Transformation
We’re launching a five-year programme to invest in South West Wales from the ground up. It’s built on eight years of regional listening, relationship-building, and real-world action. Here are the five interconnected missions for South West Wales, that, together, will transform our region. These are practical, collaborative workstreams that will benefit businesses, communities, young people and the wider economy.
We were thrilled to launch the second issue of the Neath Port Talbot Local Food Guide at The Welsh House Neath, alongside friends from the NPT Food Partnership
Guests enjoyed a delicious seasonal, locally-sourced buffet, and heard inspiring stories from local growers, producers, food businesses, and the 4theRegion team. The guide shines a light on the good food that’s being grown, cooked, sold and shared across NPT. With rising costs and pressure on our food system, it’s never been more important to support local – and this guide helps you do just that. Request your free guide and find out more about the NPT Food Partnership
Welcome to Codi Group
The not-for-profit organisation formed through the merger of Pobl Group and Linc Cymru has confirmed its new name: Codi Group. Codi is the Welsh word for ‘Rise’, recognising the deep-rooted Welsh identity of the new Group and its desire to meet the expectations of customers and the opportunities that lie ahead. Managing close to 25,000 homes, the Group has ambitious plans to deliver more than 4,500 new homes over the next five years. Read more
What a morning!
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at Parc y Scarlets for the 4theRegion AGM 2025. It was an inspiring and energising morning filled with connection, collaboration, and shared ambition. We’ve reflected on the progress of the past 12 months, and most importantly, opened up bold conversations about our vision for the next five years – a future shaped by partnership, community, and positive regional impact to achieve regional transformation. Read more
Thank you to everyone who joined us for It’s Your Pembrokeshire!
We welcomed so many fantastic individuals, businesses and organisations for a day of sharing key opportunities, hopes and plans for the region, making new connections, and hearing short talks from some local people who are making positive change within their communities. Take a look back with us on a brilliant day for It’s Your Pembrokeshire
Food for thought
We’re already looking forward to the next of our events, It’s Your Carmarthenshire, and have been recapping last year’s fantastic conversations. Taking place on Wednesday 16th July at Parc y Scarlets, we’re looking forward to welcoming locals, businesses and organisations from across the region to discuss key issues, successes and goals with each other. Take a look back at the insights served up during the Local Food conversation from last year! Book your free ticket
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!
Micro loans from the Development Bank of Wales
The Development Bank of Wales has recently made a number of changes to their micro loans, including classifying any investment from £1k to £100k as a micro loan, and removing 1% arrangement fees. With these changes, they can help businesses get the funding they need to start up and grow quicker and easier than before.
Applications now open for the Pembrokeshire Shared Apprenticeship Scheme
Cyfle Building Skills are excited to announce that applications are now open for their award-winning Shared Apprenticeship Scheme in Pembrokeshire – with just 10 places available for individuals ready to start their journey in the construction industry. Their scheme offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with multiple respected employers across the region, while working towards a recognised, work-based vocational qualification. Find out more
Shift into High Gear!
Accelerate your career at Day’s Motor Group. Check out their open positions and apply today! 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 people. Find your new role today
Appointment of a Non-Executive PCF Director
Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum (PCF) is seeking a Non-Executive Director to become part of the Board of their Community Interest Company. The Directors will drive the next phase of the organisation’s development, both within and outside Pembrokeshire, by maximising opportunities in relation to sustainable coastal management; marine renewables; sustainable recreation and social prescribing; climate change; aquaculture and stakeholder engagement. Read more
Realise your job potential
Looking for temporary work but not sure who to trust and sign up to? Give Acorn by Synergie a go
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
Join Business in Focus
If you’re thinking about joining Business in Focus and want to make a difference to the people in Wales, you’ve come to the right place. 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.
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.
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
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
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
Tendering opportunities for Carmarthenshire Council
Carmarthenshire Council seeks contractors to provide suicide prevention and self harm support services, vehicle activated sign (VAS) and driver feedback sign (DFS) maintenance, funeral arrangements, drainage investigations and CCTV surveys, and arboricultural works on trees affected by ash dieback and other health related issues.
Prior information notices for Pobl Group
Pobl Group seeks contractors to provide carpets and flooring, legal services, construction work, fire components, internal and external painting works, architectural services, electrical serving and installation, a finance and purchasing system, passenger lift service and maintenance, a managed service for mobile phones, and ground maintenance services.
