March Regional Round-Up 2025
Like to meet the Development Bank of Wales face to face?
Want to know what they can offer your business? Throughout the year, they attend and arrange a bunch of events. Some they speak at as experts, others they go along to offer support. Find out what events they’re going to
Celebrating Inspiring Women!
Take a look back on some of the key points these fantastic women made during last year’s Inspiring Women in Swansea panel at It’s Your Swansea Conference & Exhibition. From being a woman in business, to why Swansea and South West Wales is a wonderful place to make the most of opportunities… there’s lots to consider, and be proud of! Let us know what makes you most proud to be a woman in business, and in South West Wales. We want to hear your thoughts!
We took over Swansea Building Society Arena with TWO fantastic conferences and exhibitions last week
Thank you to everyone who joined us. See some of our highlights of the 4theRegion Start-Up Expo and It’s Your Swansea Conference & Exhibition! Want to explore even more of the region? Join us throughout 2025 for the following It’s Your… Events. Make sure to save the dates!
- It’s Your Pembrokeshire, Wednesday 14th May
- It’s Your Carmarthenshire, Wednesday 16th July
- It’s Your Neath Port Talbot, Wednesday 24th September
Book your FREE spaces or exhibition stands here
Careers at NPTC Group of Colleges
Would you like a rewarding career and to feel part of a family? Well, you can have all that and more at NPTC Group of Colleges. Here’s a list of their current vacancies. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to change your future – Apply Now!
How to be an effective leader for your business
If you’re looking to buy a business, it’s important to conduct thorough due diligence to ensure you’re making an informed decision and fully understand the business you’re looking to buy. Want to learn more? Check out the Development Bank of Wales’ blog
Join Business in Focus
If you’re thinking about joining our members Business in Focus and want to make a difference to the people in Wales, read on! Here they share with you how important the culture is to the organisation, along with the benefits and current roles they are looking to fill.
Make a change!
Whether you’re looking for a temporary or permanent role, Acorn by Synergie are here to help. Access top job opportunities with expert support every step of the way from a trusted recruitment partner with decades of experience. Search their jobs today
Be part of a successful organisation
Pembrokeshire College is a well established further education college, employing over 500+ highly qualified and dedicated staff. They pride themselves on delivering first class education and training to over 13,000 learners at a vibrant campus in a beautiful county. Their diverse job opportunities offer flexibility in developing a career in areas ranging from teaching, coaching and management through to human resources, finance and IT. Read more
Legal Apprenticeships
Earn while you learn with the #TeamJCP Academy through a new pathway created to inspire and develop the next generation of legal professionals. The new pathway to qualify as a Solicitor with JCP Solicitors comes at a time when young people face pressure to decide their future, with some individuals feeling as though traditional university routes are a daunting prospect or financially unavailable. Find out more
Vacancies at Bevan Buckland
Bevan Buckland are passionate about recruiting the best and providing a fantastic working environment. They are always looking for talented and ambitious people to join their ever-expanding firm. See their current opportunities here
How data analytics can revolutionise your business strategy
At first glance, the world of data analytics can look complicated. Depending on what you’re trying to measure or the trends you’re trying to track, you can end up with entire spreadsheets of detailed information, without knowing where to start in breaking it down. The real value in the data isn’t so much the figures themselves, but what those figures tell you. Find out about data analytics and how it can help your business get to the next step
Accelerate your career at the DVLA
At the DVLA we are dedicated to keeping the UK roads safe. With a team of over 6,000 talented professionals, we offer diverse career paths across various fields which include Human Resources, Estate management, Digital and Technology Services, Finance, Operations, Communications, Customer service, Commercial, and Policy. We are an award-winning agency and take pride in our work and people. We believe our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We recognise and reward excellent performance, celebrating the outstanding work the agency contributes to the country. Our Comprehensive employee benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing and career, empowering you to be the best version of yourself. Jumpstart your career today and explore your opportunities on gov.uk, Civil Service Careers and the DfT website. Search for current vacancies at the DVLA here.
Volunteer for Age Cymru West Glamorgan
Join their friendly and passionate team of volunteers and help them to answer every call, and support everyone to age well and enjoy later life. Enquire now
Want to be part of Acuity’s award-winning business?
They recognise that their people are the most valuable asset and they’re always keen to hear from individuals interested in exploring opportunities with Acuity Law.
