Business
The Narberth culinary spectacle: A glimpse at Pembrokeshire’s Ffinest
NARBERTH is preparing to be the epicentre of a gastronomic delight. In a month’s time, the Narberth Food Festival will exhibit some of Pembrokeshire’s most renowned culinary artisans.
The fertile county of Pembrokeshire, brimming with pioneering restaurants, historic pubs, and award-winning producers, has long been celebrated for its culinary prowess. The forthcoming festival, slated for the 23rd and 24th of September at the Town Moor in Narberth, promises to be no exception.
In an exciting rendezvous, the festival is privileged to host food broadcaster, esteemed chef, and festival patron Angela Gray. Gray will be joined by a cadre of culinary luminaries from the county and further afield.
Among the local chefs gracing the stage will be Michelle Evans from Paternoster Farm, near Pembroke. Her establishment recently earned a commendable mention amongst the Good Food Guide’s ‘100 Best Local Restaurants of 2023’. Another noteworthy mention is ‘The Angel’ in Narberth, led by Haverfordwest native, Chef Michael Inker. The illustrious 18th-century coaching inn is in the running for another accolade, being shortlisted for the 2024 Good Food Award.
Inker, reflecting on his culinary journey remarked, “Starting my tenure in 2013 in the hospitality sector, it was clear my destiny was the kitchen. Pembrokeshire has been instrumental in my growth, having trained under its finest chefs. Today, I revel in serving the best at The Angel, with Narberth’s abundant local produce at my disposal.”
Orsola Muscia, affectionately known as ‘The Tailor Made Chef’, with her illustrious 19-year stint at Eton College, will also be a pivotal figure at the event. Muscia, now settled near Narberth, has been instrumental in empowering communities with healthy cooking techniques.
Seafood and seaweed enthusiasts will be intrigued by Jonathan Williams, the visionary behind the Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company and The Old Point House in Angle. His establishment’s innovative approach to marine delicacies is noteworthy, boasting of being the “first pub with its own secret sea garden”.
Festival committee chairman Colin Russell encapsulated the excitement, stating, “Pembrokeshire proudly houses some of Welsh’s finest culinary offerings. The Narberth Food Festival is a testament to that. We are thrilled to present a stage for our local talents to enthral and educate.”
The Narberth Food Festival, commencing on Saturday, September 23 and concluding on Sunday, September 24, 2023, is poised to be a haven for gastronomes. Attendees can look forward to chef demonstrations, scintillating talks, delectable tastings, live musical renditions, and a plethora of food stalls. Entry is priced at a modest £5 per day, with children under 16 granted complimentary access.
For more details, visit www.narberthfoodfestival.com.
Business
New chair for Celtic Freeport as project moves from development to delivery
THE UK and Welsh Governments welcomed Ed Tomp as the newly appointed permanent Chair of the Celtic Freeport, marking the project’s transition from the development to the delivery phase.
Ed Tomp assumed his role on 1 December 2024 and will lead this vital re-industrialisation and regeneration project. The Celtic Freeport is set to attract £8.4bn of private and public investment, deliver 11,500 new jobs and add £8.1bn of economic value (GVA). This vision is underpinned by investment incentives for businesses setting up new operations in designated development zones – tax sites – in Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire.
From 26 November 2024 until 30 September 2034, businesses investing in Celtic Freeport’s tax sites can access a suite of incentives. These include no Business Rates for the first five years, significant reductions in national insurance contributions and enhanced capital allowances including extended full capital expensing, to support their investment decisions.
The Celtic Freeport is a public-private consortium including Associated British Ports, Neath Port Talbot Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and the Port of Milford Haven, alongside renewables developers, energy companies, industrial complexes, innovation assets, academic institutions and education providers. The Celtic Freeport covers the ports of Milford Haven and Port Talbot and spans clean energy developments and innovation assets, fuel terminals, a power station and heavy engineering across South-West Wales.
Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller, cabinet member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said: “The Celtic Freeport opening for business is tremendous news for our region.
“The scale of the opportunity ahead for the Milford Haven Waterway and for Pembrokeshire is enormous and we are determined to ensure we maximise the opportunity this coming energy revolution offers to grow the Pembrokeshire economy, to secure investment and to create and sustain good jobs.
“We want to ensure that the incentives from the Celtic Freeport benefits the people from the communities within the waterway and across Pembrokeshire. I am confident that it will play a significant role in driving inclusive economic prosperity across the county.
