TWO kayakers were brought safely ashore after getting into difficulty off Llangrannog on Sunday afternoon.

New Quay RNLI was tasked by Milford Haven Coastguard at around 4:00pm on Sunday, July 12, following reports that two people in a double kayak were struggling in the prevailing conditions.

An RNLI lifeguard had already reached the casualties and was assisting them from a rescue board. However, strong conditions were pushing the group further offshore and making it difficult for them to return safely to the beach.

New Quay RNLI’s D-class inshore lifeboat, the Will Morgan, launched immediately with three volunteer crew members on board.

The crew made their way quickly to Llangrannog, where they located the two kayakers alongside the lifeguard.

All three people were taken aboard the lifeboat and brought safely back to Llangrannog beach. No casualty care was required.

The volunteer crew then returned to sea to recover the double kayak and the lifeguard’s rescue board, bringing both back to the beach before returning to New Quay Lifeboat Station.

The lifeboat was then refuelled and made ready for its next service.

Huw Williams, New Quay RNLI’s volunteer helm, said: “This was a great example of the RNLI working together to help people in difficulty.

“The lifeguard had already reached the casualties, but the conditions were making it challenging to return safely to shore. Our crew was able to bring everyone back safely and recover the equipment.

“Remember, if you see anyone in difficulty in the water or on the shore, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

WELSH financial, legal and technology businesses could gain improved access to the Swiss market under a major new trade agreement announced by the UK and Switzerland.

The UK Government estimates the agreement could increase British services exports to Switzerland by £5.2 billion a year in the long term, although no separate estimate has been published for the potential benefit to Wales.

However, Wales already has an established services trading relationship with Switzerland.

UK Government analysis found that Welsh businesses exported £175 million of services to Switzerland in 2020, with financial and insurance services making up the largest category.

The new Free Trade Agreement is intended to make it easier for lawyers, accountants, architects, consultants and digital businesses to sell their expertise in Switzerland.

It will also reduce barriers for businesses transferring employees between the two countries and provide greater certainty for firms considering investment or expansion.

Cardiff-based Capital Law, which already works in Switzerland and advises Swiss clients, said the agreement could strengthen the Welsh capital’s position as a growing professional services centre.

Christopher Nott, senior partner at Capital Law, said: “This FTA is a terrific result for Capital Law, our clients and Cardiff’s growing reputation as a leading professional services hub.

“The agreement locks in legal market access, reduces unnecessary barriers and provides the certainty we need to pursue opportunities in Switzerland.

“As a firm that already works in Switzerland and advises Swiss clients, with one of our partners based there, we understand the value of a strong and predictable trading relationship.

“It’s exactly the kind of practical, modern trade deal that helps UK businesses compete and succeed internationally.”

The agreement could also create opportunities for Welsh businesses operating in life sciences, financial technology, cyber security, digital services and the creative industries.

Switzerland is the UK’s sixth-largest services export market, with bilateral services trade worth more than £30 billion during 2025.

Services account for around 81 per cent of UK economic output and 83 per cent of employment, making improved access particularly significant for regions seeking to grow professional and technology-based businesses.

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said the agreement would open new doors for businesses across Wales.

She said: “The UK-Switzerland trade deal shows how the UK Government is delivering real results for businesses in Wales and across the UK.

“Wales already has a thriving services sector. This landmark agreement supports further economic growth and encourages job creation by opening new doors for businesses and enhancing Wales’s reputation on the world stage.”

Under the agreement, UK services professionals will be able to travel visa-free to Switzerland for up to 90 days a year.

British businesses will also be able to transfer employees to work in Switzerland for periods of up to five years without being subjected to some of the economic needs tests currently applied to work permit applications.

The Government said this would make it easier for British professionals and graduates working in areas including finance, insurance and consultancy to obtain Swiss work permits.

The deal also aims to reduce paperwork, support digital payments and remove requirements for certain back-office functions to be physically based in Switzerland.

Provisions will lock in future liberalisation of Swiss services markets, meaning British companies would automatically benefit from further easing of trading rules.

British travellers are also expected to receive practical benefits.

Under a separate initiative announced alongside the agreement, UK passport holders will soon be able to use electronic passport gates at Swiss airports.

The UK and Switzerland also intend to remove international mobile roaming surcharges, allowing tourists and business travellers to use their phones as part of their normal contracts without additional charges.

Around 800,000 visits are made to Switzerland by UK residents each year.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Whether you’re growing a business or travelling for work, this agreement is about making life easier and creating more opportunity for people across the UK.

“It means British firms will find it easier to sell their expertise in one of our most important markets in Europe, supporting jobs and investment here at home.

“British people will also be able to enjoy using their mobile in Switzerland without extra roaming charges and, alongside the FTA, they will soon also have quicker trips through Swiss airports.”

Trade Secretary Peter Kyle described it as the most significant services trade agreement negotiated by the UK.

He said: “This deal will mean faster journeys through the border, cheaper phone use for families and business travellers to Switzerland, and new opportunities for British firms selling their world-class services overseas.”

Government figures estimate that exports to Switzerland supported 171,400 UK jobs in 2022, including 144,800 linked to services exports.

Those employment figures are based on economic modelling and include people employed directly by exporters and those working for businesses within their supply chains.

While ministers have presented the agreement as a major opportunity for Welsh businesses, its precise economic value to Wales remains uncertain.

The £5.2 billion estimate applies to the whole of the UK and the Government has not yet published a Wales-specific assessment of the expected increase in trade, investment or employment.

The agreement will now move towards formal signature and implementation, subject to the usual parliamentary scrutiny.

HAVERFORDWEST VC HIGH SCHOOL has closed early today after extreme heat affected wall-mounted soundproofing boards around the building.

The school said several of the boards, including some positioned at height, could become unsafe and fall from the walls.

Pupils were initially moved to safe areas and placed under supervision while the situation was assessed by the school’s site management team and Pembrokeshire County Council maintenance officers.

Following discussions, a decision was made to close the school early so the boards could be removed safely.

School buses were due to arrive at 1.15pm to transport pupils who normally travel home by bus. Children attending a trip at Scolton Manor were expected to return to the school by 1pm.

Parents and carers who usually collect their children were asked to do so from 1.30pm.

Pupils who normally walk home were only permitted to leave after receiving parental permission. Parents could provide permission by sending their child a text message to show their form tutor or by contacting the school reception.

The school said it expected the affected boards to be removed today, allowing the school to reopen as normal tomorrow, Tuesday, July 14.

Parents will be updated through ParentMail if the work cannot be completed as planned.