Major Swindon road to close for three months
Part of a £120,000 project by Wales & West Utilities, the full closure of the A4289 Devizes Road, in Old Town, Swindon, began in June, will come into force from 21 July.
The closure, expected to be in place for three months, was approved by Swindon Borough Council.
Mick Gallavin, from Wales & West Utilities, said the work was essential to "make sure the gas network is fit for the future".
More news stories for Wiltshire
Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire
The section of pipe being replaced is more than 80 years old and has reached the end of its operational life, the utility company said.
In response to the closure, Friends of Old Town, which represents the Old Town Business Association, is holding a series of new summer street events to bring trade into the area.
The events will take place on Wood Street on 3, 17 and 31 August and will include funfair rides, outdoor games, music and food.
"These Sunday Socials are about turning disruption into something worth coming out for. They're designed to keep the area alive and thriving, not only for traders, but for the whole town," said Kris Talikowski, association chair.
The events are partly being sponsored by Wales & West Utilities.
Ross Gregory, from the company, said it understood the pressure roadworks can place on local high streets.
"That's why we're pleased to support this community-led programme of events, a positive and creative way of keeping Old Town vibrant while we deliver vital gas infrastructure upgrades," he added.
Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
Three-month road closure divides opinion
Nine roads to be dug up by council in two months
Related Internet Links
Swindon Borough Council
Wales and West Utilities
Old Town Business Association
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
The Rolls-Royce share price has soared 66% already this year! Can it really keep going?
Back at the start of 2025, I thought the business outlook for Rolls-Royce (LSE: RR) was promising – but was less enthusiastic about its share price. In January, after the Rolls-Royce share price had already increased 513% since the end of 2022 just a couple of years before, here is what I wrote: 'If the company can improve its profitability as it hopes to, earnings per share ought to increase. That prospect alone could see the Rolls-Royce share price increase this year, especially if the company issues upbeat news about how it is performing relative to its medium-term goals.' Lo and behold, six months on and that has come to pass. The share price is now 66% above where it was at the start of 2025, despite having already performed brilliantly in the several years leading up to that. So can this incredible run possibly continue – and ought I to invest? Why I didn't buy then I ought to start by explaining why, since I could see how the share price might grow this year, I did not buy back in January and subsequently missed out on the 66% increase. The issue then was not the underlying business. It was simply that I felt the share price was too high to offer me a satisfactory margin of safety. The company did indeed issue upbeat news about its medium-term goals. Not only did it meet some of them early, but it raised those goals. The City lapped that up and the Rolls-Royce share price has accordingly performed brilliantly in 2025. I am happy with my decision back in January, as each investor needs to strike their own balance between risk and potential reward. But, with the business now looking even stronger than it did back then, could now be my moment to buy? Not a cheap valuation Currently, the Rolls-Royce share price is 33 times earnings. That looks pricey to me, especially for a long-established company in a mature industry. Last year's net profit margin of 13% was decent, but Rolls operates in an area that typically offers middling profit margins at best and I do not see that changing dramatically. Momentum could keep pushing the share price up. As an investor not a speculator, I ignore that and seek to buy shares in companies that I think have good businesses and an attractive price tag, due to competitive pressures. I like the business. Rolls-Royce has a large installed client base, lots of patented technology and a world-class engineering expertise. The price still looks too expensive for my tastes though. It could get cheaper from a forward-looking perspective if revenues rise, profit margins increase, or both. High demand in defence and civil aviation could boost revenues. Meanwhile, Rolls' efficiency programme may boost profit margins. But I see a limit to growing profitability without becoming less competitive versus rivals. Meanwhile, a massive risk I see to revenues is the sort of occasional unforeseen event like a pandemic or war that sinks demand for civil aviation overnight. If that does not materialise and business remains strong, I reckon the Rolls-Royce share price could potentially keep rising. But I am uncomfortable with those risks given the current valuation, so will not be investing. The post The Rolls-Royce share price has soared 66% already this year! Can it really keep going? appeared first on The Motley Fool UK. More reading 5 Stocks For Trying To Build Wealth After 50 One Top Growth Stock from the Motley Fool C Ruane has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Rolls-Royce Plc. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. Motley Fool UK 2025
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Seaco Investments acquires Thai restaurant chain Busaba Eathai
Thai dining establishment Busaba Eathai has been sold out of administration through a pre-pack arrangement with Seaco Investments, ensuring the retention of 240 jobs. As stated in Business Sale Report, the chain currently operates six venues in London and one restaurant in Essex. Established in 1999 by Alan Yau, Busaba Eathai expanded its footprint beyond London in 2016, launching restaurants in Manchester, Liverpool and St Albans, along with a franchise in Dubai. However, these locations closed within three years. The company underwent a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) in 2020, at which point it had 13 sites in London. Busaba Eathai has subsequently faced multiple closures, including those of its locations in Bloomsbury and Kingston upon Thames in 2025, ultimately leaving it with six restaurants in London at the time it entered administration. The chain had also opened restaurants in Cardiff and Oxford, but both ceased operations in 2023. In 2024, it indicated a shift in focus back to London and nearby areas. According to its most recent financial statements for the year ending 17 September 2023, Busaba reported a turnover of £21.1m ($28.5m), a slight decline from the previous year, while reducing its post-tax losses from £3.1m to £1.8m. Company directors cited a 2% like-for-like drop in sales, linked to the cost-of-living crisis and rising expenses for food, energy and staffing. On 16 July 2025, Neil Bennett and Alex Cadwallader from Leonard Curtis were appointed as joint administrators for Busaba Eathai. They facilitated the pre-pack sale to Seaco Investments, which is led by Ronald Seacombe. Bennett stated that the company had 'experienced tough trading conditions' over recent years, as has much of the wider hospitality industry, with headwinds including inflation, the cost-of-living crisis and a substantial increase in utilities costs. 'The pre-pack sale has allowed us to transfer the business smoothly and has saved a long-standing London Thai restaurant along with hundreds of jobs.' "Seaco Investments acquires Thai restaurant chain Busaba Eathai" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
