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Top security firm wins national praise — and it all started in Pembrokeshire

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A PEMBROKESHIRE security company that began as a local start-up just over three years ago has been awarded a string of prestigious national accreditations – cementing its position as one of Wales’ most trusted providers of training and protection services.

RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd, which employs around 300 people and is based in the county, has passed rigorous audits for both ISO 9001 and CoP 119 – two of the toughest and most respected certifications in the security industry.

These achievements, along with six other nationally recognised accreditations, underline the company’s meteoric rise from a small family-run venture to a sector leader with operations across South Wales.

Pembrokeshire roots, national reach

Founded in November 2021 by former high-risk security operative Ryan Mayne and Tenby native Kerry McReynolds, RM Training was born out of a desire to bring professionalism, fairness and opportunity to the Welsh security sector.

Mathew Davies: Oversees company’s day-to-day operations

“Pembrokeshire gave me a second chance,” Ryan told The Herald. “I was sent here during the pandemic to work on Home Office security contracts, and I knew straight away this was where I wanted to stay and build something meaningful.”

That dream became a reality when Ryan partnered with Kerry — now his fiancée — and was soon joined by General Manager Mathew Davies, a seasoned security professional with a military background who helped the business expand quickly while maintaining discipline, training standards and reliability.

Together, the trio built a company that now works with everyone from local pubs and event organisers to public sector bodies and large commercial clients across Wales.

A clean sweep of accreditations

The company’s recent success in passing the ISO 9001 and CoP 119 audits is being hailed as a major milestone.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Ryan-mayne-edited.webp
MD of a growing local firm: Ryan Mayne

ISO 9001 is the gold standard for quality management systems, confirming that the business has robust internal processes focused on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

CoP 119, meanwhile, is a specialist code of practice set by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and the British Standards Institution. It sets out strict requirements for recruitment, vetting, workforce welfare and compliance — ensuring companies who deploy security staff are ethical, transparent and accountable.

But RM Training’s achievements don’t stop there. The company also holds:

  • Disability Confident Employer status — promoting inclusive recruitment and support for disabled workers
  • CPD Approved Provider recognition — certifying its training as high-quality and professionally approved
  • A Bronze Award from the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme — showing support for veterans and reservists
  • Good Business Charter membership — committing to responsible business practices
  • ICO registration — ensuring data protection and privacy compliance
  • SafeContractor and SafePQQ approval — verifying health, safety, environmental, and anti-bribery standards

General Manager Mathew Davies said: “These accreditations are more than just badges. They show we’re doing things the right way – by the book, with integrity, and with people at the heart of everything.”

Investing in people – and Pembrokeshire

One of RM Training’s central goals is to open doors for people in Pembrokeshire and beyond who want to build a secure, long-term career in the industry.

Professional approach: Kerry McReynolds

With over 140 training courses available — including door supervision, corporate and retail security, festival work and site guarding — the company is helping people gain the qualifications they need to work in a sector where demand is constantly rising.

“A big part of what we do is supporting people into work,” said Mr Mayne. “Whether they’re ex-military, looking for a fresh start, or just need flexible hours that work for their family – we give them the tools, training and confidence to succeed.”

A family-run firm with big ambitions

Despite its growth, the firm has never lost its family feel. Kerry McReynolds, who juggles raising their young son Archie with managing staff and client relations, remains at the centre of the operation.

“She’s the one who keeps everything moving,” Ryan said. “Without Kerry and Mathew, this wouldn’t work. We’ve all worked hard to build something we can be proud of — for Pembrokeshire, and for the people we serve.”

As the company looks ahead to more expansion across South Wales and the rest of the UK, it remains committed to its founding values: professionalism, fairness, opportunity — and giving back to the community that helped it grow.

 

Business

205-unit storage site at Pembrokeshire farm submitted to planners

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A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire farm to keep a storage facility for more than 200 caravans, boats, cars and farm machines as a form of diversification has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr & Mrs Davies, through agent A.D Architectural Design Consultants Ltd, seek retrospective permission for a farm diversification scheme to accommodate the storage of caravans, boats, cars and farm machinery in four of eight agricultural sheds and on hard-standing concrete courtyards at Froghall Farm, Spittal.

The works were completed back in 2019.

A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “At present, four of the eight shed structures on the site form part of the caravan and boat storage scheme, with additional touring caravans stored externally on the concrete courtyards.”

It said the storage provision was split as follows: Shed 1 – farm workshop, and 30 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars; shed 2 – 16 caravans; shed 3 – 28 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars – 28; shed 8 – cubicle shed, 11 units of farm machines, motorhomes & caravans; courtyard storage of 120 touring caravans, for an overall storage of 205 units.

The statement added: “It would take place in an accessible location, would incorporate sustainable transport and accessibility principles and would not result in a detrimental impact on highway safety or in traffic exceeding the capacity of the highway network; access road is a no-through road with no increase in traffic due to the nature of development.

“There won’t be a constant stream/flow of traffic as the site’s used for storage. Our client offers a towing service to sites in and around Pembrokeshire, which is used by 45 per cent of their customers, who are unable or prefer not to tow themselves. This gives our client control over the flow of traffic.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

 

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Business

Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition

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WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.

The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.

The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Grace, Levi and Bethan, full-time spa therapists at the award-winning Wolfscastle Spa.
Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.

The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.

Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.

Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.

“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”

The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.

Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.

For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.

The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.

 

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Business

Pembroke South Quay boat shed expansion plans submitted

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A PADDLEBOARDING and canoeing company’s call for an extension to a boat shed at Pembroke’s South Quay, below its historic castle, has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, G Booth of Paddle West CIC, through agent James Dwyer Associates, seeks permission for an extension to the stone-built boathouse, adjacent to the cliff on South Quay fronting the Mill Pond, Pembroke.

A supporting statement says: “It is intended to erect a single storey ‘lean-to’ building, or ‘shed’ for the storage of boats, such as canoes and kayaks, and related equipment, on a vacant space adjacent to the existing stone-built boathouse.”

It adds: “The boathouse and the intended adjacent boat storage shed is located, as is to be expected, in close proximity to water, the Mill Pond. The Mill Pond is the main area of activity for Paddle West, a Community Interest Company, providing boating activities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, frequently for young people and families.”

It goes on to say: “It is intended that the structure would be lightweight, erected on the exiting hard standing. The ‘shed’ would be used for the storage of boats and related equipment.”

With regard to the historic setting, it adds: “Although the stone-built boathouse appears not to be listed, it is recognised that the walls above are listed and together they are a piece.

“Accordingly, through form and external materials proposed, timber cladding and profile sheet roofing, the aim is to ensure that the structure would be subservient and muted and not detract or compete with the visual aesthetic of the boathouse or historic walls. In effect the addition would blend into the background.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

The boathouse is sited near to the new Henry Tudor Centre in South Quay, which is due to open in Spring 2027.

The centre, expected to receive around 30,000 visitors a year, will tell the story of Henry Tudor, son of Pembroke, his Welsh ancestry and his impact on our national story, Welsh culture and our wider British heritage.

The restored derelict South Quay buildings will also house a new library and community café, and a healthcare, social services and supported employment facility in the adjoining premises.

 

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