SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, is calling on residents to champion local businesses as Small Business Saturday approaches on 7 December.

The annual event, now in its twelfth year, celebrates the vital role of small and independent businesses in communities. Since its UK launch in 2012, Small Business Saturday has become a highlight of the retail calendar, encouraging shoppers to explore and support their local high streets, particularly during the festive season.

Speaking ahead of the event, Mr. Kurtz emphasized the importance of shopping locally, not just at Christmas but year-round.

A call to shop local
“Small Business Saturday is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible independent shops and businesses that make our towns and villages so special,” he said. “In West Wales, we’re fortunate to have an abundance of unique, high-quality local businesses that deserve our support, especially as they face challenges such as Labour’s budget pressures and rising National Insurance.

“Shopping locally keeps money within our communities, helping small businesses survive and thrive. This benefits us all and ensures that our hard-earned money supports local livelihoods instead of enriching distant shareholders.”

The backbone of the local economy
Mr. Kurtz also highlighted the wider benefits of backing small businesses.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. They create jobs, foster entrepreneurship, and bring character to our high streets. By supporting them, we’re investing in the future of our communities. Let’s ensure their success not just for a day, but all year round.”

The Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MS is encouraging everyone to take part in Small Business Saturday by visiting local shops, cafes, and service providers. He stressed that collective support can help sustain the vibrant and diverse economy that defines the region.

The UK housing industry has seen some turbulence in recent years, with events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and wavering interest rates massively impacting the market. So, where is the UK housing market at now and what’s the outcome for those looking to buy or sell? 

Current UK market 

House prices 

House prices have fluctuated throughout the year and by September 2024, the average house price in the UK was £292,000, a 2.9% annual price change. Across Wales, house prices in September 2024 were £217,000 which was in line with the previous year’s average of £216,000. In Pembrokeshire specifically, house prices were, on average, £238,000. 

Mortgage rates

The average mortgage rate in November 2024 was 5.09% for a 2-year fixed term and 4.85% for a 5-year fixed term. This is a fair drop compared to last November which saw mortgage rates hit 6.29% and 5.86% for 2-year and 5-year fixed terms respectively. 

House sales 

The number of house sales has seen an increase in 2024. It’s estimated that there are 306,00 homes with a sale agreed, which is a 26% increase from last year. House sales are the highest they’ve been in four years and are now reaching pre-pandemic levels. 

Future Forecast 

The increase in momentum in the housing market is promising and with The Bank of England looking to drop the base rate of interest to 3.5% by 2030, mortgages will be more available to buyers. Labour has also pledged to build 1.5m homes in its first five years of Government, which should increase property purchases.

It’s difficult to accurately predict what will happen in the housing market as things can change quickly, however it seems likely that 2025 will be a good year for homeowners. 

Top tips for selling your home

If you are thinking of selling your home, here are some top tips to help you in the process.  

Make your home look inviting 

Home staging is about making your home look as attractive as possible to potential buyers. Simple things like keeping your home clean, refreshing some of your paintwork, or replacing an old lightbulb can make a significant difference to the appearance of your home. If you have old furniture that takes up extra space or your garden has become excess storage for things you don’t need, consider a rubbish removal company such as Junk Bunk to help declutter your home. 

Strengthen your kerb appeal

‘Kerb appeal’ refers to the exterior of your home. The most important features include well-maintained windows, a roof in good condition, and a tidy garden with well-looked-after pathways and fences. With 68% of home buyers considering kerb appeal important, it’s not something to overlook. 

Choose a good estate agent 

Having an organised and reliable estate agent can help you to sell your home faster and for a better price. Compare estate agents carefully and take the time to choose one you trust to sell your home efficiently. 

So, should you move? 

If you’re wondering whether now is a good time to move, it’s really down to your personal circumstances. If you want or need to move and can afford to do so, don’t let current market predictions stop you as they are changing constantly. If you’re not ready to move or don’t have the financial means to, then holding off could be a better option. 

THE CELTIC FREEPORT is officially “open for business” following the designation of its tax sites located in Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire by the Welsh and UK Governments.

The major step forward unlocks the investment incentives to deliver the freeport’s vision.

This milestone is also accompanied by the appointment of the first permanent Celtic Freeport Chair, Ed Tomp, to take this important re-industrialisation and regeneration project to fruition.

He started his new role on December 1^st, 2024.

Until 30th September 2034, businesses investing in Celtic Freeport’s designated development areas – tax sites – can access a suite of incentives, such as no Business Rates for the first five years, significant reductions in national insurance contributions and full capital expensing (a tax relief scheme), to support their investment decisions.

Forecasts indicate the Celtic Freeport is set to attract £8.4bn of private and public investment, deliver 11,500 new jobs and add £8.1bn of economic value.

Welcoming the news, the Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr Steve Hunt, said: “This is an extremely important day for Neath Port Talbot and surrounding areas as these announcements mark the beginning of what the Celtic Freeport can offer – a new era of major investment in clean energy, innovation and other industries creating much needed, high-quality jobs for our residents.

“The tax sites which have been approved by Parliament will provide an incentive for businesses to breathe new life into this region and with a permanent Chair now in place it is very much ‘all systems go’ for the Celtic Freeport.

“I also wish to give my thanks to the Interim Chair of the Celtic Freeport, Roger Maggs, who supported us through this entire process until he handed the reigns over to the new permanent chair.”

Frances O’Brien, the Chief Executive of Neath Port Talbot Council, added: “The Celtic Freeport is developing quickly and these announcements mark a significant shift in the fortunes of Neath Port Talbot, our neighbouring authorities and Wales as a whole.

“The Freeport’s involvement in the fast-growing Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) industry offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create thousands of clean, green jobs and to expand our economy. Our doors are now open to those who wish to join us on our journey.”

The Celtic Freeport is a public-private consortium whose partners include Associated British Ports (ABP), Neath Port Talbot Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and the Port of Milford Haven, alongside renewables developers, energy companies, industrial complexes, innovation assets, academic institutions and education providers.

The Celtic Freeport covers the ports of Milford Haven and Port Talbot and spans clean energy developments and innovation assets, fuel terminals, a power station and heavy engineering across South-West Wales.

Celtic Freeport’s website for more information.