We’re taking a look back at some of our highlights of 2024…
Our theme for 2024 was ‘Opportunities‘, and there were plenty! We kicked off 2024’s jam-packed schedule with Swansea Start-Up Expo in March. 2024 also saw the return of It’s Your Swansea, bigger and better than ever! You asked and we listened, so this was followed up with our first ever It’s Your events in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot. We closed a bumper year of huge events with the Green Economy Conference. And of course…our biggest highlight of 2024 was YOU, our members. Want to get involved this year? Join us now!
We’ve enjoyed continuing to support the Neath Food Partnership
We secured funding to launch the NPT Local Food Guide, featuring local food growers, producers, businesses and community organisations, while highlighting the huge challenges facing Neath Port Talbot’s local food system. Various events and projects have brought together people, businesses and organisations with an interest in local food, to collaborate, connect and strengthen NPT’s food system and local food economy. Find out more
2024 was a fantastic year for The Swansea Bay Foundation
Following its launch in 2023, the local charity has provided grants to over 46 community projects within the Swansea Bay region to date. This funding comes from the charity partners who all generously contribute to giving back to our communities. Want to find out more about the projects supported, how you can get involved, or apply for funding? Head to The Swansea Bay Foundation website. Funding applications will re-open in the new year so watch this space!
Celebrating South West Wales Connected
In partnership with Transport for Wales, we’re proud to be hosts of South West Wales Connected, promoting sustainable travel and tourism between Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. South West Wales Connected does an excellent job of making public transport accessible for everyone, and shines a spotlight on the fantastic projects and events that all of us can get involved in, while making the most of our rail networks. Stay up to date!
Acorn by Synergie and Vale Partnership
Leading recruitment company Acorn by Synergie has helped place eight former Tata steelworkers, who have recently lost their jobs due to the closure of the two blast furnaces in Port Talbot, into new roles with one of the world’s largest mining companies, Vale Clydach Refinery. Read More
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 use funding for business growth
Whether you’re expanding your operations, entering new markets, or launching new products, funding can be a critical tool to help you deliver your business growth strategies. In this article, the Development Bank of Wales will talk about two of the main options you can use to grow your business successfully – business loans and equity finance – to help you determine whether these might be the right choice for you.
Acuity’s Training Contract deadline is less than two weeks away, on the 15th of January 2025
Acuity Law recognise that their people are their biggest asset and are committed to developing their junior talent by offering a full and varied training programme for aspiring solicitors and lawyers. As a future Acuity solicitor, you will have a strong academic background, a keen interest in the commercial world and the appetite to challenge and innovate. Submit your application
Are you looking for a new opportunity?
Acorn by Synergie is currently looking for Production Operatives to work at one of their well-established clients in the Llansamlet area. Find out more
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
Hiring Now at Plantasia Tropical Zoo!
Front of House roles are available: Full-time (40hrs, permanent), Weekend part-time (16hrs, permanent), and casual hours. Apply with a CV and covering letter to plantasia@parkwood-leisure.co.uk. Questions? Email only – no DMs, please!
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.
Join The Team
Swansea Building Society recognises that its staff are vital to its success. They’re always looking for talented professionals with the determination to help them succeed. Read More
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
Front of House & Business Support Assistant
CWM Environmental are seeking a Front of House & Business Support Assistant to join a leading recycling and waste management company in Carmarthen. The ideal candidate will be the first point of contact for clients and visitors at CWM Environmental’s head office, providing excellent customer service whilst managing various other administrative tasks. You will play a key role in supporting the company’s day-to-day operations, ensuring all tasks are completed to a high standard. Read More
Jobs and Working at UWTSD
People are at the heart of everything UWTSD does. They are proud of their dedicated and talented employees and they work together as a team to make a difference to the lives of their students and the communities they serve. ‘Transforming education, transforming lives’ is their mission. If you would like to join them on this journey and make a difference too, then they would love to hear from you. Read More
Careers at Day’s
Whether you are looking to start your career or have a wealth of experience and knowledge in your chosen profession, Day’s Motor Group have a range of full time and part time job opportunities in the car industry to suit most, including Administration, Apprenticeship, Sales Executive and Mechanic roles.