Gavin Griffiths Group are Hiring a Transport Planner
Gavin Griffiths Group are looking for a new team member! Join them as a Transport Planner and help coordinate deliveries and collections across their sites. Ready to join a team that keeps things moving smoothly? Send across your CV to enquiries@griffiths-group.co.uk
Job Opportunities and Working at Swansea University
Looking for a new job? Changing role? Interested in what Swansea University can offer you? A warm and welcoming University, they value people for their skills regardless of their background and are proudly named as a top employer in the annual Stonewall Equality Index. They know that people have commitments outside their job, so they provide a working environment that allows employees to achieve the right work/life balance. Read more
Fairwood Park Golf Club are Hiring
Come and join their greenkeeping team. The role is full-time on a seasonal basis, with employment from May to September 2025. They are looking for an enthusiastic team worker who enjoys physical, outdoor work in a varied role For details contact Rhodri Evans at info@FairwoodPark.Wales
What due diligence should I undertake when buying a business?
If you’re looking to buy a business, it’s important to conduct thorough due diligence to ensure you’re making an informed decision and fully understand the business you’re looking to buy. Want to learn more? Check out the Development Bank of Wales’ blog
Current Vacancies at Gower College Swansea
Your future starts here. Do you want to make a difference? Gower College Swansea’s mission is to inspire and support their learners to achieve their full potential through the delivery of the highest quality of education and training. By joining them at the College, you’ll become part of a team of highly committed and talented staff providing outstanding learning and training opportunities for young people, adults, and employers across South West Wales. Read more
Dynamic Purchasing System for the Provision of Domiciliary Care and Support Services
Pembrokeshire County Council invite you to submit a bid to join a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for the provision of domiciliary care and support services. The Hywel Dda University Health Board may call off goods and services in quantities and at such frequency as it determines appropriate and as such, the approximate Hywel Dda University Health Board contract value has been included within this notice. Read more
Neath Port Talbot and Swansea Substance Use (Drug & Alcohol) Alliance
The Western Bay Planning Board is seeking a partnership of providers to work collaboratively with to transform drug and alcohol clinical and support services across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. Further details are set out here
Swansea Pantomime
Swansea Grand Theatre is a large theatre in South West Wales that was opened in 1897. The theatre is owned and maintain by the local authority. The theatre facilitates a number of large scale productions through to smaller amateur shows. It is a large venue with a main auditorium that has the capacity of seating 1,020. The Pantomime is held each year and Swansea Council are now looking to procure a provider from Christmas 2027, 2028 and 2029. Read more
Contract Notices for Carmarthenshire Council
Carmarthenshire Council is seeking to appoint contractors to provide glamping pods at Pembrey Country Park, a financial wellbeing support service, fleet vehicle maintenance and repair, drainage investigations and CCTV surveys, and arboricultural works on trees affected by ash dieback and other health related issues.
Provision of Insurance and Related Services to Caredig Limited
This tender is for insurance and related services for property, legal liability and other general (non-life) insurable risks, as required by Caredig Limited.
Contract Notices for Pobl Group
Pobl Group wishes to appoint suitable contractor(s) to provide responsive repairs at student accommodation, and vehicles, maintenance and tracking.
Contract Notices for Swansea Council
Swansea Council seeks contractors to provide Wales Airshow food and drink concessions, domiciliary care for harder to reach and rural areas, architectural design and development services, civil and structural engineering services, capital building works, pothole repair material, domestic boiler installation, the removal, disposal and renewal of UPVC windows and composite doors and roof finishes, and the supply and fit of UPVC windows and doors.
Contract Notices for Neath Port Talbot Council
Neath Port Talbot Council is seeking to appoint contractors to provide the occasional hire of small tools and plant without an operator, and pumping station maintenance.
Contract Notices for Swansea University
Swansea University wishes to tender for a high viscosity multi-material jetting platform, and a dry electrode film forming machine.
