South West Wales News, Events & Opportunities

Each month, we pull together the region’s top headlines, and announcements from across our alliance, to create your Regional Round-up from 4theRegion.

From development and investment news to community projects, and business opportunities: we’ll make sure you’re in the know, so you can speak positively and confidently about what’s happening here in South West Wales.

Do you have an opportunity you’d like to share in our next round-up? Be sure to let us know!

October Regional Round-Up

JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES

Job Vacancies with NPTC Group of Colleges

NPTC Group of Colleges is a thriving Further Education College, employing nearly 900 professional and dedicated staff, on a full-time, part-time and sessional basis, across 9 campuses throughout Neath Port Talbot and Powys. Read More

Mobile Tyre Fitter

Day’s Motor Group is looking for an experienced mobile tyre fitter to join their growing team. This is a great opportunity for an experienced mobile tyre fitter to join a fantastic company. Previous tyre fitting experience would be advantageous. Read More

Current Jobs at Family Housing

Family Housing always look forward to welcoming new people into their organisation. People who want to make a positive difference to the lives of Family Housing’s tenants and find ways to help them develop vibrant, inclusive communities. Read More

Bid Writer/Fundraiser

YMCA Swansea have an opportunity to fill a brand-new role within the charity – a Bid Writer/Fundraiser to research, design, write and submit detailed applications for revenue funds to support our services. This will be an exceptional opportunity for a gifted and driven individual to build new networks and to establish, develop and maintain new fundraising initiatives for the charity. Read More

Project Manager (Climate Action)

The CAE are looking for a Project Manager who will work solely on their Climate Action programmes, supporting the implementation of the organisation’s climate change strategy and action plan. Through their activities, The CAE work to raise awareness to marginalised BAME communities, inspiring changes in action in their day to day lives. Read More

Jobs at Natural Resources Wales

Natural resources in Wales are fantastic – rugged mountains and woodlands, beautiful landscapes and coastlines, and amazing wildlife. The people who work in Natural Resources Wales have the knowledge, expertise, and passion to help make the sustainable management of natural resources a reality. Read More

Job Opportunities with Llamau

Llamau are hiring! If you would like to join a fast-paced, dynamic company that works every day to end homelessness in Wales, apply now! Read More

Job Opportunities with Bevan Buckland

Bevan Buckland are looking to recruit a Tax Assistant (Graduate/School Leaver) at their Swansea Office. You will have responsibility to assist in the delivery all client’s projects and will demonstrate expected and acceptable behaviours in line with the Firm’s values and build positive relationships with clients and staff. Read More

Dine & Do Good

‘Dine & Do Good’ is a really simple idea: Llamau are approaching local pubs, restaurants, cafes and takeaways to take part, by encouraging their customers to Dine & Do Good, by adding a voluntary £1 (or more if they wish) donation to their bill. Read More

Current Jobs at Gower College Swansea

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. Thanks to their highly committed and talented staff, they are able to provide outstanding learning and training opportunities for young people, adults and employers across South West Wales. Read More

Work with the National Botanic Garden of Wales

The Garden offers a range of job opportunities from horticulture and education to administration and catering. All types of job opportunities currently available at the National Botanic Garden of Wales will be listed here.

PLANED are hiring for two key roles

Do you have demonstrable enthusiasm for communities within South West Wales? Do you want to join a forward looking, positive and high performing organisation? PLANED are looking for two Development Project Officers covering Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. Read More

TENDERS & CONTRACTS

Main Contractor for Pencerfnarda Farm Development

Following planning committee approval, Pobl Group are now looking to appoint a contractor to deliver their Pencefnarda development in Penyrheol, Swansea. Read More

Contract Notices for Swansea Council

Swansea Council is seeking to appoint contractors to provide balcony repairs to various properties, property insurance in respect of leasehold flats excluding broker services, outright purchase of up to 2 18 tonne GVW 4×4 chassis cabs, voice entry systems, SAP business objects support and maintenance, assistance with LoRaWAN and sensor implementation and associated tasks, domestic rewires, and a framework agreement for the provision of engineering services.

