Community

Business Rates Relief Scheme extended

Published

10 years ago

July 8, 2015

A BUSINESS rates relief scheme for companies based within Welsh Enterprise Zones was reopened for applications on Monday (Jun 22) as the total tally of jobs created or safeguarded within the seven Zones exceeded 7,000.

The Enterprise Zone Business Rates Scheme, extended for a fourth round, allows small and medium sized businesses to apply for funding to help offset their Business Rates incurred during 2015/16. Since 2012, the scheme has supported 136 businesses with over £8M of funding .

Meanwhile, latest Key Performance Indicators for the seven Enterprise Zones show that to date 347 businesses have received financial support from Welsh Government, attracting more than £100 M in public and private sector investment. This has helped to create or safeguard a total 7,002 jobs across the Zones since they were established in 2012.

One of the Enterprise Zones, the Haven Waterway, is committed to building upon the region’s reputation as the ‘new energy capital of the UK ‘, while also supporting companies from outside the energy sector with their relocation to or expansion within the enterprise zone.

Economy Minister, Edwina Hart, said: “Our Enterprise Zone Business Rates Scheme has proved very popular and helped businesses within the Zones grow. I have now extended this to a fourth round to ensure more companies can benefit. Together with an extension to the Small Business Rates Relief Scheme, an extended and enhanced Wales Retail Relief Scheme, and a cap to the business rates multiplier, we are reducing costs for businesses across Wales. We are a pro-business government, listening to what businesses need to help them grow and create jobs.”

The Enterprise Zone Business Rates Scheme is also open to businesses planning to locate in the Zones. The closing date for applications is 30 September 2015.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

16 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)