Author: Rhys Gregory

The South Wales Business Awards is making a final call for applications for the 2024 South Wales Business Awards. Applications close Friday 6th September. The awards in their 16th year have championed the very best of Welsh business during an incredibly challenging set of economic headwinds. The South Wales Business Awards are being held Friday 27th September at the Hilton Hotel in Cardiff. Sara Edwards, one of Welsh television and radio’s most popular presenters is once again set to resume hosting duties. The categories for this year’s applications are: Young Entrepreneur of the Year Best New Start-up of the Year…

The public’s views are sought on a coastal defence scheme for Aberystwyth. AtkinsRealis have been working alongside Ceredigion County Council to develop coastal defence structures that will alleviate the coastal flooding problems along the Aberystwyth Seafront. The consultation focuses on coastal flooding caused by the incoming waves, and the wave over-topping of the promenade, which results in the need for regular shingle clearing off the promenade and damage to both the seawall and properties located on the opposite side of the promenade. Councillor Keith Henson, Ceredigion Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways and Environmental Services, said: “According to data, it…

A PROMINENT IT firm celebrating 20 years in business is calling on organisations to be ready for landmark changes to telephone and communication networks in the UK. CATalyst Systems, based in Denbigh and Chester, is working with customers across North Wales, the North West and beyond ahead of The Big Switch Off in 2027. The move will see the phasing out of BT’s ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) and Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) in favour of newer technology including Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). CATalyst Systems owner Rory McGough says this is a watershed moment for the industry, yet…

Last month, our waste enforcement team dealt with 738 reports of fly-tipping across the city. So far, forty-six of those reports have progressed to further investigation thanks to evidence obtained by the team. Eight people have been issued with fixed penalty notices, ranging from £100 to £400, for dumping their waste illegally. In addition, the team has sent two serious environmental crime cases for prosecution to be heard by the magistrates’ court. The waste enforcement team can also provide advice and support to residents on waste and recycling. In July, officers visited 71 properties to help residents sort waste and…

A 37-year-old man who hid in a garden before attacking his ex-partner in the street has been jailed. At the time of the incident, he was subject to a restraining order after deliberately setting fire to her front door four years earlier. Mark Harrison, of City Road, Chester, but originally from Wrexham, appeared before Mold Crown Court for sentencing last week (Thursday, August 22nd). He admitted harassment by breaching a restraining order and assault causing actual bodily harm at a previous hearing. He was sentenced to two years and three months in prison and handed a 10-year restraining order to…

Thousands of athletes will be heading to the county next month as they ‘face the dragon’ at Ironman Wales Pembrokeshire in Tenby. Residents and visitors can prepare for the main event on September 22nd when full and partial road closures will be in place to ensure the safety of competitors and road users. There will also be restrictions in Tenby town centre on Saturday 21st when IRONKIDS from across the county take part in their running races. Start times are 30 minutes later this year due to the tide, with the swim 2.4mile starting at 7.30am at North Beach. This…

A man from Swansea has been sentenced for his part in the theft of motorbikes from numerous different owners. 22-year-old Rhys Kent pleaded guilty to four charges of Handling Stolen Goods on May 8 2024. The total value of the motorcycles involved, which officers found stored at an address in Blaenymaes, was upwards of £18,000. He has been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, to be served concurrently with his four-year term currently being served for drugs offences. Sergeant Elliott Griffin said: “There is a zero-tolerance approach to those found to be handling stolen goods in our area. “We will pursue…

Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, which tells the story of the town including its part in the creation of the iconic Millennium Falcon for Star Wars in 1979, is going from strength to strength thanks to the dedication and commitment of its volunteers and trustees. The independent museum, which is housed in the historic Royal Dockyard Chapel, achieved the UK Museum Accreditation Standard in July 2023. The Standard, which helps museums to be sustainable for the future and safeguards its collections, is managed in Wales by the Welsh Government. The Centre holds a unique collection telling the 200 year history of…

Welsh rugby legend and well-known broadcaster Jonathan Davies OBE has joined leading energy efficiency company Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) as an ambassador. Jonathan, who is well known for representing Wales in both rugby union and rugby league throughout the 1980s and 1990s, as a media personality, as well as his services to charity. He has joined the business to play a role in the company’s development, and increasing people’s awareness of CES’ work. CES, the Swansea-based company which has a workforce of more than 800 people, supports customers in energy-proofing their homes to reduce their carbon footprint and ultimately, their…

Welsh Government’s free language lessons continue to transform the lives of young people and teachers. As the new academic year begins, young people aged 16-25 and school staff across Wales have the opportunity to learn Cymraeg for free. The free Welsh language lessons scheme, funded by the Welsh Government, has been running for two years, with over 3,200 people benefitting from it in 2023-24. Prif Weinidog Eluned Morgan said: “Through this scheme, we’re making it easier than ever for people to learn Welsh and pass the language on to others. I’m delighted that so many have already signed up for…