IAN BADHAM, a long-standing partner at Ashmole & Co, is celebrating three decades with the accountancy firm this month.

Ian, who is based in the Haverfordwest, Tenby and Cardigan offices, joined the firm in 1995 as an ACCA Trainee Accountant after graduating with a degree in Accountancy and Finance from Bristol University. A decade later, in 2005, he became a Partner and has since played a key role in developing the firm’s presence in west Wales.

Reflecting on the changes over the past 30 years, Ian said: “When I started, there was just one computer with internet access in the entire office. Everything was paper-based. It’s been incredible to see the shift to a digital office environment.”

Ian lives in Penally, near Tenby, and takes great pride in supporting the next generation of professionals. “As a firm in west Wales employing over 100 staff, it is very rewarding to be able to provide quality jobs for local people. Seeing our staff grow in their careers means a lot to me.”

He added: “Being a first point of contact as a trusted adviser to our clients is a key part of my role. We are here to support them through both good and challenging times. The Covid pandemic was probably the most difficult period in my career, as we worked around the clock helping businesses access support. It was tough, but also one of the most rewarding parts of the job.”

In addition to his work across multiple offices, Ian is also a family man. He and his wife Claire have two sons. Their youngest plays rugby for the Scarlets and Carmarthen Quins, and much of Ian’s spare time is spent travelling Wales to support him. Ian recently became a grandfather and is now also enjoying ‘grandad duties’. When time allows, he enjoys golf, sea rowing and kayaking around Pembrokeshire.

Ashmole & Co, Chartered Certified Accountants, is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. It is one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in south Wales, operating from thirteen offices including Swansea, Ammanford and Llandeilo.

One in three never take part in local events

LESS than half of Welsh homeowners believe their local community is thriving, with many never taking part in community activities, a new UK-wide survey has found.

The research, released by Humphreys Oil – part of Certas Energy – reveals that only 44 per cent of Welsh homeowners consider their community to be flourishing. Alarmingly, nearly one in three (32 per cent) respondents in Wales say they never engage in any community activities, a rate significantly higher than the UK average of one in four.

The findings suggest that Wales is experiencing one of the highest levels of community disengagement in the UK. Rural areas are particularly affected, with residents across the UK living in rural locations found to be 23 per cent less likely to feel connected to their communities than those in urban settings.

In response, Humphreys Oil has launched a £30,000 fund to help strengthen local ties and improve shared spaces.

The Community Bloom Fund, available to community groups across the UK, aims to support initiatives that bring people together – from upgrading parks and community centres to sponsoring grassroots sports teams and local events.

Richard Billington, Managing Director of Energy Solutions for Certas Energy, said: “We supply off-grid energy across Wales and the UK, and every day we see first-hand the power of community. When we saw that one in three Welsh people never engage in community activities, we knew we had to do something to help change that.

“That’s why the Community Bloom Fund exists – to bring people together, bolster communities, and create a greater sense of place, especially in rural areas. Whether it’s parent-and-baby groups, gardening clubs or local centres hosting events, thriving community initiatives can make a huge difference to people’s physical and mental health.”

Applications for the fund are open until 28th May 2025. Community groups are invited to submit a short summary of their work and explain how they would use the funding to support their local area.

To apply, visit: www.certasenergy.co.uk/community-bloom-fund

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is once again preparing for the annual Tenby Pedestrianisation scheme.

The scheme is due to start on Monday July 7 and finish on Friday September 12 and run between 11am – 5.30pm each day.

The scheme will again see the Walled Town divided into three zones, each of which will have varying degrees of vehicle access.

Full details of the scheme and the on-line application form will be available from Thursday May 1st on the Council’s website at https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/tenby-pedestrianisation

Residents and business within the Walled Town are encouraged to complete the application process as soon as possible after the documents go live.

This will ensure that there is sufficient time for the application to be processed and additional checks made should further information be required.

Permits will be issued approximately seven to 10 days before the scheme start date.

Please note that paper application forms and guidance notes will no longer be delivered to residents and businesses within the Walled Town and requests for permits will be required to be submitted online.

In order to ensure the ongoing success of the scheme permit holders are encouraged to continue to plan journeys outside of the scheme hours of 11am – 5.30pm as far as is practical.

Email Tenby.pedestrian@pembrokeshire.gov.uk for further information.