News

MP backs first Small Business Saturday

Published

11 years ago

December 19, 2013

PEMBROKESHIRE’S local businesses got a day of recognition as part of the UK’s first ever national event to celebrate small businesses.

Small Business Saturday, held on December 6, celebrated the vital role that all small businesses play in the economy and in local communities. MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, Stephen Crabb, hit the High Street in Haverfordwest to show his support for businesses in the county. He spoke to a number of retailers in the town about their businesses including Maggs, The Welsh Bakery, Victoria Bookshop, Just Nice, Coffee Cave and Musician’s World, an independent instrument and music shop on High Street.

During his time in the town centre, Stephen was also able to talk to business owners about the steps announced in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement which pledged more support to the small businesses community and high-street retailers.

Small businesses in England also received a shot in the arm with the announcement that business rate rises will be capped at two per cent next year, and business rate relief will be extended for another year. There will also be a £1,000 discount on business rates for small businesses.

Stephen has called on the Welsh Government, who has responsibility for business rates in Wales, to follow suit and provide similar help to shops and small businesses on high streets in Wales.

The Government also confirmed that new loans would be made available for start-ups, along with tax relief for investment in social enterprises, and a 50 per cent discount on business rates for the reoccupation of empty shop units.

Stephen has worked hard to champion the needs of drivers in our rural county by calling for the Treasury to take more action to help drivers with the cost of fuel. He welcomed the news that the planned fuel duty rise (of 2p a litre) which was due to come in next year will be scrapped and fuel duty will continue to be frozen at the current level. This will mean that by next year the price of petrol will be 20p per litre lower than had the duty increases planned by the previous Government gone ahead.

Stephen Crabb MP said: “The small business community in Pembrokeshire is vitally important. They are the backbone of our local economy. I’m pleased that the Autumn Statement has reflected the Government’s backing of small businesses by introducing some important business- friendly policies which I hope will make a real difference.”

“Unemployment levels have continued to fall in Pembrokeshire and it is our local businesses that have been helping to get people into work. I’m hopeful that the scrapping of NI contributions for younger people will boost the number of young people in work.”

“Small Business Saturday is a great way to remind people of the importance of shopping locally particularly at a time when they face tough competition online in the run up to Christmas. At the end of the day, people need to remember that when they support their local businesses, the money they spend and the jobs that are created as a result stay here in the community.”

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

4 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

6 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.