News
Technology company secures vital funding and support
A PEMBROKESHIRE-based technology company, which designs innovative digital solutions to ensure efficiency and compliance within the transport and logistics sector, is praising the support it has received from Business Wales after turning to the Welsh Government’s service for help to secure funding for growth.
VehoGroup, established in 2014, created a unique mobile and web application, VehoCheck, which records vehicle defects identified during routine vehicle inspections and delivers them immediately to the transport operator for reporting and analysis. The app and desktop software streamlines the process from defect identification to vehicle repair to ensure the transportation company can work as efficiently and productively as possible.
Realising the global potential for such an app, the forward thinking company, based in the Pembroke Dock Bridge Innovation Centre, sought Business Wales’ support in taking the product to the next level.
Chief Technology Officer for VehoGroup, Lukas Gamble, said: “We initially came to Business Wales looking for advice on funding, either through grants or repayable finance. We had been through a somewhat difficult period financially where our bank was reluctant to offer any support, and it felt like we were facing rejections at every turn.
“Our Business Wales adviser, Geraint Williams, came in and made an immediate impact. He was positive, pragmatic and pro-active, introducing us to new ideas and opportunities, whilst also signposting us to people and organisations that have helped us grow our business and strengthen our profile within the industry.”
Business Wales Relationship Manager, Geraint Williams, said: “We haven’t been working with VehoGroup for that long, but even though we’re still in the early stages, we’ve been able to point them in the right direction and open doors they would otherwise not have known about.
“The product has great potential, and it is our job to help Lukas and the team at VehoGroup reach their potential through sharing our knowledge of the industry and the contacts we have.
“We have already provided a general business diagnostic, shared international trade advice and sourced funding support. We have also enabled them to team up with a relevant venture capitalist and are working towards securing a large contract with a public body.”
Lukas continued: “Geraint understood our product and its potential. He was a breath of fresh air and his can-do approach gave us that bit of belief that we could succeed. His contacts within the industry and access to venture capitalists have opened doors that we didn’t even know existed.”
Crime
Neighbourhood Watch director questioned over blue lights use claim
A ROUTINE night supporting local communities turned unexpectedly dramatic for Ajay Owen, the Director and Chair of Dyfed-Powys Neighbourhood Watch, after he was pulled over by police twice on Tuesday evening last week (Nov 19).
Ajay, who was assisting residents across North Ceredigion and Western Powys during freezing conditions, was first stopped in Aberystwyth. Dyfed-Powys Police had received a report falsely alleging he was using illegal blue lights to stop drivers.
Cooperating fully with officers, Ajay allowed them to inspect his vehicle, where they confirmed no blue lights were installed. He explained that he uses legal magnetic amber lights, which are removed when not in use. Officers described the check as the “easiest” they had ever conducted, with Ajay even assisting in the inspection. Reassured, the officers thanked him for his community work and allowed him to continue.
However, hours later, Ajay was stopped again, this time near Cardigan, by a separate team of traffic officers investigating the same allegation. After explaining the earlier stop, the officers apologised and allowed him to proceed without issue.
Ajay praised the professionalism and empathy of the officers involved in both incidents, despite the false reports that triggered the stops. Following the events, he filed an official report requesting an investigation into the malicious calls.
The police would not comment on the specific stops but said in a general statement: “Stop and search remains a hugely important police power for protecting the public, tackling crime and keeping our streets safe.
“Stop and search must be used in a fair and effective way that supports public confidence and is independently scrutinised.
“We will continue to work with our communities and stakeholders to ensure that stop and search continues to protect the public.”
Dyfed-Powys Neighbourhood Watch reminded volunteers no Neighbourhood Watch member, Coordinator, or Deputy is permitted to use blue lights under any circumstances.
“Any breaches of this policy will be reported to the police”, they said.
News
Woman rescued from remote Pembrokeshire beach after serious injury
A WOMAN has been rescued from Cwm-yr-Eglwys beach in Pembrokeshire after suffering a serious open fracture to her femur.
Emergency services were called to the remote beach yesterday (Nov 25) following reports of the injury, which involved the bone puncturing through the skin.
Wales Air Ambulance, HM Coastguard, an ambulance, and a paramedic car were dispatched to assist the casualty.
Due to the severity of the injury, the air ambulance, carrying a doctor, landed in the caravan field behind the beach. The woman was treated at the scene before being stabilised.
She was subsequently transported to Withybush Hospital by land ambulance for further care.
Business
Roch Castle wins awards at the Historic Hotels of Europe ceremony in Prague
ROCH CASTLE near St Davids is proud to announce its recent wins at the Historic Hotels of
Europe Awards, held in the heart of Prague.
Adelle and Johanna, representing Roch Castle, accepted two distinguished accolades for the entire team: Historic Eco Hotel of the Year and the Silver Award for Historic Castle Hotel of the Year.
The Historic Eco Hotel of the Year award recognises Roch Castle’s dedication to sustainable
hospitality, a core value shared by staff and visitors.
This award celebrates the castle’s eco-friendly practices and commitment to preserving the environment while offering a luxury
experience steeped in history.
The Silver Award for Historic Castle Hotel of the Year also honours Roch Castle’s unique ability to provide guests with an unforgettable stay in an authentic and beautifully restored 12th-century castle.
The management gave a heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who supported Roch Castle and voted in the awards.
Special recognition is due to our exceptional team, whose hard work and dedication
made these achievements possible.
For more details on Roch Castle or to experience this award-winning destination for yourself,
visit our website at www.rochcastle.com, email [email protected] or call 01437 725 566.
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