Author: Rhys Gregory

Communities, businesses and education providers throughout Swansea have benefited from a funding boost worth close to £22m over the last year. Swansea Council has approved hundreds of projects across the city and county that are being funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Anchor projects forming part of the overall funding programme include a rural anchor project, business support, culture and tourism, supporting communities and a transforming county anchor project. Projects to have benefited from rural anchor funding include an otter and water vole restoration project at Penllergare Valley Woods, as well as The Surf to…

Recently, 47 schools across Pembrokeshire participated in virtual workshops to create GIFs of popular places in Pembrokeshire. The project aimed to uncover the fascinating meanings behind our place names. Place names hold a wealth of information. They reveal geographical features, history, and even the people who settled in Wales, like the Romans and the Vikings. For example, Pembrokeshire has place names influenced by the Vikings, such as Skomer Island and Skokholm Island. The pupils had great fun in the digital illustration workshops hosted by Mwydro, who specialise in creating GIFs. These GIFs are now live and can be used on…

On 22nd July at the Royal Welsh Show, the Mid Wales Regional Skills Partnership (RSP) unveiled its update to the Employment and Skills Plan 2022-2025. It addresses the region’s evolving employment and skills needs, reflecting sector growth and economic demands. The updated plan incorporates new labour market intelligence and qualitative data, providing accurate growth forecasts for Powys and Ceredigion. The RSP collaborated with business-led cluster groups to gather industry-specific insights, ensuring the plan meets the Mid Wales economy’s current and future demands. The updated plan highlights key growth areas up to 2028, including a 6% increase in the construction and…

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways (FfWHR) has come with a unique ice cream flavour tantalise the tastebuds of visitors this summer. Porthmadog-based FfWHR is the only place in the UK where you can buy Steam Coal Ice Cream on a new platform ice cream stand. Catering manager Elwyn Edwards said the idea just came to him as he wanted something unique to the FfWHR which was also made in Wales. “It’s really important for us to serve local produce here at our catering outlets and choosing a Welsh Ice cream maker was top of my list,” he said. “Marios were…

Hay Festival Global has announced details for Hay Festival Hay-on-Wye Winter Weekend 2024, taking place in the grounds of Hay Castle, 28 November–1 December.  This year will mark the 25th winter edition, bringing together writers, activists and world changers in an inspiring programme, to be announced in full on Tuesday 24 September.  A 350-seater marquee in the grounds of Hay Castle will host an eclectic mix of conversations, candle-lit storytelling, comedy, music and performances for all ages.  Additional events will take place in the Castle’s Clore workshop space, plus venues around town, including St Mary’s Church.  More than 10,000 tickets…

Tramshed Tech, a leading coworking and innovation hub in South Wales is proud to announce the launch of two new business support programmes designed to boost the local economy and foster innovation in the Vale of Glamorgan. The Green Tech Zero Programme and Creative Cluster Programme are both fully funded and designed to boost the local economy by supporting SMEs developing innovative green solutions and nurturing talent within creative industries. These programmes underscore Tramshed Tech’s commitment to foster innovation and drive economic growth across the region. Green Tech Zero Programme: Supporting Sustainable Innovation In response to the urgent need for climate…

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of a development site in Cowbridge, South Wales, which benefits from planning consent for 50 retirement living apartments. The site was identified by Mercian Developments Limited as suitable for a retirement living development given its underlying affluent demographic and proximity to a wide range of amenities on Cowbridge’s bustling High Street. McCarthy Stone submitted and secured planning consent for a scheme of 50 retirement living apartments (C3) with communal facilities and has subsequently acquired the site from Mercian. Leah Tattersall Land Manager at McCarthy Stone, comments, “It is great…

One of the UK’s leading early-years childcare providers, Kids Planet Day Nurseries, has expanded its presence in North Wales with two new acquisitions of The Wendy House Day Nursery in Brynford, and Snuggles Day Nursery in Denbigh. Located in the peaceful village of Brynford, The Wendy House is a purpose-built nursery with countryside views, welcoming families from Brynford, Calcoed and the surrounding areas. The second nursery, Snuggles Day Nursery on Rhyl Road in Denbigh, is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It provides full day care for children as well as an out-of-school club, Snuggle Juniors, at the nearby…

A brand-new initiative has been launched in Gwynedd and Ynys Môn, designed to help communities to repair and reuse everyday items to reduce waste. Cylchol is managed by Menter Môn and supported through the Welsh Government’s Circular Economy Fund. The project aims to develop a vibrant circular economy by promoting the repair and remanufacture of materials and goods, creating a culture of sustainability and resourcefulness within communities. A key part of the project is the revitalisation of the 14 Ffiws makerspaces located across north west Wales. Menter Môn’s very own makerspace in Porthmadog will be relaunched on the 24 July…

Specialist business advisory firm FRP is to establish its first Welsh office after acquiring Cardiff-based Lexington Corporate Finance. Founded in 2015, Lexington provides corporate finance services to clients both locally and nationwide and will go to market as FRP Corporate Finance. Lexington’s founder, Gary Partridge, will join FRP as partner with all 14 other members of the Lexington team also joining to establish the firm’s 28th UK office. The £3m acquisition is FRP’s 10th since becoming a plc in 2020, as it continues to develop a full-service advisory practice across the UK. Lexington is expected to benefit from working closely…