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Welsh financial services graduate scheme boosted as Principality joins

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principalityWALES’ pioneering Financial Services Graduate Scheme has welcomed Principality on board as its latest participating member, joining Atradius, Admiral, GMAC UK PLC and Composite Legal Expenses. The Welsh building society joins as the increasingly popular programme recruits additional participants for September. 

Current programme graduate, Sam Griffiths, who will be spending his next placement with the Principality said: “The major attraction of the programme was to gain experience in big, established financial services companies. The fact that they are based in Wales is the icing on the cake. Wales’ pool of talent is huge and it is a shame that many of the region’s talented graduates feel obliged to start or indeed further their careers outside Wales, due to the lack of perceived opportunities. “The recent introduction of the Principality to the scheme shows that this ambitious programme is not only thriving, but also really gathering some momentum in how it is viewed by other major Welsh financial services companies.” The programme, partially funded by Welsh Government’s Sector Priority Fund, aims to foster homegrown talent in order to create future leaders and professionals in the sector, which has a strong – and growing – presence in Wales. Offering graduates the chance to experience a professional career in financial services first hand, the scheme gives participants twoyear paid placements, spanning the participating businesses. Those on the scheme will receive structured training, professional qualification and vitally important work experience in key roles such as underwriting, account management and finance, across the participating businesses. Through this collaborative approach, Wales, which has a strong financial services employer presence, is able to inspire and develop a talent pool of future financial services professionals. Anne Middleton, Welsh Chair of the National Skills Academy for Financial Services and HR Manager at Atradius, key in conceptualising and launching the scheme, said: “It’s a real boost that Principality has joined us. Not only because of its importance as a major player on the Welsh financial landscape, but also, with a branch network which reaches all over Wales, it also bring a whole new ‘High Street’ dimension to the scheme, giving participants exposure to another facet of the experience of working in financial services.” Ian Wainwright, Head of Learning and Development at Principality, said: “As a mutual building society, we have a commitment to the people of Wales on many levels, not simply financially but also at community level and beyond. This programme is a fantastic way for us to give something back – helping talented Welsh graduates get a firm foot on the career ladder. But it is also an excellent way for us to join other financial services businesses in creating a base of home grown talent, which will, over time, help secure the future of Wales as a financial service industry centre of excellence.” Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Ken Skates, said: “It is fantastic to see The Principality joining this pioneering scheme, which continues to go from strength to strength. As a mutual building society, it brings so much to this partnership and will play a pivotal role in developing skills and talent within Wales’ financial services sector. “We want to see more of our employers in priority sectors working together and sharing responsibility for training and professional development. This is one of the hallmarks of a sustainable skills system and is a key to our forthcoming Skills Implementation Plan, which I will launch later this month.” The programme would like to hear from businesses and graduates interested in participating. Please contact Rowena O’Sullivan for further details Rowena.O’Sullivan@ atradius.com

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Stephen Crabb leads inquiry on retaining community bank services  

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PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP, and Chair of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee Stephen Crabb is leading an inquiry in Parliament that will investigate the closure of high street banks in Wales, as well as access to cash.

In November 2023, Pembrokeshire saw the closure of Lloyds Bank in St Davids, and in the coming months both Barclays Bank and Halifax in Haverfordwest are set to close. In recent years, Wales has experienced a rapid decline in the number of high street banking services available to the public. Already in 2024, 23 high street bank closures have been announced in Wales, while automated teller machines (ATMs) declined by nearly a quarter between 2018 and 2023.

The Committee willconsider how declining high street banking services are impacting vulnerable people and small businesses across Wales, who are often more reliant on cash than digital banking. It will also examine how Wales is being affected by the loss of high street bank services, and whether the problem is worse in Wales than other parts of the UK.

Mr Crabb is a staunch advocate for retaining community banking facilities, especially in rural communities like Pembrokeshire where many local branches remain the only source of face-to-face banking provision for miles.

Recently Mr Crabb challenged Barclays Bank senior management on their decision to close the bank branch in Haverfordwest– a move that will see Barclays not only pull out of the county town, but means they won’t have a branch left anywhere in Pembrokeshire. He has also engaged with LINK – the UK’s largest cash machine network – and continues to campaign on the basis that a Banking Hub is established and that ATM machines should be retained or installed, especially in areas worst affected by the closures.  

