News
Community at heart of Principality win
COMMUNITY was at the heart of a Gold Award win for Principality Building Society at this year’s CIPR Cymru Wales PRide Awards. Wales’ largest building society took Gold in the Integrated Campaign category and Silver in the Community Relations category in recognition of its Community Vote campaign, which offered local causes across Wales the chance to win £5,000 earlier this year. Principality’s Community Vote 2014 whittled down hundreds of applications to a shortlist of five finalists, which then went out to a public vote to find the winner.
Pembrokeshire Young Carers, which is run by Action for Childrenand provides support, information and fun activities for young carers aged eight to 25 years old who live in Pembrokeshire, received the top vote and scooped the prize money to take the young carers on day trips and holidays. As part of the prize package they also won a Christmas party which is due to take place on December 5th.
Now the Principality team behind the initiative has also won recognition for their efforts with a double win at the CIPR Cymru PRide Awards, which take place annually to celebrate the best public relations campaigns, practitioners and organisations in Wales. Hannah Poulton, Head of Multi-Channel Communications at Principality, said: “As the largest building society in Wales, Principality is very much dedicated to supporting local Welsh communities and has proved its commitment to this on an ongoing basis spanning many years.
“It is a great pleasure to have received this Gold and Silver Award from CIPR Cymru, both in recognition of those who work so hard to ensure this support continues and bearing in mind all the great community causes that Principality has been privileged to come into contact with over the years too.” Principality was shortlisted in three categories overall and was also a finalist in the Internal Communications category for its staff-focused social media campaign at the annual awards ceremony.
More than 200 leading public relations professionals attended the black tie event in Cardiff, which was hosted by BBC Radio Wales and Classic FM’s Wynne Evans. Val Bodden MCIPR, Chair of CIPR Cymru Wales, said: “It is always a delight to see the smiling faces of the Gold and Silver winners as they step up to collect their awards and know how much it means to them to be voted at the top of the PR game. “They should all be as proud of their achievements as CIPR Cymru Wales is to cheer them on as upholders of creative and professional PR standards of excellence.”
News
Blaze at Bristol Trader: Emergency services close Quay Street
FIRE crews have been deployed to Quay Street, Haverfordwest, after a blaze broke out at the popular Bristol Trader pub. Several fire engines are at the scene, and it is understood that the fire is under control.
Police have cordoned off the area and are urging the public to avoid the vicinity until further notice.
The Bristol Trader, a well-known riverside pub in Haverfordwest, has been a staple in the community for years, drawing locals and visitors alike. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and no injuries have been reported at this stage.
(Pic: Matthew Forest/Facebook)
News
Pure West Radio to launch on DAB tomorrow
PURE WEST RADIO says it is thrilled to announce the launch of its DAB broadcasting on both the North Pembrokeshire and South Pembrokeshire multiplexes, set for Thursday, November 7, 2024. This exciting milestone allows the station to deliver its much-loved local programming to an even wider audience, reaching new listeners across Pembrokeshire in high-quality digital audio.Since its inception, Pure West Radio has remained dedicated to serving Pembrokeshire’s communities by broadcasting local news, music, and cultural programming tailored to the region.
With the move to DAB, the station aims to amplify its commitment to providing a voice for Pembrokeshire’s residents, businesses, and events in crystal-clear sound, 24 hours a day.
“Launching on DAB marks an important chapter in Pure West Radio’s journey,” says Toby Ellis, Station Manager. “Our goal has always been to keep Pembrokeshire connected and bring our communities closer together.
Expanding to DAB allows us to reach new listeners across the county and provide them with the local stories, news, and music they love.”
Listeners can tune into Pure West Radio on the North Pembrokeshire and South Pembrokeshire DAB multiplexes starting November 7th. The station will be celebrating the launch day with a special lineup of programs, featuring live interviews, local music, and exclusive content to mark this significant occasion.
Pure West Radio invites everyone across Pembrokeshire to join the celebration, tune in on DAB, and continue supporting local radio. For more information, visit Pure West Radio’s website or follow us on social media.
Business
Why experts think Trump’s win will be blow to UK economy and your wallet
DONALD TRUMP’S return to the US presidency casts an uncertain shadow over the UK, potentially leading to economic shocks that could burden British households with higher costs, lower growth, and less job security. His policy unpredictability and “America First” doctrine spell challenges for UK businesses, while his strong-willed approach to trade and foreign policy could drive a wedge between the two countries.
