Business
Ascona’s community spirit earns group further awards nomination

PEMBROKESHIRE’S Ascona Group has been shortlisted for another prestigious Great British Entrepreneur Award, this time in recognition of its philanthropic efforts.
The company, which has already been acknowledged for its high-quality customer service and operational excellence, is now a contender for the ‘Randal Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year Award’, part of the 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Darren Briggs, CEO and Founder of Ascona, has been named as a finalist for this new category, which celebrates businesses that reflect The Randal Foundation’s mission: saving lives, improving life chances, and positively contributing to local communities.
Ascona, the 7th largest independent forecourt operator in the UK, has seen rapid growth in recent years, becoming one of the fastest-growing companies in Wales. Since its inception, the group has remained committed to giving back, launching the Ascona Foundation in 2020. The group’s philanthropic efforts have made a significant impact, donating over £375,000 to local, national, and community organisations since 2017.
A new initiative with Pennies, a leading UK charity that protects and grows micro-donations, is set to raise over £250,000 annually for Ascona’s charity partner, the Wales Air Ambulance. By the end of 2025, the company expects to have donated over £500,000 in total through its charitable activities.
In addition to this latest nomination, Darren Briggs was also a finalist earlier this year in the ‘Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year’ category. The awards’ shortlist includes businesses with a combined turnover of nearly £2.9 billion and approximately 20,000 employees, highlighting their role in driving economic growth and community support.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Grosvenor House in London on Monday, 18th November 2024.
Darren Briggs commented: “It’s a great honour to be named a finalist in such prestigious categories at this year’s Great British Entrepreneur Awards. I’m incredibly proud of everything Ascona has achieved, and this recognition is a testament to our team’s hard work and commitment over the years.
“However, our charitable endeavours are what make me most proud. Giving back is close to my heart, and we remain dedicated to supporting our charity partners, including the Wales Air Ambulance, as we continue our fundraising efforts across the group.”
Business
Mayor welcomes Eyemazy to Tenby with official opening

TENBY Mayor Cllr Dai Morgan officially welcomed a unique new business to the town on Sunday (June 23) with the opening of Eyemazy, a creative studio specialising in transforming photographs of the human iris into striking pieces of personalised art.
Speaking at the launch, the Mayor said: “Tenby has always been a place of breathtaking beauty, creativity, and warm community spirit. Today, we celebrate something new that captures all of that—and more.”
Eyemazy, which offers cutting-edge imaging and custom artwork services, allows visitors to turn a close-up image of their eye into a one-of-a-kind visual display. The studio adds to Tenby’s growing reputation as a hub of artistic innovation and tourism.
“This innovative studio transforms something truly personal—your iris—into a unique work of art,” added the Mayor. “It’s a celebration of individuality, creativity, and the beauty within each of us. Eyemazy not only brings artistic flair to Tenby but also strengthens our local economy and continues our proud tradition of blending creativity with commerce.”
Cllr Morgan concluded by offering a warm welcome to the Eyemazy team and said he looked forward to the studio becoming a popular destination for both residents and tourists.
Business
Pioneering aeronautical apprentice flies the flag for women in engineering

A YOUNG apprentice from Llantrisant is breaking barriers in the aerospace industry as Wales celebrates Women in Engineering Day.
Georgia Price, 21, was the first female aeronautical engineering apprentice at Newport-based AerFin Ltd, a global aviation company specialising in aircraft and engine component support services.
Currently studying for a degree in Aeronautical Engineering at the University of South Wales, Georgia is blazing a trail for women in STEM careers. Her achievements include winning bronze and gold medals at the Inspiring Skills Competition Wales Manufacturing Team Challenge and the Skills Academy Wales Tomorrow’s Talent Award.
Georgia said: “My advice to other women considering an engineering career is to go for it. It’s not as daunting as it may look, and everyone is so supportive and welcoming.”
Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership Jack Sargeant said: “Georgia’s success story is a beacon to all young women who may today be considering a career in engineering. Her achievements also illustrate the value of apprenticeships as a pathway into employment and further education.”
The Welsh Government has increased its support for apprenticeships despite financial challenges and the loss of European funding. Core funding has risen from £97m in 2020 to £144m in the most recent budget. Latest data published by Medr shows nearly 73,795 new apprenticeship starts have been supported during this Senedd term.
Georgia’s employer, AerFin, now has three female apprentices and is committed to developing local talent in the thriving aerospace sector.
Simon Bayliss, AerFin’s chief operating officer said: “Georgia is a great asset to the business. Apprenticeships provide the company with a great opportunity to take on and develop local talent which allows us to grow organically.”
Business
£20m investment to secure future of Fishguard Port

Largest ferry to visit Fishguard as Stena Line commits to long-term upgrade
FISHGUARD Port is set for a major upgrade after ferry operator Stena Line announced a £20 million investment to replace the town’s ageing linkspan bridge.
The new infrastructure, described as “overdue” by the company, will provide increased flexibility and secure the long-term viability of the Pembrokeshire port, which serves the route to Rosslare in the Republic of Ireland.
Stena Line said it hopes construction on the new drawbridge-style linkspan will begin in 2026, with completion targeted for 2027. The company said the investment demonstrates a commitment to Fishguard for the next “30 to 40 years”.
Boost following Holyhead closure
Fishguard saw an unexpected increase in traffic in December 2024, after Storm Darragh damaged berthing terminals at Holyhead. The disruption meant freight traffic and ferries were redirected to Fishguard to relieve pressure on the Irish Sea route.
During this period, the Stena Adventurer — the largest ferry ever to visit the port — docked in Fishguard for the first time.
Ian Davies of Stena Line acknowledged that the new investment was long-awaited: “It’s overdue,” he said, but added that the upgraded linkspan would allow far more flexibility for vessels and scheduling in the years ahead.
Abandoned plans revived
A similar project to upgrade the port was cancelled in 2018, raising concerns locally about Fishguard’s future as a ferry terminal. At the time, tenders had already been invited for the build, but the scheme was scrapped unexpectedly.
The current single-lane linkspan, which dates back to the early 1970s, has been nearing the end of its working life for some time. Its replacement is expected to bring the port up to modern operational standards and support future vessel deployments.
Stena Line currently operates two roll-on roll-off ferry services per day between Fishguard and Rosslare.
The investment announcement has been welcomed by port users and the local community as a sign that the port will continue to play a key role in west Wales’ transport and economic infrastructure.
Preseli Pembrokeshire Senedd Member Paul Davies has welcomed the news that Stena Line is
planning to invest £20 million to upgrade Fishguard port.
Mr Davies said, “I’m delighted that Stena Line is making a significant investment in the port’s
infrastructure. It’s a firm commitment from Stena Line which will secure the port for years to come.”
“The upgrading of infrastructure will enable larger ferries to berth and that could result in more
opportunities for the local economy.”
“I’m excited about this investment and I look forward to seeing the development progress.”
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