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Welsh people fear small businesses most at risk from Autumn Budget tax rises

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Public want energy and food costs tackled as uncertainty grows

WELSH adults believe small businesses would be hardest hit if the Chancellor raises taxes in this week’s Autumn Budget, according to new polling.

The research, commissioned by Novuna Business Finance and carried out a week before the Budget, asked a nationally representative sample of 2,000 consumers about the measures they most expect and fear.

Lower energy bills (76%), a cheaper weekly food shop (68%) and lower taxes (33%) topped the list of outcomes that Welsh households said would be most welcome. But alongside this, many expressed concern about the future of small businesses in their communities.

Small firms, high streets and hospitality highlighted

Asked which parts of the economy would be most at risk if taxes increase, 58% of Welsh respondents selected small businesses. High street shops followed on 52%, with 49% concerned about pubs and restaurants. Farmers (45%), self-employed workers (41%), and music venues (18%) were also seen as vulnerable.

The poll also asked which sectors the Government should prioritise with investment. UK manufacturing came top (35%), followed by hospitality (31%), agriculture (28%) and retail (27%).

These findings form part of Novuna’s new insight report, Christmas trading and the Autumn Budget, which examines trading conditions and confidence among small firms at the end of 2025.

Business owners braced for impact

A separate Q4 study of 1,000 small business owners found 86% fear the Autumn Budget could negatively affect their growth plans. Many remain concerned about further rises to National Insurance (59%), while half worry about potential increases to VAT or income tax.

Fuel duty increases were cited by 37%, with a similar proportion anxious about potential new taxes on diesel and petrol vehicles. Around a third (34%) expressed concern about reported discussions over pension changes.

The research comes as confidence hits a five-year low, with just 25% of small firms forecasting growth in the final quarter of 2025 – down from 35% at the same point last year.

‘Small businesses need a Budget for Business’

Joanna Morris, Head of Insight at Novuna Business Finance, said:
“The broad-based public support for UK small businesses shows how vital they are to communities – from job creation to economic growth and local projects.

“The last four quarters have seen consecutive falls in confidence and our new research suggests small businesses cannot keep absorbing rising costs. With 5.7 million SMEs in the UK, they are the engine room of growth and innovation. We all need to support them so we can lay the foundations for business success into 2026.”

 

Business

Former much-loved Siop Clare, Crymych, to become housing

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A CALL to convert a financially unviable disused former antiques shop on the edge of Crymych to residential accommodation has been given the go-ahead by county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Clare Griffiths, through agent Josh Macrae, sought a change of use of a disused shop with ancillary accommodation above, at Ty Ebrill, Clares Shop, on the edge of the village, to an ancillary accommodation unit.

A supporting statement said: “Siop Clare is a mixed-use building in the curtilage of the main dwelling on the site, Ty Ebril, it comprises a small flat above a disused shop below. The flat, constructed in 2007, is comprised of a single modestly sized living space and bedroom area, with a bathroom; the flat is accessed by a set of stairs to the rear of the building. Since its construction the flat has been used as ancillary accommodation for family members of the owners of Ty Ebrill.

“The disused retail premises below is comprised of an open plan shop area with a conservatory attached, the conservatory was previously used as a flower preparation area.

“The shop was in use for a number of decades; it was operated by the current owner since 2003 and was previously an antiques shop, but has been disused since it was closed 2019 as it was no longer financially viable and the owner had changed career. Due to the shop being located within the curtilage of the main dwelling it has not considered suitable for the shop to be leased to another party.”

It added: “The change of use will require a minimal amount of work to covert the disused shop and modestly sized flat into a small dwelling. The dwelling would be suitable for single occupancy, a small household, or as continued ancillary accommodation for the main dwelling, this would create the opportunity for multi-generational living on the site should the owner sell Ty Ebrill.

“As there is a high demand for housing in the Pembrokeshire area it is felt that the proposal would be suitable and would allow the building to become a viable dwelling, creating a potentially low-cost home in the area.”

The application was conditionally approved by county planners.

 

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Business

New noodle bar opens in Haverfordwest town centre

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Asian-inspired takeaway launches on Quay Street offering fresh rice and noodle boxes

A NEW takeaway offering Asian-inspired noodle and rice dishes has opened in Haverfordwest town centre today (Monday, Mar 9).

Stix Noodle Bar has opened its doors at 1a Quay Street, promising fast, fresh meals packed with flavour for customers looking for something different in the town’s growing food scene.

The new business specialises in takeaway boxes filled with rice or noodles, topped with chicken and other ingredients, alongside a range of sauces and sides. The concept focuses on quick, freshly prepared meals designed to be both convenient and full of flavour.

Owner Shaun said he hopes the new venture will become a popular choice for people in Haverfordwest looking for a quick and satisfying meal.

“We’re really excited to be opening in Haverfordwest,” he said. “Stix is all about fresh ingredients, bold flavours and giving people something a little different to enjoy.

“We believe it’s going to be a great addition to the town and we’re looking forward to welcoming customers through the door.”

The takeaway officially opened at 12:00pm on Monday, with the team inviting local residents to stop by and try the menu.

Stix Noodle Bar says it aims to support the local community while bringing a new style of fast-casual dining to the area.

The business is located at 1a Quay Street, Haverfordwest, and customers can visit from midday today as the new venture begins trading.

 

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Business

Chef launches limited dining vouchers to support local farm-to-table initiative

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A PEMBROKESHIRE private chef has launched a new farm-to-table dining initiative aimed at supporting local food producers while offering residents a chance to experience bespoke restaurant-quality meals in their own homes.

Joshua Vaughan, founder of Chef4Life Ltd, has announced the release of just one hundred exclusive dining vouchers as part of the initiative, which focuses on promoting locally sourced ingredients from farmers, butchers, and suppliers across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

Each voucher costs £35 per person and can be redeemed against selected Chef4Life private dining events during 2026.

Vaughan, who has more than seventeen years of experience in professional kitchens, said the project is designed to celebrate high-quality local produce while bringing fine dining directly to people’s homes.

The chef trained in Michelin-level kitchens and multi-rosette establishments before launching Chef4Life, a private dining service that specialises in tailored culinary experiences for small gatherings, celebrations, and special occasions.

Rather than offering a fixed menu, Chef4Life events are designed individually for each client. Menus are created around the tastes and dietary requirements of the guests, with dishes built around seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers wherever possible.

The farm-to-table initiative aims to strengthen links between chefs and regional suppliers while encouraging diners to support the area’s food economy.

Vaughan said the limited voucher release also gives new customers an opportunity to experience the service for the first time.

He explained that each event is designed to recreate a restaurant-level dining experience in private settings, whether for an intimate dinner party, family celebration, or luxury home dining event.

Only one hundred vouchers have been released, and once they are sold the offer will not be repeated.

Residents interested in securing a voucher can contact Chef4Life directly via WhatsApp on 07367 753776 or visit www.chef4life.uk for further information.

 

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