Supply and Installation of Play Equipment and Safety Surfacing

The purpose of this tender opportunity from Swansea Council is to obtain a fixed rate price and illustrated layouts for the supply and installation of new playground equipment and where applicable safety surfacing and other features at Port Eynon, Gower, West Cross, Coed Bach Playground, Blackpill Lido Playground and Bracelet Bay Playground.

Nant-y-Caws Landfill Site Phase 1 Leachate Effluent Treatment Plant Operation

Carmarthenshire County Council is responsible for the safe treatment and disposal of leachate arising from a closed landfill site at Nant-y-Caws, Carmarthen. The Council wishes to invite tenders for the operation and maintenance of the plant with suitably qualified and technically competent personnel. Read More

Wales Pension Partnership Private Markets Investments

Carmarthenshire County Council is the Host Authority for the Wales Pension Partnership (WPP). The WPP is now looking to develop a range of Private Market Sub-Funds which the Constituent Authorities (Local Government Pension Funds) of Wales can use to obtain the private market exposure that they require to meet their locally decided strategic asset allocations. Read More

Contract Notices for the University of Wales Trinity Saint David

University of Wales Trinity Saint David looks forward to receiving your tenders for the removal and replacement of the existing rooflight at the T&L Building on Carmarthen Campus, to undertake maintenance work to the roof of the BBC Building, and a research project into the oral Welsh achievement of two cohorts of learners.

Contract Notices for Pembrokeshire County Council

Pembrokeshire County Council wish to appoint a creative events management company to provide a complete turnkey event management service for the organisation of 2 public events and work with communities in North Pembrokeshire as part of the project Ancient Connections. Applications are also invited from firms wishing to tender for the provision of printing services.

Commercialising Innovation in Health

Swansea University are interested to learn more about best practice in publicly provided health organisations globally, but particularly in the UK for creating value from enabling and accelerating the adoption of innovation, and exploiting intellectual property. Read More

Tendering opportunities for Neath Port Talbot Council

Neath Port Talbot Council invite tenders for a parcel of standing timber comprised of an estimated 180-300 cubic metres over bark of Corsican pine and the roadside sale of between 150 – 200 cubic metres of beech timber.

Diesel Fuel Contract

In order to undertake its businesses effectively and efficiently, CWM Environmental Ltd. requires a reliable contractor to supply Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) fuel for on road vehicles via a card/at the pump solution and deliveries to bulk/tanks across 4 sites for the use in plant machinery. Read More

DEVELOPMENT

Carmarthenshire Council has appointed a contractor to start building the Wellbeing Village

Bouygues UK (pronounced “Bweegs”) has been appointed to design and build Zone 1 of the Pentre Awel development at Delta Lakes.  This is one of the approved City Deal projects, and will bring together life science innovation, community healthcare and modern leisure facilities at the 83-acre site on the Llanelli coastline.  Preconstruction works are now starting, with construction set to commence next year.  Read More

Award winning company appointed to lead £750m Swansea regeneration

Swansea Council has appointed award winning regeneration company Urban Splash as its preferred development partner for a number of key sites, including the Civic Centre, Swansea Central North and a plot of land running alongside the River Tawe in the St Thomas area of the city. At 4theRegion, we are really interested to hear that a development partner has been appointed and we look forward to understanding more about their vision for Swansea. Read More

The living wall that will be created in the heart of Swansea city centre

Work is well underway on the 1.1-acre coastal park next to Swansea Arena, which will see the city transformed through the green space. It will soon be planted-up and steps will be carried out to put a ‘living wall’ on the Oystermouth Road side of the car parking structure underneath the coastal park. The coastal park forms part of the new £135m Copr Bay phase one district, which is being developed by Swansea Council. Read More

