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FUTURE IS LOOKING UNCERTAIN FOR PBI

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techniPEMBROKESHIRE’S leading business support organisation is facing an uncertain future after the organisation failed to win the renewal a key contact with the Welsh Assembly Government. A top source at the Pembrokeshire Business Initiative (PBI) has told the Herald that from January 2016 they will no longer be delivering

The Welsh Government Business Startup Service, a free of charge range of business skills training designed to give want-to-be business owners the key business skills needed to run their own firm. PBI, based at the Bridge Innovation Centre in Pembroke Dock, has enough reserve funds to continue operations for a maximum of 24 months, the Herald understands, but may close by the end of 2016 if all avenues seeking what is essential funding become exhausted.

Managing Director Paul Lloyd told us: “We have money, we have staff… We may have to accept at some point though, that that’s it. That’s a decision that the board will have to take next year.”

PBI STAFF

The Herald understands that the PBI is hopeful that half of the thirteen of their staff will be transferred to AnturTeifi but Antur’s Head of Communications, Alwyn Davies did not sound certain that this was a done deal. He said: “This is not confirmed, there is an ongoing process which assesses what will happen.

This is what we are looking into at the moment.” Details of why the PBI have missed out have not yet become clear, but the Welsh Government said they did not apply directly to them for funding for a new contract, nor The Herald understands were they part of the Antur Teifi bid. Changes to the way that the Welsh Government deals with business support funding means that the contacts tend to be bigger and more complex.

What we do know is that there already was a long established working relationship between the PBI and AnturTeifi, going back many years. Asked why AnturTeifi had not included PBI in its partnership bid, Alwyn Davies said: “We cannot comment but it was a commercial decision.”

The Herald asked Mr Davies if the PBI was dumped as a provider purely to save money. He responded: “There were a whole host of considerations to come to this decision.” Adding: “This is a competitive marketplace with businesses bidding for contracts” He was keen to stress that AnturTeifi would provide services of “consistently high standards” for the businesses of Pembrokeshire.

LOCAL CONCERNS

 The news has been met with concern by local politicians, who understand the vital role that PBI is playing in the county to help start and support new businesses. Secretary of State for Wales, Stephen Crabb MP said: “Am deeply concerned by this development. PBI has a solid reputation for helping entrepreneurs, and new business start ups over many years, at a time when we are working very hard to revitalise the local economy, and to find new sources of growth.”

Mr Crabb added: “I am worried that the proposed changes could see a step backwards in terms of supporting new local firms.” Local MP Simon Hart told The Herald: “I am surprised and disappointed at this sudden and inexplicable threat to an important Pembrokeshire organisation” “The Welsh Assembly Government’s idea of cuts banks and centralising does not always lead to efficiency and better delivery of services.”

Plaid Cymru Mid and West AM Simon Thomas told The Herald: “It is concerning to learn that the future of Pembrokeshire Business Initiative is in doubt. I have tabled a question to the Welsh Economy Minister to get clarity on the issue.” Labour Assembly Candidate, Marc Tierney, who has accessed PBI’s services in the past said: “I am concerned to hear that there is a real funding threat to the PBI.

For the last thirty years the Pembrokeshire Business Initiative has provided trusted advice to businesses and small enterprises, relying on European and Welsh Government funding to deliver their service. “Whilst I am pleased that some support staff may be transferred to provide business advice through the AnturTeifi contract, I want to be assured that businesses of all sizes get the support they need.

“I understand that businesses with a turnover of less than £80,000 per annum will, in future, access training and support services online. So it is hugely important that local businesses are digitally included and that the momentum to rolling out superfast broadband continues.”

Mr Tierney added: “I am speaking up for local businesses to ensure we use every opportunity available to boost the Pembrokeshire economy. I have written to the Welsh Government to outline my support for the local economy, highlighting the need for all local businesses to continue to have access to the advice and support they need to get on.”

ANTUR’S STATEMENT

In an official statement AnturTeifi said: “ The new Business Wales service starting on January 4, will be run from four regional hubs in Wales – in St. Asaph, Newtown, Carmarthen and Bridgend. Advisers will be mobile and will be available to meet eligible businesses at their premises. “The team of advisers will be geographically spread throughout Wales and Pembrokeshire will be served by advisers, employed by Antur Teifi, who are knowledgeable about opportunities and services available locally to complement the Business Wales service.

