Author: Rhys Gregory

Leon Stapleton, founder of We Make Footballers Cardiff, a football training academy for children aged 4-12, is among 14 businesses announced today as Start Up Loans’ 2024 Ambassadors. Applying for a £15,000 Start Up Loan from the Start Up Loans programme last year meant that Leon was able to launch the first We Make Footballers franchise in Wales. A former maths and science teacher, Leon spent over 10 years teaching in a secondary school, but pre-pandemic he became disillusioned and wanted a change from life in the classroom, despite really enjoying working with children, and decided to leave teaching for…

A TIMBER company approaching five years in business will branch out into new markets and territories with the support of a leading university. Snowdon Timber has navigated post-pandemic challenges to grow significantly in recent times. Launched in 2019 by Jody Goode, from Old Colwyn, the firm now employs 14 staff at its sites in Mochdre and Bangor. The latter is a 20,000 sq ft warehouse and headquarters on Llandegai Industrial Estate, where they supply a range of products – including decking, sleepers, and firewood – to customers including national retailers. With plans to expand further, Jody contacted Bangor University to…

The British Business Bank announces the second debt finance deal from the £130m Investment Fund for Wales, with a £150,000 investment from the Debt Finance fund, managed by appointed fund managers FW Capital. A team of trained beauticians has expanded their business in the heart of Neath, supported with investment from FW Capital and the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Wales. Blossom, a luxury hair and beauty salon, opened in the former Next store on New Street, Neath, earlier this month. The salon is led by experienced beauticians Jenny Dobson, a qualified make-up artist, and part-time nurse Fiona Spinks,…

A 41-year-old man from Risca near Newport has been found guilty of an offence under the Terrorism Act 2000. Following a two-week trial at Winchester Crown Court, Daniel Niinmae was convicted today (Monday, September 16) of possession of a document containing information of a kind likely to be of use to a person preparing or committing an act of terrorism, contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000. The conviction follows a detailed investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing Wales. He was acquitted of two offences of dissemination of a terrorist publication, contrary to Section Two of the Terrorism…

The amount of gas and electricity needed to power Powys’ leisure centres have been cut by close to a 10th, after just over £1m (£1,052,028) was invested. Improvements have been made at all 14 sites run by Freedom Leisure for Powys County Council, backed by grants worth £284,881 from Sport Wales. Other funds have mostly come from the council, but there have been contributions from Welsh Government’s Community Focused Schools programme and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. Freedom Leisure’s gas use per year has now been cut by 750,000 kWh (9.6%) and its electricity use by 181,000 kWh (8.7%).…

The legacy of a former school in Neath Port Talbot is being remembered and restored as it makes way for a new housing development after more than 5,000 tonnes of materials from the old building are being saved and reused. Linc Cymru, a housing association and care provider based in South Wales, has stripped everything from flooring to ceramics and cookers to stone from the former Lower Dyffryn School and is reusing it in a variety of innovative and creative ways. The project known as ‘What once stood’ is the brainchild of social value manager Natalie Hawkins at Linc Cymru.…

Nilaqua, a leading waterless washing brand, has launched an extended range of innovative pet-washing products. Designed to remove the hassle of washing pets while being kind to the environment, these groundbreaking products simplify pet hygiene for owners while ensuring the utmost care for pets’ skin and fur. Nilaqua was the first company in the UK to introduce waterless pet shampoos, endorsed by vets who recognised the product’s potential and effectiveness. Since then, Nilaqua has been at the forefront of waterless washing innovation. Produced at the firm’s manufacturing base in Swansea, each product is formulated with a blend of natural, biodegradable and safe…

Extra nighttime patrols have been launched in Gwynedd as part of an operation to tackle rural crime. It follows recent reports of burglaries targeting properties in rural areas of South Gwynedd. Operation Mantel aims to provide a visible police presence to reassure communities and intercept rural crime. Patrols have so far been conducted in Llanwrin, Esgairgeiliog Ceinws, Dinas Mawddwy, Corris and Dolgellau. PC Gina Cinderby said: “As the evenings become darker once again, we are reminding rural communities to be vigilant and report suspicious activity. “Ensure all valuables are locked away and keep keys in a separate secure location. “Installing…

A Neath Port Talbot man has been jailed after he was found guilty of child sex offences. Andrew Wager, 38, from Neath, raped and sexually assaulted his then-15-year-old victim while at a party at his home. Wager denied committing the offences, but was found guilty by a jury at Swansea Crown Court. He has been sentenced to seven years in prison. Detective Constable Alison Thomas said: “Andrew Wager is a dangerous predator who raped and sexually assaulted his helpless child victim. “The amount of lasting damage he has caused to his victim cannot be put into words. “He will now…

Plans have been revealed for a brand-new tramway from Cardiff Central railway station to Cardiff Bay, connecting the two directly by rail for the first time. The first phase of Cardiff Crossrail, which is being delivered by Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales (TfW), will significantly improve the railway network between the city centre and Cardiff Bay, benefiting the wider city and region. Members of the public are being invited to share their views as part of a 6-week consultation which runs from 16 September to 27 October 2024. The consultation is available on: haveyoursay.tfw.wales/cardiff-crossrail The scheme will deliver a…