Business

Video firm supports local businesses

Published

11 years ago

March 27, 2015

A PEMBROKESHIRE based video production company is developing its facilities to help local businesses in new ways.

Oddsox Productions is a unique, professional video production service. They work with local businesses to provide a unique and cost effective way to advertise to new customers worldwide via video advertising on website and social media.

Creative director Nikki Ross, of Pembroke, says: “It’s so difficult to set up a successful, sustainable business in this part of Wales. Lack of money in the local economy means most small businesses are struggling to survive. We work with clients in the oil and gas industry and local smaller businesses to help grow the local economy.”

Nikki gained a degree in Film, Television and drama studies at Aberystwyth University and went on to do work experience with Prospect pictures in London, helping out at the Good Food live show. Returning to Pembrokeshire she spent time working as a runner and production assistant with Curlyman productions before setting out on her own venture.

“I set up Oddsox productions in 2008 in the middle of the recession” she says. “It was tough as everything I had at the beginning was through my own finances. I bought a small hand-held camera and used it for as long as I could.”

A few years later, Nikki received a grant from the LIF (Local Investment Fund) which helped her to source new, much needed equipment.

“I used it to update my camera and buy a new tripod. It was the next step to enable better quality production. In this business you have to keep updating the equipment to keep up with technology and other competitors.”

Nikki feels that the key to a successful business is the balance between communicating with clients in a friendly and approachable manner and understanding their vision in order to get what they want out of the partnership.

She says, “Some people have a clear idea of what they want. Others need more guidance, it’s about being adaptable to people’s needs.”

This is partly behind the unusual name for the business.

“I chose the name Oddsox because every client is different. No two productions we do are the same. We are all about working to create a unique vision for each individual business.”

Nikki says it’s been good to see the business grow but she would still like to expand further, perhaps taking on a few regular staff. She currently works alone, hiring freelancers or relying on the help of friends and family if she needs an extra pair of hands. The demand for business fluctuates but each day is different. She is currently working on a new area of Oddsox.

“I’ve had so many enquiries regarding understanding how to use camera equipment and importing images and film onto social media. I decided to offer video and multimedia training and consultancy to local people and businesses to try and help them move into the 21st century, using video to help with Google ratings, encourage new innovative ideas and help get more people using social media for marketing.”

Nikki is also currently undertaking her BNUC-S qualification, in order to be able to fly a UAS, unmanned aircraft system. This, she says, will add an enhancement to the business and be more cost effective for clients who otherwise may have to pay to hire a crane or Jib to get the film shots they want. She is excited too, that Oddsox will be one of just two businesses in Pembrokeshire to be able to offer such a range of film techniques.

“The aerial system with camera attached can be used for all sorts of projects, from marine conservation filming, getting into intricate places that would otherwise not be possible; to shots of music events, rallies or boating events. The possibilities are endless!”

Nikki is a member of WIRE, Women in Rural Enterprise, a support and networking group for women in business in rural areas. “I’m currently the only member from South Pembrokeshire, as a group leader offering my multimedia knowledge and support to help promote the group and push new ideas forward.”

The ultimate aim, for Oddsox, she says is to help local businesses who don’t always have a lot of money to promote themselves and to learn the skills they need to continue to market and grow.

Business

Tenby sailing club works approved by national park

Published

18 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for works to Tenby’s listed building sailing club to improve energy efficiency for the community organisation has been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Harrison Richards of Tenby Sailing Club sought permission for replacing 24 timber windows at the Grade-II-listed Tenby Sailing Club, Penniless Cove Hill, with new Accoya timber double-glazed units.

The application added: “An energy survey conducted by Dragon Energy Consultants highlighted the existing single glazing and rotten window frames as a significant contributor to the club’s energy consumption.

“Tenby Sailing Club is a community organisation which seeks to organise activities year-round but faces significant energy costs being housed in a historic building. The current windows are beyond repair, with cracked glazing, decay, water ingress, and poor energy efficiency.

“The two windows at balcony level are not included, as they were previously replaced and remain in good condition. All new units will replicate the existing profiles, dimensions, glazing patterns, and overall appearance, ensuring no visual change to the building’s character.

