Missed 4theRegion’s Start Up Expo in March, or still buzzing with inspiration if you joined us on the day?
We caught up with inspiring guest speaker, Nigel Hunt, the creative force behind San Portablo 1901, a homegrown clothing brand born in Port Talbot, on what makes Port Talbot and South West Wales the perfect place to build a business with heart and purpose. From bold ideas to growing enterprises, our region is full of inspiring start-up stories like Nigel’s – and it’s exactly what we celebrated at the 4theRegion Start-Up Expo this year! Read more
Just 1 week to go until It’s Your Pembrokeshire at the The Queens Hall Narberth!
Dawn was interviewed on Pure West Radio this week to invite people to our event next week at the Queens Hall Narberth! Following last year’s fantastic turnout, we’re returning with even more energy to connect, collaborate, and celebrate everything that makes Pembrokeshire a vibrant place to live, work, and grow…and we’re opening the floor up to YOU to set our agenda for the day. Find out more. Join us on 14th May, from 09:30 to 15:30. Free tickets available now
Meet James Dovey, the driving force behind community transformation in Llanelli
As the Creative Director of Blueprint Wales, a not-for-profit rooted in local regeneration, James is reimagining what opportunity looks like for young people. Through art, design, and engineering, Blueprint empowers the next generation to shape the places they live in – from forgotten corners to thriving hubs of creativity and connection. We can’t wait to see what James and Blueprint does next! Do you have an interesting project to share with us? Let us know! Read more
By working together – across sectors, communities, and local government – we can overcome challenges and unlock the full potential of our region
Economic prosperity means creating a place where people want to live, work, and build their futures. We recently spoke to Julie James MS about the importance of partnership and ensuring that investment into our region benefits everyone. From regenerating our towns and cities to supporting local enterprise, it’s all part of a shared vision for long-term resilience and opportunity. How can we keep working together to make South West Wales a better place for all of us?
At 4theRegion, we believe in the transformative power of entrepreneurship to drive innovation, create jobs, and build resilient communities
That’s why we’re proud to champion initiatives that support start-ups and emerging businesses in our region. We spoke to Stephen Williams, Economic Regeneration Officer at Swansea Council, during the 4theRegion Start-Up Expo, where he highlighted some of the opportunities available.
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!
Why investing in employee training is crucial for business growth
Whether you’re running a small business built around the efforts of a small, core team, or manage a large operation inside a big business, you’ll know that the people you work with are more important than all of your other assets and resources. The Development Bank of Wales helps businesses across Wales invest in their processes, services and teams, making sure they get the targeted investment they need to start up, strengthen and grow. Read more
Gavin Griffiths are hiring!
They’re on the lookout for an experienced Chain Lift Driver. You must have a valid CPC, experience with chain lift skip loaders and high levels of health and safety standards and customer service. Drop them an email on enquiries@griffiths-group.co.uk
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
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.
The impact of AI on business – What you need to know for 2025
If you’re running a business, it’s worth taking time to consider how AI is going to affect you, and how you could put it to good use to support your plans. In this blog, the Development Bank of Wales looks at what AI is and what it can do for your business.
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.
Voluntary Board Member
The UK’s largest development agency for co-operatives, social enterprises, and employee-owned businesses, Cwmpas are working towards a future where people and planet come first. They are looking for passionate, skilled and committed individuals to join their Board and help steer their organisation through an exciting period of growth, powering forward to affect social and economic change and promote well-being in Wales. 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
The future of remote work: how businesses can adapt and thrive
The Development Bank of Wales have put together this guide for those considering remote working on how your business can adapt its practices to thrive when away from the traditional office environment.
