Award-winning estate agency founded during Covid expands with new office and national recognition

A WEST WALES estate agency launched at the height of the Covid pandemic is celebrating five years in business after building a strong reputation across the region.

Cardigan Bay Properties was founded in February 2021 by Helen Worrall, from Glynarthen, and Tania Dutnell, from Betws Ifan, with the aim of offering what they describe as a more personal, customer-focused approach to buying and selling homes.

Based at Aberporth Technology Park near Aberporth and serving the wider Cardigan area and beyond, the firm says it has grown steadily, moving into larger premises, expanding its team and collecting a string of industry awards.

Among its recent accolades are Residential Estate Agency of the Year at the 2025 Welsh Estate Agency Awards and a Client Service Excellence Award at the SME UK Enterprise Awards.

The founders say their success has been built on transparency and customer service.

Tania Dutnell said: “We started the business because we felt buyers and sellers deserved a better, more personal experience. Five years on, we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and the trust our clients place in us.”

The company reports almost entirely five-star online reviews and says word-of-mouth recommendations have helped drive much of its growth.

Helen Worrall added: “We’re grateful to our families, our team and our clients for supporting us. Moving into our new office and seeing the business develop has been a real milestone, but we still have plenty of plans for the future.”

Alongside residential and commercial sales, the agency offers accompanied viewings, video tours, digital marketing tools and online portals for sellers to track viewings and offers.

The business also supports local causes and is backing the West Wales Domestic Abuse Service during 2025 and 2026.

For appointments or enquiries, the team can be contacted on 01239 562 500 or via their website.

A JOINT business advice surgery will take place later this month after more than one hundred and fifty local firms signed up to an online forum highlighting growing concerns over business rates and rising costs.

The event has been organised by Samuel Kurtz and Paul Davies, who say they were inundated with requests for further help following their recent virtual session on the business rates system.

More than one hundred and fifty businesses from across Pembrokeshire and west Wales registered for the online forum, raising questions about the Valuation Office Agency revaluation process, how rateable values are calculated and what elements can be challenged.

Both Members of the Senedd said the scale of engagement showed a clear appetite for practical, one-to-one advice.

The in-person surgery, scheduled for February 17, will give business owners the chance to discuss their individual circumstances confidentially and seek tailored guidance directly from their elected representatives.

Samuel Kurtz said the response to the forum demonstrated the pressure many firms are under.

“The response showed just how strong the demand is for clear advice and constructive engagement,” he said. “With more than one hundred and fifty registrations, it was evident that many businesses want the opportunity to explore their own situations in greater depth, and that is exactly what this advice surgery is designed to provide.

“Businesses in west Wales are at a cliff edge. Employers tell us the current business rates system is placing real strain on high streets at a time when they are already facing rising staffing, energy and supply costs. Policy should encourage investment and growth, not penalise it.”

Paul Davies added that the session would help them build a stronger case with ministers.

“We want to do everything we can to support businesses in Pembrokeshire and this surgery is a valuable opportunity to listen to their specific concerns and make representations on their behalf,” he said.

“Firms are telling us they feel like they are walking a tightrope. Whether it is rates increases, higher overheads or workforce challenges, the strain is clear. Taking real-world evidence directly to the Welsh Government is the best way to push for change.”

Businesses interested in attending are encouraged to contact the pair’s constituency offices to book an appointment.

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Offering support: Paul Davies MS and Samuel Kurtz MS (Pic: Supplied)

Shopkeepers say hike may push trade into England while ministers insist policy will save lives

INDEPENDENT retailers have reacted cautiously after the Welsh Government confirmed a 30 per cent increase to the minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol in Wales.

From October 2026, the price will rise from 50p to 65p per unit, meaning some of the cheapest drinks will see noticeable increases. A can of beer currently sold for £1 will cost at least £1.30 under the new rules.

The change brings Wales into line with Scotland, where a similar pricing structure already applies.

The Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed), which represents many small convenience stores and off-licences, said it does not oppose the move in principle but warned it could hurt businesses near the border.

Clive Birkby, the Fed’s Wales president, said: “The Fed has raised no objection to this change which mirrors that in Scotland. In the past, supermarkets have sold alcohol as super cheap loss-leading products – something which is damaging to small shops and also to those advocating responsible consumption.

“We have highlighted concerns, though, for how this policy will impact our members who are close to the border with England, given that England does not have MUP. We will continue to monitor the impact of this policy change and what it might do to reduce problem drinking and the health and social impact of that.”

He added that both the Welsh Government and Westminster should invest more in public education about responsible drinking.

Minimum pricing was first introduced in Wales in 2020. Last year the Fed responded to a government consultation on the proposed increase, calling for clearer guidance for retailers and better communication ahead of any changes.

Announcing the rise, mental health and wellbeing minister Sarah Murphy said the evidence showed minimum pricing reduced alcohol-related harm.

“Cheap, high-strength alcohol disproportionately affects hazardous and harmful drinkers,” she said. “The evidence is clear – minimum unit pricing works. We have taken a decision which will save lives and help protect many people from the harms caused by drinking too much alcohol.”

However, Welsh Conservatives criticised the policy, arguing it will simply increase costs for shoppers during a continuing cost-of-living squeeze.

The new pricing rules will come into force across Wales in October next year.