Author: Rhys Gregory

Howden, one of the UK’s largest insurance brokers, is strengthening its commercial presence in North Wales with the appointment of Andrew Kells as Commercial Account Executive. The appointment builds on Howden’s recent investment in the region, following the appointment of commercial insurance specialist Nathan Brookfield. The expansion of Howden’s commercial expertise in North Wales reflects growing demand from local businesses for specialist insurance, risk management and advisory support, delivered by experts with strong local knowledge and sector expertise. Andrew’s appointment will help drive business growth, strengthen client relationships and further establish the broker’s presence across North Wales and the wider…

Some of the biggest AI founders in Britain have come together to launch a new venture fund, this time aimed at supporting emerging AI hubs, including those in Wales. Hosted by Tramshed Tech on the 28th of May 2026, a Cardiff event officially launched the fund that will provide capital to Welsh startups and other businesses getting stuck into the AI ecosystem. The Business Case for AI Since ChatGPT debuted in 2023, generative AI has become one of the hottest tech sectors in the market. Due to the massive potential of this technology, it didn’t take long for governments around…

These days, just having an advantage at work isn’t enough; you need to keep developing your skills to stay competitive. If you’re ambitious and want to move into leadership, getting good at business is a must. This is true everywhere, from tech startups to government jobs, where strong management and planning skills are really valued. Why Upskill in Business Administration? Going back to school for business administration is a smart way to protect your career long-term. Even as markets change and new tech pops up, the basics of good management, handling money, and strategic planning stay important. Learning new skills…

Motorists are being urged to avoid part of Abercynon after a serious road traffic collision led to the closure of a key route through the village. South Wales Police confirmed that Abercynon Road has been closed between the junction of Ynysybwl Road and Park Street while emergency services deal with the incident. The force said the road is expected to remain closed for a number of hours, with motorists advised to seek alternative routes and expect disruption in the area. No further details about the collision or any injuries have been released at this stage. Drivers travelling through Abercynon are…

Wales is set to enjoy its warmest weather of the year so far this weekend, with temperatures expected to climb towards 30°C as Father’s Day celebrations take place across the country. According to the Met Office, a spell of increasingly settled weather will develop over the coming days, bringing sunshine, very warm conditions and the potential for heatwave thresholds to be reached in parts of south Wales. Temperatures are forecast to reach the high 20s Celsius across much of Wales over the weekend, with some areas of south Wales potentially hitting 30°C on Sunday. Forecasters say temperatures could rise even…

A number of businesses across Mid Wales have secured investment through the Mid Wales Commercial Property Investment Fund (MWCPIF), supporting projects that will help strengthen the region’s commercial infrastructure, unlock growth and create new employment opportunities. Launched in May 2025 and delivered through the Mid Wales Growth Deal, the Fund is designed to leverage private sector investment in commercial premises, using targeted support to enable established businesses across Powys and Ceredigion to develop, extend, refurbish or repurpose sites and unlock new opportunities for business investment and expansion. Strong interest was shown in the fund, with a number of viable applications…

Llangollen is preparing to turn up the volume, with just one week to go before some of the biggest names in music arrive in North Wales for a spectacular summer of live entertainment. Thousands of music fans are expected to descend on the town as TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion returns with eight nights of headline concerts ahead of the renowned Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. Pop superstar Rick Astley will launch the season on Wednesday June 24 and he’ll be joined on the night by special guests Lottery Winners and 80s inspired pop outfit Deco. With final preparations…

A traditional Forest of Dean semi-detached two-bedroom house with a large garden has hit the market with a price tag of just £14,000. The property, in the bustling Forest town of Cinderford, is in need of complete modernisation but Paul Fosh Auctions says it could well  prove to be an astute investment. Olivia Williams, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “Situated on the desirable Valley Road in Cinderford, this spacious two-bedroom property offers an excellent opportunity. In need of modernisation, the property does retain many charming original features, including fireplaces. “The home has a large kitchen, alongside a reception room on…

Sixteen previously crowned elite national champions on the road are among the ones to watch at the start line for the 2026 Lloyds National Road Championships, which get underway from Thursday 25 June in Wales. Welsh rider Zoe Backstedt (CANYON // SRAM Zondacrypto) will be the one to watch, after a fantastic 2025 championships, where she took home the striped jersey in the elite women’s time-trial, and an impressive sixth in the elite women’s road race. Speaking ahead of the championships, Backstedt said: “I’m super excited to come back to Wales to race National champs this year, I don’t get…

An award-winning Chartered financial planning firm has donated more than £7,000 to charitable causes and offset 10 tonnes of carbon emissions, reinforcing its commitment to making a lasting difference to the local community. North Wales-based Celtic Financial Planning has also launched a free financial educational app for youngsters and rolled out key staff initiatives to deliver genuine impact beyond its services. The work is brought together in the firm’s inaugural environmental, social, and governance (ESG) report, which highlights a wide range of successes spanning carbon reduction to community investment while spotlighting the firm’s recent B Corporation (Corp) certification. Central to…