THE ROLLOUT of gigabit-capable broadband in Pembrokeshire is progressing at an impressive pace, supported by the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme. Recent data highlights significant year-on-year growth in broadband coverage, reflecting the success of this initiative and its role in enhancing digital connectivity across the region.

Coverage in the county has grown substantially. At the end of March 2021, only 7.6% of Pembrokeshire residents and businesses had access to gigabit-capable broadband. By the end of March 2024, this figure had reached 48.2%, and as of March 2025, it has risen again to 65.1%, demonstrating the program’s momentum (Source: ThinkBroadband).

The rollout has been bolstered by successful projects funded through the UK government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, ensuring that residents and businesses in more remote areas can access high-speed internet.

Key to the success of the rollout in Pembrokeshire has been the collaboration of two Digital Champions, who have worked closely with Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC). These partnerships have been instrumental in scheduling civil engineering works around the county’s bustling tourist economy and existing infrastructure projects, reducing disruption to residents and businesses.

Additionally, a wide range of suppliers are actively contributing to the project. Companies like Openreach, Ogi, Voneus, and the local business Dragon WiFi have all played vital roles in expanding broadband access across the county.

To further boost coverage, Openreach is delivering a £289 million contract as part of the UK government’s Project Gigabit. This initiative will connect around 131,000 homes and businesses in some of the most remote areas of South Wales to reliable, high-speed broadband.

The benefits of this expanded connectivity are significant, from better access to online services and improved opportunities for remote work and education, to supporting Pembrokeshire’s growing local economy.

Cllr Paul Miller commented, “The progress we’re seeing is a result of strong teamwork between the council, our partners, and the local community. We are committed to ensuring that everyone in Pembrokeshire benefits from fast, reliable internet access.”

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council and Chair of the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee, said: “Year-on-year increases in gigabit-capable broadband coverage in Pembrokeshire are a tremendous achievement. This collaboration plays a crucial role in boosting the local economy, opening up opportunities, and ensuring that everyone, whether they live, work, or visit here, can benefit from better connectivity.”

A NEW traditional Thai massage clinic has opened in Milford Haven, offering specialist treatments for chronic pain, mobility issues, and stress relief — with a strong focus on therapeutic results.

Cosmic Thai Massage, based at 7 Pill Road, is run by Lisa, a qualified therapist originally from Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand. Having lived in the UK for over a decade, Lisa has recently opened the business during her second week of trading and is already earning praise from early clients for her warm manner and clinical skill.

A single mother raising her young daughter, who attends a local primary school, Lisa has invested everything into launching her new venture. She is fully certified in medical massage by the Thai Ministry of Public Health, meaning she is trained not only in traditional Thai and oil massage, but also in treatments for conditions such as lymphoedema, back and neck pain, and muscular inflammation.

One recent visitor said the treatment helped with both lymphoedema and ankylosing spondylitis, noting that while parts of the session were painful due to the nature of the condition, “Lisa treated me with care, professionalism, and real compassion throughout.”

The business operates in a newly refurbished premises with a peaceful and hygienic environment. Clients are required to sign a medical consent form, and treatments are tailored to individual health conditions, with Lisa taking time to understand each client’s needs.

Services offered include:

• Traditional Thai massage
• Thai oil massage
• Deep tissue therapy
• Circulatory and lymphatic drainage
• Pain relief and mobility support for medical conditions

With many local residents struggling with access to NHS physiotherapy and long-term pain management options, businesses like Cosmic Thai Massage are filling a valuable gap in complementary healthcare.

Lisa told The Herald: “I want to help people feel better and bring Thai healing to Milford Haven. I’ve worked hard to make this space welcoming, and I’m so grateful for the support from the local community.”

Appointments can be booked online via:
👉 Fresha – Cosmic Thai Massage

BEVAN BUCKLAND LLP, Wales’ largest independent accountancy firm, has been announced as the headline sponsor of the Wales Business Awards 2025.

The awards, organised by Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, celebrate the best of Welsh business. Winners across 12 categories, plus the Wales Business of the Year, will be announced at the ceremony which takes place on 12 June at Holland House Hotel, Cardiff and sees broadcaster Andrea Byrne return as host.

As headline sponsor of the event, Bevan Buckland will have a notable presence at the ceremony and drinks reception, as well as opportunities to connect with dignitaries, finalists and the Welsh business community.

With a history spanning over 125 years, the firm is a familiar fixture of the professional services sector across Wales, operating from offices in Carmarthen, Cowbridge, Haverfordwest, Pembroke and headquartered in Swansea.

Bevan Buckland has grown rapidly over the past few years, employing 140 staff and providing a full range of services. Using their extensive experience and expertise, the team at Bevan Buckland provide top level accountancy, audit, tax, corporate finance and financial planning services for individuals, businesses and not-for-profit organisations to help them achieve their goals.

The firm works with a diverse range of sectors including construction and property, charity and not-for-profit, creative industries, healthcare, manufacturing, retail and ecommerce, and small businesses and startups.

Alison Vickers, Managing Partner of Bevan Buckland LLP, said: “We are thrilled to be the headline sponsor of the Wales Business Awards, celebrating the remarkable achievements of Welsh businesses. Here at Bevan Buckland, our strong connection to Wales drives our passion for supporting the local business community. Witnessing the remarkable growth and success of so many Welsh businesses is truly inspiring. We are committed to celebrating their achievements and driving forward the entrepreneurial spirit and the continued excellence and ambition that define our region.”

Gus Williams, interim CEO at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “We’d like to thank all of our sponsors for their invaluable input, expertise in judging and support of the Wales Business Awards, and particularly extend our thanks to our headline sponsor Bevan Buckland. As we mark the successes of businesses in Wales, it’s fantastic to have the backing of a firm which is dedicated to helping businesses and organisations grow and thrive. It’s going to be an incredible ceremony!”