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Pembroke Dock: Future uncertain for Friday-Ad’s call centre

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faTHE PEMBROKE DOCK call centre owned and operated by Friday Media Group looks likely to close, as the company say there is a decline in the need for a call handling operation as their business moves online.

The call centre, which has been run by Friday Media Group since the collapse of ITV Digital in 2002, employs sixty staff in sales, information technology and management roles.

Sources close to the company have told The Herald that the Pembroke Dock based staff are now facing the prospect of redundancy.

A former employee told The Herald that in its heyday in 2006 and 2007 the centre employed 160 staff.

In a prepared statement sent to The Herald by Managing Director Sam Kidger and Group Finance Director Scott Ryan, the company said: “We are currently engaged in a period of consultation with our Pembrokeshire staff to help determine the future of our Pembroke dock call centre at the Cleddau Bridge business park. We intend to complete the process by autumn.

“We have always had a huge amount of respect for our loyal workforce in Pembroke Dock and we intend to fully support them through this process.

“We established Pembroke as a call centre in 2002 when the need for us to handle high call volumes was paramount to our business model.

“This call handling requirement has gradually declined as we have expanded as an online and marketing led business.

“Our growth now is occurring in our online marketplaces nationally and internationally, an arena which a traditional call centre is struggling to support. This is evident in how competitors such as Gumtree and Ebay have built their operations as self service entities.

“It is for these reasons that we are now seeking a satisfactory resolution to address the challenges we face in Pembroke Dock.”

READ THE FULL REPORT IN THE PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD TOMORROW

Happier times: A Friday-Ad recruitment drive in 2012

Happier times: A Friday-Ad recruitment drive in 2012

 

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Crime

Police stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation

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Suspected drug driver report leads to major police response and multiple arrests

DRAMATIC scenes were reported in Pennar on Monday afternoon (Mar 23) after multiple police vehicles were deployed to stop a car.

The incident happened at around 5:00pm near Pennar Court, Pembroke Dock, where officers located a stationary vehicle following reports of a suspected drug driver in the area.

Police attended and pre-emptively stopped the vehicle, also blocking a second car nearby.

Officers carried out searches of both vehicles and discovered suspected controlled substances.

A 32-year-old woman and a 47-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of class A and class B drugs with intent to supply.

The 32-year-old woman has been released under investigation, while the 31-year-old man and 47-year-old woman have been released on unconditional bail.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident followed reports of a man believed to be driving under the influence in the area earlier that afternoon.

 

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Crime

Sex offender jailed for sending explicit messages to ’14-year-old’ girls

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A MAN has been jailed after sending sexual messages on Snapchat to three girls he believed were aged 14.

Ciaran Carmody, aged 21, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from HM Wrexham prison, where he admitted three offences of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16.

The court heard the messages were sent on three separate occasions to accounts posing as 14-year-old girls, which were in fact part of an undercover police operation.

Prosecutor Nia James said each of the girls made their age clear, but the messages sent by Carmody were sexual in nature.

The offences took place between April 25 and May 5, 2025.

 

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Finance

Haverfordwest savers encouraged to seek clarity ahead of ISA tax year end

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TWO in three savers say a fixed interest rate would give them greater peace of mind when planning their finances, according to new research from Principality Building Society*, as people in Haverfordwest are encouraged to review their savings ahead of the ISA tax year deadline.

The research, conducted with more than 1,500 people, also found that while many savers feel comfortable managing their money independently, a significant number still value the reassurance of speaking to someone when making important financial decisions.

Meanwhile, around one in six people mistakenly believe they must open a new ISA every tax year, highlighting ongoing confusion around how ISAs work. In many cases, particularly for variable savings products, savers may be able to continue paying into an existing ISA.

With the tax year end approaching, Principality Building Society is inviting Members and local savers to speak with colleagues at its High Street branch in Haverfordwest to better understand their options and make informed choices about how to use their ISA allowance.

The research also highlights the appeal of certainty when it comes to savings. Two in three savers say a fixed rate would give them peace of mind, reflecting the reassurance that comes from knowing exactly what return they will receive over a set period. Fixed rate Cash ISAs can provide that certainty, making it easier for some savers to plan ahead.

Vicky Wales, Chief Savings and Lending Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “ISA season can often feel busy and confusing, particularly against the backdrop of changes in the wider financial environment. Many people value the opportunity to talk through their options and feel confident they’re making the right decision.

Every saver’s situation is unique, so having a conversation can help people better understand their choices and how these align with their longer-term plans. Understanding the differences between savings products – including fixed and variable rates – can help savers make the most of their ISA allowance, and ensure their money is working in a way that suits their individual goals.”

Principality Building Society is encouraging anyone in Haverfordwest who would like to review their savings ahead of the tax year end to visit their local branch for a supportive conversation about their options, and how they can make the most of their savings.

Source: Principality Building Society’s own online community, Member Pulse, survey on Cash ISAs, March 2026 (total respondents: 1,544)

 

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