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£2.1m funding boost to help Welsh firms adopt artificial intelligence

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WELSH businesses are set to benefit from a £2.1 million funding package aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises adopt artificial intelligence in an ethical and practical way.

The investment, announced by the Welsh Government, is designed to support SMEs, entrepreneurs and microbusinesses across Wales to use AI to improve productivity, boost innovation and strengthen competitiveness.

As part of the package, £600,000 will be allocated to the Business Wales service to develop and deliver a dedicated AI awareness and adoption programme. The work will build on recommendations from recent reviews into SME productivity and the use of artificial intelligence.

A further £500,000 will be used to support the tourism and events sectors, including an AI “pollination project” delivered in partnership with specialists from the Hartree Centre Cardiff Hub and Cardiff University’s Digital Transformation Innovation Institute. The scheme aims to accelerate the take-up of AI tools among event organisers and tourism businesses.

Up to 1,000 tourism microbusinesses and SMEs are expected to benefit from in-person workshops focused on practical AI skills for digital marketing and content creation.

An additional £1 million will be invested through the Flexible Skills Programme to create a new AI upskilling offer. The scheme will focus on closing digital skills gaps and supporting inclusive growth, with employers contributing 25 per cent of AI training costs and 50 per cent for other Flexible Skills Programme courses.

One company already making use of artificial intelligence is Swansea-based Something Different Wholesale. The giftware business, which employs seventy-five staff and serves more than 12,000 business customers worldwide, uses AI to analyse data, gain market insight, automate routine tasks and enhance customer services. The company is also launching a new global website using AI-powered translation tools.

Founder Jane Wallace-Jones said AI was advancing rapidly and that businesses which adopted it effectively would gain a competitive edge, but warned many SMEs lacked in-house expertise.

She said the funding would help Welsh businesses access high-quality training, improve productivity and support growth, innovation and job creation.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said the funding built on showcases of Welsh innovation seen at recent national technology and investment events.

She said AI was already transforming the business sector and that the programme would help ensure SMEs across Wales were ready to make the most of emerging technologies in a responsible and inclusive way, while supporting the delivery of the AI Plan for Wales.

Skills Minister Jack Sargeant said the Welsh Government recognised the potential of AI to drive economic growth and was committed to helping businesses develop the skills needed for future success.

He added that the new funding would help bridge digital skills gaps and accelerate the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence across Wales’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

 

Business

Sauna Uno brings coastal wellness experience to West Wales

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Bespoke mobile sauna offers sea views, cold-water immersion and private group bookings along the Pembrokeshire coast

A UNIQUE mobile sauna experience is bringing a fresh take on relaxation and wellbeing to the West Wales coast, combining traditional heat therapy with sea air, cold-water immersion and some of the region’s most dramatic views.

Sauna Uno is a custom-built mobile sauna designed to offer guests the benefits of a Nordic-style sauna experience in a striking coastal setting. Operating from selected locations in West Wales, it allows visitors to step from the warmth of a wood-fired sauna into the open air, with the option of a cold plunge or sea swim as part of the ritual.

Set against the backdrop of beaches, cliffs and Atlantic skies, the experience is built around contrast — intense heat followed by cold water, shared conversation followed by quiet reflection, and the comfort of the sauna against the raw beauty of the Pembrokeshire coastline.

Designed for comfort

Inside, Sauna Uno has been carefully designed to create a welcoming and practical space for both individuals and groups. The sauna includes a spacious seating area, large viewing windows, heated changing facilities, and a selection of herbal teas, cold water and natural essential oils to enhance the experience.

The aim is to combine the health benefits of sauna use with the calming effect of the coastal environment, creating something that feels both restorative and memorable.

Its owners say the concept is about more than simply getting warm.

Sauna Uno is intended to offer people the chance to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy a moment of calm in a busy world — whether that is after a sea swim, as part of a wellness session, or simply as a social experience with friends.

Popular for groups and private hire

The mobile sauna has proved especially popular for group bookings, with enough space for friends, families and small parties to enjoy the experience together.

Bookings are regularly made for birthdays, private gatherings, group wellness sessions and retreat-style coastal days out. The setting, combined with the shared nature of the sauna experience, has made it an increasingly attractive alternative to more traditional celebrations.

To encourage group celebrations, Sauna Uno is currently offering a ten per cent discount on birthday group bookings.

