Author: Rhys Gregory

The productivity of mid-sized businesses (MSB) in Wales is being dragged down by a lack of key skills, according to new data from leading business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP.  The firm’s latest Business Outlook Tracker* found that just over three quarters of business leaders (76%) believe that a lack of vital skills is affecting productivity levels. Digital skills were identified as the most in need (29%), followed by leadership skills (24%).     The survey of mid-sized regional businesses revealed that 66% were planning to invest more or the same in skills development over the next six months. Many…

FIM Speedway GP of Great Britain – Cardiff ticketholders can get their 2024 event started in style and witness the first-ever Principality Stadium sprint race on Friday, August 16 at 15:00 UK time. The sport’s biggest stars go wheel to wheel in the Welsh capital on Saturday, August 17 at 17:00 UK time, battling it out over 23 action-packed heats in Britain’s biggest indoor motorsport event. But this year, fans have the chance to witness even more high-stakes action on Friday afternoon. Qualifying Practice for the FIM Speedway GP of Great Britain – Cardiff will be open to the public,…

Police are continuing to support the family of John Tossell, who went missing five years ago today while on holiday on the Greek island of Zakynthos (Zante). John, from Bridgend, was last seen on Monday, June 17, 2019. The now 78-year-old was on holiday with his partner in the village of Argassi, heading towards a monastery on Mount Skopos. Despite searches by the Greek authorities, and later by a team from the Western Beacons Mountain Rescue, he has not been found. His family have appealed for anyone who may have been in the area to think about whether they saw…

A 51-year-old man has been jailed after setting fire to his own home and then leaving. Marcus Rahilly, of Green Terrace, Trefor, appeared at Mold Crown Court yesterday, Monday June 17th, after being found guilty of arson with intent to endanger life. Shortly after 3am on October 11th 2023, emergency services were called to a house fire on Green Terrace in Trefor. Rahilly, who was the tenant at the housing association property, had set fire to clothing in a bedroom before leaving the building. Less than two minutes later, the fire alarm started sounding. A neighbour heard the alarm and…

AN AMBITIOUS plan by Neath Port Talbot Council to transform areas around its offices at The Quays on the Baglan Energy Park into wildflower areas is gathering pace. There is a nature emergency in Wales, with one in six species at risk of extinction and since World War II, the UK has lost 97% of its wildflower meadows. This is having a devastating effect on bees and other pollinators so management of land at The Quays has changed as part of the council’s NPT Bee Friendly scheme. This includes grassland areas in publicly owned sites and roadside verges and expands…

A Haverfordwest shop owner has admitted selling illegal vapes following a Pembrokeshire County Council Trading Standards investigation. Trading Standards officers had received information that Vape Zone based in Market Street, Haverfordwest, was selling non-compliant vapes. The business was visited on October 3rd 2023 and the shop assistant given advice regarding illegal vapes and underage sales. There was a large stock of illegal vapes on open display in the store. The tanks ranged from 10ml to 18ml with 4,000 puffs to 9000 puffs. The maximum tank capacity permitted by the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 is 2ml (around 600 puffs).…

On 1 July, the Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (Wales) Order 2024 will be introduced to facilitate an industry-led approach to eradicating the disease. Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) is a widespread viral disease affecting cattle, which can lead to abortion, infertility, deformed calves, and compromised herd health and welfare, particularly among young stock. Herds infected with BVD often experience increased cases of calf pneumonia and scours, as well as reduced productivity and other cattle health and welfare issues. BVD is not recognised to be a risk to public health or food safety. Cattle sector representatives and Welsh Government have been closely working…

Wrexham Motorfest is back by popular demand, promising an action-packed day filled with thrilling automotive displays, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Scheduled for Saturday, 27th July, from 11am to 6pm at Penyllan Farm in Marchwiel, this year’s event promises a spectacular celebration of all things automotive and raise vital funds for Nightingale House Hospice. Organised by Nightingale House Hospice and the Wrexham Council Events Team, 2024 is set to be a standout event in the community calendar. The event is free to attend, but donations are encouraged to support the services and care Nightingale House provides people and their families…

Luxury hotel and spa voco St David’s Cardiff has appointed a new Director of Sales. John King has joined the five-star hotel following his most recent position as Director of Sales and Marketing at the Radisson Blu Cardiff. King’s new role will see him managing the sales operation of the iconic waterfront hotel as it undertakes a multimillion-pound investment plan in its 25th year of operation. In the last year, owners have invested £650,000 into the hotel’s top floor, now named the Tiger Bay floor, £190,000 into its meetings and events offering and onsite gym, as well as £300,000 into…

The time spent in nature is considered to be the best quality of rest. Especially now, when technological progress is constantly adding new devices to our lives and changing them, relaxing and enjoying the incredible scenery can be even better than an expensive vacation. Photo hunting among such tourists is becoming increasingly popular because it allows them to feel a part of nature and capture specific moments in the footage. Such a vacation will enable you to combine your passion for photography and tourism while studying the diversity of wildlife and the exciting life of its inhabitants. The main reason…