MORE than three-quarters (79%) of Welsh businesses expect greater profitability in 2025, a significant increase from 69% recorded in December 2023, according to Lloyds’ Business Barometer.

The survey also revealed that 73% of firms anticipate a rise in turnover next year. Of those, nearly a third (32%) predict revenue growth of between six and 10%, while over a quarter (26%) expect even higher gains.

Profitability remains the top priority for 55% of businesses, followed closely by staff upskilling (43%) and productivity improvements (33%). Additionally, 17% of firms aim to enhance their technology, including automation and AI, while 18% are focused on improving environmental sustainability.

To achieve these goals, more than a third (35%) of Welsh businesses plan to invest in staff training, with 29% allocating resources towards research and development (R&D) of new products or services.

The Lloyds Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and has been running since 2002, provides valuable insights into regional and national economic trends.

Sam Noble, Regional Director for Wales at Lloyds, said: “Welsh businesses are looking ahead to the new year with ambitious plans. While uncertainties remain, these strategies will help them achieve growth and strengthen their resilience against potential challenges. As they move forward, we’ll continue to stand by them with our support.”

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has confirmed it will facilitate a third daily ferry sailing from Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal to Rosslare on a temporary basis from 7th January 2025.  Irish Ferries vessel the ‘Isle of Innisfree’ will call at the Port in addition to the twice-daily scheduled call of the ‘James Joyce’.  

Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, Tom Sawyer, said: “Since the temporary closure of Holyhead Port, the Port of Milford Haven has been working in close collaboration with the Department for Transport, Welsh Government and Irish Ferries to identify ways in which it can support the national effort to move freight and passengers between Britain and Ireland. 

“As the UK’s largest energy port responsible for the facilitation of around 20% of the UK’s energy needs, we have had to look carefully at how we can support additional ferry traffic without impacting vital UK energy supplies. 

“After careful analysis we have identified that we can accommodate an additional daily ferry sailing from Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal on a temporary basis. This third sailing of Irish Ferries vessel ‘Isle of Innisfree’ will be in addition to the usual twice-daily sailing of the ‘James Joyce’.  However, whilst the James Joyce will be departing from Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal at its usual timetabled slots of 02:45 and 14:45, the Isle of Innisfree departure time will be dependent on other traffic movements, although we will be aiming for a departure time of 0600 where possible.

“Thank you to all our customers for their patience and understanding whilst we have taken time to identify ways to support all traffic movements on the Milford Haven Waterway. Finally, thank you to the community of Pembroke Dock who have endured additional traffic through the town throughout this period.”

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been accused of racially aggravated harassment against a Haverfordwest town councillor.

Lee Woodmass, 48, of Hywel Road, Haverfordwest, is alleged to have harassed Councillor Randell Turner-Thomas, who represents the Castle ward, during an incident in the town centre on August 6 last year.

Woodmass is accused of intentionally causing alarm or distress to Cllr Turner-Thomas during an altercation.

Woodmass previously appeared before a district judge sitting at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where he denied the charge. He elected a Crown Court trial, and proceedings commenced on November 29.

The defendant later pleaded guilty to the offence on a basis, but this was not accepted by the prosecution.

A Newton Hearing will take place at Swansea Crown Court on January 2 to determine the facts of the case.