Business
Welsh food and drink businesses leading the way with employee satisfaction

A RECENT survey has revealed that Welsh medium sized businesses in the food and drink sector are performing above national and global averages in terms of employee satisfaction.
The Welsh Government’s Food & Drink Insight Programme, in partnership with Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales, commissioned and carried out the survey which delved into various areas of the workplace including job satisfaction, wellbeing, organisational culture, management feedback, facilities, training and employee engagement.
The survey’s findings were notably positive, including Welsh businesses achieving an engagement score of 73%, surpassing the industry average of 71%. For the purpose of the research, engagement is defined as the involvement and enthusiasm of employees in their work, with engaged and happy employees being more productive and profitable.
Additionally, a significant 81% of respondents agreed that living in Wales enhances their quality of life and work-life balance, with the ease of accessing nature outside of work hours scoring highly as one the factors for this.
For the newly-appointed Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, the survey’s findings are very encouraging and shows that Wales is an attractive location for food and drink businesses.
He said, “We are thrilled with the results of this survey, which show that Welsh food and drink businesses are leading the way in terms of employee satisfaction.
“The Welsh Government is committed to initiatives that bolster the food and drink sector and contribute to employee wellbeing. The insights from this survey are instrumental in fostering continuous improvement areas and skills development.”
The Food & Drink Skills Wales project has been a key partner in the work, with the project planning, and the intention to use the findings to help improve skills development within the food industry.
Nerys Davies from Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales said, “We are thrilled with the results of the survey, which shows that Welsh food and drink businesses are leading the way in terms of employee satisfaction.
“However, while the results are extremely positive it also serves as an invaluable tool in helping us identify key areas for improvement and gaps in skills provision. The Food & Drink Skills Wales programme looks forward to working with businesses and partners to support the industry become an even better place to work.”
Explaining why they took part in the survey, Osian Deiniol of Llanrwst-based Blas ar Fwyd said, “We were keen to take part in this survey, as we believe that employee satisfaction plays an important role in the success of a business.
“It’s great to see the industry in Wales is on the right track, but just as important is the fact that the survey also provides us with valuable insights into how we can continue to improve and develop as a good employer. We look forward to working with Food & Drink Skills Wales on these areas over the coming months.”
Meanwhile, reflecting on the findings Doreen Donovan from WorkL, who conducted the survey said, “Our interviews with the businesses showed that people who choose a career in Welsh food and drink are, on the whole, very satisfied with their work, with the scores exceeding global averages.
“The engagement score was particularly positive, which is very good news for businesses as research consistently shows that companies with employees who are more engaged are typically more successful and profitable.”
For more information about the Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales project, visit https://menterabusnes.cymru/food-and-drink-skills-wales/
Business
Thai massage clinic opens bringing authentic therapy to Milford Haven

A NEW traditional Thai massage clinic has opened in Milford Haven, offering specialist treatments for chronic pain, mobility issues, and stress relief — with a strong focus on therapeutic results.
Cosmic Thai Massage, based at 7 Pill Road, is run by Lisa, a qualified therapist originally from Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand. Having lived in the UK for over a decade, Lisa has recently opened the business during her second week of trading and is already earning praise from early clients for her warm manner and clinical skill.

A single mother raising her young daughter, who attends a local primary school, Lisa has invested everything into launching her new venture. She is fully certified in medical massage by the Thai Ministry of Public Health, meaning she is trained not only in traditional Thai and oil massage, but also in treatments for conditions such as lymphoedema, back and neck pain, and muscular inflammation.
One recent visitor said the treatment helped with both lymphoedema and ankylosing spondylitis, noting that while parts of the session were painful due to the nature of the condition, “Lisa treated me with care, professionalism, and real compassion throughout.”
The business operates in a newly refurbished premises with a peaceful and hygienic environment. Clients are required to sign a medical consent form, and treatments are tailored to individual health conditions, with Lisa taking time to understand each client’s needs.
Services offered include:
- Traditional Thai massage
- Thai oil massage
- Deep tissue therapy
- Circulatory and lymphatic drainage
- Pain relief and mobility support for medical conditions
With many local residents struggling with access to NHS physiotherapy and long-term pain management options, businesses like Cosmic Thai Massage are filling a valuable gap in complementary healthcare.
Lisa told The Herald: “I want to help people feel better and bring Thai healing to Milford Haven. I’ve worked hard to make this space welcoming, and I’m so grateful for the support from the local community.”
Appointments can be booked online via:
👉 Fresha – Cosmic Thai Massage