“Businesses in Pembrokeshire that are eligible for direct face-to-face support are likely to receive that support at their premises from a locally-based adviser. The team of experienced advisers will bring a range of skills and will be able to deliver a bilingual service of equal high quality throughout Wales. “In delivering our services to businesses in all parts of Wales, we will be looking to work with local partner organisations that can add value to the service and ensure that businesses get the best possible advice to help them achieve growth for the benefit of the economy of Pembrokeshire and the rest of Wales.

“The Welsh Government has developed the service building on the feedback and assessment of the current service. Business Wales will provide access to a range of relevant, high quality advice for individuals and companies which is accessible online, with additional direct support provided by advisers, determined by the aspiration and growth potential of the business. ”

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

Phil Thompson, Chairman of PBI said: “We will not be part of the consortium that will be delivering business start-up support nationally on behalf of the Welsh Government next year. “PBI remains committed to providing local, face to face and expert support for new and existing businesses in Pembrokeshire and will continue to do this into the future. “PBI recognises the unique challenges faced by the business community in Pembrokeshire and its founding purpose is to help those in need of assistance and advice here in the county”

COUNCIL LEADER

 Cllr Jamie Adams, Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “PBI have provided an invaluable service to the business community over many years, and we are sorry to hear that they no longer have the contract. However, we look forward to working with the new providers, Antur Teifi.”

CARDIFF RESPONDS

 A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The new Business Wales service will start in January 2016, and will continue to provide advice and information to all businesses and people seeking to start a business across Wales, no matter what their size or where they are located. The service can be accessed via the helpline, online or through one of 35 satellite offices located across Wales, three of which will be located in Pembrokeshire. We undertook an open procurement process for the delivery of the new Business Wales services. Pembrokeshire Business Initiative did not submit a bid for the new contract.”

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Crime

Detective Chief Inspector describes child’s death as ‘heartbreaking’

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POLICE have described the death of seven-year-old Louis Linse at the hands of his mother as a “heartbreaking incident” that has deeply impacted officers and the local community.

Papaipit Linse, 43, from Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility at Swansea Crown Court earlier this week. Louis was found unresponsive in his bed on January 10 after Linse called emergency services to report his death.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Williams, who led the investigation, reflected on the tragic events and the challenges faced by his team.

“This was a truly heartbreaking incident, involving the death of a young child at the hands of his mother,” DCI Williams said. “Officers who attended the scene were met with an incredibly difficult and emotive situation, yet they acted with professionalism and care, ensuring that a thorough investigation was conducted.”

The case has not only shocked the local community in Haverfordwest but has also brought to light the deep personal struggles and trauma faced by Linse in the years leading up to the tragedy.

Tragic story: Edward and Papaipit Linse

A troubled family history

Linse, originally from Chiang Mai, Thailand, is the estranged wife of 51-year-old Edward Linse, a former businessman now detained in a psychiatric facility. Their marriage was marked by years of domestic violence, financial hardship, and failed business ventures.

In 2017, Edward assaulted his wife at their £1.2m Cheshire home during an argument about visa issues. The attack, carried out with a children’s book as a weapon, highlighted the volatile nature of their relationship. His lawyer, Peter Malone, told the court that Edward struggled to control his emotions, which he traced back to difficulties experienced during his boarding school years.

The couple said that in 2016 they had a lot of fun and good memories with this property – A café and pretend beach in Chiang Mai, Thailand

The violence escalated over the years, with Edward eventually convicted of a brutal assault on his own parents. Following his incarceration in a psychiatric facility, Linse was left to care for their two children alone.

The breakdown of their marriage was compounded by financial woes. After the failure of a café venture in Chiang Mai, the couple relocated to the UK. In 2022, their landscaping business, Alderley Landscapes, ceased trading, leaving Linse to move to Haverfordwest with her children in search of a fresh start.

Edward Linse, estranged husband of Papapait Linse

Life in Haverfordwest

Neighbours in Upper Market Street described Linse as a quiet, reserved figure who homeschooled her two children. Despite her struggles, those close to the family said Louis appeared well-cared-for, with one neighbour, Dr Sean Phelan, expressing disbelief at the tragedy.

“I never thought something like this could happen,” Dr Phelan said. “The children were polite and seemed happy. It’s shocking to think of what must have been going on behind closed doors.”

Forensic teams have been working at the scene since the incident, piecing together the circumstances surrounding Louis’ death. Floral tributes have been placed outside the property as the community mourns the young boy’s loss.

