News

Dragon LNG triumphs at Welsh Business Awards

Published

9 years ago

February 26, 2017

Tom Sinclair

Left to right: Marten Lewis and Karen Wood from Dragon LNG

DRAGON LNG is celebrating a win at the Welsh Business Awards, organised by the South and Mid Wales Chamber of Commerce.

The terminal at Waterston, Milford Haven, picked up an award for Excellence in Community Relations at the event, which was again held at the National Museum for Wales, Cardiff.

Dragon LNG has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at contributing to the Pembrokeshire community. In addition to working with numerous charitable organisations, it supports programmes and activities with pupils at Milford Haven schools, including building children’s confidence and presentation skills via drama workshops; funding their attendance at a marine and earth summer school in Southampton; sponsoring the Pembrokeshire apprenticeship scheme and running a graduate programme for local, national and international students interested in the oil and gas industry.

Since 2005, the company has also supported science, technology, engineering and maths education in all Pembrokeshire schools and Pembrokeshire College, organising outdoor activity and classroom sessions as well as guest talks from inspirational scientists.

“Winning the Excellence in Community Relations award means a great deal to Dragon LNG because it not only recognises our continued dedication to youth development and training in Pembrokeshire but also the hard work of our many project partners,” said Karen Wood of Dragon LNG.

“We know providing these opportunities widens horizons, and raises aspirations and expectations. Our ultimate aim is to develop the next generation in Pembrokeshire, to ensure they can prosper, no matter what their economic background.”

The 2016 awards, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year and sponsored by the University of South Wales, saw 35 businesses from a variety of sectors nominated for awards across 10 categories. The event was hosted by TV presenter Gethin Jones for the second time.

“Given how challenging 2016 has been for many of our businesses, with continued uncertainty surrounding the impact of Brexit, it was inspiring to celebrate so much success tonight,” said Heather Myers, director of the South and Mid Wales Chambers of Commerce.

“All 35 shortlisted businesses should be immensely proud of what they achieved in 2016, whether they left with a trophy or not. Their entrepreneurial spirit and never-say-die attitude have contributed to a more prosperous Wales and one that remains a firm contender in the global market.

“I’d like to thank the University of South Wales for sponsoring the event for another year, all of the category sponsors for their unyielding support, and everyone who worked so hard to ensure the evening was a triumph.”

Siwan Rees, director of USW Exchange at the University of South Wales, which sponsors the event, said: “We’re delighted to again support the Awards, and congratulate all of those who have either been shortlisted or go on to become winners.

“By focusing on increasing the SME contribution to the economy, developing students with relevant skills, and enhancing the status of the university as an institution for business, USW is a centre for collaboration and interaction, which builds links between industry and graduate talent.”

Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns was a spokesperson at the awards. He said: “It’s because of the hard work and dedication of dynamic Welsh businesses, like those celebrated at the awards, that Wales has seen the fastest growth outside London since 2010.

“As a Government, we’re proud of supporting our job market. I’m delighted to say that there are 117,000 more private sector jobs in Wales than there were in 2010. These jobs have been created by the private sector, by entrepreneurs who take risks and have the drive to build businesses.

“I hope the Welsh business community continue to work together to ensure Wales remains a thriving location to do business.”

The winners of each category have the opportunity to progress to the British Chamber Awards when entries open in the Spring. Welsh businesses have traditionally performed well against UK-wide competition and a number have successfully secured a share of the prize money, which was £10,000 last year.

News

Cadw invites families to step into West Wales history this half-term

Published

3 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

STRATA Florida Abbey and Laugharne Castle will host family events as part of Cadw’s May half-term programme.

FAMILIES in West Wales are being encouraged to explore historic sites on their doorstep this May half-term, with events planned at Strata Florida Abbey and Laugharne Castle.

Cadw’s programme runs from Saturday, May 23 to Sunday, May 31, with activities across Wales aimed at bringing history to life for children and families.

At Strata Florida Abbey, near Pontrhydfendigaid, a craft fayre will take place on Sunday, May 24, from 11:00am to 3:00pm, featuring local arts, crafts and produce, alongside family-friendly activities and guided tours.

