Business
Voucher gives ultrafast speed
A VOUCHER scheme launched by the Welsh Government will help give businesses in the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone ultrafast internet speeds, Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology Julie James has said. The new Ultrafast Connectivity Voucher will provide assistance of up to £10,000 towards the capital costs of having speeds of more than 100Mbps.
It will be suitable for medium and larger businesses or smaller businesses with large data requirements which require greater speeds. The Deputy Minister said: “There is no question that first class internet connectivity is paramount for all businesses from the smallest microbusiness to the largest multinational. The speeds provided by superfast broadband will be enough for most SMEs, but for some businesses more capacity is required.
Ultrafast speeds exceeding 100 Mbps are particularly suitable for larger businesses and those which use a large amount of data. The significant initial costs of having ultrafast broadband speeds, particularly in rural areas, can be a barrier for some businesses.” Mr James added: “The Ultrafast Connectivity Voucher will remove that cost barrier, and make reaching ultrafast speeds much easier.
In line with our economic priorities the voucher scheme will initially be available in most Enterprise and Local Growth Zones.” He concluded: “Along with Superfast Cymru this represents another piece in the jigsaw in making Wales one of the most connected countries in the world.”
The scheme will allow the installation of products that provide businesses with the guaranteed bandwidth and greater resilience they require, for example, businesses with greater numbers of staff using computers, businesses which make significant use of cloud computing, or those which use a large amount of data or where guaranteed speeds offered by an uncontended line are essential.
Business
Trains resume between Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock as works end
TRAIN services resumed this morning (Thursday 28 March) after ten days of essential round-the-clock work to upgrade track and drainage between Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock.
The railway was closed from Monday 18 March to Wednesday 27 March to allow Network Rail teams to replace more than 200 metres of track and 300 tonnes of ballast (track stones) between Pembroke station and Pembroke Dock.
Work to improve the drainage between Narbeth and Kilgetty stations was also completed at the same time.
Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, said: “This essential work in Pembrokeshire demonstrates our commitment to improving the reliability of the service we provide to passengers along our route.
“We know that replacing the track can be disruptive and very noisy, so I would like to thank the residents of Pembroke for their patience while our team carried out this crucial work.”
Colin Lea, Planning and Performance Director at Transport for Wales said: “We’re pleased that our colleagues in Network Rail have completed this essential work and that Transport for Wales rail services resumed today.
“We’d like to thank passengers for their patience while this work has progressed and look forward to welcoming passengers back in time for the Easter weekend.”
Business
Ocky White Travel marks 60th anniversary with luxury cruise giveaway
IN a grand gesture commemorating six decades of unparalleled service in the travel industry, Pembrokeshire’s venerated independent travel agency, Ocky White Travel, has announced an extraordinary giveaway—a luxury cruise for two, in partnership with Pure West Radio.
Established 60 years ago, Ocky White Travel has become a staple in the lives of Pembrokeshire residents, offering dream holidays and contributing significantly to the local economy. Despite the fluctuating fortunes of neighbouring businesses and the often harsh realities of the travel sector, Ocky White Travel has stood firm, a testament to its resilience and commitment to customer satisfaction.
This resilience was further demonstrated when, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic—a period that saw many in the industry falter—Ocky White Travel not only survived but thrived by expanding its operations to include Sam Smith Travel in Cowbridge. This expansion has allowed the agency to extend its exceptional service to a broader audience across South Wales.
Celebrating this milestone, Ocky White Travel has engaged in a comprehensive multi-media campaign, underscored by its official sponsorship of the PWR Daytime Show. A central highlight of this celebration is a tiered competition, offering participants a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win a luxury Nordic cruise for two. The competition, which has garnered thousands of entries since its launch on 21st February, underscores the agency’s dedication to rewarding its loyal clientele.
Mark White, Owner and Managing Director of Ocky White Travel, expressed immense pride in reaching this significant milestone. He emphasised the agency’s unique position in the hearts of many families across generations, attributing this success to the personalised service and deep understanding of client needs that have become the hallmark of Ocky White Travel.
Echoing this sentiment, Toby Ellis of Pure West Radio highlighted the positive impact of the partnership on local residents. He praised Ocky White Travel for its hands-on approach and the invaluable advice provided by its seasoned staff. The giveaway, featuring a 7-night cruise to the Norwegian Fjords, stands as the most significant prize offered by the radio station, symbolising a “holiday of a lifetime.”
Entries for this historic giveaway will remain open until 31st March, with the lucky winners to be announced on Pure West Radio’s Daytime Show. This event not only celebrates Ocky White Travel’s 60 years of service but also its enduring commitment to creating unforgettable holiday experiences for its customers.
Business
Pembrokeshire pub director fined for accounting offences
AT Cardiff Magistrates’ Court, Kathleen Waters, the Director of the Jeffreyston-based pub business KDW Inns Limited, has been found guilty of multiple accounting offences. The 60-year-old from The Jeffreyston Inn, Jeffreyston, was previously fined in June for failing to submit the required accounts to Companies House.
On March 21, Waters faced three separate offences related to accounting malpractices following her previous conviction. The court heard that she failed to deliver essential documents for KDW Inns Limited’s accounts for the period ending August 31, 2021. Additionally, Waters was accused of not submitting the financial statements for the year ending August 31, 2022, a requirement for all companies operating within the UK.
The charges did not stop there. Waters was also found guilty of failing to deliver a confirmation statement within 14 days after a review period, an essential requirement for maintaining the legal status of a business in the UK.
Pleading guilty to all charges, Waters was fined a total of £775. Furthermore, she has been ordered to pay a £310 surcharge along with £75 in court costs. This case highlights the legal responsibilities of company directors in maintaining accurate and timely financial records, a cornerstone of corporate governance and transparency.
The conviction of Waters serves as a reminder to all business owners and directors of the importance of adhering to financial regulations and statutory requirements.
- The Pembrokeshire Herald remains committed to bringing its readers up-to-date reports on significant legal proceedings affecting the local business community.
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