That offer is expected to appeal to those looking for something a little different — an occasion centred on wellbeing, the outdoors and spending quality time together rather than the usual restaurant or nightlife options.

A growing wellness trend

Sauna culture has grown in popularity across the UK in recent years, with more people turning to heat therapy, cold-water immersion and outdoor wellness experiences as a way to support both physical and mental health.

Regular sauna use is commonly linked to improved circulation, muscle recovery, reduced tension and stress relief. Many enthusiasts also say the combination of heat and cold helps improve mental clarity, resilience and overall wellbeing.

At coastal sites, that effect can be heightened by the surrounding landscape, fresh air and sea views, turning a sauna session into a more immersive experience.

Visitors to Sauna Uno have praised the quality of the heat, the design of the sauna and the peaceful atmosphere created by the coastal locations. Sunset sessions and winter bookings have proved particularly popular, with many describing the combination of hot sauna and cold sea air as both invigorating and deeply calming.

Making the most of the coast

By operating as a mobile unit, Sauna Uno is able to make use of carefully chosen coastal spots across West Wales, bringing the experience closer to the sea and giving guests access to some of the area’s most scenic locations.

For many, that sense of place is what sets it apart.

Rather than being tucked away indoors, Sauna Uno makes the natural environment part of the experience itself — offering a way to enjoy the coast in all seasons, whether under clear skies, in the golden light of sunset, or with wild weather rolling in off the Atlantic.

With interest continuing to grow and weekend sessions often booked in advance, organisers are encouraging people to plan ahead for private hire, birthday bookings and group visits.

For bookings and enquiries, their Facebook page can also be found by searching Sauna Uno.

 

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Business

A proper Pembroke local: Inside the warm welcome of The Old Cross Saws Inn

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Family-run pub on Main Street combines homemade food, live music, affordable rooms and a strong tradition of raising money for good causes

THE OLD CROSS SAWS INN has earned a loyal following in Pembroke by offering something that is becoming harder to find – a true local pub where community spirit still comes first.

Run by Michelle and Will, the family-run venue on Main Street has become a popular meeting place for regulars, visitors and families alike, with customers drawn in by its friendly atmosphere, homemade food, live entertainment and genuine welcome.

Whether people are calling in for a quiet pint, gathering for a Saturday night band session, enjoying a hearty Sunday lunch or taking part in the pub’s much-loved charity bingo afternoons, the aim is always the same – to make everyone feel at home.

Karen said: “We just want people to feel welcome when they walk through the door and enjoy themselves – whether it’s for Sunday lunch, live music or just a drink with friends.”

That simple approach has helped The Old Cross Saws Inn become one of the town’s best-loved pubs, with customers regularly praising both the hospitality and the sense of belonging they find there.

One customer said: “Very friendly, everyone knew the drinks we were having after the first order. We went on a band night and had a brilliant time.”

At the heart of the community

The Old Cross Saws Inn is not just a place to eat and drink. Over recent years, it has also become a hub for charity fundraising, with the pub and its regulars raising thousands of pounds for good causes close to people’s hearts.

Among the causes supported are Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice, Greenacres Animal Rescue, Wales Air Ambulance Charity and Tan-Yard Youth Club.

In total, £3,400 has been raised for Ty Hafan, £2,000 for Greenacres Animal Rescue, £2,000 for Wales Air Ambulance Charity and £500 for Tan-Yard Youth Club.

Much of that fundraising has come through the pub’s weekly charity bingo afternoons, which have built up a devoted following and become a valued part of local life.

Held every Thursday from 1:30pm to 3:00pm, the bingo offers a relaxed and sociable afternoon out while helping to support worthwhile causes. Regulars have become known affectionately as the pub’s “amazing bingo family”, a reflection of the close-knit atmosphere that has grown around the event.

With the games wrapping up before the school run, it has also proved popular with people looking for a friendly midweek break that fits around everyday life.

Live music and sport

Entertainment plays a big part in the pub’s appeal. Every Saturday from 8:30pm, live music helps turn the venue into a lively weekend destination, attracting a strong crowd and creating the kind of atmosphere that keeps people coming back.

For sports fans, The Old Cross Saws Inn also offers Sky Sports and TNT Sports throughout the week, along with horse racing coverage, making it a go-to spot for those wanting to catch the big game or enjoy a drink with friends in good company.

Whether it is a packed band night, a major sporting fixture or simply a casual evening at the bar, the pub has built its reputation on offering a welcoming setting for all.

