Author: Rhys Gregory

New data shows a significant 20% fall in new HIV cases in Wales last year, as more people than ever have been tested. The latest data in the Public Health Wales’ HIV annual report, which is being published today [Wednesday 5 November], shows new HIV diagnoses fell to 73 cases in 2024, down from 91 in 2023. At the same time there was an 8.3% increase in the number of tests carried out, with more than 133,000 people being tested for HIV. Almost a fifth of people used a free at-home testing service – either the online Test and Post…

Mae’r stori hon hefyd ar gael yn Saesneg – cliciwch yma i’w darllen. Mae pobl ar eu gwyliau yng Nghymru yn mynd i elwa o Fil newydd gyda’r nod o ddatblygu twristiaeth yng Nghymru a chynyddu faint o lety ymwelwyr o ansawdd uchel sydd ar gael. Bydd angen trwydded ar ddarparwyr llety gwyliau a bydd rhaid iddynt fodloni set o safonau sy’n dangos bod y llety yn addas ar gyfer ymwelwyr. Bydd y cynllun trwyddedu newydd yn berthnasol i lety hunangynhwysol, hunanarlwyo fel bythynnod gwyliau a fflatiau. Bydd angen i ddarparwyr fodloni safon ‘addasrwydd ar gyfer llety ymwelwyr’ i gael trwydded, a…

This story is also available in Welsh – click here to read it. Holidaymakers in Wales are set to benefit from a new Bill to support the development of tourism in Wales and drive up higher quality visitor accommodation. Providers of holiday accommodation will need a licence and meet a set of standards showing that the accommodation is fit for visitors. The new licensing scheme will cover self-contained, self-catering accommodation like holiday cottages and flats. Providers will need to meet a ‘fitness for visitor accommodation’ standard to get a licence, by showing they have gas and electrical safety certificates, insurance, along with…

Officers in Pentrebane have been given extra powers to prevent gatherings, illegal use of fireworks and associated anti-social behaviour over the Bonfire period. The order is a preventative measure following reports in the area of fireworks being at directed at properties and vehicles on Halloween. A 48-hour dispersal order, which is granted under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, is in place from 4pm yesterday (Tuesday, November 4) to 6am on Thursday, November 6. Under Section 35 of the act, police officers can instruct anybody who is causing, or is likely to cause harassment, alarm,…

South Wales Police have confirmed that the M4 is currently closed in the eastbound direction between junction 38 for Margam and junction 37 for Pyle. The closure is in place due to ongoing emergency roadworks and is expected to remain during daylight hours. There is currently no confirmed timescale for when the carriageway will reopen. Traffic is being diverted via the A48 at Pyle, and drivers are being urged to avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible. A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “The M4 at junction 38 for Margam to junction 37 Pyle is closed in…

Steel framework installation has now begun at the site of the new Caerphilly Leisure and Wellbeing Hub, marking a major milestone in the construction of this flagship community facility. The first sections form part of the new sports hall, with further framework to follow in the coming weeks as the development continues to progress. Once complete, the hub will bring together sport, fitness, wellbeing and community spaces under one roof, creating a modern, inclusive environment designed to support active and healthy lifestyles for residents across the borough. The £38 million investment is being delivered through a combination of funding, including…

Protium, one of the UK’s leading green hydrogen energy companies, is proud to share that it is in the advanced stages of construction on its second hydrogen production facility in South Wales. Known as “Pioneer 2,” the new facility is a significant step forward in Protium’s mission to deliver reliable, scalable green hydrogen energy across the UK. The new facility builds on the success of Protium’s existing Pioneer 1 site, also located in South Wales. Together, the two projects form the foundation of a growing network of green hydrogen energy assets designed to decarbonise the UK’s hardest-to-electrify sectors, such as…

Ahead of COP30 later this month, leading global accountancy body ACCA has created a unique, unified approach to responsible investment, comprehensively integrating sustainability considerations into strategy. In Understanding Responsible Investment ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) has produced – in collaboration with the Universities of Witwatersrand and Leeds – a comprehensive yet concise framework setting out the right links between environmental and social issues and capital allocation and investment decisions. By following eight steps an organisation can map how its financial success is linked to environmental and social considerations. A generally accepted definition of responsible investment has never existed…

When you think about your experience in a commercial space, what comes to mind? For many, the feeling of comfort plays a big role. You might not realize it, but efficient electrical systems contribute significantly to this comfort. Poor lighting, inconsistent temperatures, and unexpected power outages can turn any promising workplace into an uncomfortable hassle.  Reducing energy waste not only cuts costs but also improves the environment you work in. Lower utility bills mean that savings can be passed on to you in various ways, possibly improving amenities and services. You might notice better lighting, more reliable temperature control, or…

Many small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face resource constraints that limit their capacity to hire full-time financial leadership. A flexible solution exists in the form of a Financial Director (FD) or Chief Financial Officer (CFO). These professionals provide strategic financial guidance without the hefty price tag associated with a full-time executive. Here are six ways a financial director can support your growing business. Strategic Financial Insights A Financial Director guides the strategic direction of a business by offering meaningful, data-driven financial insights. They analyse financial reports, performance metrics, and market activity to help leadership teams make informed decisions aligned with…