Author: Rhys Gregory

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…

Thousands more people will automatically receive at-home bowel screening tests to help save more lives. Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, with more than 2,000 people diagnosed every year in Wales. But when caught in its early stages, the cancer is treatable, curable and survival chances increase significantly. From Wednesday 9 October, 50-year-olds registered with a GP in Wales will be offered self-screening for bowel cancer for the first time and will receive a screening kit in the post. Screening can help spot bowel cancer before symptoms start and detect polyps – noncancerous growths –…

A university graduate is urging students to explore internships after securing a role at a leading North Wales PR agency. Sophia Thomas has joined Outwrite PR as an account executive but is no stranger to the firm after completing a placement 12 months ago. The 23-year-old, who was awarded a first-class degree in media and communications by Swansea University, spent time with the team in the summer of 2023. And with Outwrite seeking to bolster its team, Sophia impressed during the interview process and landed a permanent position at the agency. Her appointment comes as Outwrite has won new contracts…

Thousands of runners and spectators took to the streets of the Welsh capital for the 21st edition of the Principality Cardiff Half Marathon. It was the event’s biggest yet with more than 29,000 people signed up to take part across the junior races on Saturday and Sunday’s main event – including elites, fancy dress runners and those running to raise money for charity. The event attracted a strong elite field with both Patrick Mosin and Miriam Chebet completing a Kenyan clean-sweep in the Men and Women’s races. The 24-year-old Mosin surged away from 2023 champion Vincent Mutai to take his…