The 2026 Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize is now open for entries
The annual Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize is one of the most prestigious awards for young writers, aimed at encouraging raw creative talent worldwide. It celebrates and nurtures international literary excellence. Awarded for the best published literary work in the English language, written by an author aged 39 or under, the Prize celebrates the international world of fiction in all its forms including poetry, novels, short stories and drama. More information
We need your help!
4theRegion is looking for inspirational women speakers from Neath Port Talbot to share their stories, insights and experiences at It’s Your Neath Port Talbot – our all-day event on 24 September bringing together 300+ people, businesses and organisations to celebrate positive change in the county. Do you know a changemaker, leader, innovator or community champion who deserves the spotlight? Or maybe YOU are that person? Or if you’d love to be part of the day (without the spotlight!), book your ticket here
11 weeks to go! The Green Economy Conference & Exhibition 2025
On Thursday 13 November 2025, the Green Economy Conference & Exhibition returns to Swansea Building Society Arena – and we would love for YOU to join us! If you’re a business based in South West Wales, this is your chance to showcase your solutions, raise your profile, and build valuable partnerships. View stand options and book here. Or join us as an attendee. Book your FREE place today and discover how Wales is shaping a greener future.
Collaboration in action!
We love seeing our supporters working together – this time it’s (ATFV) A Touch Far Vetched teaming up with BDP Wales. Hot off the press, ATFV launched a limited-edition charity programme at a recent Swans game, raising funds for the Swansea City Former Players Association. Huge credit to BDP Wales for delivering such high-quality print and support on the project – a brilliant example of local businesses and organisations coming together to make a difference. Read more
Stori Cymru Podcast featuring Dawn Lyle, Director of 4theRegion
We’re excited to share that Dawn Lyle, Director of 4theRegion, was invited onto the Stori Cymru Podcast to talk about her entrepreneurial journey and her vision for South West Wales. This episode is packed with insight, storytelling and inspiration for anyone passionate about the future of our region. Give it a listen and learn more about Dawn!!
Huge congratulations to our friends at Morgans Hotel Swansea, finalists in two categories at the 2025 Boutique Hotelier Awards!
They are nominated for Team of the Year – Reception Team (Aaron, Amy, Hayley, Laura, Rhys), and Unsung Hero of the Year – Klaudia Malenczyk, Head of Housekeeping. Such well-deserved recognition for a team who embody warm Welsh hospitality and go above and beyond for their guests. If you’ve enjoyed a visit to the wonderful Morgans Hotel or love what they bring to Swansea, show your support by voting for them
We’re proud to support Leon Jones from Green Light Technology Solutions, a valued member of the 4theRegion community, as he gets ready to run the London Marathon 2026 for Morgan’s Army
We’re inspired by his commitment to this incredible charity, which supports families in South Wales affected by childhood cancer. If you’d like to support his amazing effort, you can donate here. Good Luck Leon, you have got this.
Acorn by Synergie has been part of the 4theRegion family for one whole year!
Their partnership is so much more than business – it’s a shared commitment to community engagement, inclusion, and regional prosperity.Through shared values and collective action, we’re working together to create a brighter, more inclusive future for South West Wales and beyond. Here’s to the impact we’ve made so far – and all the positive change still to come! Read more about this brilliant partnership
Huge congratulations to everyone at Gower College Swansea!
We’re thrilled to see staff and students celebrating another year of exceptional academic success in 2025 – from A Level results to vocational Level 3 achievements. Well done to everyone involved – your hard work, dedication, and commitment are truly inspiring! Read the full story here
Careers at NPTC Group of Colleges
Would you like a rewarding career and to feel part of a family? Well, you can have all that and more at NPTC Group of Colleges. Here’s a list of their current vacancies. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to change your future – Apply Now!
Join Andrew Scott Ltd
Due to recent project awards throughout South Wales, they’re looking to recruit a Site Foreman, Supervisors, Chargehands, Plant/Telehandler Operators, Concrete Operatives, and Groundworkers. Send your CV to careers@andrewscott.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
Gavin Griffiths Group are Hiring a Tipper Planner
Join our members Gavin Griffiths Group as a Tipper Planner – help coordinate routes, deliveries and collections. Monday to Friday 7-5. Competitive salary. Career progression. Cwmgwili (SA14 6PW). If you’re interested, send across your CV to jake@griffiths-group.co.uk
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
Here is some training coming up in September
RCS is a social enterprise that works with businesses and individuals across Wales and beyond. Their mission is to contribute to individual, economic and social wellbeing through helping more people to enter, progress and thrive in employment. If your organisation has fewer than 250 employees, is based South West Wales and has NOT previously accessed their free training then you may be eligible to attend for free. Please contact workshops@rcs-wales.co.uk
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.
