Business
Tenby Animal store sign concerns from civic society
OFFICIAL planning for the signage associated with the new Animal store in Tenby has been given the go-ahead despite concerns raised by the local civic society it ‘grated’ with the Victorian and Georgian character of Tudor Square.
Animal Tenby opened its doors in late November at the Grade-II-listed Tudor House, Tudor Square, which has more recently been used as a café.
Several cafés had run at the site including Oakley’s, Caffi Llyw and most recently, Henry’s.
The new Animal store sells outdoor wear, ski gear, beachwear and robes and kids’, women’s and men’s clothes.
Animal is part of the Mountain Group which incorporates Mountain Warehouse and Eastern Mountain Sports.
The Tenby Animal store was the tenth stand-alone Animal store in the UK.
A November-registered planning application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, by Holden Signs Ltd on behalf of Animal, covering the store’s signage was approved by park officers under delegated powers yesterday, January 19.
The proposals were supported by Tenby Town Council but Tenby civic Society, while not formally objecting, had raised concerns.
“The new sign lettering is of suitable size and the fascia setting proposed is fine. The Animal house logo-style lettering grates with the Victorian and Georgian character of Tudor Square and the conservation area. We note that nearby proposed Tesco signage was amended to maintain the character of the conservation area, and we feel the logo lettering does not enhance the character of the conservation area.
“It is a brand logo so a check whether they have amended it to fit in other conservation areas is a relevant consideration to put to the applicant.”
An officer report recommending approval said: “Tenby Civic Society whilst having no objection in principle has expressed concern as to the font style.
“Whilst a distinctive and modern font, it is not considered that the character or appearance of Tenby Conservation Area is negatively affected. The impact on amenity is considered negligible.”
Business
Bowls club in battle with council over signs put up without permission
A PEMBROKESHIRE town’s bowls club has called on planners to let it keep advertising signs for local businesses erected without permission, which help support its operations.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Fishguard & Goodwick Bowls Club, Wern Road, Goodwick seeks retrospective permission for up to 36 signs on land close to the town’s Pheonix Centre.
The signs had been in place for some 18 months, being removed ahead of a formal planning application.
A supporting statement accompanying the application says: “This application seeks retrospective consent for the display of up to 36 non-illuminated, single-sided advertisement panels mounted to an existing timber boundary fence.
It said the advertisements are modest in scale, facing an existing large car park rather than nearby residential properties and does not project over any public highway or footpath.
It added: “The advertisement signs have been temporarily removed while planning permission is sought. The advertisements and fence had been in place for approximately 18 months prior to their temporary removal, during which time no complaints were received.
“The total number of advertisements has been consciously limited, and not all fence bays display signage, ensuring that the proposal does not result in harm to visual amenity or public safety.
“The income generated from the advertisements provides an important source of revenue for the Fishguard and Goodwick Bowls Club, supporting the ongoing operation and maintenance of local community sporting facilities.
“The advertising panels also offer local businesses an affordable and accessible means of promotion within the community.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
Business
Tenby sandwich shop owner Ruby’s celebrates planning victory
A SANDWICH shop owner who successfully challenged a national park refusal of plans for a takeaway food kiosk in Tenby’s seaside harbour, has spoken of her excitement at now being able to move forward.
At the March 2025 development management committee, Ruby Goodrick was refused permission from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners to turn the old RNLI lifeboat store, Penniless Cove, Tenby Harbour, into a takeaway cold food outlet, open 10am-10pm seven days a week.
The application came before committee members rather than an officer decision as Tenby Town Council objected, and was recommended for approval despite being a departure from the adopted development plan.
Since then, Ruby lodged a successful appeal with Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), the Inspector’s report, granting permission, focussing on “whether the development would be an appropriate use within this location, the impact on the character and appearance of the area, and whether it would affect Tenby Conservation Area”.
It said that, although the site was just outside the town centre “I consider that a small scale cold food takeaway outlet in this location would not undermine the town centre of Tenby or its retail function and would not have any impact on its future viability and vitality,” adding: “To the contrary, the development would complement the role of the town centre by contributing to having a mix of uses within this edge of centre location, which is encouraged within Future Wales.”
Following her successful appeal, Ruby, who relatively recently reopened her mum’s old sandwich shop in the town’s South Parade said: “It’s been a long journey over the past three years, with plenty of ups and downs, so I’m really pleased and relieved that the appeal was successful in the end.
“As someone who is local to Tenby, it means so much to me to have reopened my mum’s old sandwich shop, Trulys Sandwich Shop, on South Parade seven months ago. To now have the opportunity to open another shop at Tenby Harbour is something I’m incredibly proud of.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support and encouragement along the way — it’s meant a lot to me and my family.
“I’m really excited to move forward with the new takeaway at Tenby Harbour and look forward to serving both locals and visitors and bringing something new to the harbour.”
Business
Pembrokeshire’s Nia shortlisted for Women in Insurance Awards
THREE members of staff at FUW Insurance Services have been shortlisted for the prestigious Women in Insurance Awards 2026.
Among them is Pembrokeshire’s Nia Evans, who has been named as a finalist in the Young Insurance Woman of the Year category for small to medium firms.
The awards celebrate the achievements of women across the insurance industry, recognising excellence at all levels and highlighting organisations working to improve diversity and inclusion.
Winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on October 13, 2026.
Nia joined FUW Insurance Services in August 2022 as an account handler and has since gained experience across several portfolios, including Gwent, Glamorgan and Pembrokeshire.
She has completed her Cert CII qualification and was selected as part of the first cohort at the FUW Insurance Services Academy in 2025.
Her nomination recognises her strong professional development, growing expertise and early impact within the business.
Meleri James has also been shortlisted for Claims Professional of the Year. She joined FUW Insurance Services in 2021 as an insurance claims handler before becoming Deputy Claims Manager in 2023.
A Dip CII Level 4 qualified professional, she was appointed Claims Manager in autumn 2025.
Karen Royles has been shortlisted for Insurance Woman of the Year in the small to medium firms category.
She joined the company in November 2015 on a six-month maternity cover contract and has since progressed through roles including Administration Manager and Group Operations Manager.
In 2025, she became the company’s first female director when she was appointed Operations Director.
FUW Insurance Services Ltd Chair, Ann Beynon OBE said: “On behalf of everyone at FUW Insurance Services, we’re thrilled that Nia, Meleri, and Karen have been recognised in the prestigious Women in Insurance Awards.
“Their nominations reflect not only their talent and hard work, but also the progress we’ve made as a business in supporting and developing our female staff within the business.
“The awards are an important way to celebrate the achievements of women in our industry and to promote diversity and inclusion.
“We are proud to support that, and even prouder to see our colleagues being recognised in this way. We wish them the very best of luck.”
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