Author: Rhys Gregory

The Welsh Government has announced that the new Ynys Mon Freeport special status has gone live this week. Ynys Mon (Anglesey) joins the other freeport in Wales, the Celtic Freeport of Port Talbot and Milford Haven, which went live in November. The freeports will form special zones for business with tax and customs benefits, and funding for key infrastructure and skills projects. The Welsh freeports are distinctive as they include fair work, union recognition and the involvement of local authorities. Freeports are designed to promote regeneration and the creation of high-quality jobs. They also aim to become a national hub for…

On the back of a highly successful event in Swansea in 2024, the Child of Wales Awards has unveiled a new headline sponsor – and will now officially open nominations for 2025 on January 25, 2025. Ascona Group, one of the UK’s fastest growing forecourt operators, has entered into a year-long partnership with Child of Wales, which culminates in a prestigious annual event, which shines a bright light on the remarkable achievements and resilience of the young people of Wales, while raising vital funds for charities dedicated to supporting children across the nation. The Pembrokeshire-based company has a network of 62…

A leading science visitor attraction in the centre of Wrexham is celebrating the “huge impact” it has made in the region thanks to its community engagement work. Xplore! Science Discovery Centre has maintained its educational roots and ethos by showcasing STEAM whilst building upon its reputation as a top visitor attraction, with accolades including a 5-star rating by Visit Wales. A key part of its activity has centred around the introduction of three new science exhibits, taking the total on offer to more than 85. The trio includes a human-sized hamster wheel, stop-motion animation table, and Archimedes spiral. Across the…

HUNDREDS of learners and staff at Coleg Cambria joined a celebration of business and innovation. The college marked Global Entrepreneurship Week with events and activities at its sites in Northop, Wrexham and Deeside. Cambria organised interactive workshops and sessions with industry leaders, Big Ideas Wales mentors and well-known business owners including Tanya Whitebits CEO Shoned Owen, artist Liz Williams and Beatriz Albo, founder of Spanish sauces company, Sabor de Amor. Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Coordinator Judith Alexander said the programme provided opportunities to develop and apply skills such as financial literacy, creativity, a proactive mindset, innovation, problem-solving, time-management and resilience. “Global Entrepreneurship…

Principality Building Society announces the appointment of Garry Stran, to its Board as a Non-Executive Director. Having spent a considerable part of his career in the mutual sector, Garry has over 25 years of executive experience across the financial services sector, with a focus on credit risk management and operational and cultural transformation. He has held senior and non-executive level positions at notable organisations including Nationwide, PCF Bank, WH Ireland and Computershare Loan Services. Garry has a proven track record of commercial success and supporting organisations to execute strategic transformational change, with focus on technology and customer value. In addition…

A 35-year-old man who controlled his ex-partner has been jailed. Justin Nicholas Harvey, Tan Yr Efail, Holyhead, appeared at Mold Crown Court on January 15th after admitting to controlling and coercive behaviour. Harvey repeatedly subjected his ex-partner to controlling behaviour during their four-year relationship, which included assaulting her and damaging her property. He was jailed for three years and four months and was made subject of a restraining order lasting 20 years. Detective Constable Katy Hughes said: “I commend the victim for her bravery following the abuse she suffered from Harvey. “Domestic abuse comes in many forms, including controlling and…

Rugby fever will ignite Cardiff from the end of the month, as DEPOT prepares to host an electrifying Six Nations Fanzone experience! The excitement kicks off on Friday, 31st January 2025, with the opening clash: France vs. Wales. Gather your squad and immerse yourself in a celebration of sport, street food, and live music; whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply soaking up the atmosphere, the DEPOT is the ultimate venue to support the boys in red. What to Expect at DEPOT’s Six Nations Fanzone: Huge Match Day Screens: Witness every try, tackle, and triumph live on massive screens. Sensational Street Food: Savour mouth-watering dishes from local…

Business confidence in Wales has fallen into negative territory following disappointing sales growth and uncertainty from the autumn Budget, a survey of business leaders has found. Sentiment tracked by ICAEW’s Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) for Wales, published today put confidence at -12.1 on the index for Q4 2024, well below the UK average of 0.2. Having been identified as the most confident in the UK during the previous quarter, Welsh companies are now some of the least optimistic in the country. Although domestic sales growth remained steady, performance continues to lag both the Welsh and UK historical averages. However, despite…

A PIONEERING pet retailer lined up another paw-some calendar of events as it prepares for further growth in 2025. A busy year for PetPlace – which has stores in Llangefni, Ruthin, Mold and Gledrid, Oswestry, and a HQ in Kinmel Bay – looks set to be replicated and even bettered over the coming 12 months. Reflecting on a “challenging year” for the industry, Managing Director Sion Pritchard said the award-winning company performed well and plans to provide loyal customers with even more incentives and activities from this month onwards. “Our amazing team are so dedicated and worked hard during what…

A year-long undercover investigation by BBC Wales has prompted calls for a far right group to be banned and for the police to investigate some of its members who were secretly filmed making racist comments and saying migrants who refuse to leave the UK should be shot. Broadcasting this week on BBC iPlayer and BBC One Wales at 9.00pm, the BBC Wales Investigates programme, Unmasked: Extreme Far Right, follows a year-long investigation into far right group, Patriotic Alternative. Former Counter-Extremism Commissioner Dame Sara Khan believes the UK government should urgently change the law to make groups like Patriotic Alternative illegal.…