Enhance your digital skillset with Technocamp’s brand new courses starting this Autumn!
Their free short courses are aimed at enhancing your tech skills and are perfect for learning new topics and gaining valuable skills that can boost your career and unlock new opportunities. Their skills bootcamps (microcredentials) are completely free and are perfect for those looking to upskill, reskill or retrain. These free professional development courses are designed to help you build in-demand skills and knowledge to help you get ahead. Suitable for ages 16+.
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 role of innovation in staying ahead of the competition
Business innovation is key to the long-term success of a business. It enables companies to adapt to changes in the market, meet their consumer’s needs, stay ahead of their competitors and position themselves as market experts. The Development Bank of Wales has put together a guide on what business innovation is, why it’s important to businesses and where business innovation opportunities may lie within your organisation.
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
Print & Signage Framework 2026
Carmarthenshire County Council wishes to commission supplier(s) on a framework basis, to supply print and promotional signage materials and services. The open framework will operate for a maximum term of eight years from the commencement date. Upon completion of the initial three year period, the council reserves the right, at its discretion, to reopen the framework to admit new suppliers for the remainder of the original eight year term. Read more
Natures Wardens – Green Roof Structure
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council is seeking quotations to appoint the services of a contractor, to deliver a green roof summer house as part of its ‘Nature’s Wardens’ collaborative project with the Mid and West Wales Fire Services. Read more
Working with Nature Habitat Management Coordinator 2025-2027 Local Places for Nature
The Countryside & Wildlife Team of Neath Port Talbot Council intend to undertake a project focusing on habitat management and restoration on local places for nature around the county. The project will involve bringing existing ecologically important sites across the county into active conservation management. The project is funded through the Local Places for Nature fund. Read more
Contract for Landscaping at Brondeg House
This contract from Swansea Council is for landscaping at Brondeg House, Swansea. 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
First Aid Training Framework
Carmarthenshire County Council wishes to set up a framework that will provide first aid training related courses. There will be one lot, where the chosen provider(s) will provide paediatric emergency first aid at work (one day course), first aid at work (three day course), and emergency first aid at work (one day course). In addition to these training courses, there will be a requirement for the provider to include specialist content when required. Read more
Provision of Repairs & Maintenance of Sprinklers and Wet & Dry Risers
This tender is to cover maintenance and repairs for automatic water suppression systems and wet and dry riser maintenance and repairs within Pobl Group properties including within communal areas and flats. Read more
Museum of Land Speed Pendine – Interactive Permanent Exhibition
Carmarthenshire County Council wishes to carry out early market engagement on proposals for a new permanent medium to high specification exhibition about Pendine at the Museum of Land Speed. This process will improve the quality of the technical elements of the brief and indicate a realistic value for the award. The exhibition aims to explore Pendine’s fascinating history and natural environment. Read more
Dynamic Purchasing System for the Provision of Supported Living Services
Pembrokeshire County Council, and on behalf of the Hywel Dda University Health Board, are 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. Read more
Pictures show the huge transformation planned for Swansea city centre
Work to revamp Swansea’s dry-looking Castle Square began this summer, and is now well underway. The aim is for it to be completed by late 2026, and Swansea Council has released fresh pictures to show how it will look once finished.
