London suffering from UK economic malaise, NatWest data suggests June 9, 2025 Businesses in London saw output decline for the second consecutive month in NatWest’s growth tracker – yet there is some optimism that the capital’s economy could resurge. Firms widely reported Chancellor Reeves’ tax hikes and a rise in energy bills, which kicked into effect in what has been dubbed ‘Awful April’, contributed to a decline [...]
Welsh wine is no April Fools joke – and it’s delicious April 1, 2025 Firstly, I promise this isn’t an April Fool. Welsh wine is a real thing. Historically of course, they have always liked a drink. Welsh bards, poets and wordsmiths have dedicated their talent to the power and beauty of wine. As far back at the 6th century there are references to mead being drunk by warriors [...]
Wales beyond embarrassment, they need to show Six Nations fight February 7, 2025 I couldn’t concur more with former Wales fly-half Dan Biggar when he said their Six Nations clash with Italy this weekend is the team’s biggest game in the last 20 years. On paper this match should be a walk in the park for Wales; the last time they lost to Italy on the continent was [...]
Zip World sold for £100m to Dolphin Capital January 26, 2025 A majority stake in adventure park operator Zip World has been acquired by private equity firm Dolphin Capital in a deal worth £100m. Zip World, which is headquartered in Llanrwst, Wales, has become the latest investment for the Oxfordshire-based private equity firm which already counts the likes of Snowcentres, Techmet and Dynisma in its portfolio. The [...]
Former Wales First Minister Carwyn Jones joins City of London PR firm January 10, 2025 Former First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones has been hired by a City of London PR firm. Lord Jones, who was made a life peer at the end of 2024, has been hired by NorthPoint Strategy as a senior counsel. NorthPoint Strategy’s clients include Polygon, UK Cryptoasset Business Council, Andreessen Horowitz and CEO Club Ukraine. [...]
UK braced for heavy snow and freezing rain amid amber weather warnings January 4, 2025 Large parts of the UK will be hit by heavy snow and freezing rain which could lead to disruption this weekend amid two amber weather warnings. Stranded vehicles on the roads, delayed or cancelled rail and air travel and power cuts are likely as the country grapples with a week-long spell of wintry conditions, the [...]
Ollie Phillips: Dupont leads my 2024 rugby union awards December 20, 2024 For my last rugby union column of 2024 in print it’s only right that we hand out a couple of awards covering the last 12 months. Rugby has seen an Olympic Games sit front and centre of the calendar while there have been some surprises in terms of domestic winners. It wasn’t easy but I’ve [...]
Wales 11 rugby match losing run in full November 17, 2024 Wales were defeated 20-52 by Australia on Sunday in Cardiff as Warren Gatland’s men extended their winless run to 11 matches. Ben Thomas and Aaron Wainwright scored for the home side but the Wallabies crossed eight times to condemn Wales to yet another defeat. Tom Wright scored a brace and Matt Faessler got himself a [...]
Tata Steel: Plans submitted for new electric arc furnace in Port Talbot November 7, 2024 Tata Steel has submitted a planning application for a new electric arc furnace at its Port Talbot plant. The Indian steel manufacturer wants to build the new state of the art furnace after it closed its blast furnaces in September, cutting 2,000 jobs. Tata says the move would be a “significant step in the company’s [...]
Inn Collection Group sees revenue jump after adding hundreds of new rooms to portfolio September 16, 2024 The Inn Collection Group, which operates pub accommodation in Wales and Northern England, has seen its turnover tick up after it added hundreds of rooms to its portfolio, according to newly-filed documents. The company, which is headquartered in Newcastle Upon Tyne and has venues across County Durham, the Lake District, Northumberland, Yorkshire and North Wales, [...]