Author: Rhys Gregory

Construction workloads in Wales were broadly flat during the first quarter of 2024 according to the results of the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Construction Monitor. However, respondents expect improvement in the year ahead. A net balance of +2% of Welsh respondents reported that construction workloads rose through Q1 2024, an improvement from -16% in the previous quarter. Public housing was the only subsector were workloads were seen to be rising solidly. However, some of the more negative balances in the previous quarter, such as private housebuilding and private industrial activity, are now seeing broadly flat activity rather…

Business advisory firm Quantuma have completed a pre-pack administration sale of vehicle recovery and maintenance business Lanes Recovery Limited (Lanes). This secures the future of the business and protects all jobs. Quantuma’s managing directors, Andrew Watling and Carl Jackson were appointed as Joint Administrators of Lanes on 16 April 2024 and completed the sale of its business and assets shortly thereafter to Lanes Garage Recovery Services Ltd. All 59 staff were transferred to the purchaser under TUPE. Founded in 2018, with its roots tracing back to a family business established in 1951, Lanes provides vehicle recovery, maintenance and storage services…

A man from Neath Port Talbot has been jailed after he was found guilty of multiple child sex offences. 32-year-old Craig Botterill, from Baglan, was found guilty of sexual assault, sexual assault by penetration and rape of a child. Botterill has been sentenced to 10 years in prison at Swansea Crown Court this week. He will be on the sex offenders register for life. Detective Inspector Sharon Gill-Lewis said: “This investigation, led by Detective Constable Jessica Williams, has resulted in the conviction and sentencing of Craig Botterill – a dangerous individual who has caused an unimaginable level of damage to…

Culture Secretary, Lesley Griffiths has visited to Caerphilly Castle to see how a £10m investment at one of Wales’ finest historic sites is progressing. The project will be key in heightening the experience of visitors and is part of a wider regeneration plan for Caerphilly town centre. The investments at Caerphilly Castle aim to make it a world-class visitor attraction while conserving the monument and preserving its history. Work taking place at the castle includes refurbishing the Great Hall, where medieval banquets would have taken place. As well as this, the project includes a wildflower garden, new interpretation and improvements…

Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies recently met with local fishers at Swansea Maritime Quarter. The Cabinet Secretary gained an insight into local fisheries in Swansea Bay and the South Wales Region as he met with Barry Thomas, Swansea and Director of South Wales & West Fishing Communities; Jim Evans, CEO, Welsh Fisherman’s Association (WFA); and Kevin Denman, Director of South Wales and West Communities, and the WFA. It was a chance to discuss a range of topics including the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. The newly appointed Cabinet Secretary, said: “As I begin this…

Food stalls, workshops and dance performances on stage will all feature in a celebration of Indian culture that’s soon taking place in Swansea. Organised by the Indian Society of South West Wales, Mela 2024 is being held at the Brangwyn Hall on Saturday May 11. Lasting from 10am to 6pm, the event will also include Indian clothes stalls, jewellery and craft stalls, a henna artist and stalls showcasing a number of local businesses. Cookery, yoga and menopause wellbeing workshops are among those being held on the day. At Swansea’s last Mela event in 2022, over 600 people attended. Sindhu Mahadeven,…

A MULTI award-winning organic farm estate launched its own charitable trust to promote sustainability, healthy eating and give disadvantaged children from urban areas an opportunity to experience nature and the countryside. Rhug Estate, based near Corwen in North Wales, welcomes tens of thousands of visitors every year and has raised money for many UK and international organisations and campaigns, including the NSPCC, Awyr Las, Hope House Hospice, and humanitarian appeals for Ukraine. More than 1,500 school children enjoyed trips to the 12-500 acre site – which includes a farm shop, drive thru, retail operation, sustainable meat processing plant and Wild…

The Haywain in Caldicot, Gwent welcomes pub-goers back following an extensive 3-week refurbishment. Boasting a brighter, new modern look, the renovation has seen the pub undergo a complete transformation. A refreshed bar, new soft furnishings and an enhanced dining area has given the pub a new lease of life, providing guests with a relaxed, welcoming environment to enjoy their visit. Along with the new look, The Haywain has introduced an all-new food menu featuring exciting and delicious dishes such as the ever-so indulgent Laying it on Chick Burger, mouth-watering Tandoori Chicken sizzling skillet and the impressive Giant Gyros. If that…

BOLESWORTH CASTLE is reaching for the skies with a new attraction to be launched this summer. Spectacular hot air balloon flights and displays will form part of the epic and much-anticipated Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival, which runs from June 6-16. Following the success of last year’s inaugural Cheshire Balloon Fiesta – which took place at the 6,000-acre Tattenhall estate, near Chester and Wrexham, in 2023 – Bolesworth has added the adrenaline-fuelled activity to its line-up on the weekend of June 14-16. The action-packed programme will include more than 20 balloon launches, iconic tethered balloons, ‘Meet the Pilot’ and ‘Basket and Burners’…

Two Welsh charities that help inspire young people through science education and help those living with cancer to access financial support are among those chosen for support from the ScottishPower Foundation this year. Some of the most forward-thinking and progressive charities across the country will use this backing to support vulnerable people, local communities and the environment. Twenty charities across Scotland, England and Wales have been awarded funding totalling almost £1.2 million for projects committed to tackling current issues, from cost-of-living support and raising aspirations for the next generation to protecting the environment and celebrating cultural diversity. The ScottishPower Foundation…