News

Ashmole & Co delighted to welcome experienced local Payroll Clerk to the Pembrokeshire team

Published

5 years ago

August 6, 2021

ASHMOLE & CO’S Payroll team has gone from strength to strength with Richard Morse, from Fishguard, having recently joined as a Payroll Clerk in the firm’s Haverfordwest office.

Five years ago the accountancy firm had just one payroll clerk and now they are a strong team of seven. Day to day the Payroll team are the hidden heroes for local clients as they administer their pay systems.

Since COVID-19 struck Ashmole & Co’s Payroll team have been extremely busy working hard for clients to make sure they are getting all the government support they are entitled to via the Furlough Scheme.

Richard joined Ashmole & Co in March and day to day he processes clients’ payroll and helps with their enquiries.

Prior to starting with Ashmole & Co, Richard was the Manager of Fishguard Bay Hotel. He worked at the hotel for 23 years working his way up from being a restaurant team member to being the Hotel Manager for the final three years. During his 11 years as Assistant Manager Richard was in charge of payroll for the hotel’s staff.

Welcoming Richard to the team, William Hughes, Partner in the Tenby and Haverfordwest Ashmole & Co offices, said, “We are absolutely delighted to have Richard, with his local knowledge and experience in payroll, join our team. Our dedicated payroll team allows local companies to be relieved of the burden of administering their payroll. The last 18 months have been especially difficult for so many employers having to furlough staff as a result of the pandemic. We have been proud to be able to help them safely through the minefield of applying for support to ensure those local employees still have jobs and are paid.”

With Ashmole and Co managing payroll, local clients can concentrate on the core activities of their business. Payroll registration, advice, compliance, investigations, bureau service and CIS contracts are all part of the service Ashmole & Co can provide.

The most rewarding part of the job for Richard is having the opportunity to build strong and fruitful working relationships with clients. He says his background in hospitality certainly assists him in his new position as being helpful and providing a friendly service is essential.

Commenting on his appointment Richard said, “Having lived and worked in Fishguard all my life I’m delighted to be able to now work with local companies and help them with their payroll as part of the team at Ashmole & Co.”

Ashmole & Co are one of the largest chartered certified accountants in south Wales. The rapidly expanding and modern firm often has job opportunities for enthusiastic individuals within the organisation. If you feel you have the qualities to be part of the team at Ashmole & Co, please email, with your CV attached, to [email protected]. Alternatively, apply for one of the specific vacancies listed on the website: www.ashmole.co.uk

News

Former West Wales MS says Starmer resignation felt ‘increasingly inevitable’

Published

49 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Samuel Kurtz says public frustration has grown after two years of Labour controversies and policy decisions

FORMER West Wales MS Samuel Kurtz has said Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation felt “increasingly inevitable” after months of controversy and public frustration.

The Welsh Conservative said he watched the Prime Minister’s Downing Street statement with “genuine frustration”, adding that he wanted the UK to be respected regardless of which party was in government.

Starmer announced on Monday (Jun 22) that he would resign as Prime Minister and Labour leader, just 12 days before the second anniversary of Labour’s 2024 general election victory.

Mr Kurtz said: “As a British citizen, I sighed genuine frustration while watching this morning. Whatever the political colour of the Government, I want our country to be respected at home and on the international stage.

“But, in truth, this moment has felt increasingly inevitable as the weeks turned into months.”

He pointed to a series of controversies and policy decisions, including the Lord Alli gifts row, winter fuel allowance cuts, the Family Farm Tax, rising National Insurance, defence spending and domestic energy production.

Mr Kurtz said people “simply feel worse off”, adding that confidence in the economy remained low.

He said: “A Government should ultimately be judged on whether life is getting better for the people it serves.

“After two years marked by the controversies and a series of damaging policy decisions mentioned above, it’s difficult to argue this Government has passed that test.”

Mr Kurtz also questioned what would happen next, asking whether Labour would see an “Andy Burnham coronation”, whether Wes Streeting could build enough support, or whether an outsider could emerge.

He added that he would be watching the leadership contest “from the sidelines with interest”.

Labour is expected to open nominations for a new leader on July 9, with Starmer remaining in office until his successor is chosen.

Community

Haverfordwest lounge praised for charity work

Published

55 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HAVERFORDWEST venue has been praised for raising more than £2,600 for local charities through a series of community events.

Castle Ward county councillor Thomas Tudor visited The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest with Henry Tufnell MP, where they met manager Stephanie Davies.

Cllr Tudor said Stephanie had “truly embraced” her role in the community, organising events including a duck race, sports quiz, Mad Hatter’s tea party for Little Loungers, a bake sale and a drag night show.

Together, the events have raised £2,637 for local good causes.

Charities to benefit include The VC Gallery, Tŷ Hafan and Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre.

Cllr Tudor said: “It was lovely to introduce Henry Tufnell MP to Stephanie Davies, manager of The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

“Stephanie has truly embraced her role in the community of Haverfordwest, running many exciting initiatives and raising a staggering £2,637 for local charities.”

The fundraising continues this week, with Rock ’n’ Roll Bingo and a Wild West country and western night featuring a rodeo bull.

Caption: Community support: Thomas Tudor, Stephanie Davies and Henry Tufnell MP outside The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

News

Motorcyclist dies after four-vehicle crash on A40 in Carmarthenshire

Published

2 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a four-vehicle collision on the A40 between St Clears and Whitland.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 12:00pm on Sunday (Jun 21) and involved a grey Audi, a blue Seat, a grey Vauxhall and an orange KTM motorbike.

Sadly, the rider of the KTM died from their injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has since been released on conditional bail while further enquiries continue.

The road was closed while collision investigators examined the scene and reopened at around 8:30pm.

The latest tragedy follows two other serious motorcycle crashes in west Wales.

On Sunday afternoon, another motorcyclist was injured in a separate collision and is recovering in hospital.

Last week, a 22-year-old rider sadly died in a crash near Narberth, while his female pillion passenger was taken to hospital.

Anyone with information, or dashcam footage which could assist the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: DP-20260621-177.