Author: Rhys Gregory

Egni Cydweithredol Cyfyngedig (Egni Co-op), the community energy organisation developing rooftop solar installations, has secured a loan of almost £1.4 million from the Development Bank of Wales to deliver around 2MW of new community-owned rooftop solar projects across Wales. The £1.4 million investment from the Development Bank’s Local Energy Fund will support the construction and commissioning of new rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) installations on sites including schools and public buildings, helping reduce energy costs, lower carbon emissions and generate long-term community benefits. The project is expected to generate approximately 1.9 GWh of renewable electricity annually, with around 65 per cent…

Young people with an interest in the food and drink industry are being offered a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes at one of Wales’ largest events, the Royal Welsh Show. Welsh Government Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales programme is inviting Expressions of Interest from individuals aged 18 and over to take part in an exclusive, immersive experience within the Welsh Government Food Division’s prestigious Business Lounge and Product Showcase on the first floor of the Food Hall. The Food & Drink Wales Business Lounge, a strictly invitation-only space, is where food and drink buyers meet suppliers and explore new products. With over 2,000 products from…

Barcud has successfully completed a £2.5million development of 10 energy efficient new homes in the centre of Llanidloes, Powys. The development, known as Cae’r Hen Ysgol, provides a mix of six one-bedroom houses and four two-bedroom houses, helping meet local housing needs and giving more people the opportunity to put down roots in their community. Jason Jones, Chief Executive of Barcud Group, said, “Barcud is focused on developing mixed tenure of affordable homes for rent. Investing in the communities where affordable housing is most needed is one of the group’s priorities and ensuring those homes meet the highest standards of…

A Cardiff-based pie company has successfully brought manufacturing in-house and increased its production capacity tenfold, following technical support from the Welsh Government’s HELIX Programme. In just eighteen months of trading, Donald’s Pies has rapidly expanded into a dedicated manufacturing space and opened two permanent retail outlets, supported by technical assistance from Food Centre Wales and ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre. Donald’s Pies, founded by friends Gareth Owens and Harri Rees in 2024, was inspired by Gareth’s travels in New Zealand, where pie culture is well established, and by his late grandfather Donald, a passionate pie lover. The business initially launched as…

Businesses from across the region are being invited to showcase their achievements as applications officially open for the South Wales Business Awards 2026. The prestigious awards programme will return to Cardiff’s Hilton Hotel on Friday, September 18, celebrating the outstanding businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations helping to drive the South Wales economy. The event will once again be hosted by one of Wales’ best-known television and radio presenters, Sara Edwards. Applications opened on Monday, June 15, with businesses encouraged to submit their entries before the closing date of Friday, August 14. Nominees will be announced on Monday, August 17, with the…

Loungers, the West Country–based café‑bar group, will open the doors to Morlo Lounge on Station Square, Pwllheli on Wednesday 24th June 2026, creating around 30 new jobs for the local community. The former Venu site on Station Square has been completely transformed by the Loungers design team with richly patterned wallpapers, murals, colourful tiling, stripped wooden floors, oversized vintage sofas and upholstered lounge chairs, all brought together with an eclectic mix of artwork.  Statement wall and pendant lighting create a series of cosy corners and elegant dining areas for guests to relax in throughout the day. Designed as a true home‑from‑home, Morlo…

Bellway is set to build 120 new homes on the site of a former boys’ home at Craig Y Parcau in Bridgend after its plans for the project were approved in principle by councillors. Bridgend County Borough Council’s development control committee met on Thursday 11 June and agreed that planning permission should be granted once a planning agreement securing financial contributions to local infrastructure has been finalised. The homes are planned for 16 acres of land to the south of the A48. The project would see the demolition of the disused and derelict boys’ home buildings and the retention of many of…

Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales has issued a heartfelt message in support of Children’s Hospice Week – praising the ‘remarkable’ role hospices play in helping children and families make every moment count. The Princess highlights how children’s hospices create ‘joyful and nurturing environments’ where children can play, learn and simply be children, while offering families expert care and support throughout their journey. Her Royal Highness is Royal Patron of two children’s hospices – East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales – and has invited members of the public to join her in…

The Big Retreat Pembrokeshire has officially announced its return for 2027, with organisers already looking ahead to next year’s event following another successful festival in west Wales. The popular wellbeing, music and lifestyle festival will take place from 28 to 31 May 2027, bringing thousands of visitors back to Pembrokeshire for a weekend of live music, wellness activities, family entertainment, food and outdoor adventures. While this year’s festival may have only recently come to a close, organisers say planning is already well underway for next year’s event, with several new features and improvements already confirmed. Reflecting on feedback from festivalgoers,…

The countdown is officially over as Take That return to Cardiff tonight for one of the biggest live music events of the summer. The iconic pop group will bring their spectacular The Circus Tour to the Principality Stadium on Tuesday, June 16, with tens of thousands of fans expected to pack the city centre for a night of chart-topping hits, dazzling production and stadium-sized entertainment. It marks the band’s first Cardiff performance since 2019 and the fifth time they have played at the Welsh capital’s national stadium. Joining Take That on the bill are special guests The Script and Belinda…