“Together, with our partners, we can start the work to create meaningful investment for the people of Pembrokeshire, which will be transformational for our communities and businesses.”
Ed Tomp, Chair of the Celtic Freeport, added: “This week marks an important moment as we move from the development to delivery phase. Boosted by a suite of investment incentives, Celtic Freeport’s development plan will march forward to support existing industry to decarbonise, while creating an ecosystem between Pembrokeshire and Neath Port Talbot where green industries like sustainable fuels, hydrogen and floating offshore wind can prosper.”
Business
Support local shops This Small Business Saturday, urges Kurtz
SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, is calling on residents to champion local businesses as Small Business Saturday approaches on 7 December.
The annual event, now in its twelfth year, celebrates the vital role of small and independent businesses in communities. Since its UK launch in 2012, Small Business Saturday has become a highlight of the retail calendar, encouraging shoppers to explore and support their local high streets, particularly during the festive season.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mr. Kurtz emphasized the importance of shopping locally, not just at Christmas but year-round.
A call to shop local
“Small Business Saturday is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible independent shops and businesses that make our towns and villages so special,” he said. “In West Wales, we’re fortunate to have an abundance of unique, high-quality local businesses that deserve our support, especially as they face challenges such as Labour’s budget pressures and rising National Insurance.
“Shopping locally keeps money within our communities, helping small businesses survive and thrive. This benefits us all and ensures that our hard-earned money supports local livelihoods instead of enriching distant shareholders.”
The backbone of the local economy
Mr. Kurtz also highlighted the wider benefits of backing small businesses.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. They create jobs, foster entrepreneurship, and bring character to our high streets. By supporting them, we’re investing in the future of our communities. Let’s ensure their success not just for a day, but all year round.”
The Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MS is encouraging everyone to take part in Small Business Saturday by visiting local shops, cafes, and service providers. He stressed that collective support can help sustain the vibrant and diverse economy that defines the region.
Business
What is the current state of the UK housing market and is it a good time to move?
The UK housing industry has seen some turbulence in recent years, with events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and wavering interest rates massively impacting the market. So, where is the UK housing market at now and what’s the outcome for those looking to buy or sell?
Current UK market
House prices
House prices have fluctuated throughout the year and by September 2024, the average house price in the UK was £292,000, a 2.9% annual price change. Across Wales, house prices in September 2024 were £217,000 which was in line with the previous year’s average of £216,000. In Pembrokeshire specifically, house prices were, on average, £238,000.
Mortgage rates
The average mortgage rate in November 2024 was 5.09% for a 2-year fixed term and 4.85% for a 5-year fixed term. This is a fair drop compared to last November which saw mortgage rates hit 6.29% and 5.86% for 2-year and 5-year fixed terms respectively.
House sales
The number of house sales has seen an increase in 2024. It’s estimated that there are 306,00 homes with a sale agreed, which is a 26% increase from last year. House sales are the highest they’ve been in four years and are now reaching pre-pandemic levels.
Future Forecast
The increase in momentum in the housing market is promising and with The Bank of England looking to drop the base rate of interest to 3.5% by 2030, mortgages will be more available to buyers. Labour has also pledged to build 1.5m homes in its first five years of Government, which should increase property purchases.
It’s difficult to accurately predict what will happen in the housing market as things can change quickly, however it seems likely that 2025 will be a good year for homeowners.
Top tips for selling your home
If you are thinking of selling your home, here are some top tips to help you in the process.
Make your home look inviting
Home staging is about making your home look as attractive as possible to potential buyers. Simple things like keeping your home clean, refreshing some of your paintwork, or replacing an old lightbulb can make a significant difference to the appearance of your home. If you have old furniture that takes up extra space or your garden has become excess storage for things you don’t need, consider a rubbish removal company such as Junk Bunk to help declutter your home.
Strengthen your kerb appeal
‘Kerb appeal’ refers to the exterior of your home. The most important features include well-maintained windows, a roof in good condition, and a tidy garden with well-looked-after pathways and fences. With 68% of home buyers considering kerb appeal important, it’s not something to overlook.
Choose a good estate agent
Having an organised and reliable estate agent can help you to sell your home faster and for a better price. Compare estate agents carefully and take the time to choose one you trust to sell your home efficiently.
So, should you move?
If you’re wondering whether now is a good time to move, it’s really down to your personal circumstances. If you want or need to move and can afford to do so, don’t let current market predictions stop you as they are changing constantly. If you’re not ready to move or don’t have the financial means to, then holding off could be a better option.
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