Author: Rhys Gregory

Business confidence Wales rose six points during June to 43%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Companies in Wales reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up three points at 38%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up nine points to 48%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 43% (vs. 37% in May). Looking ahead to the next six months, Welsh businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (47%), evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services…

Visitors to Machynlleth will soon be able to enjoy a relaxing break at the town’s first and only four star inn. All ten bedrooms at the White Lion Hotel have been refurbished and upgraded with new Silent Night beds and ensuite bathrooms of the quality of a four star inn thanks to a loan of £96,000 from the Development Bank of Wales and a grant of £24,000 from Visit Wales. The funding package was used to accelerate the work ready for Easter with the bar and restaurant areas also benefiting from a full redecoration plus new carpets and furniture. Outdoor…

Delta Capita, a leading global capital markets consulting, managed services, and technology provider, has announced the relocation of its Wrexham office to a larger facility in the area to support its strategic expansion plans. Guided by insights from a recent employee survey, the new premises at Ellice House on Wrexham Technology Park offers an array of enhanced amenities. These include modern breakout areas, additional meeting spaces, and comfortable seating areas. The new premise also benefits from excellent transport links, close proximity to the city centre, and ample on-site parking. The office space has been fully refurbished to embody Delta Capita’s…

Swansea Building Society has renewed its partnership with Swansea City Football Club for the upcoming 2024/25 season. As part of this agreement, Swansea Building Society will continue to serve as the back of shirt sponsor, showcasing its logo on the home and away kits. Building on a successful four-year sponsorship deal with the Championship team, Swansea Building Society’s ongoing commitment solidifies the close ties between both organisations. In a change to previous years, Swansea Building Society’s logo will appear slightly differently on the 2024/25 season away kit. While allowing the Society’s colours of green and white to stand proud on the home…

The Welsh wine industry is getting ready for a summer of tantalising tours and tempting tasters following a successful Welsh Wine Week, which recently celebrated its fourth year as a key industry showcase. Featuring vineyards across Wales, the celebratory week saw over 30 events attended by industry figures from across the UK, with Welsh vineyards now gearing up to welcome tourists to experience their unique produce over the busy summer season. With recent years seeing huge increases in the volume of wine being produced in Wales, along with a number of vineyards picking up international awards, the future of the…

Mount Stuart Primary School has celebrated Eid with a community art project, in collaboration with Nathan Wyburn and The Red Dragon Centre. Pupils from Mount Stuart Primary School created a drawing of what Eid means to them before the drawings were put into a breathtaking mural by Welsh artist Nathan Wyburn. The mural has been on display in the heart of The Red Dragon Centre for visitors to enjoy from Eid al-Adha to Eid al-Fitr. The pupils came to the Centre to collect the mural to take it back to its new permanent home at the school, receiving a summer…

Staff, students and friends who took part in this year’s Swansea University Half Marathon have smashed through their fundraising total and collected more than £20,000 to boost mental health care and support. The total has overtaken last year’s tally and is still rising as more money rolls in after the successful event. More than 5,000 runners took part in the race, sponsored again this year by the University, which took them on a course from Swansea’s National Waterfront Museum, onto the Singleton Campus and along Mumbles Road and back. Among them was a 230-strong team from the University who chose…

Empowering marginalised writers to make their voices heard will be the focus of an event held by creative writing experts at Aberystwyth University next month. The University’s Centre for Creativity and Wellbeing is organising a ‘Marginalised Writers TakeOver Day’ on Saturday 13 July, in Tŷ Trafod in the Visualisation Centre on Penglais Campus. The day is aimed at writers who are marginalised by factors including racism, ableism, low income, homophobia, anti-trans bias, or classism. The programme includes talks, panel discussions, workshops and an open mic celebration. There will be opportunities to try out work, talk to other writers and listen…

Swansea’s Dylan Thomas Exhibition has earned a spot on the shortlist as best small museum category in the Kids in Museums Awards 2024. This accolade reflects the exhibition team’s dedication to crafting enriching experiences that resonate with children and families alike. Managed by Swansea Council, the Love the Words exhibition and engagement programme at the Dylan Thomas Centre serves as a gateway to the world of the poet, one of the UK’s most celebrated literary figures and a proud son of Swansea. Council head of cultural services Tracey McNulty said the nomination highlighted a commitment to fostering a vibrant and…

Join Caerphilly County Borough Council in celebrating Armed Forces Day on Saturday 29thJune. Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces Community; from serving personnel to service families, veterans and cadets. The day is a tribute to the dedication, courage and sacrifices made of those who serve our nation. A celebration event will occur in Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent between 12pm-5pm on Sunday 30th June. Live entertainment, stalls, and a service will take place with a display by the Royal Welsh Regimental Band to celebrate our armed forces…