Business
Research reveals Tesco’s community role
TESCO has published an independent report which outlines how the retail giant works in partnership with colleagues, suppliers and community organisations to create value in Wales.
The report, part of a wider programme of activity called Value in Your Town, sets out the role Tesco plays in serving communities up and down the UK. Specifically, the report highlights Tesco’s role in supporting jobs, supporting businesses in Britain through its partnership with thousands of suppliers, and supporting charitable and community organisations across the UK.
The report estimated that within Wales during the 12 months measured, Tesco made an economic contribution of more than £937m, supported 22,654 full-time equivalent jobs and worked with approximately 200 suppliers in Wales.
The report revealed that out of every £1 spent by Tesco customers, 73p goes back to farmers and suppliers from across the UK, 11p is paid to Tesco colleagues in wages and 3p is paid to the Government in tax to pay for public services like the NHS. Every £1 of direct economic activity at Tesco was also found to generate an additional £5.46 in value to the UK economy as a whole.
For those who are keen to understand the contribution Tesco makes to the local economy, a new online tool will allow residents to do just that by entering their postcode. They’ll be given a precise breakdown of the supermarket’s contribution by individual parliamentary constituencies.
Rhodri Evans, Local Communications Manager for Tesco in Wales, said: “While Tesco is just one small part of the community in Wales, we recognise we have a responsibility to serve the community the best way we can. Tesco exists to serve shoppers, but we’re also a place where people work to support their families and we are an important partner for Welsh businesses too.
“This independent research shines a light on our role and responsibility here in Wales. It provides us with a clear picture of the opportunities and jobs we help create, the local businesses that we help support, and critically, how we play an active role, on the ground, supporting local communities.”
In the 12 months measured, Tesco provided 539,986 meals to those in need in Wales via its Community Food Connection initiative, which reduces food waste by redirecting unsold food towards community groups who can use it. The initiative has now been rolled out to Tesco Express stores to enable even more groups to access food that might otherwise have gone to waste.
And shoppers who voted in the Tesco Bags of Help scheme in stores across the Wales helped to channel more than £1.4m raised from carrier bag sales towards community projects that have benefitted their area directly. Since its launch, the scheme has evolved to make voting areas smaller, so that projects voted for are even more local to shoppers.
One group that has benefitted from the Bags of Help scheme is Green Meadow Riding for the Disabled Association. With a history spanning 40 years, it’s one of the largest Riding for the Disabled groups in Wales. The organisation relies on volunteers to deliver more than 60 riders a week with horses and ponies to provide therapy, achievement and enjoyment.
Sally Williams, who heads up the Green Meadow RDA, said: “We were delighted to receive £5000 as part of the Tesco Bags of Help scheme. The money was used to build a path across grassland which was proving difficult to cross by riders, carers and instructors.
“By providing this non-slip path, we created a safe passage for riders, who range from four to 60 years old, to get to designated riding areas whilst avoiding any accidents or getting caught in the bogged areas when weather conditions are bad. We used to be restricted by bad weather frequently, but the path has enabled us to provide riding year round.”
Business
Upgrades completed at Port of Milford Haven’s simulator suite
UPGRADES have been completed to state-of-the-art equipment within the Port of Milford Haven’s navigation simulator suite at Milford Waterfront enabling marine professionals to receive bespoke specialist training. The virtual reality simulation system can safely replicate a range of scenarios that seafarers may experience in real world situations such as extreme weather conditions, emergency situations and escort tug work.
The upgrades provided by Netherlands-based company MARIN contain the latest hardware in terms of processing power and graphics, as well as upgrades to MARIN’s ‘Dolphin’ software, increasing the capability to create scenarios. These are complemented with new 4k visuals on 75” screens which increase the depth and field of vision, adding to the realism.
Recently, a training day was led by Training Pilot Captain Mark Johnson, assisted by ex-Pilot Andy Hillier, involving members of the Svitzer team as well as Pilots Matt Roberts and Ian Coombes. As part of the scenario, they were faced with a loss of engine power and steering along with worsening weather and sea conditions. The Pilots had to communicate with Svitzer in order to successfully instruct them on how to tow and direct a drifting tanker. While scenarios like these are uncommon within port operations, it is important to rehearse procedures that would be implemented if they are required and enhances participants’ skill sets.
