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Welsh businesses optimistic despite challenges in Q2

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BUSINESSES in Wales have demonstrated resilience and optimism in the second quarter of 2023 according to the latest Quarterly Economic Survey from Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid.

The Chamber’s quarterly economic surveys are independent surveys of business sentiment and a leading indicator of UK GDP growth, with the results closely watched by policymakers.

The survey revealed a boost to business confidence in Wales in Q2, despite the ongoing challenges faced by the UK economy.

There were noteworthy improvements regarding cashflow, with fewer businesses experiencing worsening conditions compared to Q1. 31% of businesses in Wales reported an increased cashflow in the last three months, a figure higher than the national picture (25%).

Growing business confidence in turnover and profitability is also evident, with 60% of businesses in Wales expecting their turnover to improve in the next year and 53% predicting that profitability will also improve.

However, Welsh businesses continue to face challenges as 64% of firms stated that they are currently operating below capacity, primarily due to low order numbers for their goods or services.

Recruitment challenges persist, particularly for skilled manual, technical, professional and managerial roles, with 71% of businesses in Wales experiencing difficulties. Businesses are also under pressure to raise prices due to labour costs such as salaries.

Inflation also remains a top concern for businesses as although the peak appears to have passed, inflation figures did not fall as quickly as expected in April and stalled in May.

Paul Butterworth, CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “Despite lingering challenges, the results of our latest survey highlight minor improvements compared to Q1, showcasing the resilience of the Welsh business community.

“It is encouraging to see Welsh businesses looking forward with optimism. We hope that this confidence can be sustained in Q3 and Q4 if inflation continues to ease, allowing businesses to have certainty to be able to invest in their future.

“However, as we see consistently in our surveys, businesses face barriers in the form of recruitment and skills which obstruct them from realising their growth potential. Action is required, whether that is support or investment, to help employers with skills development and training to support their existing workforce and attract new employees.”

Business

Millin Brook Luxury Dog Boarding wins three top industry awards

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MILLIN BROOK Luxury Dog Boarding, a family-run business in Wiston, has received three major industry awards this year, cementing its place as a leader in pet care services.

The first accolade came in September when the business was named Business Service of the Year at the PetQuip Awards. Co-owner Sian Smith said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded Business Service of the Year. We put our heart and soul into providing the highest possible level of service to our wonderful clients, and it’s great to have this recognised by industry experts.”

THE UK’S BEST

On November 7, Millin Brook was crowned Best Kennels in the UK at the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) Awards. These awards, which celebrate excellence across the pet care sector, saw Millin Brook score highly in customer satisfaction.

Nigel Baker, CEO of the Pet Industry Federation, said:

“Millin Brook particularly impressed the judges. They scored very highly on their customer satisfaction scores.”

Co-owner Dave Smith added: “This is the biggest accolade we can receive in the pet industry, and we are so very proud.”

A LONDON CELEBRATION

The year was rounded off on November 21, when Millin Brook won the Kennel and Home Boarding category at the Dog Friendly Awards, held at the Kennel Club in Mayfair, London.

Mrs Smith reflected on the occasion, saying: “It is such a beautiful venue and full of history. Following the award ceremony, we were treated to a fabulous spread of afternoon tea. One of the highlights was meeting Ted, the dog from Gone Fishing. We finished the day with a tour around the Kennel Club museum and enjoyed a few celebration drinks.”

These three awards highlight Millin Brook’s commitment to providing outstanding pet care and confirm its status as a standout name in the UK pet industry.

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Business

Haverfordwest butcher wins best banger in Wales

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PRENDERGAST BUTCHERS in Haverfordwest has taken the top prize for the best sausage in Wales, at the prestigious ‘Put Your Best Sausage Forward 2024’ competition.

Organised by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales, the award celebrates the artisan Welsh pork industry, which is defined by smaller scale and specialised farms and producers.

The award-winning family butchers is run by Chris and Rachel Wolsey, along with their two sons Tom and Mark.

The family have been farming in Pembrokeshire for almost 50 years, and took over the shop some seven years ago. In that time, the business has been transformed and consistently wins awards for the quality of its offering, including being named the best butcher in Wales at the UK-wide Butcher’s Shop of the Year Awards.

Announced at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair Show, not only was their Prendergast Gold sausage named the best banger in Wales, but their Merry Cherry entry also reigned supreme in the newly introduced Best Christmas Sausage category.

Speaking of his pride at winning both awards, Chris Wolsey said, “Having made the shortlist for the two previous years and just missing out on the top prize, it’s fantastic to have finally taken the crown. To win the best Christmas sausage as well is just the icing on top.

“Everyone in the shop is over the moon. Both entries are a combination of the family doing a lot of trialling and tasting, and getting the sausages to the point where we feel they would be appealing to our customers. My preference is for a sausage with very high pork content, and which just has the bare minimum of seasoning, hand mixed and with a natural casing. When you have an amazing product, like locally reared pork in Wales, then you want that to be the star of the show and the main flavour.

“In my opinion, pork from Wales is superior. The flavour, husbandry and smaller scale farms sets us apart from the larger, more industrial method of farming. At Prendergast Butchers, we know exactly where all our meat comes from, it’s fully traceable and we work closely with our customers and farmers to get the product exactly as they want it.”

Philippa Gill, Brand Engagement Lead at Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales, commented, “We are thrilled that Prendergast Butchers took not just one, but both awards at this year’s competition.

“The standards continue to be high, and highlight some of the quality, artisan products that are available locally to people in Wales.

“Our small-scale producers offer unique, hand-reared products, often available directly or from local shops like Prendergast Butchers. With fewer food miles, it’s often a more sustainable choice, in addition to helping keep money in the local economy. We would strongly encourage people to seek out their local pork producer and give them a try.”

For more information on pork produced in Wales, and where you can buy it, visit porcblasus.cymru.

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Business

Roch Castle wins awards at the Historic Hotels of Europe ceremony in Prague

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ROCH CASTLE near St Davids is proud to announce its recent wins at the Historic Hotels of
Europe Awards, held in the heart of Prague.

Adelle and Johanna, representing Roch Castle, accepted two distinguished accolades for the entire team: Historic Eco Hotel of the Year and the Silver Award for Historic Castle Hotel of the Year.

The Historic Eco Hotel of the Year award recognises Roch Castle’s dedication to sustainable
hospitality, a core value shared by staff and visitors.

This award celebrates the castle’s eco-friendly practices and commitment to preserving the environment while offering a luxury
experience steeped in history.

The Silver Award for Historic Castle Hotel of the Year also honours Roch Castle’s unique ability to provide guests with an unforgettable stay in an authentic and beautifully restored 12th-century castle.

The management gave a heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who supported Roch Castle and voted in the awards.

Special recognition is due to our exceptional team, whose hard work and dedication
made these achievements possible.

For more details on Roch Castle or to experience this award-winning destination for yourself,
visit our website at www.rochcastle.com, email [email protected] or call 01437 725 566.

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