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Boost for town: Local celebrity Matt Baker to take on the Castle Hotel

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A WELL known local musician and radio DJ is to take on a landmark business in Haverfordwest. The nine bedroom Castle Hotel is probably one of Pembrokeshire’s best known venues – but Matt Baker says it is now under new management.

Matt Baker is not doing things slowly, with a planned opening of the premises on May 28 promising live music, good food and a relaxing atmosphere for all ages. For what is sure to be a positive piece of news for Haverfordwest’s ailing town centre, he is currently advertising for staff, thus creating jobs.

Matt, who previously ran The Tiddly, made his announcement on his Facebook page this morning (May 16), with hundreds of people liking the post and many more wishing him well with his new venture.

Matt Baker is a DJ for Pure West Radio based in Haverfordwest (Pic: M Baker/Facebook)

He wrote: “Well folks I got some exciting news.

“As most of you know cruise ships have been a big part of my life, 16 years on and off.

“In between that I did open my own pub here in Pembrokeshire call The Tiddly and worked me bottom off to provide a great place for people to come and switch off with live music every night.

“That unfortunately had to come to an end and I have missed it very much.
Well, seeing as I can’t go back to ships at the moment I’ve decided to take on an adventure I
“I’ve always dreamed one day I would own and that is a Hotel.

“It’s not just any Hotel, but one full of amazing history right here in the heart of Pembrokeshire and right in the Center of Haverfordwest.

“Everyone said when I was at The Tiddly “we love it here but we wish you were in town” as The Tiddly was 3 miles outside of Haverfordwest.

The Castle Hotel is steeped in history, and is a Grade II listed building. The Boxing Day Hunt, with riders, horses and hounds late 19th century. (Pic DA Images)

“I’m super excited to start a new chapter in my life and with the support of the people of Pembrokeshire and beyond and I’m hoping it will be life long.

“The Hotel has nine beautiful rooms on suite and a lovely restaurant area and a lounge/bar which I’m planning to have all up and running very soon, all been refurbished by the way.
We still are In uncertain times but I’m hoping we are at the back end and can enjoy each other’s company like before and socialise.

“I’m bringing back live music, good food and drink, and a place to come and switch off for all age groups with a comfortable and enjoyable environment.

“I’m planning for the 28th of May to be open, that’s in just under 2 weeks, but if you know me, you know I like a challenge.

“Please come support and follow all guidelines for now as we move forward in these new times.

“I will look forward to welcoming you to The Castle Hotel with open arms and let’s make more great memories together.

“See you soon Pembrokeshire and beyond!”

Business

Wales bucks the trend as family businesses decline across the UK

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NEW analysis of the United Kingdom’s Small Business Survey has revealed a worrying decline in the number of family-owned businesses across the country—except in Wales, which was the only UK nation to see an increase since 2020.

The research, conducted by Geraldo’s, tracked changes in the percentage of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that identified as family businesses from 2020 to 2023, the latest available data. The overall findings suggest a downward trend, with the proportion of family-run SMEs across the UK dropping by 5% from a peak of 80% in 2021 to 75% in 2023.

Wales stands alone

Despite the overall decline, Wales saw an increase in family businesses over the four-year period, rising from 73% in 2020 to 76% in 2023. In contrast, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland all experienced declines. Northern Ireland maintained the highest percentage of family-run SMEs, but even it saw a reduction from 83% in 2020 to 77% in 2023.

Sector-specific challenges

The survey also examined changes by industry, revealing that only Farming and the Information and Communications sectors maintained their peak percentages. Farming had the highest overall proportion of family-owned businesses, with 90% of small to medium-sized enterprises in the sector still in family hands.

However, the Arts and Entertainment sector saw the sharpest decline, with family-run businesses falling by 13%—from 57% in 2021 to just 44% in 2023.

The pressures of running a family business

Toni Dawson, owner of Geraldo’s, shared her insights into the struggles faced by family-run businesses:

“It’s a shame to see the number of small family businesses in decline, but I think it speaks to the unique pressures that these businesses can face. When you’re running a business that carries your family’s name, there’s a sense of responsibility that goes beyond the day-to-day work. The people you employ, whether they’re part of your family or not, rely on you—and ultimately, there’s no one else to help carry that burden, unlike in businesses with multiple owners or investors.