Marine Pilot and Simulator Instructor, Captain Ewan McNicoll, said “This simulator suite has future proofed our training capabilities, both internally for Pilots and marine staff, but also externally for clients wishing to use the facility, be it for training purposes or research and development. We can create any type of scenario with any type of ship, ranging from practicing ship handling manoeuvres to emergency situations, it really is game changing! Working with our partners at MARIN has been a complete success and I am very proud of our new facility.”
For more information about training at the navigation simulation suite please contact the Port of Milford Haven at [email protected] or 01646 696100.
Business
Thousands of homes in rural Wales gain from faster 4G boost
RURAL Wales is seeing a major upgrade in mobile connectivity, with faster 4G now live in several areas. Seven locations across North, South West, and West Wales are benefitting from new 4G mast upgrades funded by the UK Government’s Shared Rural Network (SRN), aimed at closing the digital gap between rural and urban areas.
The upgrades, which went live on Thursday (Nov 14), bring improved 4G coverage to communities including Bontddu, Llanelltyd, Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, Penmaenpool, Tabor, Snowdonia National Park, and Bontgoch. Local businesses, emergency services, and residents are expected to benefit from faster internet access, which supports daily communication, business opportunities, and economic growth.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Fast, reliable connectivity is essential for modern life and should be available from Cardiff to the remotest parts of Wales. Today’s upgrades bring us closer to making this a reality.”
SUPPORTING DIGITAL INCLUSION
As part of the rollout, Peter Kyle and Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant visited Ebbw Vale to discuss digital inclusion with charity and industry leaders. They met with representatives at BGfm, a digital inclusion hub in Blaenau Gwent, to learn about how connectivity impacts daily life in Welsh communities.
Telecoms Minister Bryant said: “We are working tirelessly to make sure rural communities aren’t left behind online.
“These upgrades mean businesses can now operate without connectivity limitations, 999 services are better equipped to respond, and residents and tourists can stay connected across the Welsh countryside.”
ADDRESSING CONNECTIVITY GAPS
An estimated 1.5 million homes across the UK remain without internet access, limiting people’s ability to access essential services such as banking and healthcare. In addition to the SRN upgrades, the Chancellor has allocated over £500 million in next year’s budget for digital infrastructure expansion, targeting these underserved areas.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens highlighted the importance of this investment, particularly for rural Wales, where fast, reliable internet can be transformative.
“Connectivity is critical for day-to-day life in rural areas – from supporting local businesses to ensuring emergency services are just a call away,” Stevens said.
The upgraded masts, previously limited to EE customers and emergency 999 calls, now serve a wider user base, bringing essential internet access to more people without requiring new infrastructure.
Ben Roome, CEO of Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited, said: “With the activation of five new SRN sites, Wales is seeing the tangible benefits of the Shared Rural Network, bringing crucial connectivity to rural communities.”
GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT IN REMOTE WALES
The improvements come alongside a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties, helping future-proof digital access in even the most isolated locations.
The latest upgrades mark another step in the Government’s mission to improve mobile coverage and close the connectivity gap across Wales, creating opportunities and supporting economic growth across rural communities.
Business
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority invites businesses to advertise in mag
As 2024 comes to a close, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is encouraging local businesses to prepare for the year ahead by reserving advertising space in Coast to Coast, Pembrokeshire’s highly regarded, award-winning visitor magazine.
Launching its 43rd edition in Easter 2025, Coast to Coast provides a prime opportunity for businesses to reach a wide audience, with a readership exceeding one million people.
The bilingual publication, distributed across Pembrokeshire’s busiest locations and parts of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion during peak tourism months, is a valuable resource for both visitors and residents. From unique products and delicious offerings to exciting experiences, businesses of all types can benefit from the exposure Coast to Coast offers. The magazine is available in hundreds of outlets countywide and has become an essential guide for anyone looking to explore the best of Pembrokeshire.
“Over the years, Coast to Coast has established itself as the must-have summer guide, packed with inspiration for exploring the Park,” said Marie Parkin, Head of Marketing and Communications for the Authority. “In addition to showcasing our visitor attractions such as Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, Castell Henllys Iron Age Village and Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre, the magazine includes practical information like maps, bus schedules and tide tables.”
“From scenic walks and beach days to rich insights into the Park’s heritage, culture, and wildlife, Coast to Coast offers something for everyone. Our Activities and Events listings ensure families can enjoy a full calendar of experiences,” Marie Parkin added.
With advertising deadlines set for early January 2025, businesses are encouraged to act swiftly to secure their spot and avoid disappointment.
For more information about advertising in Coast to Coast, please contact [email protected] or call 01646 624895.
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