Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Business

FSB calls for domestic focus

Published

on

LOOKING ahead to the beginning of 2019, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chairman Mike Cherry, said: “Small business owners tend to be an optimistic bunch. They are used to being nimble, adapting to circumstances and making the most of opportunities. They are creative and entrepreneurial.

“And yet as we head into 2019 small business confidence is on the floor, and desperately needs lifting.

“Of course the political turmoil of recent months and the ongoing lack of clarity about what kind of Brexit they should prepare for is playing a part – particularly around investment decisions.

“Yet there are plenty of headwinds in the coming months which are nothing to do with Brexit whatsoever, which is why politicians should resolve this New Year to re-focus on the domestic issues which affect small businesses day-in-day-out.

“The start of the new financial year in April will see a whole host of changes, leading to higher costs and greater bureaucracy for many small firms – from higher costs of employment to the rollout of quarterly, online tax reporting for VAT-registered firms.

“There are chill winds gusting down our High Streets. Thankfully most town centre and high street small businesses will benefit from relief on their business rates, which FSB fought hard to secure. But many small firms elsewhere will see previous reliefs taper off, and therefore higher bills from this out-dated tax.

“More optimistically, I believe 2019 could be the year in which we finally see poor payment practices by some big businesses to their smaller suppliers and contractors finally stamped out.

“The government recently listened to FSB calls to stop giving lucrative tax-payer-funded contracts to big firms which pay smaller suppliers late or subject them to supply chain bullying.

“I’m hopeful boardrooms will finally do their bit too, with larger firms having a non-executive director specifically responsible for overseeing the fair treatment of suppliers and contractors.

“As Brexit approaches on March 29, the Government must give proper help and support on how to comply with whatever will be required. Adapting to whatever the new trading circumstances with the EU are will mean changing business procedures, taking valuable time out from running a business, and for many, it will involve paying for external expertise.
“Clear advice and support will be needed with a voucher scheme operating as it does in both Ireland and the Netherlands to help small businesses or tax-free allowances.

“Longer term, whatever happens with Brexit, we already have one-in-five small businesses exporting and growing their business through overseas trade. This could be doubled with the right support available to encourage them to take that bold step.

“Back at home, I want to see in 2019 a greater recognition of the vital role small businesses play at the heart of local communities. These businesses don’t just provide goods and services, they bring much more to their local economies; support local charities or football teams; those on high streets bring character and individuality to an area; many provide opportunities for skills training, where an apprentice can benefit from the guidance and expertise of an experienced business owner.

“Smaller businesses are also disproportionately better at employing people from harder-to-reach parts of the workforce – those who have recently left military service; those who have taken time out of working because of caring responsibilities; people with disabilities; and ex-offenders seeking a new life on the straight and narrow.

“I strongly believe that it is in the interests of the country and the economy as a whole that we nurture skills and talent wherever they exist. Education and FE must work more closely with business around the skills needed, and the government could help smaller businesses to do even more in this area with an employer National Insurance holiday for those who employ people furthest from work.

“Even in these uncertain times, there are lots of ways in which the UK’s 5.6 million small businesses can be encouraged and supported to thrive and grow. This is absolutely vital for UK PLC. It’s time for politicians to remind themselves of this, and stop spending so much time on political infighting at the expense of the domestic agenda.”

Business

Becoming a business owner in Carmarthenshire inspires Paul to learn Welsh

Published

on

MOVING to and establishing a business in Carmarthenshire has inspired Paul Raven, co-owner of Tea Traders, to learn Welsh.

Paul was born in Aberystwyth, and grew up in Swansea in a non-Welsh speaking household. After years of living and working in London and Flintshire, North Wales, in 2017, Paul and his partner, Nick, moved to the Gwendraeth Valley, and opened a specialist tea shop in Carmarthen.

Shortly after moving to the area, Paul found himself living in a Welsh-speaking community, with many local customers speaking Welsh in the shop.

Paul explains: “We are a very community-focused business, and the desire to chat in Welsh with customers and to use more Welsh within our business gave me the motivation to start learning Welsh.”

Paul’s language journey began in 2017, and he took advantage of free translation support and services from ‘Helo Blod’ and Menter Gorllewin Sir Gâr to create a bilingual menu and website. Alongside the business, Paul enrolled on a Learn Welsh course for beginners, but, due to work commitments at the time, and Covid-19, Paul decided to take a break from the learning.