“However, there’s also a great amount of pride in being able to carry on the name and heritage of something that means so much to you and your history. I hope that as we see new figures come in, we start to see some more growth again in businesses that are owned by a family long term.”

While family-run businesses remain a vital part of the UK economy, the overall decline highlights the increasing challenges they face. Wales’ ability to buck the trend may offer lessons for other regions looking to preserve this traditional business model in the years ahead.

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Business

Pembrokeshire business fuels up growth with £92m refinancing deal

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ASCONA GROUP, one of the fastest growing companies in Wales, has secured a £92 million funding package from HSBC UK and Barclays.

The refinancing package, which was led by HSBC UK, will allow Ascona, a Pembrokeshire-based business with operations across England, Wales and Scotland, to continue to pursue its fast growth strategy.

Ascona was founded in 2011 by CEO Darren Briggs and embarked on its current growth strategy in 2017. Since then, the business has gone from two to 60 sites across the UK, serving over 300,000 customers every week.

Darren Briggs, Founder & CEO of Ascona Group – pictured – commented: “We are delighted to complete this important transaction for Ascona. This strategic financing marks a pivotal moment in our growth journey as we continue to strengthen our footprint as one of the UK’s largest independent forecourt operators and one of Wales’s fastest-growing companies. We are incredibly grateful to the HSBC UK and Barclays teams for their support.”

Simon Williams, Relationship Director at HSBC UK, said: “We are pleased to support Ascona Group with this significant refinancing deal. It provides a solid foundation to secure future investment and drive the company’s impressive growth plans. Ascona Group’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to expanding its footprint across the UK aligns perfectly with our mission to foster business growth and economic development. We eagerly anticipate the company’s continued success and its positive contributions to the communities it serves.”

Rebecca Davies, Relationship Director at Barclays Corporate Banking, said: “We’re delighted to have worked with the Ascona Group on this pivotal refinance, enabling them to implement the next phase of their ambitious strategic plan. The group has a strong track record of high growth and supporting the communities they invest in across the UK. We look forward to using our industry expertise and regional footprint to further support this in the years ahead.”

In October 2024, Ascona Group was recognised as one of the fastest growing businesses in the UK by the UK Fast Growth Index for the second year running. On top of this, two of its forecourts were named as winners at Forecourt Trader 2024 awards, highlighting Ascona’s commitment to high-quality customer service and operational excellence.

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Business

Major solar farm approved for Pembrokeshire

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A NEW solar farm set to generate green electricity for thousands of homes has been approved in Pembrokeshire.

The 8.6 MW project, featuring more than 14,000 solar panels, was originally developed by One Planet Developments Limited before being acquired by Shawton Energy Limited. Planning permission was granted last year, and construction is expected to commence soon, with energy production anticipated later this year.

Once operational, the solar farm will generate enough electricity to power approximately 2,500 homes annually, reducing carbon emissions by more than 2,000 tonnes each year.

Jamie Shaw, CEO of Shawton Energy, said: “Acquiring this ready-to-build asset marks a significant step for Shawton Energy as we continue to help UK businesses achieve their sustainability goals while lowering energy costs. This project strengthens our growing solar portfolio and reinforces our commitment to expanding renewable energy infrastructure.”

Robert Wall, director of Shawton Energy and head of sustainable private infrastructure at Lazard Asset Management, added: “We are pleased to support Shawton Energy’s expansion and investment in local renewable energy projects. The increasing demand for electricity requires diverse renewable solutions, and this solar farm will provide UK businesses with the low-cost energy they need.”

One Planet Developments’ business development director, James Stoney, welcomed the project’s progress, stating: “We are delighted to have worked with Shawton Energy on this development. Having taken it from concept to a ready-to-build stage, we look forward to seeing the project come to fruition.”

Shawton Energy, part of the Shawton Group, has been active in the renewable sector for nearly three decades, developing large-scale solar, battery storage, and renewable energy projects across the UK. The company partnered with Lazard Asset Management in 2023 to accelerate the deployment of fully funded commercial solar projects nationwide.

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