Mixed-use proposals backed for city centre

Future phases of Swansea city centre developments and investments have been unveiled as a mixed-use destination with investment in lifestyle, family experiences and retail to help increase the number of visitors. Aimed at helping create a more vibrant and sustainable city centre in coming years, proposals include improvements to Swansea Market, public art, more greenery, a new street food market, and a new public area for families. Read More

Planning committee approval for 44 new socially rented homes

Pobl Group’s development at Pencefnarda Farm, Penyrehol, was approved by Swansea’s planning committee on Tuesday 7th September 2021. The new homes will provide much needed social housing for the local area, as well as a new substantial public open green and natural play area. Read More

SWANSEA BAY CITY DEAL

Multi-million pound life science project set for approval

Major plans for a new £132m life science, well-being and sports campuses project in Swansea that’s expected create over 1,000 jobs are gathering pace. The project is one of nine forming part of the £1.3bn Swansea Bay City Deal investment across the Swansea Bay City Region. The two-site, phased project is estimated to be worth more than £150m to the regional economy. Read More

Government Backing for Job-Creating Green Economy Plans

The UK and Welsh Governments have approved the £58.7m Swansea Bay City Deal’s Supporting Innovation and Low Carbon Growth programme which aims to support the creation and safeguarding of 1,320 jobs in the green economy through seven interlinked projects. The programme aims to establish the Swansea Bay City Region as a leader in low carbon growth and the green economy. Read More

 

BUSINESS NEWS

Chef who’s worked at top European restaurants opens 12-seater diner with foraged produce in Pembrokeshire

Annwn, a new fine dining restaurant which showcases locally-sourced and foraged produce has opened in rural Pembrokeshire. Matt Powell, a chef with over 20 years experience who has worked for Raymond Blanc and in Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe, is the person behind the new venture. He said: “We’re really focused on our local surroundings. Pembrokeshire’s produce is amazing, we’re really spoilt for choice when it comes to ingredients.” Read More

‘We quit our jobs to pursue our dream when a double tragedy made us realise how short life is’

After a very difficult year, best friends Jayne Libby and Racheal James decided to follow their dream and open Morriston’s newest café, Dessert World. Racheal said: “We realised life is too short to not take these chances.” Situated on Clase Road, Dessert World will serve a wide range of desserts, ice-creams and coffees. Read More

New plant based café opens in Swansea Market

Nonna’s Deliciously Different specialises in sweet treats and desserts. The idea behind the stall came from Penllegaer couple David and Barbara Johnson. The couple were inspired into the plant based industry after their daughter became a vegan several years ago. Barbara said “There was so little options for my daughter whenever we went out for food. I wanted to change that”. Read More

I left my job in Costa to start my own coffee shop

Having received praise for revitalising one of the Costa Coffees in Swansea, Maurizio Pozzi decided he wanted to do more. Armed with years of knowledge and a passion of creating an “experience all for the customer”, he wanted to take a risk and start his own independent space. OneSixty Coffee Bar in the heart of Port Tennant has been described as “a little jewel of a place” in an often forgotten part of Swansea born out of Maurizio’s desire to do his own thing. Read More

HEALTH & LIFE SCIENCE

Carmarthenshire Council has appointed a contractor to start building the Wellbeing Village

Bouygues UK (pronounced “Bweegs”) has been appointed to design and build Zone 1 of the Pentre Awel development at Delta Lakes.  This is one of the approved City Deal projects, and will bring together life science innovation, community healthcare and modern leisure facilities at the 83-acre site on the Llanelli coastline.  Preconstruction works are now starting, with construction set to commence next year.  Read More

Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research Launches App to Support Digital Inclusion of older persons

The app links directly to the International Day of Older Persons’ main theme of Digital Equity for All Ages, “bringing awareness of the importance of digital inclusion of older persons, while tackling stereotypes, prejudice and discriminations associated with digitalization”. The Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research aims to improve the lives of older people through research, policy and practice. Swansea University and Bangor University are its central partners. Read More

Six Swansea projects funded as part of £6.5 million for life-saving research in Wales