Business
Headline sponsor announced for Wales Business Awards 2025

BEVAN BUCKLAND LLP, Wales’ largest independent accountancy firm, has been announced as the headline sponsor of the Wales Business Awards 2025.
The awards, organised by Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, celebrate the best of Welsh business. Winners across 12 categories, plus the Wales Business of the Year, will be announced at the ceremony which takes place on 12 June at Holland House Hotel, Cardiff and sees broadcaster Andrea Byrne return as host.
As headline sponsor of the event, Bevan Buckland will have a notable presence at the ceremony and drinks reception, as well as opportunities to connect with dignitaries, finalists and the Welsh business community.
With a history spanning over 125 years, the firm is a familiar fixture of the professional services sector across Wales, operating from offices in Carmarthen, Cowbridge, Haverfordwest, Pembroke and headquartered in Swansea.
Bevan Buckland has grown rapidly over the past few years, employing 140 staff and providing a full range of services. Using their extensive experience and expertise, the team at Bevan Buckland provide top level accountancy, audit, tax, corporate finance and financial planning services for individuals, businesses and not-for-profit organisations to help them achieve their goals.
The firm works with a diverse range of sectors including construction and property, charity and not-for-profit, creative industries, healthcare, manufacturing, retail and ecommerce, and small businesses and startups.
Alison Vickers, Managing Partner of Bevan Buckland LLP, said: “We are thrilled to be the headline sponsor of the Wales Business Awards, celebrating the remarkable achievements of Welsh businesses. Here at Bevan Buckland, our strong connection to Wales drives our passion for supporting the local business community. Witnessing the remarkable growth and success of so many Welsh businesses is truly inspiring. We are committed to celebrating their achievements and driving forward the entrepreneurial spirit and the continued excellence and ambition that define our region.”
Gus Williams, interim CEO at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “We’d like to thank all of our sponsors for their invaluable input, expertise in judging and support of the Wales Business Awards, and particularly extend our thanks to our headline sponsor Bevan Buckland. As we mark the successes of businesses in Wales, it’s fantastic to have the backing of a firm which is dedicated to helping businesses and organisations grow and thrive. It’s going to be an incredible ceremony!”
Business
Stepaside dog salon that opened illegally allowed to stay

A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire village dog grooming salon to keep running as the applicant didn’t realise he needed planing permission, has been backed by county planners.
Andrew Bird, in an application to Pembrokeshire County Council through agent Matthew Hitches Architectural Services, sought permission for a retrospective change of use of a domestic outbuilding at Roslyn Hill, Stepaside, to a dog-grooming salon, along with access alterations.
The change of use was completed last October.
Amroth Community Council has raised no objection to the scheme, other than concerns about its retrospective nature, and has welcomed the access improvements proposed, having previously raised concerns about road safety in the immediate area.
A supporting statement accompanying the application for the part-time business said: 2The applicant has been using the building for this purpose for several months and was unaware of the need to apply for planning permission, as the business is located within an existing outbuilding on the property.”
It added: “The salon is currently used on a part time basis, three days per week. The salon has just one appointment in the morning and one in the afternoon. So, the maximum number of visitors to the property would be six per week. The applicant has no intention of expanding the business any further.
“The vast majority of the applicant’s current clients live within Stepaside and Pleasant Valley and most will journey to the salon on foot. Although the business is situated within the countryside, it is considered essential that this business be situated in this location as it offers a valuable service to the local community.
“If the business were to be located elsewhere, this would mean local residents would need to travel by car to use such services. The number of customers arriving by car is minimal and there is considerable space for parking and turning within the property, if needed. It is therefore considered there will be no detrimental effect on highway safety.”
An officer report recommending approval said: “Whilst the proposal would not derive inputs from the land and would not be an enterprise for which a countryside location is essential. It is considered that due to the re-use of an existing building, associated noise effects a countryside location away from an urban environment would be acceptable.
“Furthermore, it can be considered that an urban/industrial setting is considered to be counterintuitive to the welfare of dogs could result in additional noise. As such, in this instance in can be considered that a countryside location may be acceptable subject to the acceptability of detailed considerations.”
The application was conditionally approved by county planners.
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