Business
Ascona wins ‘Best New Forecourt Award’ at the APEA Awards 2023

PEMBROKESHIRE-BASED Ascona Group is delighted to announce that its brand new Machynlleth Service Station, which was reopened on Thursday, 24th August 2023, has won the ‘Best New Forecourt’ award at the APEA Awards 2023.
In line with Ascona’s strategy to develop the next evolution of roadside retail destinations, the site recently underwent a transformative £3m redevelopment programme, Ascona’s largest investment in Wales to date. The redevelopment programme expanded the site’s existing Nisa Retail store, which now spans 3,500 sq ft and offers an extended range of products and food-to-go offerings, as well as a extending the car park.
The award rewards the best retail fuel installation completed in the last 12 months in the UK and Ireland, with independent experts deliberating over entries that show excellence in various criteria including design, innovation, environmental safety and customer offering.
With several similar projects scheduled for 2024, Ascona is pleased to be recognised for the success of this project and its focus on redeveloping roadside assets so they provide the best possible service for the nation’s road users and the local community.
Darren Briggs, CEO and Founder of Ascona Group, commented:
“We are thrilled that Machynlleth Service Station has been named the ‘Best New Forecourt’ at the APEA Awards 2023. It is a proud moment for us all as the award reflects the success of our transformative redevelopment programme, our largest investment of this kind in Wales to date.
“As always, my thanks must go to the Ascona team, C+A Design Ltd and Toureen for the hard work put into the site’s redevelopment. In 2024, we will embark on some similar projects as we continue to focus on creating first-class roadside assets that support their local communities and we look forward to working with our partners again.”
Business
Mayor welcomes Eyemazy to Tenby with official opening

TENBY Mayor Cllr Dai Morgan officially welcomed a unique new business to the town on Sunday (June 23) with the opening of Eyemazy, a creative studio specialising in transforming photographs of the human iris into striking pieces of personalised art.
Speaking at the launch, the Mayor said: “Tenby has always been a place of breathtaking beauty, creativity, and warm community spirit. Today, we celebrate something new that captures all of that—and more.”
Eyemazy, which offers cutting-edge imaging and custom artwork services, allows visitors to turn a close-up image of their eye into a one-of-a-kind visual display. The studio adds to Tenby’s growing reputation as a hub of artistic innovation and tourism.
“This innovative studio transforms something truly personal—your iris—into a unique work of art,” added the Mayor. “It’s a celebration of individuality, creativity, and the beauty within each of us. Eyemazy not only brings artistic flair to Tenby but also strengthens our local economy and continues our proud tradition of blending creativity with commerce.”
Cllr Morgan concluded by offering a warm welcome to the Eyemazy team and said he looked forward to the studio becoming a popular destination for both residents and tourists.
Business
Pioneering aeronautical apprentice flies the flag for women in engineering

A YOUNG apprentice from Llantrisant is breaking barriers in the aerospace industry as Wales celebrates Women in Engineering Day.
Georgia Price, 21, was the first female aeronautical engineering apprentice at Newport-based AerFin Ltd, a global aviation company specialising in aircraft and engine component support services.
Currently studying for a degree in Aeronautical Engineering at the University of South Wales, Georgia is blazing a trail for women in STEM careers. Her achievements include winning bronze and gold medals at the Inspiring Skills Competition Wales Manufacturing Team Challenge and the Skills Academy Wales Tomorrow’s Talent Award.
Georgia said: “My advice to other women considering an engineering career is to go for it. It’s not as daunting as it may look, and everyone is so supportive and welcoming.”
Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership Jack Sargeant said: “Georgia’s success story is a beacon to all young women who may today be considering a career in engineering. Her achievements also illustrate the value of apprenticeships as a pathway into employment and further education.”
The Welsh Government has increased its support for apprenticeships despite financial challenges and the loss of European funding. Core funding has risen from £97m in 2020 to £144m in the most recent budget. Latest data published by Medr shows nearly 73,795 new apprenticeship starts have been supported during this Senedd term.
Georgia’s employer, AerFin, now has three female apprentices and is committed to developing local talent in the thriving aerospace sector.
Simon Bayliss, AerFin’s chief operating officer said: “Georgia is a great asset to the business. Apprenticeships provide the company with a great opportunity to take on and develop local talent which allows us to grow organically.”
Business
£20m investment to secure future of Fishguard Port

Largest ferry to visit Fishguard as Stena Line commits to long-term upgrade
FISHGUARD Port is set for a major upgrade after ferry operator Stena Line announced a £20 million investment to replace the town’s ageing linkspan bridge.
The new infrastructure, described as “overdue” by the company, will provide increased flexibility and secure the long-term viability of the Pembrokeshire port, which serves the route to Rosslare in the Republic of Ireland.
Stena Line said it hopes construction on the new drawbridge-style linkspan will begin in 2026, with completion targeted for 2027. The company said the investment demonstrates a commitment to Fishguard for the next “30 to 40 years”.
Boost following Holyhead closure
Fishguard saw an unexpected increase in traffic in December 2024, after Storm Darragh damaged berthing terminals at Holyhead. The disruption meant freight traffic and ferries were redirected to Fishguard to relieve pressure on the Irish Sea route.
During this period, the Stena Adventurer — the largest ferry ever to visit the port — docked in Fishguard for the first time.
Ian Davies of Stena Line acknowledged that the new investment was long-awaited: “It’s overdue,” he said, but added that the upgraded linkspan would allow far more flexibility for vessels and scheduling in the years ahead.
Abandoned plans revived
A similar project to upgrade the port was cancelled in 2018, raising concerns locally about Fishguard’s future as a ferry terminal. At the time, tenders had already been invited for the build, but the scheme was scrapped unexpectedly.
The current single-lane linkspan, which dates back to the early 1970s, has been nearing the end of its working life for some time. Its replacement is expected to bring the port up to modern operational standards and support future vessel deployments.
Stena Line currently operates two roll-on roll-off ferry services per day between Fishguard and Rosslare.
The investment announcement has been welcomed by port users and the local community as a sign that the port will continue to play a key role in west Wales’ transport and economic infrastructure.
Preseli Pembrokeshire Senedd Member Paul Davies has welcomed the news that Stena Line is
planning to invest £20 million to upgrade Fishguard port.
Mr Davies said, “I’m delighted that Stena Line is making a significant investment in the port’s
infrastructure. It’s a firm commitment from Stena Line which will secure the port for years to come.”
“The upgrading of infrastructure will enable larger ferries to berth and that could result in more
opportunities for the local economy.”
“I’m excited about this investment and I look forward to seeing the development progress.”
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