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. 

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.

Photo caption:

RM Training and Security staff receiving the Certificate of Achievement from PeoplePlus Cymru at their Milford Haven base (Pic: Supplied).

Local inn among many facing dramatic increases from April 2026

MANORBIER Castle Inn has warned that its business rates are set to soar from £13,500 to £33,750 when the next revaluation takes effect on 1 April 2026, calling the increase “beyond justification” and a direct threat to local jobs and the rural economy.

The jump, published on the Valuation Office Agency website, represents a rise of more than 150%. The Inn says that even with any relief applied, the scale of the bill will be impossible to absorb.

In a statement, the venue said: “This is not just another attack on independent hospitality businesses – it’s an attack on everything they hold up: employees, suppliers, other businesses, tourism, artists, musicians, the entire community. Even with relief, we and many other businesses will not be able to meet this hike.”

The Inn added that the likely consequences will be severe:
“This scale of increase will force venues to cut jobs, raise prices, and in many cases close entirely. The impact on youth employment, already fragile, will be severe.”

Local residents reacted swiftly on social media, calling the increase “utterly unreasonable” and urging elected representatives to step in.

Widespread rises across Pembrokeshire — and government action following local concern

Manorbier Castle Inn is one of many hospitality and tourism businesses in Pembrokeshire facing substantial rateable value increases. Some premises have reported valuations doubling, tripling or worse.

The Herald has reported extensively on the emerging pattern in recent weeks, prompting significant public debate. Following this scrutiny — and concerns raised by businesses, councillors and industry bodies — the Welsh Government moved to introduce a new support package.

On 3 December 2025, ministers announced a £116 million transitional relief scheme designed to soften the impact of next year’s revaluation. Under the plans:

• Any business whose bill rises by more than £300 due to revaluation will have that increase phased in over two years, instead of being applied immediately.
• For the first time since 2010, ministers will reduce the standard business rates multiplier, lowering bills for some smaller premises.

However, the multiplier cut is expected to benefit mainly small retail outlets — not pubs, cafés or restaurants, which are among the hardest hit by soaring valuations.

Cllr Huw Carnhuan Murphy, leader of the Independent Group on Pembrokeshire County Council, publicly thanked local media — including The Herald — for helping to raise the alarm. He said the coverage had “pushed the issue up the agenda” and confirmed the group would continue lobbying for support for tourism and agriculture.

Industry bodies have welcomed the relief but warn that it does not counteract the central issue: large increases in rateable values and the loss of previous reliefs that many hospitality venues relied on to survive.

What it means for Manorbier Castle Inn — and the sector

While the Welsh Government’s intervention offers some breathing space, many independent venues say the measures fall far short of what is needed to prevent closures.

Manorbier Castle Inn says the phased-in increase will still undermine the business’s long-term viability, adding that just as trading conditions were beginning to stabilise, “another round of firefighting lands at your feet.”

Across Wales, operators warn that without more comprehensive reform, the sector could see widespread job losses, reduced opening hours and further closures — particularly in rural counties where tourism-dependent businesses sustain local economies.

Outlook

The introduction of transitional relief and a reduced rates multiplier marks a shift in government policy, and follows significant pressure from businesses and media coverage across Pembrokeshire. But for venues facing unprecedented revaluations, including Manorbier Castle Inn, the question remains whether the support will be enough.

With many independent pubs and inns already on the edge, Pembrokeshire’s hospitality sector says the coming months will determine whether cherished local venues can survive into 2026 — or whether the rates rises will finally push them over the brink.