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
Dynamic Purchasing System for the Supply of Arboricultural Works on Trees Affected by Ash Dieback and Other Health Related Issues – ON-GOING APPLICATIONS
This contract notice from Carmarthenshire County Council is to inform the market that the Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for the supply of services relating to ash dieback and other tree felling works has been extended for one year, until 8th November 2025, in accordance with the DPS agreement and original tender documentation. Read more
SWTRA Asbestos Consultancy Services Framework 2025
This is a Prior Information Notice from Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council. These services are to be provided under the framework
Dyfed Pension Fund Independent Investment Adviser
Carmarthenshire County Council, as the administering authority for the Dyfed Pension Fund, is seeking to renew the contract of the Independent Investment Adviser. This is a key role in the governance arrangements of the Dyfed Pension Fund in supporting the Pension Committee, Pension Board and officers with specialist advice to help the Fund achieve its goals. Read more
High Ropes Course
Swansea Council is looking to procure the design, construction and certification of a high ropes course. The project aims to provide a safe, engaging, and challenging outdoor activity for visitors of all ages. Read more
Supply of Personal Protective Equipment, Accessories & Workwear
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council are seeking to establish a single supplier framework to supply the council with personal protective equipment (PPE), accessories, workwear and potentially any additional associated services (e.g face fitting for respirators). Read more
Print & Signage Framework 2026
Carmarthenshire County Council are seeking to appoint several suppliers to provide print and promotional signage services. This arrangement will replace the existing framework which will come to an end in February 2026. The framework will consist of 7 lots, however at this stage, the arrangement and lotting structures are still under development and may be subject to change. Read more
Dynamic Purchasing System for the Provision of Supported Living Services
Pembrokeshire County Council, on behalf of the Hywel Dda University Health Board, is issuing a tender for a Dynamic Purchasing System for supported living services comprising of both community and household care and support. The approximate Hywel Dda University Health Board contract value and approximate housing related support grant contract value has been included within this notice. The value provided is per annum. Read more
Swansea Bay PR Campaign 2025/26
2025/26 campaign to promote Swansea Bay as a visitor’s ‘Happy Place’ and also linking in with Visit Wales’ new 2025 ‘Hwyl’ Campaign. Designed to celebrate the different facets of Swansea Bay that staycaters are looking for in a holiday or short break – open spaces, fresh air and nature, coast and countryside, cultural experiences and live events. Read more
NPTC – Grounds Maintenance
Neath Port Talbot Group of Colleges seeks suitably qualified contractors to provide ground maintenance in two lots, for its North and South sites. Read more
Town Centre Placemaking Plans 2025
Carmarthenshire County Council is seeking an experienced consultant(s) to develop placemaking plans for three primary towns in Carmarthenshire (Ammanford, Carmarthen and Llanelli). The consultant(s) would be required to work alongside the council and conduct public consultation sessions in each of the towns to ensure local communities’ views are brought forward in the plans. Read more
Welding Plant Equipment and Services
Pembrokeshire College is seeking to procure high-quality welding plant equipment and associated services to support the delivery of welding and fabrication training for learners ranging from entry-level to Level 3. The equipment must be capable of handling up to 7 hours of daily usage within an educational, non-industrial environment, ensuring excellent operational uptime, arc stability, ease of use, and long-term reliability. Read more
Dynamic Purchasing System for Drainage Investigations and CCTV Surveys – ON-GOING APPLICATION
This contract notice is to inform the market that the Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for the provision of drainage investigations and CCTV surveys has been extended for one year until 30th November 2025 by Carmarthenshire County Council, in accordance with the DPS agreement and original tender documentation. Read more
Contract for the Execution of External Wall Insulation and Renewable Installation at Garnswllt
Swansea Council intends to comply with the current Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS), works will include the application of insulated render system, re-roofing and other works as detailed in this specification. The purpose of the regeneration scheme is to carry out works to upgrade thermal value to 12 council owned properties at Heol Y Garn and Lon Y Felin, Garnswllt. Read more
Older Persons Information, Advice & Housing Related Support Service throughout Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire County Council are tendering an older persons information, advice and housing related support service throughout Pembrokeshire. The service will provide information, advice and housing related support for individuals aged 50+, to meet their housing needs, remain independent and increase their resilience over time, through early intervention and prevention. This service is funded by the Housing Support Grant. Read more
Retrofit Consultants to include PAS2035 Retrofit Coordinator, Retrofit Assessor and Retrofit Designer
Pobl Group and its subsidiaries are looking to appoint suitably qualified consultants to undertake the PAS2035 Retrofit Coordinator, Retrofit Assessor and Retrofit Designer roles within future Optimised Retrofit Programmes (ORP) to ensure that all energy improvement and retrofit work is PAS 2030 and PAS 2035 compliant. Read more
Pictures show state of historic listed old Swansea cinema that’s set for new future
Take a look inside an historic Swansea former cinema ahead of its planned transformation into apartments and commercial units. The former Castle Cinema, which later operated for generations as Laserzone, is a Swansea landmark and this exciting scheme led by Beacon Cymru and Easyliving Ltd means it’s set for a new lease of life.
