Author: Rhys Gregory

Principality Commercial has provided £6m in funding to support a not-for-profit housing association construct over 30 new energy efficient, social and affordable homes, with the objective of building sustainable neighbourhoods in Wales. Bro Myrddin Housing Association, a long-standing partner of Principality Commercial, provides people across Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire with housing-related support. Based in Carmarthen, the association maintains around 1,065 homes and provides a wide range of service for its residents and other stakeholders – the organisation’s homes include individual flats and houses, sheltered housing, and supported homes that enable people to live independently. Principality Commercial, the commercial arm of Wales’…

Mind Cymru is urging men across Wales who may be struggling with their mental health to reach out and get the support they need, as figures show male suicide rates continue to rise in Wales. In response, and during Men’s Health Month this November, the mental health charity is reminding all men experiencing mental health problems that help is out there. A decade ago, in 2014, the numbers of suicides among men in Wales stood at some of their lowest for almost 30 years – but by 2023 they had reached their second highest on record, according to the Office…

Half-year results published yesterday (Tuesday, November 26) by the Development Bank of Wales show 221 businesses and 3,245 jobs have been supported with investment totalling £61.8 million in the period from 1 April to 30 September 2024. Co-investment stands at £42.1 million for a total economic impact of £103.9 million in the first six months of the year. With core objectives to facilitate an entrepreneurial culture, support financial inclusion and prioritising social impact, the Development Bank has £2 billion in funds under management and a portfolio of 3,378 customers. As a public finance institution owned by the Welsh Government, the…

Celebrated local chefs Tommy Heaney and Dave Killick (previously head chef of the award-winning Heathcock pub), have announced the opening date for their new restaurant, Ember in the heart of Pontcanna. The highly anticipated venue, located just across the road from Tommy’s existing restaurants Heaney’s and Uisce, is set to open its doors to the public from Friday 6th December, with reservations open from today. Ember combines the strengths of Killick’s creative, nose-to-tail approach and expertise in pasta-making to create a laid-back, neighbourhood restaurant that will showcase the best seasonal, British ingredients. Described by Tommy as ‘anything but Italian’ the…

FinTech Wales hosted an event earlier this week (November 26) to support individuals and families affected by the recent job losses at Tata Steel. Working alongside recruitment company Acorn by Synergie, FinTech Wales invited employers to speak about various roles and opportunities available in fintech and financial services at the Community Support Centre in Aberafan Shopping Centre, Port Talbot. The training and employment support has been geared towards creating new employment and an economic future for the area. Companies who provided valuable insight into career paths in the fintech industry on the day included WeGetDesign, Cadre Advisory, Dynamo Cover, Gower…

A football supporter has received a Football Banning Order following an incident at the Swansea.com Stadium. Sam Bright, from Cardiff, was arrested for a public order offence at this season’s Swansea City vs Cardiff City game at the Swansea.com Stadium. Towards the end of the game the 46-year-old was seen throwing a missile from within the away end into the Swansea City fans. On September 11, he appeared at Swansea Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to breaching the Football (offences) Act 1991 (Throwing missiles at area adjacent to pitch) and was issued with a three-year Football Banning Order. As…

A 25-year-old man has this week been jailed for raping and sexually assaulting a child. Ryan Russell, of no fixed abode, appeared at Mold Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday, November 26th) where he was sentenced to 8 years in prison and a further 3 on licence. He admitted 14 offences dating back to last summer including two counts of raping a child, two counts of sexual assault and four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child in the Flintshire area. The victim, who was 12 when the first offence happened, told police she met Russell through Snapchat. Russell also…

Rail passengers travelling across the South Wales Metro can now access easier ways to pay and great value fares with a new Pay As You Go system. Transport for Wales is the first train operator outside of London and the South East of England to introduce this paying system. The tap in, tap out technology is available at 95 Transport for Wales (TfW) stations throughout South Wales, including all Valleys lines and on routes to Bridgend, Maesteg, the Vale of Glamorgan, Abergavenny and Chepstow. Pay As You Go can be used for single journeys with fares starting at just £2.60,…

The local community and members of the public are being asked for their views on a proposed new bridge across the River Taff. The proposed pedestrian and cycle bridge between the Marl in Grangetown and Hamadryad Park in Butetown supports the Council’s wider regeneration scheme to redevelop the Channel View estate. The proposed bridge would provide an important connection for communities on both sides of the river to schools, parks, and leisure facilities, linking with the wider walking and cycling network, including the Cardiff Bay Trail and Ely Trail. Having carried out consultation on the proposal in late 2022, a…

Derelict buildings are being brought back to life, business premises have been improved and people have been helped to find work, thanks to a multi-million pound investment across Swansea over the last year or so. 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. This includes work that’s taken place to restore the Swiss Cottage in Singleton Park. Some timbers have been replaced, sanding work has been carried out and the building has been repainted to help restore it back to its heyday.…