Business
Mayberry Kayaking voted ‘Most Loved’

PEMBROKESHIRE based Mayberry Kayaking has been crowned the ‘Most Loved’ business in their area as part of a national competition, the Local & Loved

Most Loved: Mayberry Kayaking.
Awards 2015.
As voted for by local people, the awards showcase those great local and loved independent businesses that Pembrokeshire wouldn’t be without.
Mayberry Kayaking, run by Mike Mayberry offers sea kayaking courses, tours and trips in Fishguard and around the Pembrokeshire coastline. Mike offers Kayaking activities for all abilities. An expert Kayaker, Mike has over 26 years experience, combined with Pembrokeshire’s breathtaking coastline, with beautiful seals, puffins and caves to explore , you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable holiday. Between the gentle, peace and tranquillity of quiet days or the rush and excitement of kayaking through gaps in the rocks, in the ferocious tide races – Kayaking will satisfy your every need. Taking the competition to the wire Mike has 57 unique Local and Loved reviews all agreeing that he is a competent guide who shares his knowledge in a generous and engaging manner.
Organised by ‘thebestof’, a national network that is dedicated to supporting local businesses, the Local & Loved Business Awards 2015 came to its final crescendo in January, and saw local people vote in categories such as ‘UK Business of the Year’ and ‘Most Loved’ in a specific industry sector.
Other businesses from Pembrokeshire who received acclaim include: Ann-Marie Harries -The Farmer’s Arms, Mathry, Michelle Summers-Davies – Michelle Davies Hair, Goodwick, Linda Wilshaw – Apple Blossom Cleaning, Narberth.
The Local and Loved Campaign, set up by Diana Vickers of thebestof Pembrokeshire said: “Reviews like awards are a must for any business and we are proud to support the very best businesses in the county. All the reviews we receive are validated so customers can trust what they read. However for businesses to truly benefit they should strive for great reviews on a regular basis. We know independent validated reviews bring more enquiries for our business members.”
Mike Mayberry, the owner of Mayberry Kayaking said: “A huge thank you to Neil, Tom, Lou, Diana, Tavi and Shelley for all their hard work last year making customers happy. Without you we wouldn’t be loved half as much!”
This campaign has really shared the love locally and really given everyone a great Valentines to remember!
Business
Greenlink energy link goes live, connecting Pembrokeshire to Ireland

Interconnector brings power boost and green energy potential to Wales and Ireland
A MAJOR new electricity interconnector linking Pembrokeshire and Ireland has gone live, with power now flowing between the two countries for the first time via the Greenlink project.
The 504-megawatt (MW) Greenlink Interconnector connects National Grid’s 400kV substation at Pembroke with EirGrid’s Great Island substation in County Wexford. The link spans 200km, including 160km of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable laid beneath the Irish Sea.
The interconnector is expected to improve energy security, increase grid resilience, and support the growth of renewable energy by allowing surplus electricity to be shared between Wales and Ireland.
Greenlink is one of the first privately funded energy infrastructure projects of its kind in Europe. It is owned by Greenlink Interconnector Limited and operated by EirGrid.
At the Welsh end of the link, National Grid carried out a series of upgrades to its Pembroke substation, including the installation of a new gas-insulated switchgear bay inside the existing air-insulated facility. The hybrid solution was designed to be space- and cost-efficient, and it uses a greener insulating gas instead of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), in line with National Grid’s target to halve SF6 emissions by 2030.
James O’Reilly, CEO of Greenlink Interconnector Limited, described the go-live as a “significant milestone.”
He said: “This is one of the first privately developed and funded energy projects between the UK and Ireland. By enabling the transfer of green energy across borders, Greenlink strengthens energy security, enhances sustainability, and fosters greater connectivity with the wider European market.”
John Twomey, Director of Customer Connections at National Grid, said connecting Greenlink to the network at Pembroke allows both countries to “benefit from that boost in capacity and resilience.”
He said: “As demands on our electricity grids evolve, interconnectors provide immense value by strengthening the security of electricity supplies and improving our collective ability to exploit renewable power produced across borders.”
The converter stations at each end of the interconnector transform electricity between direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) for use on the respective national grids.
Michael Kelly, interim Chief Operations and Asset Management Officer at EirGrid, said the project was “a vital step forward in strengthening our shared commitment to energy resilience and security.”
He added: “EirGrid is leading the transition to a low carbon future by making Ireland’s grid renewable ready. This latest connection was made possible through collaboration with our UK colleagues and the Greenlink team.”
The interconnector is now fully operational, with electricity flowing across the Irish Sea in both directions.
Business
Boost your start-up idea with popular Business Bootcamp

