Business

Insolvencies edge up in cautious July, says R3 Wales

Published

4 months ago

August 21, 2025

CORPORATE and personal insolvencies across England and Wales rose slightly in July, reflecting caution among businesses and households as they continue to navigate economic uncertainty.

Figures released by the Insolvency Service show that corporate insolvencies increased by 1.4% to 2,081 cases compared to June’s total of 2,053, and by just 0.1% against July 2024’s figure of 2,078.

Bethan Evans, Wales Chair of R3, the UK’s restructuring, turnaround and insolvency trade body, said the data showed a mixed picture.

She explained: “Corporate insolvencies across England and Wales remained broadly stable last month, with trends showing a rise in Compulsory Liquidations and a slight uptick in Administrations, while Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations and Company Voluntary Arrangements fell.

“This pattern may suggest that fewer directors are choosing to close their companies voluntarily, whether because they are seeing improvements in trading conditions or are caught in a holding pattern, waiting to see where the economy may head next.

“Compulsory Liquidations were higher this July compared to one and two years ago, as HMRC continues to take a more assertive stance towards enforcement, with greater appetite to recover unpaid taxes through the courts.”

The figures also highlight the broader economic picture. After a weak April and May, economic activity picked up in June, helping Q2 GDP to grow by 0.3%. While modest, Evans described this as “encouraging,” but said businesses were still delaying decisions.

“Many firms are sitting at a crossroads, delaying major decisions until they see which way the economy moves,” she said. “Directors are taking stock of their position and are assessing whether trading conditions are likely to improve and, in many cases, whether the cost-saving measures they may have already taken will be enough to keep their struggling business afloat.”

On the personal side, insolvencies rose by 1.8% in July, reaching 10,515 compared to 10,328 in June, and up 0.3% on July 2024.

Evans, who is also a partner at Menzies LLP, said: “The slight yearly rise in personal insolvencies has been driven by an increase in Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs). Breathing Space registrations also increased by 14% compared to this time last year, reaching their highest level in more than three years.

“This points to a growing number of people seeking temporary respite from creditor action, allowing them time to assess their options and plan their next steps.

“For households, the main pressure continues to come from higher day-to-day expenses. Pay increases are often absorbed by everyday essentials, leaving little room for people to build savings or manage unexpected expenses. That lack of headroom is leaving people vulnerable to even small changes in their circumstances.

“My message to businesses and individuals in Wales remains the same: seek advice at the first signs of financial distress. Taking action early gives you more options and more time to make a considered decision about how to move forward in the best way for your circumstances.”

Business

Holiday lets allowed to stay at Narberth dairy farm

Published

14 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for a Pembrokeshire dairy farm to keep two “alternative” holiday pods sited without permission as a way of diversifying in an uncertain industry has been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Vaynor Farm Ltd sought retrospective permission for the siting of two self-catering holiday accommodation pods at The Cart House, Vaynor Farm, Bethesda, near Narberth as part of a farm diversification enterprise.

It was before committee members as it was recommended for delegated conditional approval by senior officers despite being against the development plan.

Previous retrospective schemes, for two self-catering pods along with an application to retain a shepherd hut accommodation pod at another farm, a part of the Vaynor Farm farm enterprise, were refused in 2023 and 2025, the latter due to “an unjustified and harmful impact on the character and appearance of the open countryside”.

Detailing the current application, an officer report for members said the pods: Vaynor Farm Pod within the garden of The Cart House, and The Paddock Pod, on the edge of a small paddock, were constructed off-site and have been transported to their current locations, with external decking, hot tubs, a barbecue area and car parking provided for each pod.

It added: “A business plan has been submitted with the application, which explains that due to uncertainties associated with dairy farming, the applicant has sought to diversify the farm enterprise to incorporate tourism accommodation.

“The application makes the case that the proposed development represents farm diversification. It is acknowledged that the development has resulted in the provision of an alternative type of holiday accommodation for which it has been demonstrated there is a demand, contributing to the diversity and quality of accommodation available within the county and supporting an existing farm business, with consequent economic and social benefits.

“Evidence has been provided that demonstrates the extent to which the pods have provided income which has been used to support the farm business.

“However, officers consider that should planning permission be granted, a [planning obligation] will be necessary to ensure that the accommodation pods continue to support the farm business and are not separated from it at some future point in time.”

Delegated conditional approval limiting the use and occupation of the self-catering accommodation pods to short term holiday use only was moved by Cllr Brian Hall and unanimously backed by committee members.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

1 day ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

1 day ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):