Tendering opportunities for Pembrokeshire Council
Pembrokeshire Council wishes to commission contractors to provide supported living services, design and build interpretation and front of house for the Henry Tudor Centre, Pembroke Dock, and service domestic boilers and heating appliances.
Copywriting Services (Freelancer)
This is a tender notice for copywriting services for the Development Bank of Wales. There are two specific areas of work; strategic media content for the national, finance, investment, property and tech media, and general B2B media in Wales and copywriting. They are not exclusive to each other, but more than one freelancer may be appointed depending upon specialist experience. Read more
Tendering opportunities for Swansea Council
Swansea Council wishes to appoint contractors to provide pontoons for Morfa Quay and New Cut Road, positive input ventilation for various properties at Fforesthall, Penlan and Sketty, window renewal to 44 properties at Penlan and Gendros, roofing works, electrical works at Sketty Park, relocatable units and ramps for elections, a music friendly city audit, and highways maintenance.
SWTRA Asbestos Consultancy Services Framework 2025
Neath Port Talbot Council invites tenders from suitably qualified and experience organisations to provide asbestos consultancy services across the South Wales Trunk Road Agent (SWTRA) motorway and trunk road network. Read more
Contract notices for Gower College Swansea
Gower College Swansea seeks suitably qualified contractors to provide architectural design consultancy and associated services, mechanical and electrical design and consultancy services, and quantity surveying and cost consultancy services.
Bouygues UK Delivers Outstanding Social Value at Llanelli’s Pentre Awel Project
Bouygues UK has overdelivered on its social value commitments and targets during the build – including more than 400 extra weeks’ work for trainees or new entrants into the industry. The Canolfan Pentre Awel team has made it a priority during the nearly two years on site, to enhance the lives of the people in Carmarthenshire, providing career opportunities, improving education and skills, engaging with the local community and supporting local businesses. Read more
Welsh Government land deal to deliver new social homes in Swansea
The plots, D5B and D9B, have been sold to housing associations who will develop them to bring forward new social homes. Plot D5B has been purchased by Pobl, who will build 35 apartments and eight houses on the site. Plot D9B has been purchased by Beacon Cymru, who plan to develop the land to provide 26 social homes. These new homes will make a real difference to families in the area and will be developed to the highest standards our communities deserve. Read more
Historic buildings at Swansea copperworks site to be transformed
Swansea-based civil engineering firm Andrew Scott will start work on site this year to transform the Vivian and Musgrave Engine Houses and the V&S No.1 Locomotive Shed at the former Hafod-Morfa Copperworks. The V&S No.1 Locomotive Shed, a listed building that served the copperworks, will be made safe and watertight. The engine houses – both listed – will be made suitable for a range of uses, including restaurants and cafes, exhibition-style space and shops. Read more
Work to begin on Port Talbot’s Civic Square and Princess Royal Theatre
The project aims to rejuvenate and modernise the 798-seat Princess Royal Theatre by improving customer experience with new cafes, an extension to the southwest of the building, a remodelled bar and an auditorium entrance lobby with a large, modern foyer. The Civic Square will be transformed into a multi-purpose community space with features such as new seating and significantly improved green spaces with extensive tree and shrub planting. Read more
Derelict Pembrokeshire Roch Gate Motel to be redeveloped
A multi-million pound scheme to redevelop a derelict motel, described as “one of the last true blots on our county’s landscape” with the promise of creating 18 jobs, and even bringing back a post office lost after the Horizon scandal, has been approved. The former Roch Gate Motel will become a mixed commercial and community use hub called ‘The Gate,’ including a village shop/post office, bistro/restaurant, and a tourism development of 18 holiday lodges. Read more
The five ways a beloved Swansea park is about to be enhanced after funding boost
The project, titled Improving Singleton Park – Gwella Parc Singleton, will begin this month and aims to boost the park’s facilities, biodiversity and community engagement. It will install new picnic benches, plant mature trees, introduce informative nature and park information boards and provide resources for volunteers. Read more
New Princess Quarter office building launches in Swansea – offers panoramic views over the city centre and waterfront