New Affordable Homes Coming to Swansea’s SA1 Waterfront
Pobl Group in partnership with Morganstone are set to deliver 43 new affordable homes in Swansea’s sought-after SA1 area. Located on Langdon Road, this exciting new development will provide high-quality homes for affordable rent, helping to meet local housing demand while contributing to the wider strategic vision for SA1. Expected to be completed in 2027, the development will offer a mix of thoughtfully designed homes to suit a variety of needs. Read more
HVM Catapult officially opens South Wales site in Baglan – aims to “supercharge innovation in Welsh manufacturing”
The facility in Baglan is designed to “supercharge innovation in Welsh manufacturing”. It is expected to unlock up to £18m in additional GVA annually within five years by helping manufacturers improve their productivity, efficiency and sustainability through the adoption of digital services. The site, located at the Bay Technology Centre in Port Talbot, will be home to manufacturing equipment funded by the Welsh Government. Read more
Plan for 10 new homes on former site of school in Neath Port Talbot approved
The long-term proposals, which were handed in to the authority by developers at Asbri Planning in August 2022, could now see 10 residential properties built on the former Gwaun-cae-Gurwen primary school on Water Street. If taken forward they would be built on the brownfield site located near the centre of the village that is said to be approximately 0.35 hectares in size. The old school buildings have already been demolished. Read more
Prominent Swansea building once threatened with demolition now has new destiny
Morganstone will add two new floors to the former Ty Gwalia building, 7-13 The Kingsway, and a rear garage knocked down and replaced with a six-storey apartment block. This will create 48 new flats, managed by Beacon Cymru, along with three ground-floor commercial units. The main building will feature a new central atrium and glazed rooftop louvres. There’ll also be rooftop solar panels and a green roof area, along with a green internal wall. Read more
Inside the grand cinema building which harks back to a bygone era
Cross the threshold of a Swansea gem which thousands of people once queued to get into and you step back in time, and then forward again. Castle Cinema was built shortly before the outbreak of the First World War and went on to screen films for nearly 80 years before being reused as a laser game venue. Plans to convert the building into 30 flats and two commercial units – including potentially a restaurant in glass side extension – take you to the present day.
Celtic Freeport officially launches in economic growth boost – plans will create more than 11,000 jobs
The Celtic Freeport has been officially launched, bringing significant inward investment to South West Wales and thousands of jobs a step closer. The freeport covers Milford Haven and Port Talbot and spans clean energy developments, fuel terminals, a power station, heavy engineering and the steel industry across South West Wales. It is set to attract £8.4bn of private and public investment, deliver 11,500 jobs and add £8.1bn of GVA to the local economy. Read more
£8 million for Port Talbot growth and regeneration project
The South Wales Industrial Transition from Carbon Hub will redevelop a four-acre site at Harbourside, Port Talbot. This investment will help establish an Innovation District. This will allow the development of a new facility targeted at supporting the steel and metal industry and supply chain to reduce carbon emissions in production. The facility is expected to create and support more than 100 jobs and eventually benefit the South Wales economy by £87m. Read more
First tenants announced for new Swansea office development
IWG and TUI will be taking up space at the 71/72 Kingsway scheme that’s now been handed over to Swansea Council. Further positive announcements are anticipated in the coming weeks. Developed by Swansea Council, Bouygues UK led on the construction of 71/72 Kingsway. Part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal and the Welsh Government, the 104,000 square foot scheme includes office spaces and shared workspaces, alongside an event hall and spaces for food and beverage businesses. Read more
Bouygues UK achieves net zero at its Pentre Awel project site
This includes over 90% reduction on direct emissions of all fuels on site and a 10% reduction in waste production, and energy and water consumption. Since the start of the project over 450 tonnes of carbon have been saved thanks to this initiative. The pivotal milestone of being net zero was made by implementing energy, waste and resource-saving initiatives, including adopting sustainably-certified HVO as a fuel, and sourcing recycled and green materials. Read more
You’ll soon be able to have coffee and pizza in an old church in the centre of a busy roundabout
Take a first look inside the church in the middle of a roundabout in Swansea, which Andrew Shipley, of ADI Design, has transformed. Inside, there is a new 48-cover cafe, and a separate 60-70 cover restaurant with a pizza oven installed ready to serve up Italian meals. Original features have been retained, including stained-glass windows, with plush looking flats above.
