Business

Pembrokeshire businesses fear for future as rates revaluation triggers big increases

Published

1 week ago

December 1, 2025

Sharp rises worry traders across the county and beyond

A NUMBER of Pembrokeshire businesses say they are worried about their future after being told their business rates are likely to rise sharply from April.

Firms across the county have been notified that the rateable value of their premises has increased under the latest revaluation carried out by the Valuation Office Agency, which reviews commercial property values every three years across Wales and England.

Business rates for the next financial year will depend on the multiplier set by the Welsh Government. For 2025–26, the multiplier is 0.568, but ministers have not yet confirmed what figure will apply from April.

The Welsh Government says it has provided £1 billion in rates relief to the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors over the last six years, and insists that revaluation does not increase overall revenues but updates bills “to reflect current property market conditions”.

Hotels, pubs and holiday parks facing steep rises

In Cwm Gwaun, the Gelli Fawr Hotel has seen its valuation more than double from £45,000 to £108,000, while in Newport the Golden Lion pub faces a rise from £98,000 to £130,000 — an increase of 33%.

Local business owners say the increases come at a time when energy, staffing and supply costs remain high, and many customers are already cutting back. Several told the Herald the lack of warning has made planning extremely difficult, and that margins are already “paper thin”.

Tourism operators, including holiday parks in the Newport area, say the uncertainty over the final rates multiplier — which will determine the actual bill — is causing significant anxiety heading into the new season.

In Milford Haven, the had pressed pub sector is affected badly. The bill for The Lord Kitchener pub is increasing from £5,000 to £15,000 and the rates at the Kimberley Public House have nearly doubled from £10,500 to £19,500.

The Imperial Hall’s rates are increasing from £5,800 to £9,200. It’s director, Lee Bridges, said: “Business rates are Council Tax for businesses, why are we being asked to pay more when we use less services.

“A business in existence already contributes into the pool by paying VAT, NI, wages to staff who pay council tax etc.”

In Haverfordwest, the annual rates bill at Eddies Nightclub is increasing from £57,000 to £61,500 per year.

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) says it uses ‘fair maintainable turnover’ to value public houses and hotels. This is the annual income they think a reasonably efficient landlord could expect to achieve on a certain date.

A rental percentage is applied to the turnover estimate to get the rateable value. The percentage takes into account things like the type of pub and its location.

But it is not only the hospitality sector affected.

Educational establishments are too. For example, the ratable value of Happy Days Nursery in Milford Haven is going up from £16,000 to £30,500, new figures reveal.

This is a massive increase for a small operator already dealing with increased energy costs and other expenses.

‘Very anxious’ – county councillor

Independent councillor Huw Murphy, who represents Newport, Pembrokeshire, said many businesses have contacted him after receiving substantial valuation increases.

“Businesses are very anxious about what happens from 1 April,” he said. “It looks likely that rates will rise, and for some the increase could be extremely high. If margins disappear, jobs will go.”

Small firms call for stability

Speaking to S4C, Dr Llyr ap Gareth, of the Federation of Small Businesses Wales, said small firms have been under intense pressure for years.

“Anything that increases costs is a major concern,” he said. “The Welsh Government needs to provide clarity as early as possible. A lack of certainty is a real problem.”

The VOA said valuations rise or fall depending on location and property type, and that the hospitality sector is seeing increases because many businesses have recovered since the pandemic suppressed values during the last revaluation.

Business rate arrangements for 2026–27 are expected to be confirmed when the Welsh Government publishes its budget on 20 January 2026.

Business

Tenby Museum and Art Gallery works approved by planners

Published

8 hours ago

December 11, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for works at what is said to be one of the oldest independent museums in Wales has been approved by Pembrokeshire’s national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Rob Davies sought permission for the replacement of existing single-glazed timber sash to windows to south and east elevations with replica double glazed units at Grade-II-listed Tenby Museum & Art Gallery, Castle Hill, Tenby.

A supporting statement said: “The museum building is in the former National School, built into a medieval domestic building, possibly the hall, depicted as roofless and gable ended in early views. The school was founded in 1832 and enlarged in 1842. The girl’s schoolroom was above, the boys below. It remained in use until the Parochial School was opened in 1874, and the building became the museum in 1878.