A new office building scheme has been completed in Swansea, adding 15,000 sq ft of Grade A office space in the city centre. Developer Kartay has extensively redeveloped the four-storey 1950s Princess Quarter office building on the corner of Princess Way and St Mary Street into a high quality addition to the city’s skyline. The scheme includes retail units on the ground floor and three storeys of office accommodation above. Read more
New investment in regeneration boosts growth and jobs in Port Talbot
A new investment of £21.2m from the UK Government will support jobs in Port Talbot. This is the latest allocation of funding from the Tata Steel /Port Talbot Transition Board which benefits Swansea Bay City Deal’s Supporting Innovation and Low Carbon Growth programme. Read more
BT Awarded Contract for Better Broadband Infill Project
The Digital Infrastructure Programme is pleased to announce that BT in partnership with Openreach has successfully been awarded the delivery contract for the Better Broadband Infill Project. The £10+million project will bring full fibre broadband to 1533 premises and an additional 256 sites across the four counties in the Swansea Bay City Region: Pembrokeshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire. Read more
Swansea City unveil plans for new city centre sports bar
Named ‘The Swansea Jack’, the bar will open at Salubrious Place, Little Wind Street, opposite the Swansea Museum and Morgans Hotel, and is expected to be up and running ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. The bar’s name is a direct nod to a pub of the same name, which was located near the club’s former home at the Vetch Field, and was a popular matchday watering hole for many Swan fans. Read more
Secret bar inside a bar where you have to ring a buzzer to get in
The Dog & Piano in Carmarthen remains open as normal on Friday and Saturday nights, offering live music, karaoke, and a traditional pub experience. But to the right of the bar, as you enter the building, you’ll see a closed door with a doorbell, behind which you’ll find Bar 316, a luxurious and mysterious ‘speakeasy’ cocktail bar transporting customers back to the 1920s with a late-night, private, exclusive feel. Read more
People are flocking to use this new Welsh gym because of one major thing that’s missing from it
A new gym in Carmarthen is standing out from a crowded market because it has one very different selling point. The owner of KC Leisure has set out to create a safe space for women to exercise in an environment they can be entirely comfortable in – because men are not allowed to use it. But there’s far more here than just a gym for women. Read more
People are queuing out the door to buy incredibly indulgent milkshakes and cakes at this new shop
It started of as a small side hustle for Jayde Brown, baking cakes for friends and family. Now she has people queuing out her door just to get a taste of one. Jayde’s creations have become a hit at local markets and cafes across the city. Her inventive takes on classic bakes, packed with popular sweets, have helped her to stand out in the Swansea food scene, and she has brought her dream full circle by opening her first shop in Killay, where she grew up. Read more
Swansea café named among the best in the world
A café in Swansea described as a “golden oldie” has been named among the best in the world. A list of the top 50 cafés in the world has been released by The Telegraph, featuring coffee shops from locations like Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna and Australia. Kardomah was ranked 13th on the list and was described as a “golden oldie” providing a “nostalgia fix” for its visitors. See why
I had 12p in my bank account. Now my business is selling out and has queues out the door
A jacket potato shop is proving so popular that people are queuing out of its doors to get their hands on their fix just months after it opened its doors. Self-confessed foodie Jessica Williams first started her business selling jacket potatoes in a horsebox in May 2023, looking to fill the gap left behind when one of her favourite childhood restaurants closed. In January of this year, she decided to take the plunge and open her first physical business, Spuddy Lovely. Read more
Seafood restaurant will be added to marine centre of excellence
Catch Cymru, an established, independent seafood business based in Carmarthen, with a strong reputation for high quality takeaway seafood, is now looking to expand by opening a second restaurant in Saundersfoot. The Saundersfoot restaurant will offer a broader menu, including seasonal grilled and barbequed fish, fresh salads, and a variety of side dishes to cater to a wider demographic, to include halloumi fries, corn on the cob etc. Read more
Welsh mum’s ‘crazy’ idea inspires world-first surgery
A mum’s “crazy” idea after a second cancer diagnosis has led to her undergoing a surgical procedure believed to be a worldwide first. Nicola Purdie, a secondary school teacher who lives in Swansea with her husband and two children, received her first diagnosis at Singleton Hospital five years ago. She had a bilateral mastectomy. All seemed well after Nicola had that procedure. But in 2024, while she was pregnant again, the cancer returned. Read more
