Author: Rhys Gregory

The global publicity generated by Wrexham AFC’s Hollywood owners is attracting high-spending international visitors to North Wales, according to a tourism chief. Jim Jones, the Chief Executive of North Wales Tourism, described the impact of A-listers Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds taking over the club as “an absolute gamechanger”. The subsequent success of the club on the pitch and the popularity of the hit TV series, Welcome to Wrexham, were attracting a growing global audience. Mr Jones was speaking ahead of the annual Go North Wales Tourism Awards at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on Thursday, November 21. The Oscars-style ceremony…

Swansea local communities are being given the chance to host their own heritage-themed events. Funding of up to £7,000 is being made available for each one by Swansea Council. Events could range from a food festival to a shop local campaign or from a festival of lights to a fair featuring craft suppliers. Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “We want great ideas to boost our local communities. “We want these events to drive footfall and to support existing businesses. “All our local areas have their own strengths and unique heritage – and they’ve all played a key role in building Swansea’s…

The Princess Quarter development is transforming a vacant, disused building into high-quality retail and office spaces in the heart of Swansea city centre. The ground floor comprises of flexible retail unit space with three storeys above providing luxury offices. On-site cycle storage and a roof garden is also being provided and will be accessible to occupiers. The location also encourages active travel with Swansea’s transport links within walking distance. More than £2.6m worth of grant funding has been provided through the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Programme. The Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Local Government and Planning, Jayne Bryant, recently visited the…

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of Bush House Care Home in Pembroke, Wales. Bush House Care Home is a well-regarded care home with an enviable reputation for delivering excellent quality care to up to 36 elderly residents. The business occupies an impressive, Victorian former private residence that was converted to its current use in 1990. It has maintained many of its original features and is spacious throughout, with high ceilings and decorative features, and also enjoys picturesque views of the surrounding countryside. The home has been owned by multiple operators, Fred and Gwladys Barnfield…

A Port-Talbot based wellbeing professional is supporting families and children struggling to manage challenging behaviour and mental health issues, having launched a dedicated wellbeing company with the help of Business Wales. Prior to launching Impact Wellbeing Solutions Ltd, Jade Ruck spent the last 15 years of her professional career providing support to children, young adults and veterans struggling with their wellbeing and mental health. Jade made the decision that creating her own company would allow her to better help people in her community and founded Impact to provide a variety of methods including play therapy, conflict resolution and motivational coaching.…

Wild Lakes, based at Narberth, Pembrokeshire, has made the switch to solar power following a £40,700 loan from the Development Bank of Wales, via the Welsh Government-backed Green Business Loan Scheme. The attraction is Wales’ first wake park, and is fast becoming Wales’ premier wakeboarding hub, drawing thousands of visitors each year. In addition to its on-site aqua park, it also hosts a large indoor climbing wall, and offers South American street food in its tipis. The new 20kWh solar array has allowed the owners of Wild Lakes to switch from powering the cables which create the artificial surf in…

The South Wales Business Awards is making a final call for applications for the 2024 South Wales Business Awards. Applications close Friday 6th September. The awards in their 16th year have championed the very best of Welsh business during an incredibly challenging set of economic headwinds. The South Wales Business Awards are being held Friday 27th September at the Hilton Hotel in Cardiff. Sara Edwards, one of Welsh television and radio’s most popular presenters is once again set to resume hosting duties. The categories for this year’s applications are: Young Entrepreneur of the Year Best New Start-up of the Year…

The public’s views are sought on a coastal defence scheme for Aberystwyth. AtkinsRealis have been working alongside Ceredigion County Council to develop coastal defence structures that will alleviate the coastal flooding problems along the Aberystwyth Seafront. The consultation focuses on coastal flooding caused by the incoming waves, and the wave over-topping of the promenade, which results in the need for regular shingle clearing off the promenade and damage to both the seawall and properties located on the opposite side of the promenade. Councillor Keith Henson, Ceredigion Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways and Environmental Services, said: “According to data, it…

A PROMINENT IT firm celebrating 20 years in business is calling on organisations to be ready for landmark changes to telephone and communication networks in the UK. CATalyst Systems, based in Denbigh and Chester, is working with customers across North Wales, the North West and beyond ahead of The Big Switch Off in 2027. The move will see the phasing out of BT’s ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) and Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) in favour of newer technology including Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). CATalyst Systems owner Rory McGough says this is a watershed moment for the industry, yet…

Last month, our waste enforcement team dealt with 738 reports of fly-tipping across the city. So far, forty-six of those reports have progressed to further investigation thanks to evidence obtained by the team. Eight people have been issued with fixed penalty notices, ranging from £100 to £400, for dumping their waste illegally. In addition, the team has sent two serious environmental crime cases for prosecution to be heard by the magistrates’ court. The waste enforcement team can also provide advice and support to residents on waste and recycling. In July, officers visited 71 properties to help residents sort waste and…