Business
How to Stop Cyberattacks on Your Business
The importance of cyber defence has never been greater as digital threats loom over businesses of all sizes. The UK, like many other nations, has seen a major impact from cyberattacks. Notably, half of businesses reported an attack in the past 12 months. This proportion is higher for medium and large businesses, plus higher-income charities.
Such attacks can hurt your company’s reputation, finances, and customer trust. But there are viable ways to strengthen your defences against such threats. We uncover key strategies for protecting your operations, data, and stakeholders.
Employee Training and Awareness
Staff awareness and training around cybersecurity are pivotal. They’re your first line of defence. Most breaches result from phishing attacks, so it’s wise to educate your employees on them.
Telltale signs include messages from unrecognised sources urging you to take action, such as clicking a link. Try sending false phishing attacks to your workers to check how well your training lands.
Use Strong Access Controls
Access controls are your digital gatekeepers. Many cyber incidents are due to compromised credentials, which isn’t surprising given the UK’s most popular password is ‘password’. Enforcing stronger, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA) should reduce unauthorised access.
Apps such as Microsoft Authenticator can support your efforts. They send unique access codes to staff devices, adding an extra security layer for cybercriminals to get past.
Update and Patch Systems
The technological landscape is ever-evolving, bringing with it new vulnerabilities. Updating your systems and devices can protect against bad actors who target them. Turn on automatic updates to ensure your staff complete them.
Deploy Advanced Security Measures
Advanced security measures like firewalls and antivirus software offer extra layers of protection. These software solutions track and target intrusions to ward off any threats.
Then there are virtual private networks (VPNs) that encrypt your internet traffic. They’re especially helpful for protecting remote workers who connect to your systems at home or on the move. Educating your team about how VPN works and how to use one will help you adapt to modern work patterns safely.
Develop and Test a Response Plan
Despite your best efforts, breaches can still happen. Having a solid response plan in place and regularly testing and updating it is crucial.
A response plan helps minimise any impact should a breach happen. And the quicker you detect and control a breach, the lesser damage it can cause.
Combine Strategies to Protect Your Business
There’s no doubt that cyberattacks present a formidable challenge. But your business can overcome them with well-informed employees and strong controls and tools. Stay proactive and vigilant to help your team face the future with confidence.
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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