LEADING supermarket chain Tesco is collaborating with the Welsh Government and over 100 food and drink companies to drive carbon reduction while supporting industry growth.

The initiative, involving major Welsh suppliers such as Authentic Curry Company, Penderyn, Edwards – The Welsh Butcher, and Ellis Eggs, aims to help businesses measure and lower their carbon footprint, responding to growing consumer and financial pressures.

The pilot programme operates in three key phases:

• Establishing protocols – Tailoring carbon measurement methods for Welsh businesses.
• Setting baselines – Using carbon capture tools to establish emission benchmarks.
• Creating reduction plans – Developing industry-specific strategies to cut emissions.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, hailed the collaboration as a major step forward. He said: “This pilot programme is a significant step for Wales’s food and drink industry. Tesco’s support is invaluable in equipping businesses with the tools to measure and reduce their carbon footprint, enhancing competitiveness and sustainability.”

Tesco, which has pledged to achieve net zero across its value chain by 2050, has already cut its operational emissions by 61% since 2015.

Enfys Fox, Relationship Manager for Local Sourcing at Tesco, said: “Tesco is committed to building a more sustainable food system, and we’re proud to work alongside the Welsh Government in this transformative pilot programme.

“We recognise the role that industry has to play in reducing carbon emissions. By supporting our suppliers in baselining their impact and providing actionable strategies, we are taking important steps to address the climate crisis and ensure a sustainable future for the industry.”

Simon James, Managing Director of Edwards – The Welsh Butcher, highlighted the business benefits: “Participating in this pilot helps us baseline our emissions and develop strategies to reduce them. Sustainable practices are essential for winning future supply contracts.”

The initiative also strengthens businesses’ ability to secure financial backing, as lenders increasingly seek proof of carbon measurement and reduction efforts. The pilot provides structured frameworks for tracking and reporting emissions, giving companies verified data to demonstrate their sustainability commitments.

For more information, visit gov.wales/foodanddrinkwales.

SALES activity in the Welsh housing market is expected to edge upwards over the coming months, according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Residential Market Survey, despite a fall in new buyer enquiries in February.

A net balance of 15% of surveyors in Wales expect sales to rise over the next three months, the fourth consecutive month that this balance has been on an upward trajectory. Anecdotally, the expectation that interest rates will be cut further is a factor in this thinking.

When it comes to demand though, a net balance of -57% of surveyors in Wales noted a fall in new buyer enquiries through the month of February, the lowest this balance has been since August 2023.

Supply levels were also reported to have fallen last month. A net balance of -27% of Welsh respondents noted a decline in new instructions to sell.

Unsurprisingly, with both demand and supply falling, a net balance of -23% of Welsh surveyors said that sales had fallen through February. This is the lowest this balance has been since late 2023.

On the pricing side, a net balance of 6% of survey respondents said that prices have risen over the past three months. Surveyors in Wales though remain cautious on the pricing outlook as a net balance of -29% of respondents anticipating a fall in prices over the next three months.

However, respondents are more positive on the 12-month outlook, with the net balance of surveyors in Wales expecting both prices and sales to increase over the year ahead (net balances of 72% and 57% respectively).

Regarding the lettings market, a net balance of 29% of respondents in Wales report a rise in tenant demand, whilst a net balance of 29% of surveyors reported a rise in landlord instructions. Consequentially, Welsh surveyors anticipate that rents will fall flat over the next three months. 

Commenting on the sales market, Anthony Filice, FRICS of Kelvin Francis Ltd., in Cardiff said: “There is an increased number of properties coming onto the market, giving buyers confidence to make offers and view more. Vendors who are slow realising this change, still pushing for higher prices, reductions and longer sale times follow. Lower mortgage rates and landlords selling are helping first time buyers.”

Discussing the lettings market, David James, FRICS of James Dean in Brecon noted that there is still a shortage of properties to let.

Commenting on the UK picture, Simon Rubinson, RICS Chief Economist, said:

“The UK housing market appears to be losing some momentum as the expiry of the temporary increase in stamp duty thresholds approaches. Some concerns are also being expressed by respondents about the re-emergence of inflationary pressures and the more uncertain geopolitical environment. That said, looking beyond the next few months, sales activity is seen as likely to resume an upward trend with prices also moving higher.

“A key support for the market continues to be the increased flow of existing stock becoming available, giving buyers a greater choice of options. However, leading indicators around new build remain subdued for now, highlighting the significance of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill introduced to Parliament this week.

“Meanwhile, despite a flatter trend in demand for private rental properties, the key RICS metric capturing rental expectations is still pointing to further increases demonstrating that the challenge around supply spans all tenures.”

NARBERTH & WHITLAND ROTARY CLUB, in partnership with Narberth RFC, has successfully organised Narberth Outdoor Rock (NOR) for several years, bringing top-tier entertainment to the region. The annual event, held on the pitch at Narberth Rugby Club, has grown in popularity, production quality, and public awareness.

DJ and compere Steve Briers, a key figure in the event’s success, has seen firsthand how NOR has evolved. Speaking about this year’s festival, he said: “The 2024 event will feature a purpose-built professional stage, along with top-quality lighting and a PA system provided by EPS Events. While it’s an outdoor event, we have a superb 500-seater stand facing the stage, ensuring spectators can enjoy the show even in poor weather. We also provide additional marquees that can accommodate up to 400 people, though we’ve often been fortunate with the weather.”

Briers praised the festival’s vibrant atmosphere, saying: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to be part of this event. I’ve witnessed fantastic performances from both backstage and front-of-house, but most importantly, I’ve seen thousands of happy festival-goers enjoying the music, food, drinks, and hospitality without the commitment of an all-day or weekend event.”

Over the years, NOR has hosted a range of high-quality tribute acts, including Queen, Bon Jovi, Elton John, Bee Gees, Annie Lennox, Shania Twain, and Amy Winehouse, alongside talented local bands such as The Sleeping Dogs, Sorted, and Ella Guru. “It’s great to feature local talent alongside top tribute acts,” Briers said. “They bring something unique to the event and truly complement the whole occasion.”

This year’s event, scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025, will see the return of Queen tribute band ‘Don’t Stop Queen Now’, who last performed at NOR two years ago. They will be supported by rock band ‘4th Street’ and the high-energy ‘Funktion 22 Party Band’.

Gates open at 5:00pm, with three bands performing throughout the night. Briers, as DJ, will keep the energy high between sets with classic rock tracks, announcements, birthday shout-outs, and sponsor mentions. “I love keeping the atmosphere alive—it’s a job I truly relish every year,” he added.

Reflecting on his involvement, Briers said: “Working with Narberth & Whitland Rotary and Narberth RFC on the NOR committee has been a pleasure. We’re already looking ahead to 2026. See you on Saturday, August 16, 2025—and if you’re celebrating anything, let me know for a shout-out!”