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Welsh business confidence rises as firms buck UK trend

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Wales records strongest year-on-year growth of any UK nation or region, according to Lloyds Business Barometer

WELSH business confidence rose in April as firms reported growing optimism about the wider UK economy, new figures show.

The latest Business Barometer from Lloyds found that confidence among businesses in Wales rose by eight points to 38% during the month.

That was despite overall UK business confidence falling by 11 points to 44% in April.

The survey found Welsh firms’ confidence in their own trading prospects remained unchanged at 46%, while optimism about the wider economy climbed 16 points to 30%.

When combined, those figures gave Wales a headline confidence reading of 38%, up from 30% in March.

Wales also recorded the largest year-on-year confidence growth of any UK nation or region and was the only area to report both year-on-year and month-on-month growth.

A net balance of 34% of businesses in Wales said they expected to increase staff numbers over the next year, up nine points on the previous month.

Looking ahead, Welsh firms identified investment in their teams as the main target area for growth, with 48% citing training and staff development.

Other priorities included introducing new technology, such as AI or automation, at 42%, and evolving products or services at 40%.

The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses each month, has been running since 2002 and is used as an early indicator of UK economic trends.

Amanda Murphy, CEO for Lloyds Business and Commercial Banking, said: “Businesses told us their confidence fell as inflation pressures re-emerged, global uncertainty persisted and costs remained elevated.

“While sentiment declined, it remained above the long-term average, with nearly two-thirds expecting stronger output in the coming year.

“UK businesses are resilient and adept at deploying strategies to defend growth in uncertain conditions. Over the past month, we’ve seen them opt for flexibility wherever possible.

“They’re building contingency into their short and medium-term plans, rather than expecting a rapid return to normal. Protecting margins has become more important.

“That means tougher cost scrutiny and a greater focus on balancing growth with profitability.

“In this environment, as with other recent market disruptions, we continue to observe that sustainable success comes from discipline, resilience and clarity about what really drives long-term value.”

Nathan Morgan, area director for Wales at Lloyds, said: “Wales is bucking the UK-wide trend when it comes to business confidence, increasing during April against the national trend.

“This confidence is the result of Welsh firms’ ongoing focus on investment to protect their position against future disruption.

“At Lloyds, we’ll continue to nurture this recent momentum of growth by working with businesses across the nation to equip them with the financial tools they need.”

Across the UK, firms’ confidence in their own trading outlook fell six points to 54%, while optimism in the wider economy dropped 17 points to 33%.

The East Midlands was the most confident UK nation or region in April at 53%, followed by London at 51% and the West Midlands at 49%.

 

Business

Haverfordwest Pink Cat Shop building could be redeveloped

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PREVIOUSLY approved plans to convert a listed former clothes shop in Haverfordwest’s town centre to flats and a café have seen a fresh scheme presented, this time from the council.

Back in November 2023, members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee approved an application by Mr B Roscoe to convert the Grade-II-listed Pink Cat Shop, 24 High Street, to six flats and a café.

The building was first listed in 1974, due to its “… special architectural interest as good late Georgian style terraced front, with surviving staircase and C18 rear wing”.

The property has a long commercial history dating back to 1901, with it being originally used by Tom Davies the clothier; in recent years the basement and ground floors have been used as a café, with the upper floors remaining vacant.

Agent Evans Banks Planning Limited had said the upper floors of the building have been vacant for some five years, and the building was marketed for sale for two years without interest.

After that successfully approved scheme, a similar application has now been submitted by Pembrokeshire County Council itself for the Pink Cat building, again through agent Evans Banks Planning Limited.

A supporting statement accompanying the latest listed building application “follows the same overarching principles of development and reuse of the existing building, seeking to deliver residential flats while retaining the character and significance of the listed asset”.

It adds: “Although there are some differences in the detailed design and layout, the proposed works remain comparable in nature and impact to the previously approved scheme and continue to represent an appropriate and sustainable form of development for the site.”

It says internal works on the previous scheme “are designed to be reversible and avoid harm to the historic fabric, ensuring that the architectural and historic significance of the listed building is preserved whilst enabling a sustainable and viable use”.

Referring to the latest proposal it says: “In terms of accommodation, the proposal seeks the partial conversion of the existing use of the building but will retain the commercial element at the ground floor frontage aspect of the building, to ensure that the property continues to make a positive contribution to the vitality and viability of the town centre.”

The latest application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

 

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Business

Pembrokeshire Haverfordwest Merlins Terrace HMO plans

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A SCHEME to convert a Pembrokeshire town home to “well-designed shared accommodation” for five tenants has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Marcelina Morgan, through agent CCS Solutions Ltd, seeks permission for a change of use of a dwelling at Cleddau View, Merlins Terrace, Haverfordwest to a house in multiple occupation.