Funding and support to start or grow a tech business in Wales
There is a wealth of support available to help technology-rich companies with strong intellectual property to start-up and scale-up in Wales. Duncan Gray is Technology Venture Investments Director at the Development Bank of Wales. Here he explains how the Development Bank can fund Welsh tech businesses, or those willing to relocate here, at proof-of-concept stage.
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
Want to be part of Acuity’s award-winning business?
Acuity Law 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. Find out 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
Ranger / Engagement Worker for Craig Gwladus Woods Country Park
The Leisure, Tourism, Heritage and Culture Department of Neath Port Talbot Council is seeking to appoint a Ranger/Engagement Worker for Craig Gwladus Woods Country Park to assist in delivery of the “Coal and the Community of Craig Gwladus” project during 2025. The Ranger/Engagement Worker will be responsible for practical maintenance of the park, recruitment and development of volunteers and delivery of a range of engagement activities. Read More
Security Services at Pentre Awel, Llanelli
Two security guards required to provide manned security services on site at Pentre Awel, Zone 1. This tender from Carmarthenshire Council is for night guarding security services for the site, to patrol the site, monitoring the building’s interior and exterior periphery. Read More
Contract Notices for the University of Wales Trinity Saint David
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David wish to appoint suitably qualified service provider for advertising and strategic creative services, and to deliver the feminine hygiene services across the UWTSD Group.
Fuel Supply Contract
In pursuance of its obligations, CWM Environmental intends to award the supply of services/goods through a competitive tender. The contractor will supply ultra-low-sulphur diesel (ULSD) fuel for on-road vehicles via a card at the pump solution and bulk tank to the delivery sites across four sites. Read More
Contract Notices for Swansea Council
Swansea Council wishes to appoint suitably qualified contractors to provide mechanical sweeper brushes, fire stopping/sealing at Griffith John Street flats, re-roofing works at Midland Court sheltered housing complex and wardens house, cycle hangers, and volunteer based peer parenting and family support.
Refurbishment: WC Upgrades Bay Library Male WC, Grove Female & Male WC
A survey across campus has identified various areas in need of improvement, in particular the WCs. In several areas they are not up to the standard required by Swansea University, and are affecting the perception of the institution by staff, students and visiting members of the public. With this in mind a programme of upgrading works has been proposed to hit the areas in the most need of improvement. Read More
Carmarthenshire County Council Localities Based Floating Support
Carmarthenshire County Council is developing a framework for housing support grant (HSG) funded locality based floating support. The council is seeking up to 5 providers who will work geographically to deliver tailored, person-centred, trauma informed support to meet the needs of the individual and prevent them from becoming homeless, stabilise their housing situation, or help them to find and keep accommodation. Read More
Software solution for kitchen management across 94 sites
Swansea Council Education Catering department has recently moved to using lap top devices in their kitchens. Whilst this allows staff to access central information the main objective is to make the service paperless. All kitchen functions need to be digitalised allowing central access to all information with the ability to formulate easy look reports to aid operations. Read More
Contract Notices for Pembrokeshire Council
Applications are invited from firms wishing to tender for the concession for a coffee shop at Fishguard Leisure Centre, a holistic hoarding service, and supported living services.