TRADE TENSIONS COULD COST UK EXPORTERS
Trump’s protectionist stance has reignited concerns about tariffs, which could cut deep into the UK economy. The US is Britain’s largest export market, receiving around 25% of all UK-manufactured exports. Proposed tariffs of up to 10% on imports to the US would affect major British exporters such as Rolls Royce and BAE Systems, impacting an estimated £56 billion in trade. If enacted, such tariffs could push costs higher, threatening thousands of jobs in sectors dependent on American demand.
A STRAINED UK-US RELATIONSHIP
While Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy have made diplomatic overtures to Trump, attending dinners and working closely with Trump’s allies, challenges in the relationship remain evident. Starmer’s reserved style contrasts with Trump’s brash manner, raising questions about how compatible their leadership styles are. This uncertainty, highlighted by one diplomat’s remark that Trump “doesn’t give a stuff” about UK relations, suggests a bumpy road ahead.
Diplomats have tirelessly built relationships with Trump’s inner circle, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Trump’s likely national security adviser, Elbridge Colby. However, Trump’s mercurial nature, marked by unpredictable social media outbursts and contentious negotiations, may test these connections. As Lammy put it, relations with Trump are likely to be “bumpy, noisy, and transactional.”
ECONOMIC FALLOUT AND SLOWER GROWTH
The potential for UK economic slowdown under Trump’s policies is profound. Economists from the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) predict UK growth will be halved if Trump enforces his proposed tariffs. Without tariffs, the UK could expect moderate growth of around 1.2% next year; however, this figure could drop as low as 0.4% should the trade restrictions come into force. Coupled with rising inflation, this could lead to diminished purchasing power for households already grappling with a cost-of-living crisis.
CURRENCY VOLATILITY AND JOB THREATS
Trump’s victory has already weakened the pound, with the GBP/USD exchange rate falling sharply as results came in. Investors are wary of increased tariffs and Trump’s isolationist policies, both of which could stoke currency volatility and strain the UK economy. A weakened pound also drives up the cost of imports, which affects consumers directly through higher prices for everyday goods.
The potential loss of thousands of jobs in sectors heavily reliant on US trade adds to the bleak outlook. Automotive manufacturing, for instance, could be heavily impacted by Trump’s threat of a 100% tariff on imported cars. Companies like Jaguar Land Rover, whose Land Rover Defender was one of the UK’s top exports to the US, may face cutbacks if tariffs make exports uncompetitive.
UNCERTAIN INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT
The UK’s global-facing stock market may also suffer. Companies in the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250, which derive significant profits from international operations, could experience volatility as Trump’s policies introduce uncertainty into transatlantic trade. Such uncertainty could lead investors to shy away from the UK market, diminishing capital inflows and further affecting economic growth.
SHIFTS IN GLOBAL PRIORITIES
Beyond economic pressures, Trump’s foreign policy outlook could exacerbate the UK’s security challenges. Trump’s “America First” rhetoric and emphasis on Asia over Europe may leave European allies, including the UK, less confident about US support for initiatives like defending Ukraine. While the UK has publicly aligned with Trump’s view that Europe should shoulder more of its defense costs, there are fears that a US pivot to Asia could weaken the cohesion of NATO and reduce military backing for Europe.
Lammy has attempted to foster an understanding of Trump’s instincts, acknowledging his focus on American interests and recognition of Asia’s growing influence. However, as the UK looks toward cooperation on issues like Ukraine, this alignment may prove insufficient in securing the support needed to address shared security concerns.
BRITISH FAMILIES TO SHOULDER THE COST
For British families, the impact of a Trump presidency could hit close to home. With increased tariffs potentially driving up inflation by 3-4%, the Bank of England may feel compelled to raise interest rates by as much as 2-3% in response. For households already feeling the pinch from rising prices, this could lead to higher mortgage costs, increased borrowing rates, and a tougher job market, further squeezing living standards.
Though the UK government has prepared for Trump’s return, the effectiveness of these plans remains to be seen. As Britain braces for another unpredictable chapter with Trump at the helm, citizens may face a “bumpy, noisy, and transactional” relationship that could reshape the economy, impacting everything from job security to the prices at the supermarket.
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