THE WELSH economy showed signs of recovery in February, with business activity rising for the second consecutive month, according to the latest NatWest Wales Growth Tracker. However, challenges remain, as job losses continue, inflationary pressures persist, and new business orders decline.

Business activity expands, but demand falls

The Wales Business Activity Index, which measures monthly changes in the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors, increased to 51.5 in February, up from 50.7 in January. This marks the strongest growth in six months. However, despite this expansion, new business orders declined for the fourth month in a row, reflecting weak domestic demand and uncertainty surrounding government policies.

Job losses accelerate

While business output has increased, companies remain cautious about hiring. February saw the sixth consecutive month of job losses, with employment levels declining at a sharper rate than in January. The reductions were attributed to voluntary departures not being replaced, redundancies, and changes in labour policies. Despite this, the pace of job cuts in Wales was slower than in the UK as a whole.

Inflation pressures remain

Inflationary pressures persisted in February, with input costs rising at the fastest rate in ten months. Businesses reported higher labour costs and rising import prices as key drivers. In response, many firms increased their prices for goods and services, leading to the sharpest output price inflation in nearly a year. However, inflation levels remain below post-pandemic peaks and lower than the UK average.

Optimism for the year ahead

Despite the challenges, Welsh firms expressed the highest level of confidence in five months, expecting growth to continue over the next year. Business leaders are optimistic about expansion, citing strategic growth initiatives, productivity improvements, and new customer acquisitions.

While Wales’ economy is showing early signs of recovery, persistent job losses, sluggish demand, and inflation continue to pose risks. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the region can sustain its growth momentum or if economic uncertainty will drag it down once again.

CAMPAIGNERS in Wales are calling on the Welsh Government to amend NHS regulations to ensure complaints about British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter services are properly recorded, amid concerns that Deaf patients are being let down by the system.

The Cardiff Deaf Support Group has urged Senedd members to press Health Minister Jeremy Miles MS to change the ‘Putting Things Right’ (PTR) regulations. Currently, concerns about BSL interpreter services in NHS Wales hospitals and GP practices are not recorded as a separate category, making it difficult to assess the scale of issues.

Impact on patients in Pembrokeshire

While the campaign originates in Cardiff, the issue affects Deaf patients across Wales, including those using services at Withybush Hospital and GP surgeries in Pembrokeshire.

Cedric Moon, secretary of the Cardiff Deaf Support Group, requested data on BSL-related complaints under the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act. However, responses from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (UHB) confirmed that such concerns are not centrally recorded and would require a manual search of records—an effort the UHB says exceeds the time and cost limits set under FoI laws​​.

Health boards, including Hywel Dda UHB, which oversees healthcare in Pembrokeshire, are required to publish annual reports on patient complaints. However, concerns about BSL interpretation failings are not reported separately, making it unclear how many Deaf patients have struggled to access NHS services in the county.

Appeal to the health minister

In his letter to Senedd member Rhys ab Owen, Mr Moon called for action to amend regulations so that BSL-related complaints are documented and made publicly available in NHS Wales annual reports.

Regulation 51 of the PTR framework states that health boards must produce an annual report detailing the nature and number of concerns received. However, without a specific category for BSL issues, these complaints are effectively invisible​.

“We need accountability,” said Mr Moon. “BSL users in Wales should have the same rights as everyone else when it comes to raising concerns about NHS services.”

A systemic issue

The Cardiff and Vale UHB’s refusal to provide data highlights a wider problem across NHS Wales, campaigners argue. The exemption under Section 12 of the Freedom of Information Act—citing the excessive cost of retrieving data—has been used to deny access to statistics on multiple occasions​.

Hywel Dda UHB has not yet confirmed whether similar issues exist locally, but Deaf patients in Pembrokeshire rely on interpreter services for GP and hospital appointments, and any gaps in provision could affect their ability to access care.

Mr Moon is now urging the health minister to intervene and update the regulations to ensure all health boards, including Hywel Dda, are required to record and report on BSL interpreter service complaints.

The Herald has contacted the Welsh Government and Hywel Dda UHB for a response.

A BELOVED fox sculpture that has become a popular fixture at Cardigan’s Guildhall Market may soon be removed—unless local traders and residents can raise enough funds to keep it.

The striking willow sculpture, known as Fantastic Mr Fox, has been delighting visitors since it was placed in the market courtyard during last December’s Festival of Light. Created by renowned local artist Michelle Cain, the intricate piece was originally loaned to the space as a temporary installation.

Now, with its time in the courtyard coming to an end, a community-driven effort is underway to purchase the sculpture outright. Market traders, backed by the market’s management, are spearheading a fundraising campaign to ensure the fox remains a permanent feature.

“Since he arrived, he’s brought so much joy—not just to us as traders, but to our customers, visitors, and the wider community,” said Jana Davidson, who runs Leafy Lion at the market. “People love taking photos with him, and he’s become a real talking point. We don’t want to see him go.”

The campaign aims to raise £2,500 to secure Mr Fox’s future, covering both the purchase and ongoing maintenance of the sculpture. Contributions can be made online via JustGiving or in person at collection boxes placed throughout the market.

Some traders are also stepping up to support the cause. Cardigan Bay Quilts, located on the upper level, is donating all proceeds from the sale of special fabric bundles to the fund.

Market supporters are hopeful the target can be reached in time to prevent the fox’s departure. “Every donation helps,” added Davidson. “We’d love to see Mr Fox stay right where he belongs.”