Six Swansea University researchers have been awarded funding by Health and Care Research Wales to investigate topics ranging from sun safety policies in primary schools to the impact of COVID-19 on people with epilepsy. Read More

CIRCULAR ECONOMY & ENVIRONMENT

Swansea Council pushes ahead with Dragon Energy island plan

Swansea Council has asked for funding to develop a business case for a tidal lagoon. The Dragon Energy Island includes underwater data servers and up to 10,000 floating homes and businesses as well as tidal turbines and the solar farm. Cllr Andrea Lewis, who has the climate change portfolio, described it as “hugely exciting” and “a game changer”, and that – if replicated elsewhere – an industry which would help the UK become self-sustainable in terms of energy. Read More

High-tech electricity project coming to Swansea

Norwegian energy company Statkraft has planning permission for what it terms a greener grid park, comprising two large rotating stabilisers, batteries and inverters, kept within a 109 by 100m compound. It’s a mix of engineering and tech which essentially act as a shock absorber to provide stability when there are sudden fluctuations in the grid, for example a power station going offline or a problem with a high voltage cable. Read More

Energy Positive Bay Technology Centre on track for completion by end of 2021

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Bay Technology Centre, sited on one of Wales’s premier business parks in the heart of South Wales, is on schedule to be completed in December of this year. The £7.9m three-storey office and laboratory space, located at the M4-side Baglan Energy Park in Port Talbot, will host different size units for start-up companies, indigenous businesses and inward investors looking for a base to set up and grow their operations. Read More

Carbon neutral potatoes are UK first

The home of the much-loved Pembrokeshire potato has added a new iconic product to supermarket shelves with the launch of the UK’s first carbon neutral potato. Root Zero planet friendly potatoes are grown in Pembrokeshire by Puffin Produce and have been launched into 200 Co-op stores across the UK. Read More

VISITOR ECONOMY & TOURISM

Festival held to celebrate the life of Swansea Jack

The famous Welsh dog rescued 27 people from the North Dock and River Tawe area of Swansea between 1931 and 1937. Jack acted as a guardian angel for that part of the city – keeping an ear out for cries of help from the water. He first rescued a 12-year-old boy in June 1931, and his second rescue was just a few weeks later when he saved a swimmer from the docks in front of a large crowd. Read More

Inside the abandoned island fort off the Welsh coast where you can now have a sleepover

It’s the eerie abandoned island fort off the West Wales coast that dates back to the mid 19th century. Built to defend the Royal Naval Dockyard at Pembroke Dock against a Napoleonic invasion, Stack Rock Fort’s long, winding, labyrinthine corridors once reverberated to the sound of shell fire and the 150 soldiers stationed there. However, now Stack Rock Fort is available to visit and spend the night for the first time since its colossal cannons finally fell silent. Read More

Free buses returning to Swansea for Halloween and Christmas

A free bus promotion is set to return during October half term and the Christmas Holidays with specific dates yet to be announced. The previous initiative introduced for the month of August saw 220,000 passengers make use of the scheme. Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: “Families have told me what a difference it’s made for them. They’ve been able to enjoy days out without worrying about the cost of travel.” Read More

More acts have been announced for the new Swansea Arena

We’re very excited about Swansea Arena. Six shows have now been announced for the new venue. Rob Brydon, Katherine Ryan, Alice Cooper and The Cult, Diversity, John Bishop and Oti Mabuse are set to perform at the 3,500 capacity attraction, which is set to open its doors for the first ticketed shows in 2022. Read More

Swansea creatives can bid for new council support of up to £1,500

Cultural organisations and self-employed creatives in Swansea’s arts and heritage sectors can apply for up to £1,500 to help them present their work to new audiences. Swansea Council has launched the offer of support for locally-based arts, cultural and heritage organisations and freelance art, culture and heritage practitioners. Applications will be accepted from now until October 31, with the council aiming to make decisions swiftly. Read More

