Business
Bluestone unveils national campaign ‘Welcome to our Neighbourhood’
BLUESTONE NATIONAL PARK RESORT is launching a national marketing campaign to attract holiday makers to Wales in 2024.
The luxury holiday resort, named third best value in the UK for 2023 by Which? magazine for a second year running, appointed Golley Slater to develop an integrated marketing campaign.
In 2023, Bluestone invested a total of £30million into the expansion of the resort including the launch of 80 new platinum lodges and the imminent development of an 11-hectre solar farm.
The “Welcome to our Neighbourhood” campaign demonstrates how a visit to Bluestone is more than a stay at a luxury resort – it’s a journey into a community, an opportunity to create memories and an exploration of nature.
The creative showcases Bluestone’s entire neighbourhood to prospective guests – from its luxury lodges, family-friendly activities and award-winning spa to the people, wildlife and unparalleled scenery of Pembrokeshire.
Bluestone sits within 500 acres of scenic countryside in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, making it the perfect destination to enjoy the surrounding beauty of Wales’s beaches, cliffs, harbours and charming villages.
The TV advert features a cast of children who invite viewers into their neighbourhood to see and experience the resort through their eyes, including family fun at the indoor water park, toasted marshmallows at Camp Smokey restaurant, and a boat ride in the popular seaside town of Tenby.
Adopting a playful spin on the popular TV show “MTV Cribs”, the advert depicts how children and adults alike are able to make the resort their own by roaming free and enjoying the ‘Free Range’ experience at Bluestone.
The TV ad was produced by Storm and Shelter and directed by Chris Strong.
Bethan Rees, Head of Marketing, said: “This year has been a hugely exciting one for Bluestone, with the launch of 80 new platinum lodges and our new heritage dining experience, Black Pool Mill.
“As we look ahead to 2024, we wanted to launch a campaign that captures the full spectrum of Bluestone’s charm, from our luxury lodges and unique activities to the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant communities that define Pembrokeshire.
“We’re thrilled with the campaign, which focusses on the genuine joy of children experiencing our resort, and truly reflects the heart and soul of Bluestone.”
The 30-second and 60-second advertising spots will run on regional TV and be supported by video-on-demand, social and digital display from boxing day for eight weeks.
Golley Slater will also manage the media planning and buying for this campaign.
The latest campaign brief comes after a longstanding successful partnership between the Cardiff-headquartered marketing agency and family-run resort which dates back nearly a decade.
Most recently, Golley Slater was appointed by Bluestone to provide PR support, with a focus on increasing the resort’s exposure in national UK and Welsh press.
Richard Daughton, Creative Director at Golley Slater, said: “The creative process was fuelled by a desire to foster a genuine connection between potential visitors and the authentic charm of Bluestone.
“We wanted to immerse viewers into the Bluestone community through the eyes of the thousands of families that create unforgettable memories filled with joy, nature and adventure at the resort every year.”
“We are immensely proud of what we’ve achieved and excited to see the campaign come to life at the start of 2024 so even more people can discover the charm of Bluestone.”
Business
Ascona CEO honoured at 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards
ASCONA GROUP, the seventh-largest independent forecourt operator in the UK and one of Wales’ fastest-growing companies for the past three years, has achieved a significant milestone. Darren Briggs, CEO and founder, has been recognised at the 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, securing wins in two prestigious categories: ‘Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year – Wales’ and the inaugural ‘Randall Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year – Wales.’
Celebrating its 12th anniversary, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards highlight innovators and trailblazers shaping the UK economy. The newly introduced ‘Randall Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year’ award celebrates business leaders whose ventures align with the foundation’s mission to save lives, improve life chances, and positively impact local communities.
Pembrokeshire-based Ascona’s commitment to community support has been a cornerstone of its success. The company established The Ascona Foundation in 2020 and has since donated over £400,000 to local, national, and community organisations.
Reflecting on the achievement, Darren Briggs said:
“It is a great honour to be recognised with such prestigious awards at this year’s Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
“I am incredibly proud of Ascona and everything we have achieved over the years. This is another milestone for our business and a testament to the hard work, commitment, and ethos of ‘Team Ascona.’
“However, I am most proud of our charitable endeavours and the team’s dedication to giving back. This year, we remain committed to our fundraising efforts, including our partnership with Wales Air Ambulance, as we continue to support the communities we serve.”
Since its founding, Ascona Group has focused on driving innovation in the forecourt sector while fostering community engagement. This dual commitment to growth and giving back has positioned the company as a leader in its field.
Ascona’s charitable initiatives have supported various causes, enhancing lives across Wales and beyond. Through partnerships with organisations such as Wales Air Ambulance, the Group continues to make a tangible difference.
Darren Briggs’ recognition at the awards underscores Ascona’s impact on both the business world and the communities it serves.