Award-winning baker serves up treats in new eatery
Award-winning bakes in a colourful and quirky atmosphere are being served up at a newly-opened eatery in Pembrokeshire. Customers from all over south and west Wales have been making a bee-line for Nicci’s Yard – not just because everything on offer is scrumptious, but because it’s all gluten-free. “The response has been incredible,” said Nicci Barber, who spent a year transforming a former pub and chip shop at Llanddewi Velfrey for her new venture. Read more
Welsh bottle shop and bar wins top UK award
Beer Park has been named the best independent beer and cider retailer at the prestigious Drinks Retailing Awards. Dave Timbrell-Hill, owner of Beer Park, said: “We still can’t quite believe this – Beer Park was dreamed up in the middle of lockdown to bring all the beers I loved to Llanelli, Fortunately, others also loved these beers, and this award is really for all the customers who’ve kept us busy for the last four years. We’re so grateful for their support.” Read more
New cafe and Ethiopian restaurant coming to Swansea city centre
A cafe by day and Ethiopian restaurant in the evening is coming to a busy Swansea street. Andrew Douglas, Swansea BID Manager, said: “It’s fantastic to see vacant units, like the former Lee Mill shop on Oxford Street, being transformed into vibrant new businesses that add diversity and character to our city. We’re delighted to welcome this new cafe and restaurant, which will bring something fresh and exciting to Swansea’s food scene.” Read more
The cafe asking customers to ditch phones and laptops
Phones and laptops have been banned one evening a month in an attempt to encourage customers to have more meaningful interactions. Helen Wilson, owner of Ground Plant Based Coffee in Brynmill, said wanted to offer “a space for people to connect”. She said the response to the cafe’s “offline nights” had been positive so far, adding: “There were strangers sat on tables together, and a lot of skill sharing such as knitting and crocheting.” Read more
This is officially the best new restaurant in Wales
The Shed has been named one of the UK’s best new restaurants. Located on Swansea’s Waterfront the fine dining venue which uses the best of Welsh produce, has recently been crowned one of Condé Nast Traveller’s Top New Restaurants of 2024. The restaurant opened its doors in February 2024 when Swansea-born Jonathan Woolway decided to leave his role at one of London’s highest regarded restaurants to bring top quality dining to his home city. Read more
Building society dating back to 1923 hails “record” results – achieves highest growth in assets in its history
Swansea Building Society achieved double digit growth in its total assets, mortgages, savings and capital for the fourth year running, despite what it described as a “difficult economic environment”. The Society said this was “vitally important”, as it provides greater reserves to support members achieve their financial goals. Alun Williams, chief executive of Swansea Building Society, said the Society’s future has “never been brighter”. Read more
Surgeon’s world-first invention will help cut risk during breast reconstructions
An award-winning surgeon at Morriston Hospital has scored a world first by inventing a surgical instrument designed to improve patient safety. Consultant plastic surgeon Muhammad Umair Javed created a microsurgery dissector, for use during breast reconstructions. Now in the prototype stage, the dissector has smooth, blunted edges, allowing surgeons to separate, or dissect, blood vessels without the risk of accidentally cutting them. Read more
Experts helping Wales make strides towards a healthier future
Health and wellbeing experts at Swansea University are sharing the importance of physical activity for everyone, regardless of age, race, or gender. As part of Welsh Institute of Physical Activity, Health and Sport (WIPAHS), researchers at Swansea University not only consider a wide range of issues around wellbeing but also inform leaders how people in Wales can lead healthier lives. Read more
Michael Sheen says ‘I can’t walk away’ as he uses his own money to write off £1m of people’s debts
The star, who was raised in Port Talbot, spent two years working on a “secret” project, focusing on the debt and credit industry. Michael Sheen said “It didn’t look like it was going to happen for a long time and financially, things have changed. Ironically, I genuinely am not sure if I can afford to do this. But I’m still going to do it, because I’ve made a commitment.” Read more
How footballers’ fingers and height can predict their exercise performance
With the UEFA Women’s Euro just a few months away, new research involving Swansea University is focusing on female professional footballers. Regarded as the preferred fuel for nerve and muscle cells, vigorous exercise results in the release of lactate into the blood stream but high levels may indicate that the body is in a state of stress. Read how scientists are trying to predict how much lactate a person will produce based on their finger length and height.
Work to start on major solar farm in Pembrokeshire
The 8.6 megawatt solar scheme will comprise over 14,000 solar panels. Shawton Energy has announced that the solar farm, situated at West Farm, Cosheston, near Pembroke Dock, is expected to commence clean energy production later this year. Once operating at full capacity, it will generate enough green electricity to power 2,500 homes annually, saving more than 2,000 tonnes of carbon each year. Read more
Plans submitted for wind turbines close to holiday park
The first stage of a potential scheme for three 328-foot high wind turbines have been lodged with Pembrokeshire county planners. Agents Sirius Planning Ltd say the turbines, each producing 1MW of power, would – in total – generate enough electricity to provide power for 1,900 homes, adding: “It is anticipated that the proposed development could provide power to local businesses such as Bluestone Holiday Park Resort.” Read more
Vast solar farm the size of more than 120 football pitches proposed for Carmarthenshire
The site, between Ferryside and Llandyfaelog, covers a total area of 90.5 hectares. To put that into context, the average football pitch is about 0.7 hectares. The proposed project by Qualitas Energy would generate enough energy in its first year to power approximately 10,770 homes and reduce carbon emissions by around 9,961 tonnes annually. This would be enough to power almost all the homes in Kidwelly and St Ishmael, Trimsaran, St Clears and Carmarthen. Read more
Scheme submitted for potential 20MW solar farm near Haverfordwest
The early stages of a scheme for a potential 20MW solar farm just a mile from Haverfordwest which it is said would provide power for 6,000 homes has been submitted to county planners. Amberside Energy Ltd submitted a scoping opinion to Pembrokeshire County Council for the proposed solar farm and grid connection on land close to Haverfordwest Golf Club, just off the main A40 road, ahead of a formal application. Read more
Roll up for a really big new attraction at Aberavon Seafront!