This is the ambitious transformative plan for Swansea’s Civic Centre
Proposals to transform Swansea’s beachfront Civic Centre and six other sites in the city have been unveiled. Regeneration specialist Urban Splash envisages restaurants, cafes and bars on the ground floor of the Civic Centre and flats and potentially a hotel above. A two-storey aquarium featuring marine life on the ground floor and digital and educational displays above is also proposed. Read More
Big change planned for Swansea Amphitheatre in bid to see it used year-round
An historic amphitheatre which has gone largely unused for decades looks set to be transformed. Plans have been lodged by Swansea Council to erect a canopy over Swansea amphitheatre, located close to the LC, so that it can be used all year round. Despite its popularity the frequency with which the amphitheatre was used reduced dramatically after the mid-1980s although it still continues to be used for informal gatherings. Read More
Narberth 91 homes estate approved
Plans for 91 new houses, more than 40 per cent of them affordable, in a Pembrokeshire town have been backed. Agent Asbri Planning Ltd, in a supporting statement, said: “The design led approach will create a high-quality place, that sensitively sits within the site retained wildlife corridors and positively connects to the community of Narberth. The development of a mixed tenure site for different types of homes will cater for a variety of local people.” Read More
Schemes forming part of £1bn regeneration programme set for Swansea – including Castle Square transformation
A series of Swansea schemes which form part of a £1bn regeneration programme – including a redeveloped Castle Square – are set to boost the city in 2025. Led by Swansea Council and due to start in early this year, work to transform Castle Square will feature an increase in green space including lawns and planting. Find out more about this project and what else we can expect to see in 2025!
Huge changes to transform the look of part of Port Talbot town centre are agreed
Proposals for a transformational project at Port Talbot’s Princess Royal Theatre and Civic Square have been approved by the local authority. The scheme will see a range of works including extensions and refurbishments at the 798-seat Princess Royal Theatre, with the creation of a new frontage for the site alongside landscaping works which will replace existing surfaces with more modern and attractive materials. Read More
City Deal investment key to supporting Swansea regeneration
As part of the Swansea City and Waterfront Digital District project, City Deal investment is part-funding Swansea Arena, the Innovation Matrix at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and the new office development taking shape at the former Oceana nightclub site on The Kingsway. Read More
50% Completion of Regional Full Fibre Infrastructure Build
The Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme, with support from the Local Broadband Fund has successfully completed 50% of its Full Fibre Infrastructure Build project. This significant milestone marks a major step forward in enhancing digital connectivity to public sector sites across the region, with substantial financial and social benefits for surrounding communities. Read More
StarBws – Pioneering Rural Transportation Connectivity Solutions
The StarBws project, has been launched to explore how the latest Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and cellular networks can be used in conjunction to enhance connectivity on transportation systems in challenging communication environments, where obstructions such as tree canopies and valleys would normally block the signal. Read More
Huge £96m leisure centre, sports hall and pool in Llanelli to finally open this spring
Zone one of the Pentre Awel complex, called Canolfan meaning centre, will open this spring. It will consist of a new leisure centre, including a sports hall and fitness studios, plus a 25m swimming pool, a learner pool, and a hydrotherapy pool. There’ll also be a cafe, a communal space, and a health and well-being academy with a range of clinical rooms run by Swansea University. Canolfan has a £96m price tag and is being funded via the Swansea Bay City Deal. Read More
The highest restaurant in Wales where diners enjoy a panoramic skyline from 300ft up
When it comes to enjoying the best views in Swansea, there are probably not many places that can rival one city centre venue. And after a long stint with its future left in question, there is a new resident on the top floor of the 300ft Meridian Tower, Wales’ tallest residential building. The opening of Altitude 28 means diners can once again enjoy panoramic views of Swansea Bay and all that the city centre has to offer while enjoying a meal or a drink. Read More
New Turkish Kitchen café set to open in Haverfordwest
A mother is set to achieve her ‘dream’ when she opens her new café in Pembrokeshire this year. Hatice Eltan will launch Turkish Kitchen on Quay Street, Haverfordwest to the community on February 1 at 10am. The café will serve authentic Turkish dishes and be open every day from 9am to 3pm. Hatice said: “It’s very exciting. I’ve always been interested in catering and cooking, and it was my dream to open my own café.” Read More
Cove Corner café opens its doors in Fishguard town centre
A new café inspired by an antipodean adventure has opened and is thriving in a local town centre. Cove Corner coffee shop on Fishguard Square has only been open a few weeks but already the place is buzzing and there are plans for so much more. The café is the brainchild of brothers Jake and Danny Morgan and Jake’s partner Phoebe Noott. Jake and Phoebe both worked as baristas in Australia so have got all the techniques to serve a good cup of coffee. Read More
South West Wales restaurants make it into the Michelin Guide
The Links at Tenby Golf Club has achieved a place in The Michelin Guide in its first year of operation. Chef Duncan Barham said “Receiving Michelin recognition is an immense honour and a true reflection of our team’s hard work and passion.” Saundersfoot restaurant Lan y Môr also made it into the guide. They said “This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team, the quality of our ingredients, and the love we pour into every dish.”