At the beginning of 2024, Paul came across a programme called ‘Cymraeg i Fusnesau Sir Gaerfyrddin’ (Welsh for Carmarthenshire Businesses), which helps local businesses to embrace and promote the Welsh language. The initiative is a collaboration between Carmarthenshire County Council’s ARFOR programme and the National Centre for Learning Welsh’s Work Welsh scheme.

Paul has been following an online course alongside other local businesses, led by a tutor from Learn Welsh Ceredigion-Powys-Sir Gâr, run by Aberystwyth University on behalf of the National Centre. Paul told his staff about the course, and two others enrolled, so now all three are learning Welsh together.  

Paul says, “I hear and see a lot of Welsh language around me every day, whether I’m at the supermarket, visiting suppliers, or meeting customers at the shop. It certainly feels as though I’m part of a thriving Welsh community and this gives me extra motivation to learn Welsh and to improve my skills.”

Paul enjoys the weekly sessions on Zoom, and says that everyone in the group supports and encourages one another.

“Learning Welsh has had a really positive impact on our business. We have always actively engaged with our local community. We aim to be customer focused, inclusive, and to provide a warm welcome to all our customers. In addition to connecting with local Welsh speaking customers and increasing the amount of Welsh that we use at the shop, we have also discovered that many visitors to Carmarthen are curious about the Welsh language, and that they really enjoy hearing Welsh and picking up a few words during their visit to our tea shop.”

Paul says that his skills and confidence are improving every day.

“I’m recognising and understanding a lot more spoken Welsh at the shop. I’m practising with my colleagues. I’m encouraging customers to speak to me in Welsh, and I try to respond in Welsh if I can.”

Here’s Paul’s advice to anyone learning Welsh: “Go for it! Find a method that works for you. There are so many ways to learn. Learning with others is fun and a great way to meet people.”

He adds: “Let people know that you’re learning, and when you’re out and about look out for opportunities to use your Welsh in your local community. You’ll soon build up a network of other learners and Welsh speakers who’ll encourage you and help you to practise. Try to find ways to listen to Welsh every day – maybe listen to Radio Cymru, or find a TV programme you enjoy on S4C.”

Paul is now following a Foundation-level course, and is looking forward to gaining confidence and using his Welsh in both the business and the local community.

Continue Reading

Business

Over 150,000 journeys made using new Pay As You Go rail ticketing

Published

on

MORE than 150,000 journeys have been completed using the new Pay As You Go ticketing system in South Wales since its launch three months ago, making it Transport for Wales’ (TfW) fastest-growing ticketing product.

TfW became the first train operator outside London and the south-east of England to introduce the system last year. In November 2024, tap-in, tap-out technology was made available at 95 railway stations across South Wales, with fares starting at just £2.60.

The system provides automatic daily and weekly fare capping, offering significant savings compared to standard anytime singles and seven-day season tickets.

Expanding ticketing technology

Similar technology, offering tap-on, tap-off ticketing, is also being used for bus services in North Wales. Recent figures show that over 40% of transactions for those services are now made through the system.

Three years ago, TfW introduced a single integrated ticket covering both bus and rail services, allowing faster and cheaper travel between South Wales and Aberystwyth. Between April and December 2024, around 7,000 people used the integrated ticket for journeys between Carmarthen and Aberystwyth.

Transport leaders welcome success

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said: “I am delighted that more and more passengers are opting for Pay As You Go, making the most of a simpler and fairer way to pay for rail and bus tickets.”

Alexia Course, Chief Commercial Officer at TfW, added: “We want to offer customers the fastest, easiest, and cheapest ticketing option, and tap-on, tap-off technology enables us to do this.

“We are proud to be one of the first train operators outside London to introduce this system at 95 stations across South Wales. It was a key commitment of the South Wales Metro, and its success as our fastest-selling product reflects strong passenger demand.

“We are also using similar technology for bus services in North Wales, and our integrated ticketing model continues to gain traction. These developments are crucial as we move towards our vision of ‘one network, one timetable, one ticket.’”

Continue Reading

Business

SPARC’s Career Connections event inspires next generation of young women

Published

on

MORE than 150 female secondary school students from the SPARC Alliance initiative came together for a successful Career Connections event at Pembrokeshire College this month.