Carmarthenshire market town set for affordable housing boost
Social housing provider Pobl Group has secured planning permission for an 84-home estate in Llandeilo. Pobl Group said the 84 energy-efficient homes were much-needed and that the scheme incorporated greenery and wildlife where possible. “We look forward to delivering this development which will provide high-quality homes for local people in a truly beautiful setting,” it said. Read more
Where £2.8m will be spent on skate and BMX parks in Swansea
The first of 17 skate and BMX facilities that will be upgraded or created in Swansea is now open. It’s an upgrade of the existing skate park at Coed Bach Park, Pontarddulais. Improvement work, meanwhile, is underway to the skate park at Parc Melin Mynach, Gorseinon. Swansea Council is investing £2.8m in neighbourhood skate parks because it will help meet demand while also raising Swansea’s profile as one of the UK’s best destinations for wheel sports. Read more
A great opportunity for businesses in the renewable technologies sector!
Swansea Bay City Deal’s Homes as Power Stations project is looking for companies that are interested in applying for their £7m regional Supply Chain Fund. Find out more
Plans approved for £20 million research centre
The facility, named the South Wales Industrial Transition from Carbon Hub, or SWITCH building, will be located in the Harbourside area of Port Talbot as part of the Swansea Bay City Deal. Its approval now gives the green light for a £20m facility to be built by Morgan Sindall Construction, where it will serve as a purpose-built research centre for de-carbonising the metal and steel industry. Read more
University sites in Swansea connected by dark fibre network
Virgin Media O2 Business has completed building a dark fibre network loop across eight university sites in Swansea. The Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme announced the dark fibre networks. They offer practically limitless capacity and speeds, with the innovative loop configuration ensuring a continuous data flow between educational sites. This will benefit research, teaching and collaboration across the academic landscape. Read more
I began working in Wimpy at 16 but now I’ve opened my own dream Parisian cafe
Step inside Café-tiere, and you’re welcomed by more than the rich scent of coffee and the smooth notes of Parisian jazz. There’s something else in the air — a genuine warmth, a sense of belonging that wraps around you like a hug. Even after the “closed” sign goes up, familiar faces keep wandering in, sharing jokes with owner Carl Draper as if they’ve known each other for years.
