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‘Plain cigarette packaging won’t work’

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plainpacketsRETAILERS from across the UK protested last week (Feb 11) outside Parliament at the Government’s decision to go ahead with a free vote proposing plain packaging of cigarettes. Retailers are angry as they allege their views have been chiefly ignored.

The National Spokesman for the Tobacco Retailers’ Alliance, Suleman Khonat said: “There is a huge groundswell of opposition to plain packaging amongst small retailers from across the UK. That is why we have taken our campaign directly to Westminster today. Despite three consultations on plain packaging returning a strong thumbs down to this ill-thought out policy, and evidence from Australia showing that plain packaging does not work, the Government seems determined to introduce a measure which will only benefit tobacco smugglers.

“If introduced, plain packaging would undermine legitimate businesses like mine up and down the country because the simple, one design packs are so easy to counterfeit and would be a boon for the criminals. It would also fail to deliver its so-called aim – to deter under-age smoking. The Government is sleep-walking into this decision. The fact that retailers have travelled from all over the country today – and taken a day away from their shops – demonstrates the huge strength of feeling against plain packaging.”

Mr Khonat continued, adding: “It is an illogical and nonsensical proposal. Plain packaging will create an unnecessary burden on struggling newsagents and convenience stores across the land, especially as the display ban has not yet been introduced into smaller shops – never mind evaluated. Yet the Government says it’s serious about cutting red tape.”

With cigarettes already having been banned in shops from plain view, The Herald was interested to know if this had had an effect on sales of tobacco and spoke with a Tesco employee working at the tobacconist section of the Milford Haven store. She believed that the screens over the cigarette shelf had made no difference to the orders and sales of tobacco.

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Business

Mayor welcomes Eyemazy to Tenby with official opening

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TENBY Mayor Cllr Dai Morgan officially welcomed a unique new business to the town on Sunday (June 23) with the opening of Eyemazy, a creative studio specialising in transforming photographs of the human iris into striking pieces of personalised art.

Speaking at the launch, the Mayor said: “Tenby has always been a place of breathtaking beauty, creativity, and warm community spirit. Today, we celebrate something new that captures all of that—and more.”

Eyemazy, which offers cutting-edge imaging and custom artwork services, allows visitors to turn a close-up image of their eye into a one-of-a-kind visual display. The studio adds to Tenby’s growing reputation as a hub of artistic innovation and tourism.

“This innovative studio transforms something truly personal—your iris—into a unique work of art,” added the Mayor. “It’s a celebration of individuality, creativity, and the beauty within each of us. Eyemazy not only brings artistic flair to Tenby but also strengthens our local economy and continues our proud tradition of blending creativity with commerce.”

Cllr Morgan concluded by offering a warm welcome to the Eyemazy team and said he looked forward to the studio becoming a popular destination for both residents and tourists.

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Business

Pioneering aeronautical apprentice flies the flag for women in engineering

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A YOUNG apprentice from Llantrisant is breaking barriers in the aerospace industry as Wales celebrates Women in Engineering Day.

Georgia Price, 21, was the first female aeronautical engineering apprentice at Newport-based AerFin Ltd, a global aviation company specialising in aircraft and engine component support services.

Currently studying for a degree in Aeronautical Engineering at the University of South Wales, Georgia is blazing a trail for women in STEM careers. Her achievements include winning bronze and gold medals at the Inspiring Skills Competition Wales Manufacturing Team Challenge and the Skills Academy Wales Tomorrow’s Talent Award.

Georgia said: “My advice to other women considering an engineering career is to go for it. It’s not as daunting as it may look, and everyone is so supportive and welcoming.”

Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership Jack Sargeant said: “Georgia’s success story is a beacon to all young women who may today be considering a career in engineering. Her achievements also illustrate the value of apprenticeships as a pathway into employment and further education.”

The Welsh Government has increased its support for apprenticeships despite financial challenges and the loss of European funding. Core funding has risen from £97m in 2020 to £144m in the most recent budget. Latest data published by Medr shows nearly 73,795 new apprenticeship starts have been supported during this Senedd term.

Georgia’s employer, AerFin, now has three female apprentices and is committed to developing local talent in the thriving aerospace sector.

Simon Bayliss, AerFin’s chief operating officer said: “Georgia is a great asset to the business. Apprenticeships provide the company with a great opportunity to take on and develop local talent which allows us to grow organically.”

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Business

£20m investment to secure future of Fishguard Port

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Largest ferry to visit Fishguard as Stena Line commits to long-term upgrade

FISHGUARD Port is set for a major upgrade after ferry operator Stena Line announced a £20 million investment to replace the town’s ageing linkspan bridge.

The new infrastructure, described as “overdue” by the company, will provide increased flexibility and secure the long-term viability of the Pembrokeshire port, which serves the route to Rosslare in the Republic of Ireland.

Stena Line said it hopes construction on the new drawbridge-style linkspan will begin in 2026, with completion targeted for 2027. The company said the investment demonstrates a commitment to Fishguard for the next “30 to 40 years”.

Boost following Holyhead closure

Fishguard saw an unexpected increase in traffic in December 2024, after Storm Darragh damaged berthing terminals at Holyhead. The disruption meant freight traffic and ferries were redirected to Fishguard to relieve pressure on the Irish Sea route.

During this period, the Stena Adventurer — the largest ferry ever to visit the port — docked in Fishguard for the first time.

Ian Davies of Stena Line acknowledged that the new investment was long-awaited: “It’s overdue,” he said, but added that the upgraded linkspan would allow far more flexibility for vessels and scheduling in the years ahead.

Abandoned plans revived

A similar project to upgrade the port was cancelled in 2018, raising concerns locally about Fishguard’s future as a ferry terminal. At the time, tenders had already been invited for the build, but the scheme was scrapped unexpectedly.

The current single-lane linkspan, which dates back to the early 1970s, has been nearing the end of its working life for some time. Its replacement is expected to bring the port up to modern operational standards and support future vessel deployments.

Stena Line currently operates two roll-on roll-off ferry services per day between Fishguard and Rosslare.

The investment announcement has been welcomed by port users and the local community as a sign that the port will continue to play a key role in west Wales’ transport and economic infrastructure.

Preseli Pembrokeshire Senedd Member Paul Davies has welcomed the news that Stena Line is
planning to invest £20 million to upgrade Fishguard port.

Mr Davies said, “I’m delighted that Stena Line is making a significant investment in the port’s
infrastructure. It’s a firm commitment from Stena Line which will secure the port for years to come.”
“The upgrading of infrastructure will enable larger ferries to berth and that could result in more
opportunities for the local economy.”
“I’m excited about this investment and I look forward to seeing the development progress.”

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