Author: Rhys Gregory

Accountancy and advisory firm MHA, the UK member firm of Baker Tilly International, has promoted Laura Farrow to Partner in its Cardiff office, strengthening the firm’s leadership team as it continues its growth across Wales. Laura brings nearly 25 years of audit experience, including 18 years with former MHA member firm Broomfield & Alexander. Laura specialises in advising small and medium-sized businesses across South and West Wales in a range of sectors including construction, retail, transport, logistics, technology, hospitality, manufacturing and engineering. An ICAEW-accredited Chartered Accountant, Laura also has significant experience advising UK subsidiaries of international groups. James Dobson, Partner,…

A director of a North Wales estate and lettings agent is marking 25 years with the company. Nicola Blake joined Cavendish at 17 as an office junior, rising through the ranks to become a director almost four years ago. Nicola, who works across Cavendish’s offices in Mold, Ruthin and Chester, said: “I had always been interested in property, so the advert for an office junior sounded perfect when I spotted it in the local paper. “After about five or six years I felt I could make a career in the property sector and new opportunities kept coming along to progress…

In 2019, HBO had the unenviable task of bringing a spin-off to the biggest TV show in the world to life after said show bowed out unceremoniously. Their gambit came in the form of House of the Dragon, needing to recapture the sense of a grand and intricate storyline as well as the stunning visuals that accompanied its predecessor. To achieve this, and in the years since House of the Dragon’s successful landing, the massive American production studio has decided to come to Wales for filming. In doing so, the world of Westeros was brought back to life, even spurring…

Wales really comes alive in summer. The coast feels brighter, the countryside feels more inviting, and even the cities seem easier to enjoy when the days are longer. One of the best things about a summer day out in Wales is the range. You can head for the beach, spend the afternoon walking through green hills, or keep things simple with food, parks, and a relaxed city plan. That variety is part of the appeal, but it also means a little preparation goes a long way. The right destination, the right clothing, and a few essentials can make the difference…

Wales is a genuinely good place to begin cycling. You have cities where cycling is becoming a more normal part of daily travel, smaller towns with manageable roads, and countryside routes that let beginners build confidence away from heavy traffic.  Welsh policy has also kept active travel in the conversation, with Transport for Wales explicitly backing the Welsh Government’s aim of making walking and cycling the preferred choice for shorter trips, while recent National Survey for Wales results show active travel remains a live public issue rather than a niche hobby. Just as importantly, Wales gives new riders options. You…

Local businesses have a hard time competing against their larger counterparts.  Any local business who shares a market with a national or international retailer can struggle to find a foothold.  Larger companies already have the reputation, the ease of access, and the ability to undercut price points that help local businesses thrive.  That’s why local businesses often have to stand out with their own, unique benefits. One of which is the ability to deliver within the local area and surrounding region. Not only does this provide a timely service that’s convenient to the customer, but it also means that local…

When it comes to completing tasks at elevation, safety and efficiency are the two most critical factors. Whether you are a facility manager overseeing warehouse maintenance, a tree surgeon tackling a complex canopy, or a contractor working on a high-rise construction project, selecting the right equipment is paramount. Among the various types of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), the cherry picker – also known as a boom lift – is one of the most versatile. However, the most common mistake made during the hiring process is miscalculating the height required for the job. Choosing a machine from Access Platform Sales that…

If you’re looking for the closest thing to going abroad without a passport, this Cornish coastal town comes pretty close and for families like ours, it worked perfectly. As a family of four, the idea of going abroad isn’t always straightforward. Flights, luggage limits and airport queues can quickly take the shine off what should be a relaxing break. Sometimes, the best option is far simpler. Load up the car with everything you need, from prams and carriers to snacks and spare clothes, and just go. But here’s the thing. If you’re choosing to holiday in the UK, especially with…

Appear Online, the Cardiff-based search marketing agency, is opening a second office in Swansea as part of a planned hiring push across South Wales. The agency, which was recognised at the Cardiff Business Awards in 2024, will retain its headquarters at Brunel House on Fitzalan Road in Cardiff city centre, with the new Swansea base set to house a growing team of SEO, Google Ads and AI optimisation specialists. Co-founders Chris and Andrew say the expansion reflects the volume of work the business has taken on across West Wales in recent years, and a belief that Swansea is ready for…

Work has started on the next phase of a development that will deliver 103 affordable homes in Cardiff. South Wales-based housing organisation United Welsh has confirmed that following extensive remediation and groundworks, the first foundations have been laid at the Sanatorium Road development in Canton. All of the homes will be for social rent – helping to meet the city’s growing need for affordable housing – and allocated to people from the Cardiff Council Common Housing Waiting List. The project will include a mix of apartments and houses, delivered in partnership between United Welsh, Welsh Government, Cardiff Capital Region and Cardiff…