PEMBROKESHIRE’S popular Business Bootcamp is set to return to offer a boost to local start-ups this summer.
Following the success of last year’s event and positive feedback from participants, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Business Support Team will host a two-day Business Start-Up Bootcamp in June.
Entrepreneurs at prestart, start-up or established business stages are encouraged to register for this free workshop offering an insight into business essentials.
Experts will cover key topics including idea generation, branding, marketing, finance, and pitching.
There will also be an opportunity to network with like-minded entrepreneurs, find out more about what support is available and explore potential business connections.
Pembrokeshire County Council’s Business Development Officer for Entrepreneurship Industries Alex Evans said: “Due to popular demand and positive feedback from the previous Bootcamp we ran, we were happy to run another Bootcamp to supply the growing demand of business support in the County of Pembrokeshire.
“With a specialist organisation running the Bootcamp and guest speakers attending, this is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to either kick start their business ideas or boost their business growth.”
The Bootcamp, funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, will take place on June 3rd and 10th 9am to 3pm at the Bridge Innovation Centre, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6UN. Places are limited and booking is essential.
To find out more please contact Alex on [email protected] or 07584642534.
Ends
Business
Business leader takes on 414-mile Easter cycling challenge

A LEADING west Wales businesswoman is preparing for an epic 414-mile cycling journey from Fishguard to London to raise funds for children and families living in poverty.
Amy Seppman, Marketing Director at JCP Solicitors and President of Swansea Bay Business Club, will set off on Thursday (April 17) on a six-day bikepacking challenge alongside her friend and fellow fundraiser, Hollie Labunsky.
The pair will complete the journey entirely unsupported, carrying all their gear as they follow the scenic but demanding National Cycle Route 4 through the Welsh countryside and into the heart of London.
The challenge forms part of Amy’s efforts to raise £40,000 for Swansea-based charity Faith in Families, which supports vulnerable children and families across the region. With more than £38,500 already raised, Amy hopes the ride will push her over the fundraising finish line – with time to spare for further events later this year.
Speaking ahead of the challenge, Amy said: “Faith in Families is an incredible local charity doing vital work in our communities. As part of my presidency at Swansea Bay Business Club, we’ve been raising funds through various events – but this one might be the toughest yet.
“We’ll be cycling for six days straight, tackling hills, country lanes, and city streets – all with our backpacks strapped to our bikes. It’s going to be gruelling, but it’s nothing compared to the daily challenges many families in our area face.
“Whether you can donate, cheer us on, or share our story – it all makes a difference.”
Amy will be joined by Hollie Labunsky, a teacher of Economics, Criminology and Business at Treorchy Comprehensive School, who shares both her passion for cycling and her commitment to the cause.
The pair’s route is as follows:
- Day 1: Fishguard to St Clears – 66 miles
- Day 2: St Clears to Llanelli – 53 miles
- Day 3: Llanelli to Caerphilly – 63 miles
- Day 4: Caerphilly to Bath – 75 miles
- Day 5: Bath to Windsor – 107 miles
- Day 6: Windsor to Greenwich – 50 miles, finishing with a ride through Central London
Cherrie Bija, CEO of Faith in Families, described the cyclists as “absolute superheroes.”
She said: “Amy and Hollie are absolute superheroes. Their journey isn’t just about miles – it’s about impact. Every pedal they push brings us closer to helping more children in crisis, more families in need, and more communities in recovery.”
Faith in Families delivers critical support to families affected by poverty, trauma and crisis. Through initiatives such as Community Cwtches, one-to-one therapy, family support, and Wales’ first Multibank – Cwtch Mawr – the charity provides essentials including clothing, hygiene products, school uniforms and warm bedding to those most in need.
To support Amy and Hollie’s Easter ride and help Faith in Families continue its vital work, donations can be made at: https://localgiving.org/fundraising/Fish-Don
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