News

FUTURE IS LOOKING UNCERTAIN FOR PBI

Published

9 years ago

December 23, 2015

PEMBROKESHIRE’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.”

News

Spring statement slammed as disability cuts spark fear in Wales

Published

5 hours ago

March 26, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Trussell Trust warns of rising hunger as 3.2 million face benefit losses

DISABLED people across Wales are facing what campaigners have called “brutal” and “terrifying” cuts to their benefits after the Chancellor’s Spring Statement revealed sweeping welfare changes that will leave millions worse off.

Rachel Reeves, delivering her first Spring Statement as Chancellor, claimed that the changes would help restore a £9.9bn surplus by 2029-30. However, the Department for Work and Pensions quietly published figures showing that 3.2 million families – both current and future claimants – will lose an average of £1,720 a year.

While Reeves defended the changes as part of a plan to grow the economy, critics say the cost is being passed to the most vulnerable – particularly disabled people who are already struggling to afford basic necessities.

In a statement to The Herald, Jo Harry, network lead for the Trussell Trust in Wales, said the cuts would push more people into poverty and hunger.

“These brutal cuts to already precarious incomes won’t help more disabled people find work, but they will risk forcing more people to skip meals and turn to food banks to get by,” she said.

“Disabled people are already three times more likely to face hunger, and over three quarters of people in receipt of Universal Credit and disability benefits are already struggling to afford the essentials like food. This will only get worse.”

‘Terrified’ by cuts

David, 46, who lives in Wales and has a painful bone disease, said he now relies on a Trussell Trust food bank and fears for his future.

“I am terrified now that the Chancellor has confirmed that my disability benefits will be cut,” he said.

“The bone tumours in my hips cause me pain every day and force me to use crutches. In cold weather, my symptoms worsen – but I already can’t afford to put the heating on.”

“Life costs more if you’re disabled. Things like specialist equipment and travel to healthcare appointments all add up. PIP – which the government is brutally cutting – is there to account for these extra costs. It is not a luxury.”

Warnings from experts

The British Medical Journal this week published a warning that cuts to disability benefits could lead to an increase in mental health problems, NHS pressures, and even deaths. In a previous wave of cuts between 2010 and 2013, over one million people had their benefits reassessed – resulting in an estimated 600 suicides.

Meanwhile, the Office for Budget Responsibility warned of a slowdown in living standards growth. Real household disposable income is forecast to grow by just 0.5% in 2027, with inflation expected to rebound to 3.7% in mid-2025.

Campaigners say the Chancellor could have chosen to tax extreme wealth instead of cutting benefits.

Caitlin Boswell from Tax Justice UK said: “Inequality is soaring and people are being left behind, struggling to make ends meet, while the very richest get richer. Choosing to make cut after cut to the poorest and most marginalised, while leaving the vast resource of the super rich untouched, is immoral and harmful.”

Community

Woodland at Tenby school targeted by vandals

Published

6 hours ago

March 26, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKESHIRE school’s woodland area has been targeted by vandals in a spate of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.

The incident occurred in the woodland behind Ysgol Hafan y Môr on Heywood Lane, Tenby. Dyfed-Powys Police have been informed, and a joint patrol with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has since taken place.

Tracey Davies, from the fire service’s arson reduction team, and PCSO Ffion Thomas visited the site earlier this week to assess the situation and reassure the community.

Posting on the Tenby, Saundersfoot and Narberth Police Facebook page, they said: “ASB and criminal damage will not be tolerated in this area, and we will be taking positive action regarding this.”

They urged members of the public to report any further incidents to Dyfed-Powys Police using the following contact methods:

🖥️ | https://orlo.uk/KxdYo
📧 | [email protected]
📞 | 101

Business

Cardiff Airport boss resigns amid criticism of Welsh Government direction

Published

6 hours ago

March 26, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE of Cardiff Airport, Spencer Birns, has stepped down from his role, sparking fresh criticism over the Welsh Government’s management of the publicly-owned site.

Mr Birns, who took on the role in 2020 after serving as the airport’s commercial director, has overseen a challenging period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and a slow recovery in passenger numbers. Despite efforts to revive the airport’s fortunes, services and airline partnerships have struggled to return to pre-pandemic levels.

***Airport boss Spencer Birns has quit his post (Image: File)***

The airport, which was purchased by the Welsh Government in 2013 for £52 million, has continued to rely on public funding to stay afloat. Passenger numbers remain well below expectations, and several carriers have either scaled back operations or withdrawn entirely.

Reacting to Mr Birns’ resignation, Andrew RT Davies MS, Member of the Senedd for South Wales Central and former Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said the move amounted to a “vote of no confidence” in the airport’s current ownership and direction.

Mr Davies said: “The chief executive leaving the pitch is a vote of no confidence in Welsh Government’s ownership of Cardiff Airport. Spencer Birns has always done his best at Cardiff Airport, where facilities are second to none, but the lack of direction from Welsh Government has led to a non-return of airlines and a brutal decline in passenger numbers.

“If we’re going to see this key economic asset gain real strength, we need to see a change of ownership, and better direction so talented people like Mr Birns aren’t walking away.”

Cardiff Airport has not yet named a successor or given details on the timeline for Mr Birns’ departure. A spokesperson for the airport said the search for new leadership would begin immediately, and paid tribute to Mr Birns’ service.

The Welsh Government has defended its stewardship of the airport in the past, citing the pandemic’s unprecedented impact on global aviation. However, critics argue that the airport has lacked a coherent long-term strategy and failed to attract sustainable commercial interest.

Mr Birns’ resignation comes at a time when the future of the airport remains under intense scrutiny, with calls growing louder for either privatisation or a new management structure.