Police dedication

DCI Williams praised the dedication of the officers involved in the investigation, acknowledging the emotional toll such cases can have on emergency responders.

“Our team has worked tirelessly since January to uncover the circumstances of Louis’ death and to ensure justice was brought for him,” he said. “While no result in court can undo this loss, we hope it offers some measure of closure to those who knew and loved Louis. Our thoughts remain with them during this devastating time.”

The case also serves as a reminder of the importance of early intervention and support for families facing domestic violence and mental health issues. Police urged anyone in similar situations to seek help from local services.

Awaiting sentencing

Linse has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on December 13. The court is expected to consider the impact of her mental health struggles and the years of abuse she endured when determining her sentence.

As the investigation concludes, the police and community alike continue to grapple with the profound loss of a young life under such tragic circumstances.

Papaipit Linse: Admits killing her son, but denies murder

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Business

Deposit Return Scheme diversion ‘illogical’ says Pembrokeshire brewery 

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TENBY HARBOUR BREWERY and local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz have urged the Welsh Government to reconsider its decision to withdraw from a UK-wide Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) due to its insistence on including glass.

Earlier this week, Climate Change Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies announced that the Welsh Government would no longer participate in the development of a UK-wide DRS, citing issues arising from the UK Internal Market Act 2020. This decision is believed to be influenced by the Welsh Government’s plan to include glass in its scheme—a factor that contributed to the collapse of Scotland’s DRS in 2023.

The move has been met with frustration and anger from numerous organisations, who argue that this divergence will increase costs for Welsh producers and consumers.

Commenting on the matter, Samuel Kurtz said: “This decision is deeply frustrating, and to diverge from a UK-wide scheme shows that it is not one made with the best interests of Welsh consumers and producers at its core.

“The UK market is so interlinked that any decision which places Welsh businesses at a competitive disadvantage should not proceed. These calls from a range of industry and business representatives have been ignored by the Welsh Government.

“For the sake of our businesses and consumers, I urge the Welsh Government to reconsider its decision, align itself with the UK-wide scheme, and provide proper support to Welsh businesses.”

Industries, especially the micro-brewery sector, would be especially hit hard in Wales by the Welsh Governments choice.

Speaking following this announcement, Richard Johnson, Head Brewer at Tenby Harbour Brewery said:

“The brewing industry has had to tread a path through covid lockdowns, energy price increases, a cost of living crisis and rising wage and national insurance bills, making it increasingly difficult for brewers get good returns and re-invest in their businesses.

“Wales is a recycling nation, so a blunt ‘one size fits all’ approach creates additional logistical and financial burdens on the smallest producers, when the very largest producers are generating the majority of the recycling demand.

“It also seems illogical to diverge away from a UK wide scheme which will put Welsh brewers and drinks producers at a disadvantage.

“The UK and Wales has a proud brewing heritage, but adding in measures such as DRS to small brewers means that their time and money are directed to these activities, instead of using their time for innovation and R&D, of which the UK brewing scene is known and revered for.” 

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Business

Bluestone crowned ‘Best Small Company for UK Parks and Lodge Holidays’

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BLUESTONE is celebrating a major win after being named the Best Small Company for UK Parks and Lodges Holidays at the prestigious British Travel Awards 2024.

The announcement was made at the prestigious awards ceremony this week, marking yet another significant achievement for the popular West Wales destination.

This award recognises Bluestone’s commitment to providing exceptional family holiday experiences at its 500-acre resort in the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award,” said Bethan Rees, Head of Marketing at Bluestone. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who create magical and memorable experiences for families all year round. We are incredibly grateful to every single one of our guests who voted for us and who choose to visit us year on year.

“When you look at the array of other finalists, the award demonstrates why we’re so proud of winning it. This is due to our continued investment, team, and commitment to environmentally sustainable tourism.”

This award builds on Bluestone’s impressive track record. It has consistently received high praise for its family-friendly facilities, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to providing outstanding customer service. Earlier this year, Bluestone was again recognised by Which? as one of the UK’s top holiday destinations and the best rated in Wales.

The British Travel Awards are the largest consumer-voted awards programme in the UK. Winning this award highlights Bluestone’s position as a leader in the family holiday market and reinforces its reputation as a top choice for unforgettable family getaways.

Bluestone, which employs over 800 people and is one of the largest employers in West Wales, is also committed to investing in its people and local community. It provides extensive training and development through its People Services team and the Bluestone Academy. In addition, it supports a wide range of local projects and initiatives through the Bluestone Foundation.

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