THE MANAGING DIRECTOR of a prominent car dealership has spoken about the “heartbreak” of making staff redundant for the first time in its history following a “devastating” fire.

Philip Skinner, joint managing director of Ron Skinner and Sons, described “sleepless nights” and “a lot of worry” after the blaze that tore through the company’s Tredegar site in August. However, he also shared his family’s resolve to rebuild, with the recent opening of a showroom marking a “new era” for the business.

The fire destroyed more than 350 cars and machinery, with estimated losses running into the millions. Eighteen employees were made redundant as a result, a first in the company’s decades-long history.

The fire, reported early on Saturday, August 16, consumed the entire Tredegar building.

“By the time I got here, the whole building was ablaze. I couldn’t believe the scale of it,” said Mr Skinner. Firefighters worked only on the building’s perimeter due to the fire’s intensity, which was exacerbated by the stock.

Philip and his brother Mark, also a managing director, were left in shock but knew they needed to inform their mother, 88-year-old Rachel Skinner, who co-founded the business in 1968 with her late husband, Ron Skinner.

“She had a good 10-minute cry,” said Philip. “But by that afternoon, she told us, ‘Boys, roll up your sleeves and get it put back up.’”

Rebuilding the business

The journey to rebuild has been challenging. “Nothing was recoverable—everything was completely destroyed, even cars outside were burnt to shells,” said Philip. Wages and large bills had to be met despite the devastation, pushing the family business to its financial limits.

Family and friends rallied to help, contributing funds to stabilize the company, which also operates showrooms in Cardiff, Pembrokeshire, and Carmarthenshire. Despite this support, talks with insurers made clear that job losses were unavoidable.

“It was heartbreaking to see people I’ve worked with for so long take voluntary redundancy and leave,” Philip admitted.

While the fire and redundancies hit the company hard, the Pembrokeshire showroom continues to thrive, playing a vital role in maintaining the business’s regional presence. “Our Pembrokeshire site has always been a stronghold, and the community here has shown immense support,” said Mr Skinner.

The company’s new Tredegar showroom opened recently, smaller than the old site but full of promise. Sales manager Jonathan Robinson, who has worked with the company for 12 years, said: “The response has been incredible. It was so heartening to see the community rally around us despite Storm Bert.”

Philip Skinner is optimistic about the future. “It feels like going back 25 years to one of our oldest sites and starting fresh. This is the beginning of a new era for Ron Skinner and Sons.”

Determined family: The Skinners have rebuilt the business after fire destruction (Pic: Ron Skinner and Sons).

CARDIGAN’S BROADBAND WOES
THE B4570 in Ponthirwaun, Cardigan, has been revealed as Wales’ slowest street for broadband, with residents struggling with average speeds of just 2.28Mb. This cripplingly slow connection contrasts sharply with the fastest street in Wales, Chamberlain Row in Dinas Powys, where speeds soar to 735.81Mb — an astonishing 323 times faster.

DAILY FRUSTRATIONS FOR RESIDENTS
For those living in Cardigan’s B4570, everyday online activities become daunting tasks. Downloading a high-definition film takes nearly six hours — a glaring reminder of the growing digital divide across Wales.

WINNERS AND LOSERS IN WALES’ BROADBAND RACE
The findings, published by Broadband Genie, highlight the stark disparity in connection speeds across the country. While some streets, like Chamberlain Row and Llanasa Road in Gronant, enjoy lightning-fast speeds, others, including Cardigan’s B4570, lag far behind.

UNUSED SUPERFAST POTENTIAL
Ironically, many of the slowest areas in Wales, including Cardigan’s B4570, have access to superfast broadband, capable of delivering speeds over 30Mb. Some even have full-fibre connections capable of reaching 1Gb. The low uptake raises questions about whether residents are aware of these options or find them affordable.

A CALL FOR ACTION
Broadband Genie’s strategist Alex Tofts urged residents to take action: “No one should have to endure such slow speeds, especially as providers continue to increase prices. If your broadband underperforms, contact your provider and ensure you’re getting the speeds you’re paying for.”

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
Cardigan’s broadband struggles reflect broader issues facing rural Wales. While full-fibre broadband is available to 72% of premises, many rural areas are slow to adopt it. Bridging this digital divide is vital to ensure all communities have the connectivity they need to thrive in today’s digital age.

OLDER people across Wales are being encouraged to make their voices heard through a new consultation launched by the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales. The initiative, titled ‘Have Your Say’, aims to gather insights from older individuals and organisations to inform the Commissioner’s strategy and work plan for delivering meaningful change.

Speaking about the consultation, Commissioner Rhian Bowen-Davies said:
“I want Wales to lead the way in empowering older people, tackling inequality, and enabling everyone to live and age well. As Commissioner, it’s crucial that my work is guided by the voices and experiences of older people.”

The consultation invites older people from diverse backgrounds and communities to share their concerns, challenges, and ideas. It also welcomes positive examples of initiatives that are working well and could be replicated across Wales to improve the lives of older people.

Focus on key issues

The consultation focuses on four key areas critical to quality of life:

• Access to services and support
• Feeling safe
• Fair treatment
• Voice, choice, and control

Older people, their families, and organisations supporting them can share their views by completing a short questionnaire. The survey is available both online at www.olderpeople.wales/haveyoursay and in paper format, distributed through organisations across Wales. Paper copies can be returned via freepost.

For those preferring a personal touch, the Commissioner’s team is available to discuss experiences by phone at 03442 640 670.

A call for collaboration

The Commissioner is also reaching out to groups and organisations working with older people to identify pressing issues and priorities.

“Any information shared will be invaluable as I develop my strategy and work plan,” Bowen-Davies added. “It will help my team take action to transform policy and practice, delivering positive change in key areas that matter most to older people.”

The consultation is open until 28 February 2025, giving participants ample time to contribute.

By participating in the ‘Have Your Say’ consultation, older people and those supporting them have a unique opportunity to influence the future and ensure Wales becomes a leader in creating an inclusive, age-friendly society.