Laugharne Castle will host Rainbow Gecko Bubbleman on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31, from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Bubbleman and the Bubble Faerie will perform giant bubble displays, bubble animals and frozen creations, with visitors able to join in and learn tricks.

Other West Wales events include a Children’s Activity Day at Strata Florida Abbey and HMS Wales Naval Living History at Laugharne Castle.

Kate Roberts, Chief Executive of Cadw said: “May half term is the perfect chance for families to get out and explore the incredible history on their doorstep in Wales.

“This year’s programme has been designed to be hands-on, engaging and genuinely fun, giving visitors of all ages the chance to connect our nation’s past and spend quality time together outdoors.”

Cadw said membership includes free event entry and unlimited access to more than 130 historic places across Wales, with children going free with any adult membership.

Business

Mayor opens new Sapphire showroom in Milford Haven

Published

5 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New Charles Street base brings windows and doors firm closer to Pembrokeshire customers

THE MAYOR OF MILFORD HAVEN has officially opened a new showroom for Sapphire Windows & Doors in the town centre.

The company welcomed visitors to its new base at 61 Charles Street on Monday (May 18), with Mayor Mark Woodward attending the opening.

Sapphire Windows & Doors, established in 1989, supplies and installs windows, doors and glazing products across South and West Wales.

The new Milford Haven showroom has been opened following growing demand from customers in Pembrokeshire, many of whom had previously travelled to the company’s Ammanford showroom.

The Charles Street premises will allow customers to view products in person, compare colours and finishes, try different styles, and speak directly with the Sapphire team.

Products on display include uPVC windows, composite and aluminium entrance doors, aluminium sliding and bifold systems, and internal and external Crittall-style aluminium and steel doors.

Shaun Matthews, Director of Sapphire Windows & Doors said: “We are incredibly excited to open our new Milford Haven showroom and welcome both returning and new customers through the doors.

“We have already received such a lovely welcome on Charles Street, and we are looking forward to becoming part of the local community.

“When people are investing in new windows and doors, it is important they feel confident in what they are choosing. The showroom gives customers the opportunity to properly see the products, explore the options available, try them for themselves and receive clear, honest advice from our team.”

The company manufactures its own uPVC products in-house at its factory in Ammanford, while installations are carried out by directly employed fitting teams.

Sapphire says it offers free, no-obligation quotes and takes a no-pressure approach to sales.

Every installation is backed by a ten-year guarantee and a FENSA insurance-backed warranty.

The new showroom is now open at 61 Charles Street, Milford Haven, SA73 1SA.

For more information visit sapphirewindows.info.

Community

Cardigan family’s urgent appeal after father suffers devastating stroke

Published

5 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Former pilot left unable to speak or swallow after collapsing while mowing lawn

A CARDIGAN family has launched an urgent appeal for help after a 72-year-old father suffered a massive stroke while mowing his garden, leaving him unable to speak, swallow or move the right side of his body.

Les Bell collapsed on Monday, May 11, after suffering what doctors described as an intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) – a serious form of haemorrhagic stroke caused by bleeding in the brain.

His daughter, Jessica Grieve, said the bleed was extensive and that her father remains in a critical condition on an acute stroke ward.

The former pilot, who now works as a flight training consultant at Gatwick Airport, is currently being fed through a tube and can only communicate through eye contact, small nods and grunts.

Jessica said: “Dad has lost the right-hand side of his body, has to be tube fed as he’s not conscious enough to perform a swallow test, although it would seem the muscles on the right side of his throat aren’t working.

“He can’t talk. He can only communicate with brief eye contact, small nods and grunts.”

She added that doctors are still unable to predict her father’s long-term prognosis.

“We don’t know the prognosis, only time will tell, but he is in a critical condition and it’s likely to remain that way for some months,” she said.

The family is now facing a financial crisis after Les, who was the main income earner, became suddenly incapacitated.

Jessica said her father managed all household finances, while her mother is unable to work due to disabilities and her brother, Jake, is still suffering the effects of cancer treatment and cannot work full-time.

She is now applying for lasting power of attorney in order to access her father’s bank accounts, but said the process could take up to ten weeks.

In the meantime, the family say they are struggling to pay rent, bills and other essential costs.