Swansea-led project could transform clot treatment
Researchers are developing a cutting-edge blood test, which has the potential to improve patient treatment and reduce pressure on the NHS. The team led by Professor Karl Hawkins, alongside colleagues from Swansea University and NHS clinicians, is investigating how blood clots respond to stress, an innovative approach that led to the discovery of a key biomarker, paving the way for a next-generation blood test. Read more
Teenager opens wellness and therapy business in Pembroke
Tegan Cowen has opened Elysian Escape in Pembroke, offering bespoke massage and holistic therapies. Her mother Rhian said “I am bursting with pride. I have two incredible girls – one is studying at Cambridge University and the other has set up her own business. Tegan has only just opened but she’s already getting five-star reviews. Tegan has always been a very kind person who wants to help people. It makes her feel good to make other people feel good.” Read more
Council to trial ‘bio-goats’ in overgrown churchyard
Goats have been introduced as an eco-friendly way of keeping a churchyard in shape. Narberth Town Council in Pembrokeshire is trialling using the animals at St Andrew’s Church to clear excess growth around gravestones and across the site. The goats are kept in their designated areas using GPS. It is hoped the goats can be used as a natural and chemical-free method of managing overgrown areas and for controlling brambles and invasive vegetation. Read more
Record breaking puffin numbers on Skomer Island
It’s been another record-breaking year, with 43,626 puffins recorded on Skomer Island, bucking the trend of decline seen globally in puffin populations. The growth in Skomer Island’s population is likely linked to the abundance of food in the wider area, meaning there is plenty of fish for chicks resulting in high breeding success. The absence of rats and other predators on the island has undoubtably contributed to the success of seabird populations on Skomer. Read more
Coal mine flood water used in first heating scheme
Flood water from a disused mine is being used as a renewable source of heating for the first time in Wales. A business near Ammanford has started pumping water from a nearby mine water treatment site to heat their warehouse. The water runs at a constant 14C to 15C, which is taken to a heat pump, compressed to a useable temperature for heating the building, and this will heat the building all year around. Read more
Three giant wind turbines planned near Bluestone
Detailed proposals have been submitted for three towering wind turbines – each standing at 328ft – near Bluestone holiday park and the former Oakwood theme park. Should approval be given, the trio of 1MW turbines are expected to produce enough electricity to supply around 1,900 households, according to the applicants. While the energy would feed into the national grid, investigations are ongoing into direct usage possibilities for nearby businesses. Read more
WWF announces £1m project to unlock power of seaweed in Pembrokeshire
WWF-UK has received £1m in funding for a three-year project to harness the power of seaweed off the West Wales coast – which could help in the fight against climate change. The funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, will allow WWF-UK and partners to work with coastal communities in Pembrokeshire to develop a model of community-led regenerative seaweed farming that benefits local communities, nature and climate. Read more
Return of summer coastal bus services
Two popular bus services have returned to the Pembrokeshire coast. The Puffin Shuttle (service 400, operated by Richards Bros) runs between St Davids and Marloes, via Little Haven, Druidston, St Brides and Martins Haven (for boat trips to Skomer Island). The Strumble Shuttle (service 404, operated by Richards Bros) runs via the coast road between St Davids and Fishguard, including Abereiddy (for the Blue Lagoon), Porthgain, and Strumble Head. Read more
Port Talbot steel used to make Urdd crown and chair
Steel from Port Talbot steelworks was used in the designs of the two of the most prestigious prizes for the Urdd Eisteddfod, the chair and crown. The chair features a combination of Welsh steel and flat steel produced in Port Talbot. Angharad Pearce, who designed the chair, said it was a “dream come true”. The crown, designed by Nicola Palterman, also uses material from the steelworks and features diamonds for the first time. Read more
The powerful ‘steelworks eye’ street art which has appeared in Port Talbot
It’s sometimes the most simple concepts that are the most impactful. This beautifully intricate artwork of an eye holding an image of the steelworks at Port Talbot is a stunning, intricate piece of art certainly packs an emotional punch, that will resonate with the local community who have suffered a huge blow with thousands of job losses at the steelworks. The artwork was painted in the town by globally renowned street artist My Dog Sighs.
