Business
What is Digital Currency and Why Do People Invest in It?
Cryptocurrencies have rapidly become a significant innovation in the financial world. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments and central banks, digital currencies operate on decentralized platforms using blockchain technology. This article explains the foundational aspects of digital assets, explaining how they work, their types, and the reasons behind the growing interest in investing in crypto.
What is Blockchain Technology?
Blockchain is the backbone of digital currencies. It is a distributed ledger technology that ensures secure, transparent, and tamper-proof recording of transactions. Each transaction is grouped into a block, which is then linked to the previous block, forming a chain. This chain is maintained across multiple computers, making it impossible to alter past transactions without changing all subsequent blocks and gaining consensus from the majority of the network participants.
How Does Cryptocurrency Work?
Here’s a simplified process of how crypto works:
- • Transaction initiation. A user initiates a transaction to send digital currency from their wallet to another user’s wallet.
- • Transaction validation. The transaction is broadcast to a network of computers (nodes) for validation. This is done through consensus mechanisms such as Proof-of-Work (e.g. Bitcoin blockchain) or Proof-of-Stake (e.g. Ethereum blockchain).
- • Transaction recording. Once validated, the transaction is grouped with others into a block and added to the blockchain.
- • Ownership transfer. The ownership of the digital currency is transferred from the sender to the receiver, and the transaction is recorded permanently on the blockchain.
Why Do People Invest in Crypto?
• Several factors drive individuals and institutions to invest in cryptocurrencies:
- • Possibility to gain high returns. The crypto market has witnessed significant price growth, attracting investors looking for high returns.
- • Diversification. Cryptocurrencies offer a new asset class for portfolio diversification. Investing in crypto helps avoid keeping “all eggs in one basket”.
- • Innovation and technology. The underlying blockchain technology revolutionizes various industries, from finance to supply chain management.
- • Decentralization. Cryptocurrencies offer a decentralized alternative to traditional financial systems, appealing to those who prioritize autonomy and control over their assets.
- • Possibility to participate in building and maintaining the crypto market. Investors often engage with a crypto market making company to ensure liquidity and reduce the volatility of digital assets.
What Types of Digital Assets Exist?
Digital assets come in various forms, each with unique characteristics:
- 1. Coins. These include well-known coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum, which operate on their own blockchains.
- 2. Tokens. Created on existing blockchains, tokens represent assets or utilities within a specific project or ecosystem.
- 3. Stablecoins – cryptocurrencies pegged to the value of a stable asset, such as the US dollar, to minimize price volatility.
- 4. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) – unique digital assets that represent ownership of specific items, such as digital art or collectibles.
In turn, tokens can be divided into:
- • Utility tokens – provide access to a product or service within a specific blockchain ecosystem. For example, using a utility token to pay for transactions within a decentralized application.
- • Security tokens – represent ownership or other rights to an underlying asset and are subject to federal securities regulations.
Digital currencies represent a transformative shift in how value is transferred and stored. With various types of digital assets available, there is a broad spectrum of opportunities for investors. Understanding the fundamentals of blockchain and its operation is crucial for anyone looking to get cryptocurrency and invest in this dynamic field.
Business
Haverfordwest cinema one of six council properties for sale
SIX COUNCIL-owned properties in Pembrokeshire, including Haverfordwest’s Palace Cinema, a boatyard, and a former social services premises in Tenby, are to be put up for sale following a decision by senior councillors.
At the March 16 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members were asked to back the disposal of six properties in the county’s portfolio as well the earmarking of four properties for other purposes.
A report for members said: “The Property Department has recently undertaken a review of the council’s estate to identify underused or vacant properties that are no longer required for service delivery and could be transferred internally or disposed of to generate capital receipts.”
The report listed six assets which members were asked to declare surplus for disposal by freehold sale.
Those assets were: Iveston Farm, Maidenwells; land east of Cleddau Reach School, Llangwm; Palace Cinema, Haverfordwest; St Asaph, Trafalgar Road, Tenby – social services premises; land at East Llanion Marine, Pembroke Dock – boat yard area; and land at Maidenwells – development plot.
For those six properties, it said of Iveston Farm: “Farm homestead in need of extensive renovation. An approach to local agents will begin to market the homestead and surrounding land. The remainder of the land areas are to be re-let as part of the County Farm Estate.”
