News

FBM Holidays reports big rise in bookings

Published

7 years ago

November 12, 2018

FBM HOLIDAYS is reporting that it has seen a dramatic rise in bookings year-on-year.

According to results posted for Q4 of the companies financial year which runs from November-October, the company has posted an increase of 11.1% in bookings in 2017/2018 over the same period in 2016/2017.

The property portfolio also grew by over 80 properties in the latest period, which has seen a tremendous phase of growth in general.

This comes on top of what was also a very successful previous year, where bookings grew by over 7%, with the latest figures being attributed to new and diverse marketing of both properties and the west Wales region as a whole, and also an influx of holiday home owners joining the firm to take advantage of increased rental throughout the entire booking calendar.

Marketing Executive, Thom James said: “The results we posted for the entire year have been phenomenal and it’s really pleasing to see that they way we have marketed both the company’s portfolio and the assets of the region has paid off, especially in the early half of the year, which is typically the quieter months, where we have seen huge booking numbers.”

Thom James and Tim Brace: At Vacation Rental World Summit in Como, Italy

“2 years ago we changed our approach to marketing and brought forward campaigns that have allowed us to actively reach higher levels of bookings and larger audiences, whilst being able to manage this process from our Tenby headquarters.”

“What is perhaps more pleasing is that we have managed to buck the trend set by owners using larger OTAs like Airbnb and Booking.com solely, as their knowledge just isn’t good enough.”

FBM say that whilst larger online travel agencies will continue to increase their own efforts, they are not focusing well enough on experiences or local knowledge.

“It’s purely a numbers game to the larger conglomerates.” continues James.

“They may have more volume, but what they don’t have is local knowledge or information, especially in Wales, which is a huge oversight.

“That’s why we have seen such good numbers this year, and will expect this to continue next year, as we compete very well in regards to audience levels, promoting our owners and their properties to a huge market, but we also have the staff on the ground who have a combined 58 years of local knowledge between them, so going that extra mile for customers is part of the daily routine for FBM, which has meant a huge surge in bookings for us.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.