Neath Port Talbot Council has entered into an agreement with long established fairground company Studts Events Ltd to bring a spectacular, 118ft high ‘big wheel’ ride to the Aberavon Seafront this year. The Big Wheel at Aberavon will enjoy spectacular views across the Bristol Channel and Swansea Bay. The ride will operate in the summer months up to 2027 and will be accompanied by a series of fun fairs at the seafront run by the same company. Read more
Swansea Skyline attraction approved
Kilvey Hill is around 630ft high with panoramic views of the city and Swansea Bay. Skyline Enterprises wants to build a gondola lift running up the hill to a food hall and outdoor terrace. There would also be a sky swing, a zipline sending riders out on a 1km loop, and two luge tracks and a linking track. Planning agent John Hurley said it would attract an estimated 450,000-plus visitors per year, create jobs, improve access to the hill, and result in a net biodiversity gain. Read more
Kids go free on Transport for Wales trains
Enjoy more family time, less driving time and travel together for less all year round. We know how stressful it can be to travel as a family, and how expensive, too. That’s why Transport for Wales have some great offers when you’re travelling with kids. Children aged 11-15 can travel for free on trains during off-peak times whilst under 11’s can travel for free at any time, both when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. View where you can go with free kids’ rail tickets
You can now do two Richard Burton trails in Wales and these are some of the things you will see
New trail tributes to honour legendary Hollywood actor Richard Burton have been opened and people from across the country can now enjoy them. The trails are part of a wider celebration marking 100 years since the legendary actor was born in Port Talbot, which will see a programme of events to pay homage to his legacy. These celebrations are being delivered in partnership with Swansea University and supported by the Welsh Government. Read more
Swansea’s first-ever vegan festival will be held this summer
Vegan Events UK has announced the festival will be held at the LC Swansea on Saturday, May 31. Taking place from 10.30am until 4.30pm, it will feature 60 stalls, world food caterers, and talks and workshops throughout the day. It promises to provide “the ultimate inspiration for vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians, those thinking about going vegan or wanting to include more vegan products in their diet.” Read more
Bluestone holiday park reports best-ever January bookings
A popular Pembrokeshire holiday park has reported its best-ever January bookings. Bluestone National Park Resort has seen a 15 per cent year-on-year increase in bookings for 2025 since Christmas Day. William McNamara, CEO of Bluestone, said: “Pembrokeshire is becoming a real alternative to busier UK holiday hotspots like Devon and Cornwall, offering some of the country’s best beaches, fantastic food and drink, and a wealth of activities for all ages.” Read more
Free bus travel for people in Swansea announced
People living in Swansea will be able to travel for free on the bus for the Easter holidays, it has been announced. Starting on Saturday, April 12 and ending on Sunday, April 27, the city’s council has organised a total of nine days where passengers will not be charged a penny. It will offer families the chance to make the most of what the city has to offer, including trips to the city centre, a trip to Mumbles and other parts of the Gower coast. Find out more
Rediscovering Myrddin: Early Merlin poems reveal the poet and prophet behind the myth
The earliest known poetry about Merlin, referred to as Myrddin in Welsh, has been made accessible to the public for the first time and reveals that, contrary to popular belief, he was not a wizard but a poet and a prophet deeply interested in the natural world. Over the past three years, a team of academics has edited and translated more than 100 poems about the legendary figure, some dating back to the 10th century. Read more
Winds of Change: NPTC Group Secures Funding for Floating Offshore Innovation through The Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator
NPTC Group of Colleges has successfully secured funding through the initial round of The Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator. The Accelerator is a £50m fund created to accelerate and de-risk the early-stage development of UK supply chain projects that service the offshore wind sector. With this funding, NPTC Group of Colleges will embark on a comprehensive feasibility study focusing on the market analysis of training requirements and industry needs. Read more
Swansea ranked safest place to study in Wales
Swansea has been named the safest city for students in Wales, according to a study by the trusted and independent Complete University Guide (CUG). Professor Deborah Youngs, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education at Swansea University, said: “Known for its warm and welcoming community, we’re delighted to see Swansea recognised as a secure and vibrant city, making it the perfect place for students to live, learn, and grow.” Read more