New campaigns aims to attract thousands of visitors to Neath Port Talbot

A new tourism campaign fronted by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council is being launched this month. The Dramatic Heart of Wales campaign is hoping to attract tourists to the area for overnight stays towards the end of 2021 and into 2022.The campaign will highlight the rich natural beauty, world-class adventure activities and unique heritage that can be found within Neath Port Talbot – ‘The Dramatic Heart of Wales’. Read More

Stunning outdoor ‘dining bubbles’ have returned to Mumbles

Gorgeous outdoor ‘dining bubbles’ have returned to Mumbles promenade – and they’re perfect for autumnal evenings with loved ones. Bistrot Pierre Mumbles has confirmed the two “Bistrot Bubbles” have made a triumphant return. Diners can reserve a bubble for between four and six people and have their meals and drinks served to them in their own private dining globe – while enjoying the incredible sea views without being exposed to the elements. Read More

Swansea Grand Theatre opens for the first time in 18 months and this is what’s on

Autumn highlights include In The Night Garden on October 13 and 14, The Bootleg Beatles on October 23, Al Murray on October 29 and The Circus of Horrors on November 3. Swansea Grand Theatre’s traditional panto will return from December 10 until January 2, with this year’s production being Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs starring Colin Jackson, Kev Johns, Britain’s Got Talent finalist, comedian Jon Clegg, Emma Kirk and Zoe George. Read More

The top rated Welsh beach on Trip Advisor ‘just like being in Spain’ may surprise you

In fact, it is Tenby Castle Beach, the smallest of Tenby’s three sandy beaches and only about 150 metres wide, narrower during high tide. At low tide, there are plenty of rock pools to splash around in. The sandy cove is stooped below the iconic multi-coloured cottages of Tenby, on the south side of the cobblestoned town. Tenby Castle Beach is named so because it is overlooked by the ancient ruins of Tenby Castle. Looking the other way, out to sea is St Catherine’s Island, a tidal island complete with a Napoleonic Fort. Read More

A prosecco festival is returning to Swansea next month and it will serve gin too

The nights are drawing in and the weather has started to turn darker and gloomier – but an epic drinks festival is sure to brighten up autumn. After being forced to reschedule during the pandemic, the festival is back in Swansea on November 13 and bigger than ever. Prosecco fans will be spoilt for choice with the UK’s “largest selection of fizz available by the glass,” whilst a diverse menu of gin, flavoured gin and ‘fizzy cocktails’ will also be available at the event at Brangwyn Hall. Read More

EDUCATION

Swansea Retains its UK Top 25 Position in the Guardian University Guide 2022

Swansea University is ranked 24th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide. Professor Steve Wilks, Provost at Swansea University, said: “These latest rankings in the Guardian University Guide are an excellent result for Swansea and it is wonderful to see the hard work and commitment of colleagues across the university recognised in this way. Despite the challenging times we have faced over the past year, we have retained our position as a UK top 25 university and have remained the highest-ranked university in Wales for the third year running.” Read More

UWTSD appoints a Director of Marketing and Communications

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David has appointed Jonathan Batty as its Director of Marketing and Communications. Jonathan will be responsible for leading the development and delivery of an integrated marketing and communications strategy across the University. He said “I was motivated to join UWTSD as I believe the university is ambitious to become globally recognised and respected.” Read More

Gower College Swansea to get world-class skills boost

The College is one of 12 leading institutions (colleges and Independent Training Providers) to have been selected to join the skills revolution by becoming part of WorldSkills UK’s Centre of Excellence. The Centre of Excellence – partnered and funded by educational charity and awarding body NCFE – will see more than 40,000 young students and apprentices, from all socio-economic groups across the UK, armed with world-class skills. Read More

Simon Wright Appointed UWTSD Professor of Practice

Simon Wright, restaurateur, broadcaster, food writer, and consultant has been appointed to the role of Professor of Practice by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. His expertise will be pivotal in assisting the University to develop initiatives which aim to deliver economic, social and cultural growth linked to local food and hospitality, sustainability, agriculture and rural entrepreneurship. Read More