Applications now open for Welsh Government Community Facilities Programme
Community groups across Wales can now apply for Welsh Government grants of up to £25,000 to improve or develop local facilities. The Community Facilities Programme supports voluntary and community organisations to make physical improvements to buildings or buy equipment that benefits local people. The aim is to help create fairer opportunities, strengthen local networks, and support spaces that bring people together. Read more
Newly expanded funding scheme prompts former Tata worker to retrain in AI
The UK Government’s Employment and Skills Fund has enabled Ryan Davies, a former Principal Researcher at Tata Steel, to move from redundancy towards a new career in data science. Ryan has started an MSc in Artificial Intelligence at the University of South Wales, with the funding contributing towards tuition fees, essential equipment, and study materials—including a new computer and textbooks. Read more
National Grid and Bluestone Deliver Major Infrastructure Project to Power Growth in Pembrokeshire
National Grid Electricity Distribution has partnered with Bluestone National Park Resort to complete a significant private electricity infrastructure project, enhancing energy reliability and supporting long-term growth in West Wales. The project involved connecting Bluestone’s private electricity network, a vital step in strengthening the resort’s energy resilience and enabling future expansion. Read more
Neath Port Talbot wins funding from UK-wide ‘Nature Towns’ project
Neath Port Talbot has obtained funding from a UK-wide initiative to improve access to green spaces, transform urban landscapes, integrate nature into local decision-making and make towns and cities greener, healthier, more resilient and prosperous. The winning project ‘Nature’s Back in Town’ will develop a strategy to shape urban nature and greenspace in Neath Port Talbot, focusing on the county borough’s most urbanised area, Port Talbot. Read more
Work starts on multi-million pound Welsh attraction with gondola and zipline
Swansea Council has disposed of land at Kilvey Hill to help pave the way for a multi-million pound leisure attraction and preparatory work has started onsite. Skyline Enterprises has planning permission to build a gondola lift to a sky swing attached to three towers, a zipline sending riders out on a 1km loop, and luge tracks. There’ll also be a hilltop restaurant, mountain bike routes, walking trails, a play area, a new bridleway and additional greenery. Read more
New Five-Storey Office Scheme Moves Forward in Swansea
Swansea Council has appointed Andrew Scott Ltd to carry out detailed designs and market testing to develop best value for the scheme, planned for an area adjacent to the former St David’s Shopping Centre site. Aimed at accommodating up to 800 people, the development will include a mix of high-quality office accommodation on the upper floors and commercial accommodation including food and beverage or potentially leisure offers on the ground floor. Read more
‘Honeycomb’ footbridge has been installed in Haverfordwest
A new £5.7 million footbridge described as ‘Instagrammable’ has been installed in a major town regeneration project. The striking structure now spans Haverfordwest’s Western Quay and Riverside, forming part of Pembrokeshire County Council’s £25.4 million Heart of Pembrokeshire scheme to revitalise the town centre. Read more
Historic Swansea Buildings Set for Transformation
Work is taking place to breathe new life into several more historic buildings in Swansea city centre. Under plans led by the Elysium Gallery, the former JT Morgan building – which has been empty since 2008 – will soon become home to a community arts centre and hub for creative professionals. Led by local non-profit Beacon Cymru in partnership with Easy Living Ltd, plans for the former Castle Cinema building include 30 apartments and new commercial units. Read more
Dramatic change unveiled at Welsh seaside village
An eye-catching new feature has been installed along Mumbles seafront – lighting up the brand-new look promenade. Festoon lighting has been erected, with around 1,400 bulbs lining the sandy-coloured path. It is the latest addition to enhancements introduced in the area as part of multi-million pound works to improve sea defences in the area. Read more
Kingsway workers boost to support city centre traders
Workers due to be based at 71/72 Kingsway, the major new office scheme in Swansea, intend supporting other city centre businesses as much as possible. Andrea Bovingdon and Victoria Hill, of flexible workspace provider IWG, are looking forward to visiting the city centre’s cafes, shops and restaurants during their breaks when they move into the 71/72 Kingsway development. Read more
Plans Approved for Wales’s National Institute for Sport and Health
Swansea Council have approved plans for Wales’s National Institute for Sport and Health. Led by Swansea University and part of the Swansea Bay City Deal Campuses project, this new building will replace the pavilion next to the athletics track at the University’s Singleton Campus on Sketty Lane, and once complete, will be a dedicated research and innovation space for sports technology. Read more
Warm welcome for latest new businesses at bustling leisure and retail centre
The latest arrivals at Neath’s Leisure and Retail Centre have been welcomed by Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Cllr Steve Hunt and Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economic Growth, Cllr Jeremy Hurley. Among the new outlets are Neath Deli, which opened in July this year, Baroc, a fashion, jewellery and home accessories store which opened this week and a new children’s space, Dream Street. Read more
Pembrokeshire couple open houseplant café in converted greenhouse
A former Pembrokeshire dairy farmer and his wife have opened a new houseplant centre and botanical-themed coffee shop in Pembroke. Kristian and Beckie Howell are behind Vine & Vibe, a new 6,000 sq ft indoor houseplant centre and café designed to bring an inclusive, wellbeing-focused space to the region’s retail and hospitality offering. Housed in a converted commercial greenhouse, the venture is the result of both a personal and entrepreneurial journey. Read more
New Welsh lunch spot offers something missing from most high streets