The SPARC Alliance introduced the young women to leading industry professionals to explore career opportunities in renewable energy, construction, engineering, and maritime industries.

Luciana Ciubotariu, CEO of Celtic Freeport and SPARC Patron, delivered an inspiring opening speech, encouraging students to embrace curiosity, stay open to new opportunities, and step boldly into industries where women have historically been underrepresented.

Ms Ciubotariu said: “This event is all about you—your future, your possibilities, and the incredible careers waiting for you. All industries need more women, and even though some spaces haven’t always seemed open to us, they absolutely are. You belong wherever you want to be.”

Designed to inspire, empower, and connect, the event included the recording of a podcast interview hosted by Apollo Engineering, and an inspiring closing talk from Captain Louise Sara and Kristy Dawson (Carnival Corporation), who shared their experiences of navigating the maritime industry.

There was also an interactive ‘Career Connections’ session where SPARC pupils used Career Passports to engage directly with industry professionals and discover skills essential for Wales’ fastest-growing sectors.

Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in STEM careers and with the UK’s low-carbon energy workforce set to grow by nearly 500,000 jobs by 2030, initiatives like SPARC play a critical role in ensuring young women see themselves in these careers and have the confidence and knowledge to pursue them.

Throughout the day, students engaged in career discussions, interactive activities, and hands-on experiences with professionals from Apollo Engineering, Blue Gem Wind, Celtic Freeport, ERM, Laing Rourke, Ledwood Engineering, Lincweld, , KIER, INSITE Technical, Morgan Sindall, Marine Power Systems, Pembrokeshire College, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, the Port of Milford Haven and RWE.

Hayley Williams (Pembrokeshire College), Rob Hillier (Pembrokeshire County Council), and Holly Skyrme (Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum), who coordinated the event, expressed their gratitude to industry partners for making the event such a success.

“Your engagement and enthusiasm have made a real impact, helping students to recognise the exciting career paths available to them. We’re looking forward to seeing what this incredible cohort of young women achieves in the future,” they added.

For further information about the SPARC Alliance and future events, please contact [email protected] or follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PCFCiC

Continue Reading

Health16 hours ago

NHS Wales workforce crisis: Audit Wales report highlights key challenges

A NEW report from Audit Wales has exposed critical workforce challenges in NHS Wales, citing gaps in workforce planning, recruitment...

News17 hours ago

High court quashes Pembrokeshire council’s planning approval

Judge rules council failed to justify decision on Heritage Park expansion THE HIGH COURT has quashed Pembrokeshire County Council’s approval...

Crime1 day ago

35 arrests as police disrupt £12 million cannabis operation

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has carried out its most significant drugs operation to date, seizing more than £12 million worth of cannabis...

Crime1 day ago

More than 2,000 child sexual abuse image crimes recorded in Wales last year

Private messaging platforms exploited by criminals MORE than 2,000 child sexual abuse image offences were recorded by police forces in...

Charity2 days ago

RNLI on the lookout for new beach lifesavers in Pembrokeshire

LOCALLY, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is seeking budding lifeguards to launch their lifesaving careers on some of Wales’...

Crime2 days ago

Garage boss to stand trial for rape at Swansea Crown Court

A PEMBROKESHIRE garage owner will stand trial after denying a charge of rape. Ceri Morgan, 61, is accused of raping...

Crime3 days ago

Police-chase teenager remanded in custody over drug and firearm offences

A PEMBROKESHIRE teenager who was previously granted bail on drug-dealing charges has now been remanded in custody after facing additional...

News3 days ago

Paddleboarders rescued off Aberporth by Cardigan’s lifeboat crew

CARDIGAN lifeboat launched on Friday (Feb 16) after two paddleboarders were spotted struggling against an outgoing tide south of Aberporth....

News4 days ago

The Sea Empress Disaster: Remembering the catastrophe 29 years on

IT WAS exactly 29 years ago. On the evening of February 15, 1996, at approximately 8:07pm, the oil tanker Sea...

Business5 days ago

Council take legal action against 686 Pembrokeshire-based businesses

Scores of firms listed in court for non-payment of business rates HUNDREDS of businesses across Pembrokeshire are facing court action...

Popular This Week