses identified their top…