“The neighbouring three-storey harbour stores occupied by Tenby Sea Cadets have previously replaced the building’s windows with double glazing. This like-for-like replacement in appearance will improve durability, weather resistance, and thermal performance while preserving the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building.”

An officer report recommending approval said: “The Sailing Club was built as a warehouse c. 1825, abutting the C17 sluice. Originally wine stores, it was later used by the local fishermen for stores and is now the home to Tenby Sailing Club, established in 1936.”

It said no adverse comments to the proposals had been received.

It added: “The proposal is to replace the majority (24 total) of windows in painted timber, double-glazed with face-mounted glazing bars of traditional scale and profile. Whilst a modern practice of glazing, the proposal involves no loss of historic fabric, provides an obvious visual improvement and addresses concerns as to heating costs.”

It finished: “The scheme is considered to be in keeping with the character of the listed building, and its setting in terms of design and form. As such, the application can be supported subject to conditions.”

The application was conditionally approved by planners.

Business

Taxi fare shock in Milford Haven as drivers switch to meters

Published

23 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TAXI passengers in Milford Haven are facing a sudden jump in fares, as drivers increasingly switch on their meters and charge full council-approved rates.

One Herald reader said a short return trip from Milford Haven to Neyland cost £30 — around double what he expected to pay.

But drivers insist the prices are not new — they are simply the official tariff now being applied.

Under Pembrokeshire County Council rules, the standard daytime fare starts at £4 for the first mile (£5 after 6pm), rising by around £3 per mile thereafter. Waiting time is also charged, meaning even short return journeys can quickly add up.

Higher rates apply in the evenings, at weekends and on bank holidays.

End of the £3 taxi

Milford Haven has long been known for cheap taxis, with short in-town journeys often costing as little as £3 — far below official rates.

That was down to competition, older vehicles, and the need to keep prices low in a town where many rely on affordable transport.

Drivers say those days are now over.

One local driver told The Herald: “People got used to cheap fares, but that was never the real price. Now we have to use the meter or we’re losing money.”

Fuel costs biting

Most taxis run on diesel, now around 170p per litre locally. For drivers covering long distances each day, the increase has hit hard.

Global tensions in the Middle East have pushed up oil prices, feeding directly into higher fuel costs in the UK.

With fare increases requiring a lengthy council process, many drivers say they have no option but to charge the full tariff.

Vulnerable hit hardest

The change is being felt most by those who rely on taxis the most.

Elderly residents, people on low incomes and those without access to a car are now facing higher everyday travel costs.

There has been no recent increase in Pembrokeshire’s official taxi fares, which have remained broadly unchanged since 2022.

The difference is simple: drivers are now charging them.

As one put it: “We’re not putting prices up — we’re just finally charging what we’re supposed to be charging.”

Business

Cardiff Airport expects Easter passenger surge as demand rises

Published

1 day ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CARDIFF AIRPORT is preparing for a busy Easter getaway, with more than 46,000 passengers expected to travel through the airport over the holiday period.

The figure represents an 18% increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting growing demand for both sunshine destinations and European city breaks.

The busiest routes this Easter are set to be Alicante, Dublin and Málaga, with flights operated by airlines including Ryanair, Vueling and TUI Airways.

Travellers heading for warmer weather can also take advantage of direct flights to the Canary Islands, including Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, alongside popular destinations such as Faro and Palma.

The airport says the increase builds on a strong start to 2026, with passenger numbers continuing to rise.

Chief executive Jon Bridge said the airport is approaching the one million passenger mark and expects the summer season to be its busiest since the pandemic.

He said: “It’s been an incredibly positive start to the year, and we’re looking forward to welcoming more passengers over the Easter period.

“Our teams are working hard to ensure travellers can start their holidays smoothly.”

Passengers travelling over Easter are being advised to allow extra time for their journey and check with airlines for the latest updates.

A total of 46,158 passengers are expected to pass through the airport between March 27 and April 12, with arrivals and departures almost evenly split.

Cardiff Airport said it continues to expand its range of destinations, including the addition of a direct service to Toronto, as it looks to strengthen its role in connecting Wales to international travel.