Family-run firm continues trading as usual during process

CELTIC HOLIDAY PARKS, one of Pembrokeshire’s best-known tourism businesses, has entered administration.

The award-winning company, which operates three luxury holiday parks in the south of the county, continues to trade as normal while administrators seek a buyer for the business and its assets.

Three parks still open

The firm runs Noble Court Holiday Park in Narberth, Meadow House Holiday Park in Amroth, and Croft Country Park near Reynalton. All three remain open, with staff retained and bookings unaffected.

Guests and owners are being assured that holidays will go ahead as planned, and caravan and lodge owners will continue to have access to their properties unless told otherwise.

High Court appointment

The administration was formalised on 27 May 2025 by the High Court’s Business and Property Court under case number 000020 of 2025.

Alistair Wardell and Richard J Lewis of Grant Thornton UK LLP were appointed as joint administrators. Their office is based at 3 Callaghan Square, Cardiff, and they can be contacted via Cardiff on 029 2023 5591 or Bristol on 0117 305 7600.

Significant investment in recent years

The family-run company was founded in 2003 and has been led since its inception by managing director Huw Pendleton. Over the years, more than £6 million has been invested across the group’s three sites.

The parks offer a range of holiday options including static caravans, glamping pods, and luxury lodges with hot tubs. Additional facilities include an indoor pool, gym, restaurant and landscaped grounds at Meadow House, as well as direct access to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

In 2020, Celtic Holiday Parks secured a six-figure loan from HSBC as part of the UK Government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). The money was used to build 54 additional holiday homes.

Recognised for excellence

In 2022, Mr Pendleton received an award for his outstanding contribution to the UK tourism industry. The company has also received accolades such as ‘Best Caravan and Camping Park in Pembrokeshire’ and ‘Luxury Accommodation Provider of the Year – South Wales’.

Buyer invited

The Herald understands the administrators are currently in talks with interested parties and invites serious enquiries from potential buyers.

Anyone wishing to express an interest in purchasing the business or its assets is advised to contact the joint administrators without delay.

PHOTO CAPTION:

Photos: Luxury lodges and views from Meadow House (Images: Celtic Holiday Parks)

Velfrey Vineyard and Coterie Leather celebrated at Westminster reception

PEMBROKESHIRE MP Henry Tufnell has praised two local businesses for their contribution to the county’s rural economy, following their recognition at the Countryside Alliance Champions Reception held at Westminster.

Velfrey Vineyard, based near Narberth, and Coterie Leather, which produces hand-crafted leather goods in Pembrokeshire, were both honoured at the annual event, which celebrates outstanding rural businesses from across the UK.

Mr Tufnell said it was “a real privilege” to meet Andy and Fiona from Velfrey Vineyard, along with Tracey from Coterie Leather, and to see their hard work acknowledged on a national platform.

“These are two incredible local businesses – putting Pembrokeshire on the map, and contributing so much to our local economy,” Mr Tufnell said.

Velfrey Vineyard is known for its crisp Welsh sparkling wines, produced from grapes grown on the south-facing slopes of the Lampeter Vale. The vineyard has been steadily gaining national recognition for both the quality of its wines and its commitment to sustainable viticulture.

Coterie Leather, meanwhile, specialises in high-quality leather bags and accessories, all produced locally using traditional methods and ethically sourced materials. The business has built a loyal following for its craftsmanship and sustainable values.

Speaking after the event, Mr Tufnell encouraged residents and visitors alike to support local producers. “If you’re looking for a crisp Welsh wine to enjoy in this sunshine, or a sustainably produced leather bag to pack your summer essentials – you know where to go.”

The Countryside Alliance Awards, often referred to as the “Rural Oscars”, are held annually to celebrate businesses that go the extra mile to support their communities and promote the rural way of life.

Photo caption: Proud moment: Andy and Fiona from Velfrey Vineyard, and Tracey from Coterie Leather, meet Henry Tufnell MP at the Countryside Alliance Champions Reception (Pic: supplied).

Cambrian Training Group among those leading the way

THE number of employee-owned businesses in Wales has risen to 95—nearing a significant milestone and surpassing the Welsh Government’s Programme for Government target more than a year ahead of schedule.

The announcement comes as the country marks Employee Ownership Day, a celebration of businesses where employees hold a controlling stake and benefit directly from the company’s success.

Research shows that employee-owned businesses tend to outperform traditional models, with greater levels of staff engagement, commitment, and productivity. The model is increasingly appealing to entrepreneurs launching new ventures, as well as to established companies looking to safeguard values, incentivise staff, and retain talent.

Government target already exceeded

The current total of 95 employee-owned businesses in Wales exceeds the Welsh Government’s original aim to double the number to 74 by 2026.

Support for this growth has come from Business Wales and Social Business Wales, which offer fully-funded, tailored advice to businesses considering employee buyouts or share ownership schemes.

Cambrian Training Group embraces new model

Among those to make the transition is Cambrian Training Group, a leading Welsh training provider based in Welshpool. Established in 1995 as a subsidiary of Mid Wales Tourism, the company has grown from its hospitality roots to deliver vocational, skills, and apprenticeship programmes across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, retail, and financial services. It now employs 65 staff.

Earlier this year, Cambrian Training Group became employee-owned to mark its 30th anniversary.

Managing Director Arwyn Watkins OBE said the decision was based on long-term sustainability and a desire to preserve the company’s culture and values.

“Securing Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) status is a significant step in our journey,” he said. “Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, and this move ensures that they have a direct stake in our continued success.

“The decision to move towards an EOT, rather than opting for a trade sale, was motivated by the desire to sustain the company’s ethos and commitment to quality over the long term.”

Employee ownership benefits businesses and communities

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, welcomed the news.

“By improving employee well-being and job satisfaction, the employee-ownership model plays a key part in strengthening the foundations on which every successful business is built,” she said.

“Its proven benefits include giving employees more control over their own future, while giving business owners the peace of mind that the enterprise—and its valued workforce—will remain rooted in the communities where it was built.

“I urge more businesses to explore the support available through Business Wales and Social Business Wales, to ensure more Welsh companies remain in Welsh hands.”