A supporting statement said the existing four-bed home would, if approved, become a five-bed multiple occupation unit with two bedrooms on the ground floor and three on the first.

It also includes internal alterations, refurbishment works, and minor external alterations to the property in the established residential area.

It added: “The proposal seeks to improve the quality and functionality of the existing property, delivering well-designed shared accommodation whilst retaining the existing building envelope.”

Of the development, it added: “The proposed development reuses an existing dwelling in a sustainable location, provides high-quality shared accommodation, involves minimal external alteration, maintains acceptable amenity standards, has no adverse highway impact, [and] delivers biodiversity enhancements.”

It said the scheme would not see any extensions, external enlargements, or increase in footprint, retaining the existing built form and site layout.

It also said the proposal “does not adversely affect any existing green infrastructure” and “provides measurable biodiversity enhancements through bird and bat boxes”.

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

 

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Business

Handcrafted garden furniture built to last across Pembrokeshire

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Cardigan-based Pembrokeshire Wooden Garden Company Ltd is winning customers with solid, comfortable and weather-resistant benches, tables and outdoor seating

A LOCAL garden furniture maker is bringing traditional craftsmanship, strength and style to outdoor spaces across Pembrokeshire and west Wales.

Pembrokeshire Wooden Garden Company Ltd, based next to Tivy Tyres on Station Road, Cardigan, specialises in handcrafted wooden benches, garden tables and outdoor seating built for real everyday use.

At a time when many garden furniture products are mass-produced and lightweight, the company has focused on making solid, heavy-duty pieces designed to last, with comfort, durability and practicality at the heart of every item.

Each bench, chair and table is individually made using high-quality structural timber and carefully finished to protect it from the weather. The result is garden furniture that feels substantial, looks attractive and is made to cope with life outdoors all year round.

BUILT PROPERLY

What sets Pembrokeshire Wooden Garden Company Ltd apart is the way each item is constructed.

Rather than relying on staples or nails, every piece is carefully screwed together for extra strength and long-term durability. The furniture is then finished with multiple coats of weather-resistant protection, helping it stand up to the elements while retaining its appearance.

The company uses Cuprinol Garden Shades finishes, offering customers a choice of attractive colours including Willow, Sage, Urban Slate and Seasoned Oak, along with more natural tones for those who prefer a classic timber look.

It means customers can choose furniture that not only suits their garden, patio or outdoor seating area, but also has the protection needed for the Welsh weather.

FROM BENCHES TO FAMILY TABLES

The current range includes a wide choice of practical and decorative outdoor furniture, all made with the same focus on strength and comfort.

Popular pieces include the Joycey Easy Sit Bench, designed to offer extra support and comfort, as well as single bench chairs, backless benches and a selection of heavy-duty garden tables.

The 3 Bar Heavy Duty Table is made for regular use, while the 5 Bar Medium and Large Tables are ideal for families, visitors, social gatherings and anyone looking to make more of their outdoor space.

Whether it is a quiet corner of the garden, a patio seating area, a holiday home, a campsite, a smallholding or a community space, the furniture is designed to be useful, strong and attractive.

LOCAL WORKSHOP

Customers are welcome to view the furniture in person by appointment at the company’s Cardigan workshop, located next to Tivy Tyres on Station Road, Pentood Industrial Estate.

The workshop also acts as a collection point for orders, giving customers the chance to see the quality of the furniture before taking it home.

Pembrokeshire Wooden Garden Company Ltd also attends local markets, where its benches and tables have become a familiar sight to shoppers looking for locally made outdoor furniture with a personal touch.

The business has built up a growing base of returning customers across Pembrokeshire, with many buyers coming back for additional pieces after seeing how well their first purchase performs.

Customer feedback has praised the comfort, solid construction and value for money, with repeat orders helping the company grow through word of mouth and local support.

MADE FOR OUTDOOR LIVING

As more people invest in their gardens and outdoor spaces, durable wooden furniture has become an increasingly popular choice.

For homeowners, the garden is no longer just somewhere to mow the lawn. It is a place to relax, entertain, enjoy the sunshine, spend time with family and make the most of the space around the home.

Pembrokeshire Wooden Garden Company Ltd is helping people do exactly that, with handcrafted furniture that combines strength, comfort and simple good looks.

From a single bench to a full outdoor seating set, each piece is made with care and designed to be used, enjoyed and relied upon.

For anyone looking for garden furniture that is locally made, properly built and designed to last, Pembrokeshire Wooden Garden Company Ltd offers a strong alternative to mass-produced outdoor furniture.

Customers can view the range by appointment at the workshop next to Tivy Tyres, Station Road, Cardigan, or look out for Pembrokeshire Wooden Garden Company Ltd at local markets across the area.

Telephone 07811 120503 Facebook Page: CLICK HERE

 

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