Mumbles welcomes a taste of authentic Thailand with new restaurant – Buddhist monks have blessed the 44-seat venue
A new dining experience is coming to Mumbles in Swansea with the opening of a traditional Thai restaurant. Buddhist monks from the Sanghapadipa Buddhist Temple in Swansea blessed the 44-seat ‘Nok Nok’ restaurant ahead of its formal launch on Easter weekend. Originally from Koh Samui, owner Nok Ryland has designed a menu that includes Thai favourites Larb Gai, Tom Yum Gung, Pad Krapow and Thai Massaman Curry. Read more
Popular restaurant that shut suddenly to be transformed into three new eateries
Redefining Dining Co. is excited to announce the upcoming transformation of the beloved Rake and Riddle. Reopening this summer as a vibrant, multi-brand destination, the new venue will bring together three standout concepts under one roof. The Welsh House – classic Welsh dishes with a modern twist, Cattle & Co Smokehouse – bold smokehouse flavours and southern hospitality, and Salvatore’s Pizzeria – authentic Italian vibes, Welsh ingredients. Read more
Welsh low budget horror film gets global release
A horror film made and set in Wales, with an all-Welsh cast has been released globally across several major streaming services. The Mill Killers, a 100-minute feature film made on a “very low budget” which explores the horror of friendship and the lasting impact of peer pressure. It follows a woman who returned to an abandoned mill with her former friends to confront the deadly consequences of her teenage actions. Read more
New coffee shop to open at Victorian Arcade, Ammanford
Nicolai and Poliana Kostadinova have made their “dream come true” by opening The Old Arcade Cafe. Polina said “I always wanted a coffee shop, and it was the perfect opportunity when my brother bought the property as an investment. We wanted a new life and a new change. It’s a really nice place. We have come from a big city, and we have never wanted to move since being here. Ammanford offers the perfect balance between a city and a town.” Read more
Tata subsidiary UKSE exceeding targets on support to firms following ending of heavy steelmaking in Port Talbot
Tata Steel subsidiary UKSE said a support programme launched in response to the ending of heavy steel making at Port Talbot has exceeded expectations with some £3m invested having created 400 jobs to date. UKSE area manager Rob Barber said: “Our strategy is to stimulate the jobs market by identifying businesses with growth potential that can create the jobs of the future.” Read more
Predicting animal movements under global change – why science fails in this vital task and how it can improve
New Swansea University led research will help predict where and when animals will move, a task that is becoming more urgent given the current rapid pace of global change. On our planet, at any one moment, billions of animals are on the move. Understanding the complexities of how and why they move is vital. It can help to conserve species, but also protect wider ecosystems and our environment and the many services these provide to human wellbeing. Read more
Using AI and data analysis to tackle drug-resistant epilepsy – Swansea University and King’s College London secure £1.1 million funding
Epilepsy is a common condition affecting at least 600,000 people in the UK. Around 30% of people with epilepsy do not respond to medications. This proportion of people with drug-resistant epilepsy face increased risks from seizures, memory and mood problems. This project will use state-of-the-art natural language processing, artificial intelligence and routinely collected data to understand more about, and who will develop, drug resistant epilepsy. Read more
Bluestone Resort wins Kings Award for its sustainable development
Pembrokeshire’s Bluestone Resort is one of just 8 Welsh businesses recognised in this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise – and one of only two to be recognised for its sustainable development. Bluestone Resort is situated in the heart of the Pembrokeshire countryside. The park has been designed to reconnect families with nature in a responsible fashion, and as such they have received an award in the Sustainable Development category. Read more
Solar farm plans receive go-ahead from council
Proposals to build a new solar farm on agricultural land in Neath Port Talbot have been approved by the local authority. The structures could now be built on land at Dreamfields, Llandarcy, on the western side of the of the B4290, around 1.8km away from Briton Ferry and 800m south-west of Jersey Marine. Once completed the site will include a ground mounted solar PV array with a capacity of up to 1.3MW. Read more
Cake-cutting waste recycled into pollution-busting bacteria – University team sets up unlikely partnership
A family patisserie has teamed up with a biotech start-up company to recycle waste from cake-cutting into bacteria-based products which tackle pollution in agriculture and water. The unlikely match-up of the two Welsh companies was made by Swansea University experts. Read more
Transport is a lifeline in rural Wales
In some of our most beautiful counties, like Pembrokeshire, getting from A to B isn’t always easy – especially if you don’t drive or you have mobility needs. Many are left with limited opportunities for vital support, or even socialisation, within our communities. That’s why organisations like PACTO are working hard to tackle the transport challenges that many local people face every day. Read more
