AFTER an extensive recruitment process, José Peralta has been named the new Chief Executive of Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), the red meat levy body.

José brings over 25 years of experience in the UK meat industry, having held senior leadership roles across several prominent companies. Notably, he served as Managing Director of the UK’s second-largest red meat business under the ownership of Grampian Country Food Group, Vion, and 2 Sisters Food Group. During his tenure, the organisation achieved annual sales exceeding £500 million, employed over 3,000 staff, and operated six processing plants across the UK, making it a significant seller of Welsh beef and lamb domestically and internationally until 2016.

Following this, José became Managing Director of Tulip Food Company, overseeing eight processing sites and generating over £500 million in annual sales of pork-based products. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Pembrokeshire-based Puffin Produce, where he spearheaded initiatives such as the development of the Pembrokeshire Creamery milk bottling plant.

HCC Chair Welcomes New Leadership

Commenting on the appointment, HCC Chair Catherine Smith said: “The Hybu Cig Cymru Board is delighted to welcome José Peralta as our new Chief Executive. His exceptional leadership skills and extensive experience in the red meat industry make him the ideal candidate to guide HCC into its next phase of development within an evolving and dynamic sector.

“This is an exciting time for HCC as we continue to grow and strengthen our renowned brands, PGI Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef. With the finalisation of our current five-year business plan and the shaping of our strategic vision for 2026 and beyond, our focus is on creating a roadmap that supports the sustainable growth of the industry as a vital part of the Welsh agri-food economy.

“We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Heather Anstey-Myers, who has served as Interim Chief Executive over the past year, for her dedication and hard work.”

Government Endorsement

Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, praised the appointment: “I am pleased that José Peralta is taking on this important role. His extensive track record in the red meat industry will be invaluable in advancing the organisation and ensuring it delivers the best outcomes for levy payers and the broader agri-food sector. Hybu Cig Cymru plays a crucial role in working with the Welsh Government and stakeholders to secure a sustainable future for farmers across Wales.”

CEO’s Vision for the Future

José Peralta expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating: “I am honoured to join Hybu Cig Cymru and look forward to collaborating with the HCC team to champion the development and promotion of the Welsh red meat industry on behalf of our levy payers.

“Over the coming weeks and months, I will engage with levy payers and industry partners to identify opportunities for collaboration and partnership, ensuring maximum returns for both levy payers and the wider industry.”

José Peralta is set to assume his position on 20 January 2025.

THE PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal, owned and operated by the Port of Milford Haven, has experienced a surge in activity in recent weeks. This was due to freight traffic being temporarily diverted to ports across the south-west following the closure of Holyhead Port.

The Port of Milford Haven is pleased to confirm that with the re-opening of Holyhead Port tomorrow, normal service will resume at Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal. Irish Ferries will operate its usual twice-daily sailings to Rosslare, with the Isle of Innisfree scheduled to depart at 2:45am and 2:45pm.

A spokesperson said: “We would like to thank the community of Pembroke Dock for their understanding during this period of increased traffic through the town.”

Freight operators and passengers are encouraged to check the Irish Ferries website for up-to-date timetables and booking information.

Getting on top of your finances can feel daunting, particularly if you have hobbies that you don’t want to sacrifice. The good news is that there are plenty of ways you can save money without having to compromise on your favourite activities. 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few suggestions that could help you better manage your finances whilst continuing to do the things you enjoy most. 

Track your spending 

Before making any changes, it’s a good idea to evaluate your current spending. In the age of online banking, regularly checking your bank account couldn’t be easier and doing so can offer you more control over your finances. 

Consider going through your current outgoings and finding areas for improvement, such as overspending on groceries or identifying subscriptions you no longer need and cancelling them. You can use tools like budget planners to help track and manage your spending more efficiently. 

Use second hand equipment 

If your hobbies and interests require equipment, think about purchasing second hand instead of buying brand new. You can use sites such as eBay or Gumtree to find used equipment in good condition. Not only is buying second hand a great way to save money without missing out on the things you need, but it’s also less wasteful and better for the environment! 

Make money from your hobby 

Plenty of hobbies can be turned into an additional income. If you enjoy creating content online, consider monetising YouTube videos or joining the TikTok creator fund. If your interests involve creating things such as clothes or art, opening a shop on Etsy and selling your pieces is an excellent way to continue pursuing your hobby whilst earning a little extra. 

Downsize your hobby

Finally, downsizing your existing hobbies and interests is a great way to reduce the expenses that come with them. If you enjoy exercise, consider working out from home to save money on gym memberships. If you’re learning a new language, utilise free tools and courses. 

Alternatively, if gambling is more your scene, think about switching to online gambling. Online gambling sites typically offer more in terms of rewards than traditional brick-and-mortar bookies do. You can utilise sites like AskGamblers who make it easy to find free spin bonuses and sign up offers. Free spins bonuses are a great place to start as a beginner. You can typically use free spins on slot games and still land wins to later withdraw, given you’ve surpassed the wagering requirements.

Saving doesn’t have to be limiting 

Cutting back on your spending and saving money doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the things you enjoy. By keeping track of your spending, reducing unnecessary costs, saving on purchases, and even finding ways to make money from the things you enjoy, you can continue to live life to the full whilst improving your finances.