Author: Rhys Gregory

A new grant has been launched for Swansea businesses looking to develop new products, commercialise ideas or develop processes which support innovation and growth. Funding of up to £10,000 can now be applied for, thanks to the Innovation Grant scheme now available from Swansea Council through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. Examples of eligible projects include: Support for developing and testing new products or services, including prototyping. Patent drafting and filing costs. Research and development of processes, products or services. Testing of innovation ideas. Market research, scoping projects or competitor analysis to test and identify gaps in the market.…

Two men have been disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years after they admitted to failing to provide a suitable environment for 24 cats. Martin Clowes and Gavin James Cromwell both of Margam, pleaded guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act in that they both failed to meet the needs of 24 cats in terms of a suitable environment. The court heard that the RSPCA were called by South Wales Fire & Rescue Service on 22 March last year – to assist them at a property on Pyle Road following a house fire. Tragically a total of 11…

An event to celebrate the successful conclusion of a pilot programme for therapy practitioners at Hywel Dda University Health Board was held on Friday evening at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD). The Therapy Assistant Practitioner (TAP) Diploma is the first of its kind in Wales and is a collaboration between UWTSD, Hywel Dda, Agored Cymru and Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), the strategic workforce body for NHS Wales. Following the successful pilot, the programme is now being offered across Wales via the Welsh Government’s Apprenticeship Framework through Coleg Sir Gar. Participants already enrolled onto the programme…

The regeneration of Atlantic Wharf took another step forward this week, with a new report providing an update on the proposal to redevelop The Red Dragon site which – along with the new indoor arena – is a key project to stimulate the next-phase regeneration of Cardiff Bay. In January 2020, Cardiff Council acquired The Red Dragon Site so that the council had full control over the land required to enable the development of a new 15,000-capacity indoor arena, and to facilitate the investment into the wider Atlantic Wharf site. The 30-acre site, which includes the Red Dragon site and…

A plan to invest in Cardiff’s skatepark infrastructure which could see six new skateparks built by 2032 and many existing skateparks converted into modern concrete-built layouts, has been agreed by Cardiff Council. The ‘Skateboard Amenities Strategy,’ which was developed by Cardiff Council with the support of internationally renowned skate park consultants Van de Zalm and New Line Skate Parks, aims to support and grow the skateboarding community, foster a diverse user group, and create skate amenities that support a wide range of uses and skill levels. Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said: “We want as…

Senior figures from Swansea Council and the Welsh Government have toured the Mumbles sea defences project. Council leader Rob Stewart and minister for climate change Julie James were among those who saw that progress is being made as the council works to protect the community from storms and rising sea levels in coming years and decades. Fellow guests included council cabinet member for environment and infrastructure Andrew Stevens, fellow cabinet members, Senedd Member for Gower Rebecca Evans and Gower MP Tonia Antoniazzi. The large-scale project, mainly funded by the Welsh Government, is being delivered for the council by main contractors…

Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Cabinet could agree for phase two of this year’s Budget consultation to focus on a draft strategy put forward by officers, proposing how the Council could set a balanced budget for 2024/25 amid the significant financial challenges being faced. At their meeting on Wednesday, January 24, Cabinet will consider a detailed report that proposes a draft strategy in response to the large Budget gap being faced. December’s provisional Local Government Settlement included a 2.8% funding increase for Rhondda Cynon Taf, and the Budget gap following this was £36.65m. All councils in Wales are facing significant challenges to…

Caerphilly County Borough Council is pleased to present its extensive 2024–25 events schedule, which includes a wide range of engaging events designed to provide something for everyone. This year’s lineup will see the return of numerous popular events starting this spring. Here are the key dates to remember: Spring Events Date Ystrad Mynach Spring Fair Saturday 23rd March 2024 Blackwood Spring Fair Saturday 13th April 2024 Caerphilly Food & Drink Festival Saturday 27th April 2024 Bargoed May Fair Saturday 4th May 2024 Caerphilly 10k Sunday 12th May 2024 Summer Events Date Risca Beach Party Saturday 8th June – Sunday 9th June 2024 Pride Caerffili Saturday 15th June 2024…

Almost £11 million in Shared Prosperity Fund (Levelling Up) grants has been awarded to 66 projects that will benefit Powys over the last 12 months. Powys Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) Local Partnership Board has been reviewing and approving a range of bids since February 2023, following four open calls for applications. It is responsible for deciding how the just over £26 million in SPF money allocated to Powys for 2022-25, by the UK Government as part of its Levelling Up programme, should be spent. The objectives of Levelling Up are to: Boost productivity, pay, jobs and living standards Spread opportunities…

A reminder is going out to businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors in Pembrokeshire to apply for rate relief. Welsh Government announced the retail, leisure and hospitality rates relief scheme in Wales for 2023/24. Properties that can benefit include shops, pubs and restaurants, gyms, performance venues and hotels. Relief will be granted to eligible businesses as a reduction to the rates bill based on occupation between 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024. The scheme aims to provide support for eligible occupied properties by offering a discount of 75% on non-domestic rates bills. The closing date to apply…