For the land east of Cleddau Reach School, it said: “Areas of land parcels that no longer form part of the school demise and offer no opportunity to the authority and is therefore to be declared surplus for disposal.”
For Palace Cinema, it said: “Freehold of property to be sold. The property is listed and requires significant investment.”
For St Asaph, Trafalgar Road, Tenby, it said: “The property is not required or suitable for other internal services and is therefore to be declared surplus for disposal.”
For East Llanion Marine, it said: “Freehold of the property to be sold. This is an area of land (0.29 acres) adjacent to Port owned land. Both parcels are leased to East Llanion Marine. The property is not required or suitable for other internal services and is therefore to be declared surplus for disposal.”
For the land at Maidenwells, it said: “The property is not required or suitable for other internal services and is therefore to be declared surplus for disposal.”
It also listed three assets in which cabinet was asked to declared surplus to the requirements of one council department and appropriated to another use within the council.
Those were: Portfield Social Activity Centre, Haverfordwest – for future education project; Eastgate Centre, Pembroke – for future re-development project; and land west of Cleddau Reach School, Llangwm – for future education project.
Members were also asked to remove one property declared surplus to council requirements, appropriated for a particular use within the council: Pembroke Dock Watersports Centre – Watersports centre in occupation.
Members backed the 10 recommendations.
Business
Kurtz’s best local pub competition nears 1,000 nominations
Community-backed contest highlights vital role of Pembrokeshire pubs
THE BEST Local Pub Competition is closing in on a major milestone, with nearly 1,000 nominations submitted by residents across Pembrokeshire celebrating their favourite local venues.
The competition, launched last year by Member of the Senedd Samuel Kurtz, aims to recognise the importance of local pubs and support them during the quieter winter months.
Now in its second year, the initiative continues to shine a spotlight on the vital role pubs play in bringing communities together.
The competition is sponsored by Templeton Beer, Wine & Spirit Co., a well-known local supplier supporting hospitality businesses across the region.
Last year, The Ivybush in Narberth was crowned the inaugural winner after receiving strong backing from the local community. The award recognised the pub’s welcoming atmosphere and its role as a hub for both residents and visitors.
Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Local pubs are at the heart of our communities, providing places for people to meet, celebrate and support one another. I launched this competition to give something back to these fantastic businesses, particularly during the quieter months when trade can be more challenging.
“Changes to Business Rates have had a real impact on the sector, alongside rising costs such as staffing and electricity, which are threatening the survival of many pubs. That is why this competition is such an important reminder of how much we value them.
“It’s brilliant to see nearly 1,000 nominations, with a few days still to go before the competition closes on Friday (Mar 20).”
Residents are invited to nominate pubs that stand out for their community spirit, service, and contribution to local life. The winning venue will receive a free barrel of standard beer and be crowned Best Local Pub 2026.
Samuel added: “If you haven’t nominated your local yet, there is still time.”
To take part, visit www.samuelkurtz.wales and search ‘campaigns’ to nominate your Best Local Pub.
Business
Jewellery roadshow in Lamphey today with cash offers for valuables
A TRAVELLING jewellery and antiques roadshow is in Pembrokeshire today (Tuesday, Mar 17), offering free valuations and on-the-spot cash offers for a wide range of items.
The event is being held at the Best Western Lamphey Court Hotel & Spa and is open until 6:00pm this evening.
Organisers say they are looking to buy “all items of interest”, including gold, silver, rings, watches, coins, military memorabilia and diamond jewellery. Broken jewellery is also accepted, along with items in any condition.
The promotional material states there are no fees, no commissions and no obligation to sell, with free appraisals available to anyone who brings items along.
They are also advertising interest in vintage items such as old watches, scientific instruments, medal groups and even classic cars and motorbikes.
A follow-up event will take place tomorrow (Wednesday, Mar 18) at Hotel Mariners in Haverfordwest, running from 10:00am until 9:00pm, with late appointments available.
A third and final stop is scheduled for Thursday (Mar 19) at Wolfscastle Country Hotel, open from 10:00am until 6:00pm.
Organisers can be contacted on 07544 074 549, and also invite people to send photos via WhatsApp for a preliminary valuation.

Top prices paid: The jewellery and antiques roadshow is in Lamphey today before moving on to Haverfordwest and Wolfscastle (Pic: supplied).
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