Author: Rhys Gregory

Cardiff-based home energy efficiency business, City Energy Network (CEN), has announced that it will need to recruit at least 2,000 new workers over the next three years to meet rapidly growing demand for its services, which include insulation, heat pump, solar panel, battery storage, EV charging, and smart meter installation. CEN’s announcement comes as the UK Government is preparing to launch a major new Warm Homes Plan to improve home energy efficiency in five million homes across the UK. As it stands, there is a shortage of skilled workers who can turn the Government’s plan into reality. CEN, which has…

The UK’s most outstanding recent building projects went head-to-head for top national accolades at the RICS Awards Grand Final last night, where Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs Visitor Centre was awarded Land Management & Sustainable Development project of the year. Built in the late-19th century, Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs are a Victorian landmark. After acquiring the site in 2016, Welsh Water worked closely with the local community to transform the site into a health and well-being hub. The redevelopment includes three projects which opened to the public last year. It comprises of the visitor centre, and community woodland projects as well…

The UK’s leading mental health charity, Mind, alongside local charity Mind in Gwent, have announced they will become the lead charity partner of the ABP Newport Marathon Festival. Both charities work to ensure no one has to face a mental health problem alone, and it’s through incredible fundraisers and donations that it’s able to help. While Mind provides support and campaigns for mental health across England and Wales, Mind in Gwent focusses on working in providing support specifically within the communities across Newport, Monmouthshire, Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent. Together they have joined forces to partner with the ABP Newport Marathon…

Friday 27th September saw the elite of the Welsh business community gather to recognise their achievements at the 16th annual South Wales Business Awards. Hosted by one of Welsh television and radio’s most popular presenters Sara Edwards at the iconic Hilton Hotel – Cardiff. 2024 has broken all records for the volume and standard of applications. The independent judging panel found the process incredibly challenging to pick this year’s winners. The winners of the South Wales Business Awards are as follows: Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Rhys Mallows – Mallows Bottling Young Entrepreneur of the Year (SME) – Chandler…

Transport for Wales has made significant progress with the reliability and punctuality of its services over the last year, new figures from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR)* have shown. New data for the period April to June 2024 shows TfW has made the biggest improvement of any UK train company for punctuality (+8.1% improvement) and reliability (cancellations reduced by 3.2%), compared to the same period in 2023. TfW also tops the list for the biggest change in trains planned, with a 26.7% increase in the number of trains planned between April and June this year compared to the…

Pembrokeshire County Council has taken a key step toward securing a stronger economic future for the county with the approval of the Celtic Freeport full business case. The Freeport represents a new opportunity to help Wales continue to develop a globally competitive, inclusive and sustainable economy. Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller, cabinet member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said: “This is a tremendously exciting period for the Haven waterway and for Pembrokeshire as a whole. “We couldn’t be more closely aligned with the aspirations of UK and Welsh Government in terms of energy transition and our role is to…

OVER 50 food businesses in Rhondda Cynon Taf have received a FIVE rating for their ‘Scores On The Doors’ in May and June 2024. The ‘Scores On The Doors’ or to use its official name – the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme helps residents choose where to eat out or shop for food by giving them clear information about the businesses’ hygiene standards. The Food Standards Agency run the scheme in partnership with all local authorities in Wales. The scheme gives businesses a rating from 5 to 0 which is displayed at their premises and online so residents can make a…

RCT Council has now completed a significant repair scheme to the Gelli Isaf Tramroad Bridge, which is located off the Cynon Trail between Trecynon and Hirwaun. The repairs have been sympathetically delivered across two phases of work, respecting the structure’s Scheduled Monument status. The historic bridge spans the Afon Cynon at a location to the north-west of the former Mayhew Chicken Factory site, and the work has been carried out with minimal disruption to the community due to its location away from residential areas. The main Cynon Trail route has also remained unaffected throughout. Phase one work was previously completed…

Caerphilly County Borough Council has officially approved its ambitious Waste Strategy following a comprehensive 12-week public consultation and detailed consideration of feedback from residents. The strategy, which sets the Council’s long-term plan to exceed statutory recycling and decarbonisation targets set by Welsh Government, was endorsed by full Council on 1st October 2024. The strategy is built around five core objectives: Reduce overall waste arisings. Increase repair and reuse initiatives. Boost the proportion and quality of recycled material. Enhance the use of renewable energy. Support residents in managing their waste more sustainably. Following a Cabinet meeting on the 18th September, a…

nternational speakers and delegates will gather in Cardiff next week as Wales hosts the international Circular Economy Hotspot for the first time. First held in the Netherlands in 2016 the event has now expanded across the world, with Wales hosting the event in Europe alongside events in South Africa and North and South America. The three-day event features an international conference, a circular economy showcase exhibition and a programme of site visits, designed to engage delegates on key aspects of the circular economy and promote action to accelerate a green transition. The event will also give delegates first-hand insight into…