Following the launch of the inquiry, MP Crabb added: “It is really sad to see so many banks across Wales closing as online banking grows in popularity. Despite the advantages of online banking, for a rural community with an ageing population like Pembrokeshire, bank branches hold huge importance as they offer face-to-face customer service.”

“I am acutely aware of the inconvenience that the bank closures locally have already caused following hundreds of replies from constituents to my ‘online banking survey’ ”

“I am looking forward to gathering further evidence on this subject through the committee’s inquiry, and will continue to put pressure on the relevant stakeholders to ensure that adequate alternative provisions are made through the establishment of banking hubs as well as the instalment of ATM machines where necessary.”

“In this inquiry, we are particularly keen to hear from those likely to be directly affected by the shift away from cash and physical banks. I encourage anyone with first-hand experience of losing banking services to give evidence to the Committee”

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Trains resume between Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock as works end

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TRAIN services resumed this morning (Thursday 28 March) after ten days of essential round-the-clock work to upgrade track and drainage between Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock.

The railway was closed from Monday 18 March to Wednesday 27 March to allow Network Rail teams to replace more than 200 metres of track and 300 tonnes of ballast (track stones) between Pembroke station and Pembroke Dock.

Work to improve the drainage between Narbeth and Kilgetty stations was also completed at the same time.

Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, said: “This essential work in Pembrokeshire demonstrates our commitment to improving the reliability of the service we provide to passengers along our route.

“We know that replacing the track can be disruptive and very noisy, so I would like to thank the residents of Pembroke for their patience while our team carried out this crucial work.”

Colin Lea, Planning and Performance Director at Transport for Wales said: “We’re pleased that our colleagues in Network Rail have completed this essential work and that Transport for Wales rail services resumed today.

“We’d like to thank passengers for their patience while this work has progressed and look forward to welcoming passengers back in time for the Easter weekend.”

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Ocky White Travel marks 60th anniversary with luxury cruise giveaway

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IN a grand gesture commemorating six decades of unparalleled service in the travel industry, Pembrokeshire’s venerated independent travel agency, Ocky White Travel, has announced an extraordinary giveaway—a luxury cruise for two, in partnership with Pure West Radio.

Established 60 years ago, Ocky White Travel has become a staple in the lives of Pembrokeshire residents, offering dream holidays and contributing significantly to the local economy. Despite the fluctuating fortunes of neighbouring businesses and the often harsh realities of the travel sector, Ocky White Travel has stood firm, a testament to its resilience and commitment to customer satisfaction.

This resilience was further demonstrated when, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic—a period that saw many in the industry falter—Ocky White Travel not only survived but thrived by expanding its operations to include Sam Smith Travel in Cowbridge. This expansion has allowed the agency to extend its exceptional service to a broader audience across South Wales.

Celebrating this milestone, Ocky White Travel has engaged in a comprehensive multi-media campaign, underscored by its official sponsorship of the PWR Daytime Show. A central highlight of this celebration is a tiered competition, offering participants a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win a luxury Nordic cruise for two. The competition, which has garnered thousands of entries since its launch on 21st February, underscores the agency’s dedication to rewarding its loyal clientele.

Mark White, Owner and Managing Director of Ocky White Travel, expressed immense pride in reaching this significant milestone. He emphasised the agency’s unique position in the hearts of many families across generations, attributing this success to the personalised service and deep understanding of client needs that have become the hallmark of Ocky White Travel.

Echoing this sentiment, Toby Ellis of Pure West Radio highlighted the positive impact of the partnership on local residents. He praised Ocky White Travel for its hands-on approach and the invaluable advice provided by its seasoned staff. The giveaway, featuring a 7-night cruise to the Norwegian Fjords, stands as the most significant prize offered by the radio station, symbolising a “holiday of a lifetime.”

Entries for this historic giveaway will remain open until 31st March, with the lucky winners to be announced on Pure West Radio’s Daytime Show. This event not only celebrates Ocky White Travel’s 60 years of service but also its enduring commitment to creating unforgettable holiday experiences for its customers.

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