A company is offering an entirely new way to see South Wales at night
If you’re looking to enjoy an activity with a difference, then the night-time kayaking experience might be the perfect thing for you to add to your summer bucket list. It’s located on Neath Canal. You can explore the canal for an hour at a time at your own pace as the sun goes down, meaning you can enjoy the activity during sunset if you are looking to enjoy some relaxed vibes. Read more
Food festival with ‘world’s biggest bouncy castle’ coming to Welsh country park with 8-mile beach
Street Food Circus is coming to Pembrey Country Park on June 21 and 22. On top of the award winnig street food line-up, there will also be activities at The Pleasure Gardens, including the “world’s biggest bouncy castle”, Mexican wrestling, the Incredibly Clever Canine Circus, the Big Bubble Disco, Splatch Circus School, axe throwing and Kiss My Putt crazy golf. On June 21 the Pembrokeshire Fire Spinners will perform an evening fire show finale. Read more
Wales’ premier food and drink festival returns to beautiful setting
Wales’ premier food and drink festival returns to Margam Country Park in Port Talbot this September. The Great British Food Festival will see a whole roster of chefs and food experts ready to demonstrate tricks of the trade alongside street food vendors preparing the most mouth-watering global cuisine. The Artisan Market is a great way to discover new producers including vegan and gluten-free treats amongst the many stalls. Read more
Palestinian debut author Yasmin Zaher wins world’s largest prize for young writers with ‘borderless’ novel, The Coin
Yasmin Zaher has been revealed as the winner of the world’s largest and most prestigious literary prize for young writers – Swansea University’s the Dylan Thomas Prize – for her debut novel, The Coin. The Coin draws on Zaher’s personal experiences to dissect nature and civilisation, beauty and justice, class and belonging in a vivid exploration of identity and heritage. Read more
Kelly Fountain appointed Chief Executive Officer of Gower College Swansea
One of Wales’ largest further education colleges, Gower College Swansea, has appointed Kelly Fountain as its new Chief Executive Officer. Kelly, who has served as the College’s Principal since January 2024, will transition into her new role following the retirement of current CEO Mark Jones MBE, this summer. Kelly brings over 20 years of experience in the further education sector across both England and Wales. Read more
Swansea joins UK’s first university network for women entrepreneurs
Swansea University is among the first partner members of a new national network for women entrepreneurs. Five universities, led by Imperial College London, will join the WE Innovate National network which will run programmes to support 150 women-led teams each year across the participating institutions. Read more
NPTC Group of Colleges Takes Major Step Forward in Establishing FLOW Training Academy
NPTC Group of Colleges has taken a significant step towards establishing the UK’s leading Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) Training Academy with the appointment of Celtic Sea Power to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study. This milestone follows the College’s successful bid for funding through the initial round of The Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator, enabling in-depth research into the current landscape of FLOW training. Read more
Baboons walk in line for friendship, not survival, new study finds
Baboons often travel in structured line formations known as ‘progressions’ as they move through their home range. Previous studies offered conflicting explanations for this behaviour. Now, using high-resolution GPS tracking, researchers from Swansea University have found this isn’t about avoiding danger, or for better access to food or water. They simply move with their friends. Read more
Pembrokeshire College launches new apprenticeship to tackle skills gap in food and drink engineering
A new Food and Drink Engineering Maintenance Apprenticeship course is launching at Pembrokeshire College, in collaboration with the Food & Drink Skills Wales programme. By providing practical, hands-on training, this course will equip individuals with the expertise needed to thrive in the vital food and drink production and manufacturing sectors, ensuring a strong and sustainable future for our region’s food and drink landscape. Read more
CISM and Space Forge deal to help pioneer gravity-defying tech
Swansea University and Space Forge, pioneers in space-based advanced materials manufacturing and return technology, have signed a major deal, making the company the first to be physically hosted in the Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials (CISM), where it will undertake cutting-edge work in manufacturing in microgravity – the near-weightless conditions found in space. Read more
Championing inclusion in STEM: Technocamps wins big at SheCanCode STEM Educator Awards
Technocamps, Swansea University’s flagship STEM outreach programme, is celebrating a double win at the SheCanCode STEM Educator Awards, taking home top honours in Not-For-Profits in STEM Education and STEM Role Model. The awards recognise Technocamps’ dedication to making STEM education more inclusive and inspiring more women and girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Read more