Author: Rhys Gregory

Cardiff-based partners appointed to begin work at The Coal Exchange Hotel to further improve iconic landmark Eden Grove Developments Limited, the freeholder of The Coal Exchange Hotel in Cardiff Bay, has started to appoint the team for works to begin on the north side of the property less than one month after regaining possession of the site. An all Cardiff-based team has been appointed with Burroughs overseeing engineering review and project management requirements, Austin Smith Lord being the appointed architect and with Harrison Clark Rickerbys providing legal advice and support. Speaking of the appointments and the project, a spokesperson for Eden Grove Developments…

Thai restaurant chain Giggling Squid is set to make a splash in Cardiff Bay on March 25th 2024. Nestled along the waterfront with breathtaking harbour views, Giggling Squid promises an unforgettable dining experience that combines mouthwatering cuisine with a stylish and inviting atmosphere. The Cardiff Bay restaurant will be serving Giggling Squid’s new menu for 2024, which includes a plant-based starter, customisable noodles and stir-fry meals, and indulgent desserts. The vegan starter, Salt & Pepper Chilli Mushrooms (£6.50) is a meat-free alternative to their bestselling Salt & Pepper Squid (£8.50). Also on the menu is the new succulent Caramelised Pork Belly (£8.25), bite-sized Crispy…

Automotive and green energy developer, First Hydrogen will begin vehicle trials with gas distribution network, Wales & West Utilities (WWU) later this month. First Hydrogen’s unique hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle (FCEV) will operate from WWU’s Swansea depot, as part of the business’ fleet of 1,300 vehicles, which are deployed across Wales and the south west of England. The FCEV will support network engineers to make customer call outs and undertake repair and maintenance work. The trial will showcase First Hydrogen’s FCEV advantage over battery electric vehicles in range (630 km/400 mile), payload towing and fast refuelling capabilities. The FCEV is…

A HEARTWARMING project supporting elderly care home residents will be rolled out across North Wales. Driven by the community interest company Book of You, based in Ruthin, the Care Home Buddy scheme has been extended to include Wrexham, Flintshire, Anglesey, and Gwynedd following a successful pilot programme in Denbighshire, Conwy, and Pembrokeshire. Volunteers attend residential care homes weekly after being paired up as a ‘buddy’ with a resident who may feel isolated, lonely, and anxious, without friends or family to visit them regularly. Post-pandemic this has been a significant issue, according to project manager Danielle Jones, who is leading a…

Close to 200 city centre businesses are now featured in a free new app that Swansea residents are being encouraged to install. Created and run by the Swansea Business Improvement District (BID), the residents rewards progressive web app is funded by an initial grant from Swansea Council. Replacing the old Big Heart of Swansea app, residents can benefit from the new one by visiting app.bigheartofswansea.co.uk and installing it on their mobile devices. The progressive web app includes access to offers in shops and restaurants in the city centre and a directory of city centre businesses showing information like opening times, their…

A leading local housebuilder has submitted its plans to Swansea Council for a new zero-carbon ready housing development in Pontarddulais. Persimmon Homes West Wales plans to construct 504 zero-carbon ready homes for local people on land south of Glanffrwd Road. The no-gas site will feature one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom houses, which will be powered by air-source heat pumps and solar panels. A number of properties will also be transferred to a housing association partner as part of the housebuilder’s commitment to the local community. As part of the proposed scheme, Persimmon also plans to deliver a new primary school, community…

Leading business figure Alison Orrells is the new Chair of CBI Wales. As Chief Executive Officer of Neath-based The Safety Letterbox Company, Alison has overseen the company’s rise to become the UK’s leading manufacturer of mailboxes and parcel boxes with the products sold worldwide. Alison has also worked in senior management roles for major UK retail groups, is a founding board member of Manufacturing Wales and chairs Sketty Hall Business School’s advisory board. She succeeded Lance Burn in the role. Alison Orrells, CBI Wales Chair, CEO, The Safety Letterbox Company, said: “I’m excited to Chair CBI Wales. I am acutely…

Cymru will kick off the new year with a friendly against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. The game, which will take place at Shamrock Rovers’ Tallaght Stadium, will kick off at 7:30pm on Tuesday 27th February 2024 and aid Cymru’s preparations for the upcoming UEFA Women’s European 2025 qualifying campaign. Following the departure of Gemma Grainger, interim head coach Jon Grey will oversee proceedings for the fixture against Ireland, who sit 24th in the world rankings and reached the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals last summer. Grey said: “The Republic of Ireland are eight places above us in the…

One of the world’s greenest adventure parks is going to be even greener after drilling down 250 feet to find its own water supply deep under the foothills of Eryri. Crystal clear water from the bore hole at GreenWood Family Park, in Felinheli, in Gwynedd, is due to be coming on stream by Easter – just in time for the main tourism season. The discovery coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Green Dragon, the planet’s only zero carbon rollercoaster which goes on a 250 metre loop through the park’s woods. It’s one of more than 30 rides and attractions…

Swansea Building Society has announced the appointment of Lynn Pamment CBE as a Non-Executive Director (NED), further enhancing the depth and breadth of experience within the Society’s board. Pamment brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as a Non-Executive Director. A first-class honours graduate from University College Cardiff and an ICAEW prize-winning Chartered Accountant, Pamment has demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout her career. She is also a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. Pamment currently serves as the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) of the States of Jersey, a prestigious seven-year fixed-term, part-time appointment…