Business

Gigabit-capable broadband coverage continues to rise in Pembrokeshire

Published

8 months ago

May 23, 2025

THE ROLLOUT of gigabit-capable broadband in Pembrokeshire is progressing at an impressive pace, supported by the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme. Recent data highlights significant year-on-year growth in broadband coverage, reflecting the success of this initiative and its role in enhancing digital connectivity across the region.

Coverage in the county has grown substantially. At the end of March 2021, only 7.6% of Pembrokeshire residents and businesses had access to gigabit-capable broadband. By the end of March 2024, this figure had reached 48.2%, and as of March 2025, it has risen again to 65.1%, demonstrating the program’s momentum (Source: ThinkBroadband).

The rollout has been bolstered by successful projects funded through the UK government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, ensuring that residents and businesses in more remote areas can access high-speed internet.

Key to the success of the rollout in Pembrokeshire has been the collaboration of two Digital Champions, who have worked closely with Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC). These partnerships have been instrumental in scheduling civil engineering works around the county’s bustling tourist economy and existing infrastructure projects, reducing disruption to residents and businesses.

Additionally, a wide range of suppliers are actively contributing to the project. Companies like Openreach, Ogi, Voneus, and the local business Dragon WiFi have all played vital roles in expanding broadband access across the county.

To further boost coverage, Openreach is delivering a £289 million contract as part of the UK government’s Project Gigabit. This initiative will connect around 131,000 homes and businesses in some of the most remote areas of South Wales to reliable, high-speed broadband.

The benefits of this expanded connectivity are significant, from better access to online services and improved opportunities for remote work and education, to supporting Pembrokeshire’s growing local economy.

Cllr Paul Miller commented, “The progress we’re seeing is a result of strong teamwork between the council, our partners, and the local community. We are committed to ensuring that everyone in Pembrokeshire benefits from fast, reliable internet access.”

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council and Chair of the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee, said: “Year-on-year increases in gigabit-capable broadband coverage in Pembrokeshire are a tremendous achievement. This collaboration plays a crucial role in boosting the local economy, opening up opportunities, and ensuring that everyone, whether they live, work, or visit here, can benefit from better connectivity.”

Business

Pembrokeshire Herald website stats show it is now a regional player

Published

20 hours ago

January 13, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

THE PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD’s website reached more than one million users last year, according to new figures from Google Analytics, which highlight the title’s growing influence across West Wales and beyond.

Data from the Herald’s web analytics shows the site recorded 1.1 million active users in 2025, with 4.8 million page views over the year.

The figures represent a significant year-on-year increase on 2024, when the Herald recorded 937,000 active users and 3.9 million page views.

Average engagement time per user in 2025 was recorded at one minute and 24 seconds, suggesting readers are spending meaningful time consuming stories rather than clicking away after a single glance.

The data also sheds light on how readers are finding the Herald’s reporting, with the largest source of traffic coming from organic social media, followed by organic search and direct visits from returning readers.

The Herald’s Editor, Tom Sinclair said: “The figures confirm what we have been seeing on the ground for some time – The Pembrokeshire Herald is no longer just a local news outlet, it is a regional platform with the reach to match.

“That matters because it means Pembrokeshire stories are being read well beyond the county, and it also means local businesses have a serious, cost-effective way to advertise to large audiences across West Wales.”

He added that the growth reflects a combination of breaking news coverage, public interest reporting, and an increasing number of readers using the site as a daily news source.

The Herald will now use the data to support advertising partnerships with local firms, offering campaign reporting that focuses on UK delivery for businesses looking to reach customers in Pembrokeshire and neighbouring counties.

The publication said it would continue investing in digital reporting while maintaining its long-standing commitment to covering local issues, crime, courts, councils and community stories.

Business

Welsh businesses invited to shine as awards open for 2026

Published

20 hours ago

January 13, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

Chambers Wales invites businesses of all sizes to enter flagship awards celebrating innovation, growth and impact

Entries have today (Jan 12) opened for the Wales Business Awards 2026, which celebrate innovation, ambition and achievement among businesses across Wales.

Organised by Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, the awards are firmly established as a flagship event in the Welsh business calendar and aim to recognise organisations driving growth, creating opportunity and contributing to the Welsh economy.

The 2026 awards include categories covering areas such as innovation, manufacturing, customer excellence, creativity and inclusion. New awards introduced this year include Inclusive Employer of the Year, Start Up Business of the Year and the Wales Creative Impact Award, reflecting the evolving priorities of Welsh businesses.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony hosted by broadcaster Andrea Byrne on May 14 at Holland House Hotel. One overall winner will also be named Wales Business of the Year.

The 2025 title was awarded to Concrete Canvas Ltd, a Pontyclun-based manufacturer recognised for its growth ambitions and innovative engineering solutions.

Gus Williams, chief executive of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said the awards highlight the role businesses play in shaping Wales’ economic future. He said: “Every year we are inspired by the quality, ambition and determination shown by businesses across Wales.

“The awards provide an opportunity to showcase success, share best practice and celebrate the positive impact Welsh businesses are making locally, nationally and internationally.”

The awards are open to businesses of all sizes and sectors, with entry open to both Chamber members and non-members. The closing date for entries is February 27.

Further information and entry details are available via the Chambers Wales website.

Business

Businesses invited to Milford Haven Business Circle meeting

Published

22 hours ago

January 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE MILFORD HAVEN Business Circle is holding its next meeting on Monday (Jan 19) at Moon Goddess Emporium in Charles Street.

The meeting is due to start at 6:00pm at the shop’s premises at 53 Charles Street, Milford Haven, and is open to local businesses and members.

An agenda circulated ahead of the meeting includes items on plans for the year’s events, a “Founders Day”, and how the group communicates with Milford Haven Town Council — including a proposed question to be put to the council.

Members are also expected to discuss the idea of a soup or community kitchen, advertising member businesses on the group’s social media page, and whether people should be able to attend meetings remotely via Zoom.

The agenda includes confirmation of the minutes from the previous meeting, any updates on meeting etiquette, and an “any other business” item before dates are set for the next meeting.

Anyone interested in attending is advised to check the Milford Haven Business Circle page for the latest details.