When you think about popping out at lunchtime to get a quick bite most of the places that jump to mind and convenient and quick, but not the healthiest. Now that gap in the market is being filled at Manifest in Swansea with its toppings packed with flavour and fresh ingredients and soft-serve acai bowls that are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or brunch. Read more
The Fishguard ice cream van scooping its way to success
A local couple’s cool new business enjoyed a legend-dairy summer as they scooped their way to success. Alex Luke and Shauna Whitcombe are the proud owners of new business Luke’s Ice Creams, a gloriously painted ice cream van currently situated in Lower Town, Fishguard. The couple will continue to bring the taste of delicious goods to Lower Town throughout September after a great first summer. Read more
SAIL research now shaping operational strategy of Welsh ambulance leaders
New insights provided by Swansea University’s award-winning SAIL Databank have helped shape future operational strategy by Welsh ambulance services. The research examined how health information is used and was sparked by a project undertaken as part of the 2023 Population Data Science Summer Internship Programme. Co-author Dr Hywel Turner Evans said: “This is the kind of impact we hope to have – if we’re lucky – at some point in our careers. We should all be really proud of what was achieved in this project.” Read more
Universities launch first new UK-wide study of child development in a generation
Swansea University will be playing a key role in the first new UK-wide scientific study of babies in a quarter of a century. The Generation New Era study will follow the lives of more than 30,000 babies born in 2026, during their early years, and potentially beyond. It will provide vital new evidence to answer important scientific and policy questions, informing decisions about early years and childcare services to help improve the lives of parents with young children. Read more
Swansea city centre in new initiative to tackle single-use packaging
Funded by Swansea Council’s Swansea project zero team and Swansea BID, 2GoCup’s initiative will see customers pay a small deposit for a durable, reusable cup, which they can return to any participating business for a refund or swapping for a fresh cup. The scheme aims to reduce the thousands of single-use coffee cups that are thrown away each week in the city centre, helping Swansea meet its sustainability goals. Read more
Oysters, Food & Drink
Mumbles own fully formed Boutique Oysters, food and drink festival in the grounds of our own Castle returns. Oystermouth Food & Drink Festival is back! It will be incorporating food, drink and the legendary Oyster Festival which was the closest to a traditional food and drink festival that the area has held. Saturday 13th – Sunday 14th October at Oystermouth Castle, Mumbles, Swansea. Find out more
Museum launches open call for focal art installation
Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales is seeking to commission a piece of art to be suspended from the pillars in the main entrance hall at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea. The piece will respond to the new vision for the museum as a place that celebrates Wales’s unique and diverse stories of living with the sea, from deep in the past through our present experiences far into the future. Read more
Welsh seaside town among UK’s happiest places
Holidaycottages.co.uk set out to find towns and villages staycationers considered their ‘happy place’. Tenby was in fourth place. Holidaycottages.co.uk wrote: “Tenby’s pastel-painted harbour, sandy beaches, and medieval town walls feel like stepping into a storybook. Visitors can enjoy hopping on a boat to Caldey Island, relaxing and exploring the rock pools at Castle Beach, or wandering the charming streets lined with independent shops and cosy cafés.” Read more
Scare-raising experience promised as Halloween Trail returns to historic castle
Scream Time is promising scares a plenty when it returns to Margam County Park this Halloween. The ‘spooktacular’ experience will have even more scare points and hair-raising moment. Visitors will need to keep their eyes wide open if they don’t want to join the Sandman’s victims, the Sleepwalkers. The terrifying trail will lead visitors into the 19th century haunted castle where creepy nightmare characters lurk in every corner. Read more
Welsh Secretary visits Swansea University to explore cutting-edge sport and health tech innovation
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens visited Swansea University’s Simulation & Immersive Learning Centre (SUSIM) to gain first-hand insight into the groundbreaking work of the National Institute for Sport & Health (NISH). The visit highlighted how simulation and immersive technologies are uniting sport‑tech and health‑tech to advance athletic performance, rehabilitation, and public wellbeing. Read more
Class of 2025 Soar to Success with Outstanding Exam Results!
Celebrations were in full swing at NPTC Group of Colleges as the Class of 2025 marks an incredible achievement in their A Level and vocational qualifications. With an amazing overall pass rate of nearly 99 per cent, students have once again proven their dedication, talent, and determination to shine. This year’s results are nothing short of remarkable. Half of the students achieved A* to B grades, with almost a quarter of students achieving the top A* to A grades. Read more
Top destinations for Pembrokeshire College students
From the classrooms at Pembrokeshire College to the lecture halls of the UK’s most prestigious universities, almost 200 A-level and Diploma students are getting set to embark on their next adventure after picking up some outstanding results this summer. With destinations including Oxford, Durham and Exeter, these outstanding achievers will be studying everything from linguistics and costume design to midwifery, paramedic science and aerospace engineering. Read more
Back with a bang: Swansea Science Festival returns this October half-term
The Royal Institution’s high-energy Explosive Food and Fired Up shows are among the headline events at this year’s Swansea Science Festival, which returns this October half-term. Hosted by Swansea University in partnership with the National Waterfront. This year’s festival will take place at the National Waterfront Museum on 25 and 26 October, bringing a weekend packed with mindblowing shows, hands-on experiments, and inspiring talks for all ages. Read more