Author: Rhys Gregory

Business confidence in Wales improved in Q1 2026 but has remained in negative territory as the Iran War dampened optimism, a survey of chartered accountants published today has found. ICAEW’s Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) for Q1 2026 put sentiment at -3.7 on the index, an increase on the previous reading of -7.8 but below the national average. Although confidence increased during the survey period, it declined in the final weeks of the survey following the conflict in the Middle East. The Iran war has led to higher fuel prices and a rise in global uncertainty, presenting a significant risk to…

Coed Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales, has launched a new manifesto setting out the case for trees and woodland as essential infrastructure for a healthier, fairer and more resilient Wales. Published ahead of the next Senedd term, Rooted Together calls on the next Welsh Government to place trees and woods at the heart of decision-making on public health, planning, farming, climate resilience and the economy. The manifesto sets out how investment in trees can help tackle some of the biggest challenges facing Wales; from pressure on public services and widening inequality, to flooding, farm resilience, green jobs and long-term…

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police and the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT) are delighted to announce that 20 local community projects have secured funding through the Your Community, Your Choice 2026 initiative. Following a public vote, the successful projects will receive a share of £60,000 to help bring to life plans that reduce crime, tackle anti-social behaviour, and strengthen community safety across North Wales. In total, 34 projects were shortlisted by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in partnership with North Wales Police and PACT, with the final winners…

Wales is set to enjoy a spell of warm and sunny weather over the coming days, although chilly nights and early morning fog could catch some off guard. According to the Met Office, Thursday will remain bright and sunny across much of the country once any early cloud clears. Conditions will turn slightly hazy from the south later in the afternoon, but lighter winds compared to earlier in the week will help temperatures climb to around 20°C. Despite the pleasant daytime conditions, temperatures are expected to drop sharply overnight. Clear skies and light winds will allow for patchy cloud to…

Emergency services in Bridgend have issued a warning to motorists after a joint operation in Porthcawl highlighted the dangers of inconsiderate parking. The operation, carried out earlier this week by the neighbourhood policing team alongside the fire service, ambulance service, parking enforcement and the Bridgend Community Safety Partnership, focused on vehicles blocking access for emergency responders. A fire engine was taken to key locations across Porthcawl to demonstrate the real challenges crews face when trying to navigate streets obstructed by poorly parked cars. Officers and partner agencies also spoke with residents and drivers, offering advice and handing out information on…

Emergency services have been called to a fire near Rhondda Golf Club, with residents urged to take precautions. South Wales Police confirmed that both police and fire crews are currently in attendance at the scene following reports of a blaze in the area. As a precaution, local residents are being advised to keep their windows closed while emergency services deal with the incident. The extent of the fire and any potential impact on surrounding properties has not yet been confirmed. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.

Two men from Carmarthenshire have been jailed after being caught supplying Class A drugs. 23-year-old Jac Cadman and 31-year-old Jamie Cook, both from Ammanford, were identified when two officers on mobile patrol in Blaenymaes, Swansea on Friday March 13 spotted that the vehicle they were in was registered and insured to a provisional licence holder. Cadman and Cook’s suspicious behaviour within the vehicle prompted the officers to carry out a Misuse of Drugs Act search, during which a snap bag containing white powder was found in Cadman’s pocket, alongside £470 in cash and bank cards belonging to other people. Four…

The Bryn Meadows Caerphilly 10K and 2K have sold out for the second year running, with record numbers set to take part in one of the town’s biggest annual sporting events. Organisers have confirmed that 2,500 runners will line up for the 10K, alongside a further 1,200 participants in the 2K race, when the event returns on Sunday 10 May 2026. The continued sell-out success highlights the growing popularity of the event, which has become a firm fixture in the local running calendar, attracting participants from across the region. This year’s 10K will feature a newly designed route, introduced following…

A storage company will help put North Wales on the global football map this summer. Lock Stock Self Storage has been named official storage parter for the UEFA Euro Under 19 tournament. The company will see its branding showcased to millions worldwide as Europe’s brightest and best you footballers compete across four venues, Central Park in Denbigh, Bangor City Stadium, the Oval in Caernarfon, and Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground. The tournament runs from June 28 to July 11 and promises glimpses of the game’s next generation. Wales was selected to host the prestigious competition during the 150th anniversary years of the…

A talented West Wales chef is ready for the biggest culinary competition of his life on home soil next month, with a global honour at stake. Sam Everton, 26, from Llangeler, Llandysul, will be representing Wales in the Global Chefs Challenge final at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo which is being held at ICC Wales, Newport from May 16–19. He and his commis chef, Tyler Richardson from Y Seler, Aberaeron, will be competing against 15 of the world’s best chefs in the final on Sunday, May 17. Supporters are being urged to go along with their Welsh flags to cheer…