Homemade food with a local reputation

Food is another big part of the attraction. The pub’s Sunday lunch, served from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, has developed a strong reputation locally for generous portions, homemade cooking and good value.

One visitor described it as: “Like your mum’s Sunday lunch – tasty, homemade and great value.”

During the week, food is served from Monday to Thursday between 2:00pm and 8:00pm. Fresh rolls and pies are also available during the day, giving customers the option of anything from a quick bite to a relaxed sit-down meal.

That focus on straightforward, satisfying pub food has become another reason why so many customers return time and again.

A garden, rooms and a warm welcome

When the weather is kind, the south-facing beer garden offers another attraction. With umbrellas, covered seating and even an outdoor television, it provides a comfortable place to enjoy a drink in the sunshine while still keeping up with live sport.

The pub is also dog-friendly and family-friendly, adding to its broad appeal.

For those visiting Pembroke and the surrounding area, The Old Cross Saws Inn also offers affordable rooms, giving guests a convenient base from which to explore the town, coastline and nearby attractions.

Each room includes tea and coffee facilities, a fridge and a sink, while a microwave is available on the landing for guest use.

Its Main Street location places it around five minutes from Pembroke railway station, within walking distance of Pembroke Castle and the Millpond, and roughly fifteen minutes by car from Tenby.

A proper local

In an age when many pubs face growing pressures, The Old Cross Saws Inn continues to show the value of doing the basics well – good food, friendly service, strong community ties and a welcoming atmosphere.

It is a place where people can come together for entertainment, support local causes, share a meal or simply enjoy a drink among friends.

And thanks to the support of its customers, that community spirit is having an impact far beyond the bar itself, helping to raise vital funds for charities and local organisations.

For Michelle, Will and the team, that is what being a proper local pub is all about.

The Old Cross Saws Inn is at 109 Main Street, Pembroke, SA71 4DB. Charity bingo takes place every Thursday from 1:30pm to 3:00pm, while live music is held on Saturdays from 8:30pm.

Follow The Old Cross Saws Inn on Facebook for details of upcoming events, live music nights and Sunday lunch updates.

 

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Business

Taberna Inn, Herbranston, cannot be turned into house

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AN APPEAL against a refusal of a call to convert an ‘unviable’ former Pembrokeshire village pub to a house has been dismissed.

In a partly retrospective application refused by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in July 2025, Ms G Key, through agent Evans Banks Planning Limited, sought permission for the conversion of the former Taberna Inn and associated flat, Herbrandston Village, Milford Haven, to one residential dwelling.

A supporting statement through the agent said the property was only operated as a pub for a short time after purchase before closing.

It said the loss of the pub to the village will not be felt as strongly as elsewhere as Herbrandston has an alternative venue, Herbrandston Hub, which opened in February 2020.

Local community council Hebrandston objected to the proposal on the grounds the village has already lost amenities in recent years, with the community hub only open part-time.

The application was refused on grounds including it would “result in the unacceptable loss of an existing community facility,” and “the applicant has failed to demonstrate the potential for continued use of the facility as unviable”.

Since that refusal an appeal was lodged with Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) by the applicant.

The inspector, in dismissing the appeal, said planning policy recognising “that public houses can play a vital economic and social role and their loss can be damaging to a local community,” adding the Taberna “constitutes a community facility”.

The inspector’s report said the purchase of the Taberna Inn in March 2020 in a “closed and condemned condition” just before the global pandemic “meant that the property was never operated as a public house, and although the appellant could have reopened the pub following the pandemic, she has chosen not to”.

It added: “As a result, the appellant has been unable to provide any financial information in the form of audited accounts which show the historic trading to help gauge the past performance of the premises or to demonstrate that the public house is not commercially viable.”

It went on to say the appellant’s view the pub is not a valued community asset, was contrasted by residents and the community council opposing the change of use; the Herbrandston Hub opening on a limited time basis, saying “the ability of the Hub to be classed as a viable and direct replacement to the Taberna Inn is questionable”.

It concluded: “Overall, the evidence before me is insufficiently thorough and wide ranging to constitute a solid case for the proposed development in the balance of harm to the community. As a result of this, I am not persuaded that it has been clearly demonstrated that the pub cannot become a viable business in the future.

“I also consider that it has not been demonstrated that there has been a commitment by the appellant, since purchasing the property in March 2020, to ensuring the long-term viability of the Taberna Inn as a going concern over an appropriate period.”

 

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