Business

Edwards Bros sale to council completes

Published

2 years ago

January 14, 2023

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has completed the purchase of the assets of Edwards Bros Coaches of Tiers Cross. The move allows the local authority (LA) to “maintain its statutory duty to provide public and school transport” and to reduce costs “as part of an invest to save strategy,” it says.

Conclusion of the deal ends a long-running affair that began in 2021 when “it became clear that the operator was planning to withdraw from the bus market,” PCC continues. At that time, the county had lost five operators in the prior seven years, including Silcox Coaches of Pembroke Dock in 2016.

The potential withdrawal of Edwards Bros Coaches caused concern with the LA that a retendering exercise in a smaller market and with accelerating operational expenditure could have led it to incur “substantial increased costs for the same services.”

Loss of a further operator would have created a “high risk” that others would not be found for all of Edwards Bros’ contracts had it exited the market. That could have forced PCC to bring more work in-house but without suitable facilities to do so. The Edwards purchase includes its operating centre.

Papers from a PCC Cabinet meeting on 10 January 2022 show that at that point, it was paying Edwards Bros a claimed annual sum of “in the region of £900,000” for 23 home-to-school routes and six public services. PCC estimated that retendering would have seem an increase of £300,000 on that.

PCC’s Cabinet backed the acquisition of the Edwards Bros assets at that meeting a year ago. Since then, the LA has undertaken “a huge piece of due diligence.” Completion of the deal came in December 2022. PCC already operates some contracts in-house, which the LA previously said was a practice that had been initiated where “there is no competition, or, in fact, no interest” from commercial operators.

Speaking about the conclusion of the purchase, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett, said: “We have a statutory duty to provide these important services in as sustainable and cost-effective a way as possible. In this case, that has been to bring these assets in-house.
“Former Edwards Bros staff are now being employed by the council, with management being undertaken by existing officers from within the Transport Department who have the necessary qualification to manage a bus company.
“I would like to thank officers in the council for the hard work done on the due diligence, and the former proprietor of Edwards Bros and his team for reaching this milestone. It is especially poignant for Mr Edwards, given the family run nature of the business over many years.”

Edwards Bros Coaches held an international O-Licence for 34 vehicles, with Robert Edwards and Jayne Edwards as its Directors. That licence is currently under consideration for surrender, according to the Vehicle Operator Licencing Service. In its papers of 10 January 2022, PCC said it was to operate the acquired services under both Section 19 and Section 22 community bus permits.

The business was founded in 1946 as a garage, later moving to operating a private hire car before the arrival of the first mini coach and coach in the 1960s.

It should be noted that Edwards Bros Coaches of Tiers Cross has no connection with any other coach or bus operator in Wales of a similar name, including Edwards Coaches of Llantrisant, which remains in family ownership.

Business

Upgrades completed at Port of Milford Haven’s simulator suite

Published

7 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

UPGRADES have been completed to state-of-the-art equipment within the Port of Milford Haven’s navigation simulator suite at Milford Waterfront enabling marine professionals to receive bespoke specialist training. The virtual reality simulation system can safely replicate a range of scenarios that seafarers may experience in real world situations such as extreme weather conditions, emergency situations and escort tug work.

The upgrades provided by Netherlands-based company MARIN contain the latest hardware in terms of processing power and graphics, as well as upgrades to MARIN’s ‘Dolphin’ software, increasing the capability to create scenarios. These are complemented with new 4k visuals on 75” screens which increase the depth and field of vision, adding to the realism.

Recently, a training day was led by Training Pilot Captain Mark Johnson, assisted by ex-Pilot Andy Hillier, involving members of the Svitzer team as well as Pilots Matt Roberts and Ian Coombes. As part of the scenario, they were faced with a loss of engine power and steering along with worsening weather and sea conditions. The Pilots had to communicate with Svitzer in order to successfully instruct them on how to tow and direct a drifting tanker. While scenarios like these are uncommon within port operations, it is important to rehearse procedures that would be implemented if they are required and enhances participants’ skill sets.

Marine Pilot and Simulator Instructor, Captain Ewan McNicoll, said “This simulator suite has future proofed our training capabilities, both internally for Pilots and marine staff, but also externally for clients wishing to use the facility, be it for training purposes or research and development. We can create any type of scenario with any type of ship, ranging from practicing ship handling manoeuvres to emergency situations, it really is game changing! Working with our partners at MARIN has been a complete success and I am very proud of our new facility.”