UPCOMING EVENTS

IWA Professional Training: Decision Making in Wales
12 October 09:30 – 13 October 14:00
Online
Hosted by the Institute of Welsh Affairs
Book Here

Financial Management Training 5 | Margin/Cost Control
12 October 11:00
Online
Hosted by Business Butler
Book Here

Preference Rules of Origin – Virtual/Online
13 October 09:30 – 13:00
Online
Hosted by Chambers Wales
Book Here

Homemade Candles Course
13 October 10:00 – 13:30
National Botanic Garden of Wales
Book Here

Virtual Open Evening – Teacher Training
13 October 19:00
Online
Hosted by University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Book Here

Business Swansea Start-Up Enterprise Club – Sourcing Start-Up Finance
14 October 10:00 – 11:30
Online
Book Here

HMRC: Transit Part 2 – Inbound & Outbound Processes
14 October 11:00 – 12:00
Online
Hosted by Chambers Wales
Book Here

Meeting the Challenge in Wales: Becoming a Sustainable Small Business
15 October 09:00 – 12:00
Online
Hosted by FSB Wales
Book Here

Advice and guidance for sedentary working
15 October 12:30 – 13:30
Online
Hosted by Wellbeing through Work
Book Here

Sleep Out 2021
15 October 18:30 – 16 October 07:30
Anywhere that isn’t your bed!
Hosted by Llamau
Sign Up

Film on Sunday: PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE
17 October 19:00
Queens Hall Narberth
Book Here

Circular Economy & Green Economy | Sector Forum
18 October 12:00
Online
Hosted by 4theRegion
Book Here

Coastal Communities Adapting Together (CCAT): Exchanging Knowledge and Best Practice Across Borders 2021
19 October 10:00
Online
Book Here

Financial Management Training 6 | Customer Attrition

19 October 11:00
Online
Hosted by Business Butler
Book Here

Incoterms – Virtual/Online
20 October 09:30 – 13:00
Online
Hosted by Chambers Wales
Book Here

Path to Net Zero: Shaping the sustainability of business

20 October 10:30 – 11:30
Online
Hosted by Chambers Wales
Book Here

Coastal Communities Adapting Together (CCAT): Exchanging Knowledge and Best Practice Across Borders 2021
20 October 10:00
Online
Book Here

Wellbeing and Resilience
20 October 13:00 – 14:00
Online
Hosted by Wellbeing through Work
Book Here

Classification of Goods – Virtual/Online
20 October 13:30 – 17:00
Online
Hosted by Chambers Wales
Book Here

Trading with the Caspians: Opportunities and Routes to Market
21 October 08:00 – 10:00
Online
Hosted by Chambers Wales
Book Here

Coastal Communities Adapting Together (CCAT): Exchanging Knowledge and Best Practice Across Borders 2021
21 October 10:00
Online
Book Here

Business Swansea Support Hour – Recharging your Networking Skills
21 October 10:00 – 11:00
Online
Book Here

ION Open Doors
21 October 11:00 – 12:00
Online
Hosted by ION leadership
Book Here

Wales Virtual Networking
21 October 14:00 – 15:00
Online
Hosted by FSB South Wales
Book Here

Masterclass | The Power of Organisational Charts
25 October 16:00
Online
Hosted by Business Butler
Book Here

VAT Rules when Exporting and Importing in a post Brexit world
26 October 09:30 – 12:30
Online
Hosted by Chambers Wales
Book Here

Understanding Young Carers
26 October 09:30 – 12:00
YMCA Swansea
Book Here

Financial Management Training 7 | Gap Analysis / Cross Selling
26 October 11:00
Online
Hosted by Business Butler
Book Here

Trading with Turkey – Virtual Training course
27 October 10:00 – 12:30
Online
Hosted by Chambers Wales
Book Here

Business Support Hour – Understanding your Customer
28 October 10:00 – 11:00
Online
Book Here