Daughter of former pub owner opens bakery in Haverfordwest
The daughter of a legendary pub owner has made a successful start to her bakery business. Rebecca Heritage opened Heritage Bakehouse at the Withybush Trading Estate in Haverfordwest in May. The name of the bakery was inspired by Rebecca’s father, Martin who used to run The Hideaway Cellar Bar. The bakery offers cakes, coffee, milkshakes and savoury options such as sausage rolls, pasties and breakfast wraps, and specials like lasagne and steak-loaded chips. Read More
We tried fish and chips at Sip N Sea in Saundersfoot
A seaside café based in a Pembrokeshire village served a tasty portion of fish and chips. Sip N Sea in Saundersfoot has only been open since August, but the place is worth visiting for lunch. As a Londoner, this reviewer has eaten his fair share of fish and chips, and he had no problem tucking into this version of the classic meal. Read More
Pastry chef returns to Llanelli to start new business
A Pastry chef who left Llanelli to learn his trade is returning to his home town and will be bringing a flavour of France with him. Benjamin Condé is setting up a new bakery and coffee venture at Llanelli Market called Saint Hugo, which references a street in Nice, France, he frequently visited while honing his skills there. Read More
Scientists develop coral-inspired material to revolutionise bone repair
Researchers at Swansea University have developed a revolutionary bone graft substitute which not only promotes faster healing but dissolves naturally in the body after the repair is complete. By using advanced 3D-printing technology, the team have developed a biomimetic material that mimics the porous structure and chemical composition of coral-converted bone graft substitute, blending perfectly with human bone and offering several incredible benefits.
Part of an old landfill site in Carmarthenshire will become a new solar farm
Plans for a solar farm on part of a former landfill site near Carmarthen have been approved. Twenty two rows of solar panels will be installed on land at Nantycaws waste management site, which is run by the council arm’s-length body CWM Environmental Ltd. The electricity they generate will help power the facility, with gas captured from the old landfill and used on site due to run out shortly. Read More
Welsh seaweed biostimulant boosts farmer’s crop yield
Farmers have seen up to a 24 per cent yield increase using a Welsh seaweed biostimulant. Câr-y-Môr, Wales’ first regenerative ocean farm, has developed a range of seaweed-derived biostimulants and fertilisers. These products are designed to reduce reliance on artificial fertilisers, enhance root growth, improve yields, and increase plant resistance to weather and climate-related stresses. Read More
Plans submitted for £20million Port Talbot research centre
The proposed facility, named the South Wales Industrial Transition from Carbon Hub, or SWITCH, would be located in the Harbourside area of Port Talbot, and form a part of the Swansea Bay City Deal. It would see the creation of a £20m purpose-built research centre for de-carbonising the metal and steel industry. The project will be led by Neath Port Talbot Council in partnership with Swansea University. Read More
Trees to be planted on land equivalent to nearly 10 rugby pitches a year
More and more trees will appear on Carmarthenshire Council land after its cabinet approved a new woodland strategy. The plan is to plant an average of nine-and-a-half hectares of woodland per year over the next 25 years to increase the proportion of tree cover on council-owned and managed land from 12% to 17%. It’s roughly the equivalent of nine-and-a-half rugby pitches per year. Read More
Where there’s muck there’s brass – Welsh cows could hold key to carbon capture
A ground-breaking project to turn cow muck into the carbon capture fertiliser of the future could give Welsh farmers a much-needed new source of income. Biochar, a super charcoal, can be made by heating any biomass – usually plant-based – without oxygen but experts from Lafan and Coleg Sir Gȃr, supported by Castell Howell Foods, have developed a process to create it from cattle slurry. Read More
Visitor accommodation on one of Wales’ liveliest streets gets the go-ahead
