Business

Video firm supports local businesses

Published

10 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

Fat Freddies reassures customers after technical hiccup at new Johnston venue

Published

6 hours ago

May 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

FAT FREDDIES, the new family-run restaurant at the former Silverdale Inn in Johnston, has thanked customers for their overwhelming support after a temporary closure on Friday (May 16) due to teething problems with its order system.

The business, which launched earlier this week as part of a soft opening, faced technical issues with its till and printer setup, which led to confusion in the kitchen and order delays. The team made the decision to pause service mid-shift to investigate and fix the problems — and their honesty and transparency have earned them praise from loyal customers.

In a heartfelt social media post, the team wrote: “Even with additional staff, we were left with no choice but to end the mess that was building up and spend the afternoon problem-solving. Emotional and devastated, after a great opening week to be hit with these issues on our third day.”

Despite the setback, customers have rallied behind the business.

Jo Goldsmith commented: “We had a wonderful breakfast on Wednesday, absolutely delicious and fantastic service. Keep going!”

Roo Ash praised the team’s decision to take a break rather than “try to save a sinking boat,” adding: “You got this! Can’t wait to pop down!”

Another regular, Dianne Riddiford, was equally understanding: “Ahhh there’s always a few gremlins at the start. Enjoy the afternoon and we shall see you tomorrow morning.”

Emma Sutton said: “Sounds like you did the right thing, guys. Chin up, onwards and upwards.”

Even those who missed out are planning to return. Michael Butler said: “We came around 11am but were told the kitchen was closed due to catching up. We were gutted — will try come again.”

Fat Freddies confirmed they are now fully focused on getting everything operational again, with a larger team on hand for the weekend rush. The soft launch continues, with the owners saying the whole point was to iron out issues before a full-scale opening.

They added: “We’re gutted — but also so grateful for everyone’s support and understanding. We’ll be back stronger.”

Business

Sir Michael Moritz tops Welsh Rich List as Sunday Times reveals UK’s wealthiest in 2025

Published

13 hours ago

May 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Drop in UK billionaires but rising young fortunes for Wales

SIR MICHAEL MORITZ and his wife Harriet Heyman have retained their crown as the wealthiest individuals in Wales, topping the Welsh list in The Sunday Times Rich List 2025, which was published online today (Friday, May 16) and will appear in this Sunday’s print edition of The Sunday Times.

The Cardiff-born venture capitalist and his American novelist wife are worth an estimated £4.43 billion, despite a recent £168 million dip. They lead the list of the top 20 richest people in Wales, compiled as part of the newspaper’s annual 76-page special on Britain’s richest individuals and families.

***Douglas and Dame Mary Perkins, founders of the high-street opticians chain Specsavers***

Hot on their heels is tech entrepreneur Simon Nixon, with a fortune of £1.95 billion — up £70 million on last year. West Wales is also represented in the top ranks, with Douglas and Dame Mary Perkins, from Carmarthenshire, founders of the high-street opticians chain Specsavers, valued at £1.54 billion. The couple famously launched the company from a ping-pong table in their spare bedroom.

This year’s Rich List reveals the largest drop in UK billionaires in its 37-year history, with the number falling from a peak of 177 in 2022 to just 156 in 2025. The combined wealth of the 350 people featured is now £772.8 billion — a 3% decrease on last year.

While the overall number of billionaires is shrinking, there has been a surge in younger millionaires. For Wales, 39-year-old sports retail entrepreneur Alex Loven leads the under-40 category with an estimated wealth of £262 million. Entry to the 40 Under 40 section now requires a staggering £100 million — nearly double last year’s threshold.

Robert Watts, compiler of The Sunday Times Rich List, commented: “Our billionaire count is down, and the combined wealth of those who feature in our research is falling. We’re also seeing fewer of the world’s super-rich choosing to live in the UK. But at the same time, we’re still uncovering remarkable stories of self-made wealth — from new tech and AI ventures to everyday products like jogging bottoms and radiators.”

The list also highlights rising frustration among entrepreneurs and business leaders about the direction of economic policy. Watts noted that even long-standing British business owners and young tech innovators are warning of the effects of tax changes introduced in the 2024 Autumn Statement.

Among the familiar names still featured are Sir Elton John, Sir Mick Jagger, Sir Lewis Hamilton, and film director Sir Christopher Nolan. The entry level for the Rich List remains at £350 million.

The Rich List also includes The Sunday Times Giving List, which tracks philanthropic giving. This year, the 100 most generous individuals donated £3.7 billion to charity. Welsh businessman Steve Morgan alone contributed millions and called for “braver philanthropic giving to tackle systems, not symptoms.”

The top 5 richest in Wales (2025):

Sir Michael Moritz and Harriet Heyman – £4.43bn (venture capital and philanthropy)
Simon Nixon – £1.95bn (technology)
Douglas Perkins and family – £1.54bn (opticians – Specsavers)
Sir Terry Matthews – £1.34bn (telecoms)
David Sullivan and family – £1.12bn (property)

Top under 40 in Wales:

Alex Loven – £262m (sports retail)

The full list of the 350 richest individuals in Britain and further analysis is available online at: https://www.thetimes.com/sunday-times-rich-list
Source: The Sunday Times Rich List 2025

Business

Welsh TV sector boosted as hit BBC drama films in Cardiff

Published

20 hours ago

May 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Cardiff stands in for London again as Industry returns for fourth season

THE WELSH TV industry has received a major boost as filming continues in Cardiff for the fourth season of the hit BBC and HBO drama Industry.

The high-profile series, which follows the lives of ambitious young bankers working in London, is being produced once again by Cardiff-based company Bad Wolf. This season is backed by Welsh Government funding through Creative Wales, under a four-year deal designed to grow the nation’s television sector.

As part of the agreement, the production offers paid trainee roles and career development opportunities for Welsh crew members through Screen Alliance Wales. The Herald understands at least 42 trainee and upskilling placements will be delivered as part of the scheme, helping more people from Wales enter or progress within the TV industry.

The new series stars BAFTA winner Marisa Abela, Myha’la and Game of Thrones actor Kit Harington. New cast members include Stranger Things star Charlie Heaton and Max Minghella of The Social Network and The Handmaid’s Tale.

Although set in London, much of the filming takes place in Cardiff, with the capital doubling for the City’s financial district. In recent years, Cardiff has also stood in for locations including Oxford in His Dark Materials and an unnamed US city in Netflix’s Havoc.

Skills and Culture Minister Jack Sargeant visited the Industry set this week and met with cast, crew and trainees. He said:
“As Learning at Work Week draws to a close, it’s been a pleasure to hear about the fantastic experience our Welsh trainees are gaining on Industry.

“These placements help develop our homegrown talent and reinforce Wales’ growing reputation as a world-class filming location.”

Jacob Cook, a trainee in the graphics department, said he was working in a supermarket before landing the role:
“I studied graphic design at university but had no idea how to get into the film and TV industry. I met someone from Screen Alliance Wales at a careers fair, and two weeks later I was working on set.

“It’s a fast-paced role where I’ve learned so much. You don’t have to go to Hollywood to build a successful career – you can come to Splott!”

Costume trainee Rosie Berry added:
“I’ve got a degree and a master’s in costume design, but after taking time out to raise my children, I wanted to get into the industry properly.

“I’m now based in the studio, helping with fittings for supporting actors – some days we do up to 40 fittings. This placement has given me the confidence to apply for a junior role and work my way up.”

The Welsh Government says the deal with Bad Wolf commits the production company to a minimum Welsh spend over four years, helping to strengthen the domestic industry and build long-term career pathways for Welsh workers.