Author: Rhys Gregory

Ahead of the publication of the Welsh Government’s Draft Budget on December 10th, the Federation of Small Businesses in Wales is urging the Welsh Government to recognise that businesses are operating in difficult conditions by continuing vital support on business rates in 2025/26. Wales’s largest business group are making the case for extending the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rates Relief, at least at the existing 40% level, warning that these sectors have experienced a prolonged period of high-costs and depressed customer spending. Additionally, FSB is calling for the multiplier used to calculate rates to be frozen for 2025/26, saying that…

Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan Councils have reached a significant milestone in their exciting partnership to build high quality, sustainable affordable homes at pace across the region. Following a competitive dialogue procurement process which has identified the preferred bidder to deliver the Cardiff and Vale Housing Partnership, Cardiff Council Cabinet will consider recommendations to approve the appointment of the preferred bidder as development partner at its next meeting on Thursday, December 12. The partnership is Cardiff’s second housing programme following the success of its award-winning Cardiff Living scheme, and forms part of its wider development plans – the largest…

Created by award-winning regeneration company Urban Splash, appointed as Swansea Council’s strategic partner in 2021, the sketchbook outlines an initial vision under the umbrella banner of City on the Beach. Urban Splash describes the publication as an invitation to the people of Swansea to help shape the city’s future. Jonathan Falkingham, co-founder of Urban Splash and alumnus of Swansea’s Gowerton School, said: “We’re thrilled to share this vision with the people of Swansea. “This is an invitation to engage, and we’re eager to hear from local people, and potential partners who can help make this seven-site plan a reality. “Under the City…

Caerphilly town centre saw thousands of visitors attend for the Winter Fair and River of Light Lantern Parade on Saturday the 30th of November. Over 4,000 people were welcomed to the town despite the drizzly weather, this is 3,012 more visitors recorded compared to the previous Saturday. The fair hosted a variety of food, drink and crafts stalls, as well as other entertainment such as Santa’s Grotto, puppet shows, live music, Caerphilly on Ice, and more before the River of Light Lantern Parade took over for the evening. The Parade showcased an amazing 650 lanterns that were made in fun…

The first Women’s Health Plan for Wales has been launched today (Monday 9 December 2024) setting out a 10-year vision to improve healthcare services for women. Research shows that while women live longer than men, they live fewer years free from disability, wait longer for pain relief and many women report having their symptoms dismissed. The plan, created by the National Strategic Clinical Network for Women’s Health, part of the NHS Wales Executive, sets out how NHS organisations in Wales will close the gender health gap by providing better health services for women, ensuring they are listened to and their…

A consultation opens today on a shortlist of options for a replacement of the A494 River Dee Bridge in Flintshire. The bridge provides a vital connection for cross-border traffic between North Wales and the North West of England, and is a key entry point to the Deeside Industrial Park, one of Europe’s largest industrial estates. A new bridge is needed as the requirement for repairs on the existing bridge is increasing. Inspections and monitoring to date have concluded that the frequency of repairs and the risk of major repair and intervention requiring the closure of the bridge is growing year-on-year.…

At Coleg Gwent a group of hearing-impaired learners are developing independent life skills through individually tailored support. On a visit to the Newport campus, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Vikki Howells, met staff and learners from the Cwmbran D/deaf Choir and had the chance to see their Christmas choir concert. Over the past four years hearing-impaired learners from Cwmbran High school have been a part of the Deaf Club at Coleg Gwent, helping to build their confidence and supporting their transition from school. The college has a strong partnership with Elite training who support learners in their transition…

Clwb Marketing, a free networking community for marketing professionals, has reached more than 100 members, just six months since it was founded. The community was the brainchild of Lauren Hill and Kirsty Bird, who work within the marketing team at Caerphilly-based Thomas Carroll Group. They realised that post-pandemic, many marketeers had been left with depleted teams and were feeling isolated by working from home. Many were also facing similar challenges at work, such as reduced budgets, tight deadlines, being spread too thin and a lack of understanding about marketing’s role within a business. After doing some research over the preceding…

Integrating AI into poker has led to advancements that influence game integrity and fair play. Poker platforms often deploy AI systems to monitor play, identify cheating, and ensure regulation compliance. These tools sift through vast data sets and identify behavior patterns that may not be apparent to human observers. Their ability to spot anomalies helps combat bot usage and collusion. However, real-time AI assistance tools have spurred concerns about whether fairness can still be guaranteed. AI-driven bots can perform better than many human players by executing actions derived from precise probabilistic algorithms. This level of precision can give users an…

Family events are a wonderful opportunity to strengthen bonds, create lasting memories and celebrate the joys of togetherness. Whether you’re planning a small gathering in your garden or a larger event at a community venue, careful preparation is key to ensuring it’s an occasion everyone will cherish. Here are some top tips for hosting an unforgettable family event in the UK. Choose the Perfect Setting The location sets the tone for your event, so consider the size, accessibility and practicality of your venue. For small family gatherings, a garden, local park or living room might be ideal, while larger celebrations…