The evolution of one of Swansea’s most recognisable streets has continued with another application for visitor accommodation. Planning permission has been given for 12 serviced rooms on the upper floors of 22 Wind Street. A tourist needs impact assessment said “The proposal to provide high quality flexible tourism accommodation would provide a positive contribution to the city’s tourist needs and to providing various forms of accommodation.” Read More
Best beaches to visit in Wales this winter
Looking at factors such as the average rainfall, temperature, daylight hours, and popularity, the outdoor experts at GO Outdoors ranked Rhossili Bay as the best beach to visit in the winter in Wales. Described as “the supermodel of British beaches” by The Independent, it is often visited by surfing enthusiasts. Whitesands Beach and Marloes Sands, both in Pembrokeshire, come in second and third place respectvely. In fourth place is Three Cliffs Bay in Gower. Read More
New multi-arts festival heading to Tenby for 2025
Plans have been unveiled for a brand new bilingual and multi-arts festival for Tenby this year. Y Lle Da/The Good Place is a brand-new, inclusive multi-arts festival that will make its debut in the seaside town from Friday, March 21 to Sunday, March 23, 2025. The festival aims to celebrate the vibrant culture of Wales by offering a diverse and exciting program of music, arts, literature, and performance, with a focus on the Welsh language. Read More
Come As You Really Are I Swansea Open 2025, Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea
The much-loved Swansea Open will return to Glynn Vivian Art Gallery in February 2025 in an exciting new format as part of a nationwide project, Come As You Really Are. This year, the Swansea Open invites Swansea residents to submit their work to an annual exhibition – broadening its remit, to include makers, modifiers and collectors. Whatever your passion, they want to hear from you! Submission of works: 9,10 or 11 January 11:00–16:00.
Huge multimillion plans to transform popular waterfall attraction given go-ahead
The plans will see the development of a visitor infrastructure scheme at Waterfall Country in Pontneddfechan and will include a new car park, retail shop, welfare facilities, and tourist accommodation once completed. The plans were approved unanimously by Neath Port Talbot Council and came after a successful funding application to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund worth over £7 million. Read More
Creating safe and happy classrooms: New Alliance offers expert guidance on introducing school dogs
A Swansea University-led initiative, the first of its kind in the UK, is giving schools free expert guidance on how to introduce dogs to create calmer and more positive learning environments. While school dogs are increasingly recognised as powerful companions in fostering comfort, friendship, and engagement in classrooms, introducing them requires careful planning, commitment, and a clear understanding of how to balance the needs of both children and dogs. Read More
New partnership to revolutionise climate education for Welsh pupils with additional learning needs
The partnership wants to better understand how climate change and sustainability education can be delivered to pupils with additional learning needs. Project Co-lead Dr Dai Thomas at Swansea University said “Climate change is impacting all learners in Wales and it is vital that all learners, regardless of ALN, have equal opportunity to engage with climate change and sustainability education to build a sense of empowerment and hope for the future.” Read More
Legless in London – new board game based on Swansea expert’s research will bring disability history to life
A new board game called Legless in London, based on research by a Swansea historian, will bring disability culture and history to life in a significant and accessible way. The game allows players to experience the challenges and opportunities that Victorian London presented to lower-limb amputees. Through the game, all players play as an amputee and attempt to achieve life goals such as buying property, finding love or fulfilling personal ambitions. Read More