For more information about training at the navigation simulation suite please contact the Port of Milford Haven at [email protected] or 01646 696100.

Business

Thousands of homes in rural Wales gain from faster 4G boost

Published

13 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RURAL Wales is seeing a major upgrade in mobile connectivity, with faster 4G now live in several areas. Seven locations across North, South West, and West Wales are benefitting from new 4G mast upgrades funded by the UK Government’s Shared Rural Network (SRN), aimed at closing the digital gap between rural and urban areas.

The upgrades, which went live on Thursday (Nov 14), bring improved 4G coverage to communities including Bontddu, Llanelltyd, Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, Penmaenpool, Tabor, Snowdonia National Park, and Bontgoch. Local businesses, emergency services, and residents are expected to benefit from faster internet access, which supports daily communication, business opportunities, and economic growth.

***There is a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties***

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Fast, reliable connectivity is essential for modern life and should be available from Cardiff to the remotest parts of Wales. Today’s upgrades bring us closer to making this a reality.”

SUPPORTING DIGITAL INCLUSION

As part of the rollout, Peter Kyle and Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant visited Ebbw Vale to discuss digital inclusion with charity and industry leaders. They met with representatives at BGfm, a digital inclusion hub in Blaenau Gwent, to learn about how connectivity impacts daily life in Welsh communities.

Telecoms Minister Bryant said: “We are working tirelessly to make sure rural communities aren’t left behind online.

“These upgrades mean businesses can now operate without connectivity limitations, 999 services are better equipped to respond, and residents and tourists can stay connected across the Welsh countryside.”

ADDRESSING CONNECTIVITY GAPS

An estimated 1.5 million homes across the UK remain without internet access, limiting people’s ability to access essential services such as banking and healthcare. In addition to the SRN upgrades, the Chancellor has allocated over £500 million in next year’s budget for digital infrastructure expansion, targeting these underserved areas.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens highlighted the importance of this investment, particularly for rural Wales, where fast, reliable internet can be transformative.

“Connectivity is critical for day-to-day life in rural areas – from supporting local businesses to ensuring emergency services are just a call away,” Stevens said.

The upgraded masts, previously limited to EE customers and emergency 999 calls, now serve a wider user base, bringing essential internet access to more people without requiring new infrastructure.

Ben Roome, CEO of Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited, said: “With the activation of five new SRN sites, Wales is seeing the tangible benefits of the Shared Rural Network, bringing crucial connectivity to rural communities.”

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT IN REMOTE WALES

The improvements come alongside a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties, helping future-proof digital access in even the most isolated locations.

The latest upgrades mark another step in the Government’s mission to improve mobile coverage and close the connectivity gap across Wales, creating opportunities and supporting economic growth across rural communities.

Business

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority invites businesses to advertise in mag

Published

16 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As 2024 comes to a close, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is encouraging local businesses to prepare for the year ahead by reserving advertising space in Coast to Coast, Pembrokeshire’s highly regarded, award-winning visitor magazine.

Launching its 43rd edition in Easter 2025, Coast to Coast provides a prime opportunity for businesses to reach a wide audience, with a readership exceeding one million people.

The bilingual publication, distributed across Pembrokeshire’s busiest locations and parts of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion during peak tourism months, is a valuable resource for both visitors and residents. From unique products and delicious offerings to exciting experiences, businesses of all types can benefit from the exposure Coast to Coast offers. The magazine is available in hundreds of outlets countywide and has become an essential guide for anyone looking to explore the best of Pembrokeshire.

“Over the years, Coast to Coast has established itself as the must-have summer guide, packed with inspiration for exploring the Park,” said Marie Parkin, Head of Marketing and Communications for the Authority. “In addition to showcasing our visitor attractions such as Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, Castell Henllys Iron Age Village and Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre, the magazine includes practical information like maps, bus schedules and tide tables.”

“From scenic walks and beach days to rich insights into the Park’s heritage, culture, and wildlife, Coast to Coast offers something for everyone. Our Activities and Events listings ensure families can enjoy a full calendar of experiences,” Marie Parkin added.

With advertising deadlines set for early January 2025, businesses are encouraged to act swiftly to secure their spot and avoid disappointment.

For more information about advertising in Coast to Coast, please contact [email protected] or call 01646 624895.