You can now visit four huge dinosaurs in this popular Welsh park
Four new pre-historic residents have moved into one of Swansea’s most treasured parks. Singleton Park is looking more like Jurassic Park after four huge dinosaurs were placed there. The dinosaurs, including a Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, and Stegosaurus, were donated by Day’s Motor Group, Wales’ largest family-run dealer group. Read more
Escape room experience opens in a tropical zoo
Plantasia has launched a unique escape room experience called Jungle Escape: Poachers’ Lair. The beloved city family attraction has teamed up with ‘The Escape Game’ Swansea to develop its Jungle Escape series. The scenario is one of poachers who have set up camp to conduct illegal activity. Players have 60 minutes to navigate through the rainforest, solving puzzles, uncovering clues and completing challenges to stop the poachers’ illegal activity. Read more
The ‘Caribbean-like’ beach named the UK’s cleanest is in Wales
“The ‘Caribbean-like’ Barafundle Bay in Wales has seen visitors soar over the years since it was listed as one of the best in the world. Now, with the summer season near, the picturesque coastline has been revealed as one of the cleanest beaches for visitors this year. The beach has been described as “one of Wales’ most beautiful beaches” and has also been described as “the jewel in the crown” of the local coastline. Read more
Mysterious new feature is being added to Mumbles prom and this is why
Work has recently commenced on applying a durable buff-coloured top layer over the previously laid black asphalt, mirroring the finish seen at the Amy Dillwyn Park adjacent to the Swansea Building Society Arena. Additionally, two sleek aluminium strips are being embedded into the promenade’s surface. If you’re wondering why – they will serve as a whimsical tribute to the historic Mumbles Railway, which was decommissioned in 1960. Read more
The stunning mural celebrating Carmarthen’s cultural heritage
A grassroots music venue in the heart of Carmarthen has unveiled a stunning mural which celebrates the town’s rich cultural heritage. The mural on the side of the CWRW music venue and pub, features names of musicians, creatives and comedians who have put the town on the map – including Rhod Gilbert, Elis James, Datblygu, Adwaith and Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci. The striking artwork was designed by Swcidelic (Mared Lenny) and painted by Philip Cheater. Read more
What Neath’s new transport hub could look like under ambitious plans
Images of a how a proposed new transport hub in the centre of Neath could look have been revealed. The new hub would be located at the front of the Neath Train Station, where it will be designed to bring together bus and rail services and make journeys easier. It would serve as a “striking new gateway to Neath town centre, encouraging people to visit, shop, work and explore.”
Swansea city centre to get padel courts
A Swansea-based padel court venture has submitted plans for its first city centre venue with it actively looking for additional sites on the back of the racket sport’s growing popularity. Pure Swansea Padel has lodged a planning application for two new courts at Foresters Yard (formerly Pilkington Glass) The business is owned by property and investment group Swansea.com and former Swansea City FC footballers Leon Britton, Lee Trundle and Kurtis March. Read more
Transport for Wales have teamed up with Cadw to offer customers 2-for-1 on the price of entry to their historic sites when you travel there by train
With a valid same-day rail ticket, you and a travelling companion can get two entry tickets for the price of one when you visit some of the best-known landmarks in Wales. Cadw look after over 120 historic locations across Wales, many of which are easily accessible by rail. Wales has more castles per square-mile than any other country in Europe plus our fair share of ancient forts, abbeys, chapels and medieval houses. Why not make the most of this fantastic offer
Swansea retains its position among UK’s best institutions for spinouts
Swansea University has reaffirmed its status as one of the UK’s leading academic institutions for generating spinout companies, according to the latest Spotlight on Spinouts report by data analytics firm Beauhurst, published in March 2025. Swansea University has an impressive track record of creating 58 spinout companies since 2011. Ranked ninth in the UK, Swansea University holds the top position in Wales. Read more
VR Headsets to Revolutionise Exam Preparation at Gower College Swansea
Gower College Swansea is adding a cutting-edge twist to exam preparation by expanding its use of virtual reality (VR)—helping students reduce anxiety and build confidence through immersive, lifelike exam experiences ahead of the big day. Learners can now experience exam rooms and timed assessment scenarios in VR, designed to demystify the unknown, reduce stress triggers, and empower them to feel calm and in control when it matters most. Read more
University’s role in cooking up perfect recipe for groundbreaking edible soap
An edible soap that tastes of beans on toast has hit the headlines as it raises awareness of hygiene poverty, with a little help from Swansea University expertise. Welsh luxury skincare The Goodwash Company, working with the charity The Hygiene Bank, wanted to create an edible soap as a protest against people being forced to choose between eating or washing. Read more