“A mural mosaic depicting the history of Tenby was located on the east elevation in 1991. The 1977 listing refers to two round chimneys to the rear, however, only one was located in 2001. Two ranges exist, the original museum adapted from a medieval building used as the National School until 1874 and the former Museum Cottage to the west, now also part of the museum.”

Heritage service Cadw, in its response, lists the museum as “among the early museums in Wales,” while a Wikipedia entry says it is “the oldest independent museum in Wales”.

The application was supported by Tenby Town Council and Tenby Civic Society.

An officer report recommending approval said: “No adverse comments have been received from consultees towards the current proposal, and no third-party representations raising issues relating to listed building matters have been received.

“The proposed scheme is in keeping with the character of the listed building, and its setting in terms of design and form. As such, the application can be supported subject to conditions.”

Business

How ecommerce businesses are adapting to modern day shopping habits

Published

1 day ago

December 10, 2025

Staff Writer

What was once a time-consuming task that involved hours of walking around different shops is now an effortless pastime that can be done in the comfort of your own home.

In the last decade or so, online shopping has evolved significantly. From personalised experiences to an abundance of choice, making a purchase has never been so quick and easy. Of course, businesses have had to adapt to these growing expectations from consumers, who are no longer willing to spend more than a few minutes at checkout or wait more than a few days for their delivery.

So, how are businesses adapting to these modern day shopping habits? Let’s take a look.

Focusing on customer-centric marketing

In a day and age where people are being constantly bombarded with adverts, it’s not enough to stick a product in someone’s face and tell them how great it is. Instead, businesses need a more strategic approach. They must show the customer that they care about their needs and are there to solve a problem, not make a sale.

Offering flexible payment options

The speed of modern day shopping is undeniable. People don’t want to spend ages inputting their personal information and filling out card details. From PayPal to Apple Pay, more and more businesses are providing alternative payment methods to ensure a seamless checkout experience.

One notable trend at the moment is cryptocurrency, thanks to its quick, secure, and efficient transactions. As this has become a popular option, many businesses are now adopting a corporate crypto wallet to facilitate faster payments, giving them an edge over their competitors.

Providing 24/7 customer service (with the help of AI)

Websites don’t close like a traditional shop, meaning anyone can shop day or night. Because of this, people expect help with their orders or an answer to their question straight away, no matter what time of day it is. Of course, many online retailers can’t afford, or don’t have the manpower, to ensure staff are available 24/7, so instead they’re using AI-powered chatbots, which can answer common questions in an instant.

What does the future of online shopping look like?

Retailers are having to adapt constantly to changes in demand and expectations, and it’s unlikely that this will slow down anytime soon. With technology constantly advancing, it’s hard to say what the future of online shopping will look like, but it’s fair to say that it will only get faster, more efficient, and more competitive.

Business

RM Training and Security recognised for work creating opportunities for local people

Published

3 days ago

December 8, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Certificate from PeoplePlus highlights growing role of Milford Haven firm

RM TRAINING and Security has been recognised for its contribution to helping people into work, after receiving a Certificate of Achievement from PeoplePlus Cymru.

The award was presented on Wednesday (Dec 3). It acknowledges RM’s “valuable support and commitment to creating local opportunities for local people” and its role in helping individuals build brighter futures through meaningful employment.

PeoplePlus is a national organisation working with jobseekers, employers and training providers. Its recognition is typically reserved for businesses that consistently demonstrate community impact and a strong commitment to employability.

A spokesperson for RM Training and Security said the team was proud to be acknowledged for the work it does with learners across Pembrokeshire and Wales.

“We are passionate about giving people the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the workplace. To be recognised for that work means a great deal to the whole team,” the spokesperson said.

RM delivers a range of accredited courses including door supervision, security training, conflict management and emergency first aid. The company has expanded significantly in recent years, supporting both new entrants to the sector and those looking to progress in their careers.

The award was presented on site, where representatives from PeoplePlus met the RM team and congratulated them on their contribution to the local skills agenda.

The company said it will continue to work with partners to strengthen opportunities for those seeking employment in the security industry and beyond.

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