Ffion Hughes Launches Empowerment Retreats for Women Entrepreneurs to Boost Confidence and Drive Business Success
Ffion Hughes, CEO and renowned entrepreneur, announces the launch of transformative wellbeing retreats designed to empower women entrepreneurs, helping them rediscover their inner strength and scale their businesses. United Kingdom, July 26, 2025 -- Revolutionizing Entrepreneurial Growth: A Focus on Confidence and Authenticity Ffion Hughes, the internationally recognized CEO, entrepreneur, and public speaker, is taking her commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs to the next level with the launch of a new series of wellbeing retreats. These retreats are designed to help women business owners tap into their inner strength, refine their personal branding, and elevate their businesses to unprecedented heights. The retreats are more than just traditional business development seminars—they aim to nurture the whole person, focusing on the emotional, mental, and spiritual components that contribute to long-term entrepreneurial success. Through this initiative, Ffion Hughes is committed to helping women overcome self-doubt and unlock their true potential by connecting with their authentic selves and establishing a deep sense of self-trust. 'I've always believed that the foundation of success is not just about external validation but about trusting yourself and tapping into your inner power,' said Ffion Hughes. 'These retreats are designed to help women break free from fear, embrace their true purpose, and scale their businesses from a place of authenticity and confidence.' The Power of Personal Experience Ffion's journey to success has been anything but conventional. Having come from a background filled with personal struggles and resilience, including navigating neurodiversity, Ffion understands the importance of self-trust. Her journey has not only shaped her entrepreneurial spirit but also fuels her mission to help other women realize that true success begins from within. 'My story is one of overcoming adversity and finding strength in the most challenging of circumstances. I want to show women that no matter where you come from or what you face, your power lies in trusting yourself,' said Hughes. 'These retreats are the manifestation of everything I've learned on my own journey, and I'm excited to share this transformation with others.' In addition to her entrepreneurial achievements, Ffion has received numerous awards as a skin specialist and expert in the field of advanced laser and paramedical micropigmentation. Her expertise in these areas has solidified her as a leader in the beauty and wellness industries. Moreover, Ffion is the founder of Judith's Trust, a charity dedicated to helping survivors rebuild their lives after mastectomy. What started as a local initiative has now evolved into an international program that is growing exponentially, offering hope and support to women around the world. An Invitation to Transform Ffion Hughes's retreats will feature a combination of guided self-discovery exercises, business strategy sessions, and mindfulness practices. The sessions will address the unique challenges faced by female entrepreneurs, such as navigating self-doubt, refining their branding, and scaling their businesses while maintaining a sense of personal balance and well-being. Each retreat is designed to provide a supportive, nurturing environment where women can connect with like-minded individuals, exchange experiences, and gain the confidence needed to move forward with clarity and purpose. Ffion's approach blends practical business advice with emotional empowerment, creating a holistic experience that ensures women leave the retreat not only with actionable strategies but also with a renewed sense of self-belief. Award-Winning Expertise and Global Recognition Ffion Hughes's expertise as a business strategist has earned her recognition in prestigious outlets such as The Guardian, The Times, and other leading publications. Her experience as an international public speaker and award-winning business strategist has cemented her as a trusted authority in the fields of entrepreneurship, confidence-building, and personal development. In addition to her business achievements, Ffion has received accolades for her impactful work with women entrepreneurs, having recently been nominated for multiple prestigious awards including the International Master Artist Award and Women in Business Award. A Personal Invitation to Join the Retreats The launch of Ffion Hughes's retreats comes as part of her ongoing commitment to help women build successful, purpose-driven businesses. She invites women entrepreneurs to join these transformative experiences, where they will not only gain tools for business success but also discover their inner strength and unlock their fullest potential. About Ffion Hughes at The Little Wren Ffion Hughes, a seasoned entrepreneur and international public speaker, is the driving force behind The Little Wren, a seven-figure business empowering women entrepreneurs. With a passion for helping others scale their businesses through confidence, authenticity, and practical strategies, Ffion has made a lasting impact on women's entrepreneurship worldwide. Through her innovative business strategies and transformational retreats, Ffion continues to inspire and uplift women, showing them how to harness their inner strength and achieve lasting success. Media Contact: Ffion Hughes CEO, The Little Wren Email: [email protected] Website: Ffion Hughes at The Little Wren Coaching and Retreats Instagram: @ Facebook: The Little Wren Contact Info: Name: Ffion Hughes Email: Send Email Organization: The Little Wren Website: Release ID: 89165707 Should you identify any discrepancies, concerns, or inaccuracies in the content provided in this press release or require assistance with a press release takedown, we strongly urge you to notify us promptly by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our responsive team is committed to addressing your concerns within 8 hours by taking necessary actions to resolve identified issues diligently or guiding you through the necessary steps for removal. Our dedication lies in providing accurate and reliable information.