Business
Call to end ‘fad’ of ‘school dogs’ in Pembrokeshire
A CALL to end the ‘fad’ of permanent ‘school dogs’ in Pembrokeshire for their benefit and the befit of the schools, instead using visiting ‘therapy dogs’ is to be heard next week.
Pembrokeshire County Council’s Schools And Learning Overview And Scrutiny Committee meeting of November 28 will consider a public submission by Robert Thomas – who works with therapy dogs – on the subject of school dogs.
The submission reads: “My definition of a school dog is one that spends long periods in the school and is managed and owned by school employees not outside assessed and insured visiting therapy dogs who stay for an hour with a competent handler.
“The welfare of many dogs in schools in Pembrokeshire has been compromised over the last few years and we are concerned that the rise in the popularity of school-owned or teacher-owned dogs is an animal welfare issue.
“I can think of several school dogs in Pembrokeshire where it has gone wrong for the animal.”
He cites examples of ‘school dogs’ the county, where he says they have had to be removed, with the animals being unsettled, barking and even nipping on occasions, showing “a lack of understanding of animal welfare”.
His submission adds: “We have done some work with the Animal Welfare team at the Welsh Government around licensing this field, a consultation was completed in March 2023, currently awaiting the outcome.
“It has become a fad across the country and many dogs spend all day in schools supported by staff members who have another job to do. It feels like PCC does not have a policy overarching animal welfare policy in schools to protect dogs from being seen as staff members and there purely for human benefit, not the dogs.
“Dogs need to rest and sleep during the day and not in school. The visiting therapy dog model works best as the impact is greatest and the welfare of the dog is managed externally. If the dog is there all the time that can diminish the impact, and the novelty can wear off for the pupils.
“In my experience schools should concentrate on teaching and leave the therapy dog introduction to those that have the expertise in animal welfare.”
The submission will be considered by committee members at the November 28 meeting.
Business
Specsavers relocates to landmark new store following £1.2 million investment
HAVERFORDWEST will celebrate the opening of Wales’ largest Specsavers store on Monday 16 December 2024, following a transformative £1.2 million relocation to larger premises in the Riverside Shopping Centre.
The new state-of-the-art store, located at 21 Riverside Quay, promises cutting-edge facilities and enhanced services to meet growing community needs.
It will boast 14 test rooms, including two dedicated audiology suites, making it not only the largest Specsavers store in Wales, but one of the largest in the UK. Equipped with the latest technology, the premises will offer enhanced eye care, contact lens, and audiology services, easing the burden on local NHS services.
The store will also play a key role in education, supporting optometrists undertaking higher qualifications, such as Glaucoma and Independent Prescribing certificates, by providing hands-on opportunities to gain essential clinical experience.
‘This substantial investment reflects our commitment to delivering world-class eye and hearing care to Pembrokeshire,’ says Andy Britton, ophthalmic director at Specsavers Haverfordwest. ‘Our larger premises will allow us to meet growing demand, introduce advanced clinical services, and provide a dedicated training facility for optometrists pursuing higher qualifications.’
A recent YouGov survey, commissioned by Specsavers, revealed that 68% of Welsh adults wouldn’t think to visit an optician first for eye-related problems, and half (50%) would first contact another NHS service (GP, pharmacy, eye hospital, NHS 111 or A&E) if they woke up with eye issues, rather than their local opticians.
The survey also revealed that, of the 68% who would not visit an optician first if they woke up with an eye problem, more than a third (35%) didn’t know they could use an optician for these issues, while a quarter (25%) were concerned they’d have to pay for treatment.
Mr Britton explains: ‘We encourage anyone experiencing acute or chronic eye problems – such as sudden loss of vision, red or painful eyes, flashing lights, floaters, or headaches – to make their optometrist their first point of contact. Optometrists are equipped to manage a wide range of urgent eye issues, allowing patients to receive prompt care and avoid unnecessary trips to A&E or long waits for a GP appointment.
‘By offering quick access to eye health services, we can reduce the burden on the NHS in Wales and ensure people receive the help they need before their condition worsens.’
The grand reopening event on 16 December will feature live entertainment from the Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir and notable attendees, including several local mayors and other dignitaries. The event will also celebrate Specsavers’ community-focused ethos, with a series of fundraising and awareness initiatives planned for 2025.
This new chapter follows the addition of Wayne Jones, retail director, to the Haverfordwest team earlier this year. With a remarkable career and commitment to innovation in optometry, Mr Jones brings invaluable leadership to the practice. His appointment, combined with the relocation, marks a transformative era for the store.
Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Paul Miller, praised the move: ‘Specsavers’ significant investment is a strong vote of confidence in the future of Haverfordwest. The new store is a key part of the town’s ongoing regeneration, drawing important footfall through the town centre.’
The new Specsavers Haverfordwest store will be open seven days a week, offering flexible appointment times to cater to the community’s needs. To book an appointment or learn more about the services available, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/haverfordwest.
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