Business

Glorious weather marks first day of Pembrokeshire County Show

Published

6 months ago

August 14, 2024

THE PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY SHOW, Wales’ largest and most celebrated agricultural event, opened its gates today to a bustling crowd under glorious sunshine. The first day of the two-day event saw thousands of visitors flock to the Pembrokeshire County Showground in Haverfordwest, eager to soak up the rural atmosphere, enjoy the varied attractions, and take advantage of the perfect weather conditions.

This year’s show is particularly special, marking the 240th anniversary of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society (PAS). The Society has worked tirelessly to create a show that honors its rich history while embracing modernity. This year’s show has something for everyone, from livestock competitions and food stalls to live entertainment and interactive displays.

***There were large crowds on the first day of the Show this year (Pic: PAS)***

Among the distinguished guests was Wales’ First Minister, Eluned Morgan, making her first official visit to Pembrokeshire since being elected. Ms. Morgan spent the day touring the showground, expressing her admiration for the event’s organisation and its return to pre-pandemic vibrancy. “It’s a really lovely day this year. Things have been building back up to pre-pandemic levels. It’s been wonderful. Lots of people are here from Pembrokeshire and beyond. It has been brilliantly organised,” she remarked.

***Sunglasses and flags at the Principality Building Society stand (Pic: Herald)***

The First Minister was particularly taken with the livestock exhibitions, a cornerstone of the show. “One of my favourite parts of the show is seeing the livestock. It’s amazing to think about all the work that has gone in over generations to ensure an animal is in peak condition,” she added. Her visit underscored the show’s significance not only as a local tradition but as an event of national importance.

The weather played a key role in the day’s success, with many show-goers arriving early to make the most of the sunny conditions. Traffic began to build up as early as 7:30 a.m., as eager visitors made their way to the showground. “It’s nice to see the sun and it’s certainly brought out the crowds,” said Adam Thorne, President of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society, who officially opened the show from the main ring.

***Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell was at the Show (Pic: Herald)***

Mr. Thorne, an arable and beef farmer and the third generation of his family to hold the office of society president, reflected on the vital role of volunteers in making the show possible. “We’ve got 200 voluntary stewards across all the sections, and the show just wouldn’t be possible without them,” he said, emphasising the community spirit that underpins the event.

Show director and trustee Delme Harries echoed these sentiments, highlighting how the event has evolved over the centuries. “Before the pandemic, we had eight full-time show staff, and that’s now down to two, so we are lucky to be able to rely very heavily on volunteers and are conscious that we must involve the next generation as well,” he explained. Mr. Harries also pointed to the show’s ability to adapt, embracing social media and the growing demand for quality, locally-made goods while staying true to its agricultural roots.

***Pembrokeshire Coast National Park ‘s tent at Pembrokeshire County Show (Pic: Herald)***

One of the show’s standout attractions was the presence of Aquarius, a magnificent White-Tailed Eagle with a two-metre wingspan, brought by the British Bird of Prey Centre. Aquarius has captivated visitors with her impressive size and grace, serving as a symbol of the effort to reintroduce these majestic birds to Welsh skies. Alongside Aquarius was the Centre’s newest addition, a baby Snowy Owl, which charmed the crowds with its sleepy demeanor.

This year also saw the triumphant return of the poultry competition, which had been absent in recent years due to the pandemic and avian flu concerns. The competition attracted 600 entries, ranging from individual birds to crafts and eggs, delighting both participants and spectators. “Although this year’s entries are half of what they used to be, they are double what we expected because we went ahead at the last minute,” said poultry show secretary Bethan Clarke, expressing her satisfaction with the turnout.

Food lovers were treated to a feast at the Welsh Food Hall, sponsored by Castell Howell. The Hall showcased over 40 local producers offering everything from cider to cheesecake, along with regular cookery demonstrations that drew large crowds. This celebration of Welsh food and drink has become a highlight of the show, reflecting the region’s rich culinary heritage and innovation.

The showground itself was a hive of activity, with the Country Market shopping area featuring 60 stalls selling unique, artisan products. Families and children enjoyed a range of activities, including rugby skills sessions with the Scarlets, Little Legs Football, and the always popular Panic Circus Big Top, which offered free fun and games for all ages.

The Countryside Park was another popular area, where visitors could engage with the British Bird of Prey Centre’s exhibits, including talks on Eagle Reintroduction Wales and the chance to meet some of the Centre’s residents up close. The Ferret World exhibit and the gundog display team led by Wales’ top handler, Meurig Rees, also drew large audiences, offering a glimpse into traditional country life.

The show’s success was further boosted by the live entertainment provided by Pure West Radio, which broadcasted live from the event. The radio station’s stage featured live music, competitions, performances, and special guests, ensuring that there was never a dull moment.

As the first day drew to a close, attention turned to the forecast for the second day of the show, which looks uncertain. However, the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society remains optimistic that visitors will turn out in force, rain or shine. Thursday’s schedule includes the much-anticipated judging of sheep and pig classes, concluding with the supreme horse championship at 5 p.m.

Thursday will also see the Ladies Day reception in the Members’ Marquee, where guests will don their finest attire and enjoy Prosecco, all while raising funds for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).

The Pembrokeshire County Show, with its blend of tradition, community, and entertainment, has once again proven why it is a cornerstone of Welsh rural life. As visitors look forward to the final day, the show’s organisers are confident that it will be another day to remember, whatever the weather may bring.

Business

UK Government Invests in Gigabit Broadband for South West Wales

Published

13 hours ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE UK GOVERNMENT has announced a further investment in Project Gigabit, aiming to deliver high-speed broadband to hard-to-reach areas across Britain. Rural towns and villages in South West Wales are among the latest to benefit, as part of a wider effort to achieve near-total gigabit coverage by 2030.

The programme, a key pillar of the Government’s Plan for Change, is designed to stimulate economic growth and remove barriers to opportunity. The latest rollout will bring some of the fastest broadband speeds available to remote communities, enhancing access to essential services such as healthcare, remote education, and video communication. It is also expected to support business growth and improve job opportunities for young people.

Welsh leaders welcome investment

Cllr Hazel Evans, of Carmarthenshire County Council, welcomed the announcement, saying: “This is a much-needed boost as we strive to improve digital connectivity across Carmarthenshire. Further investment will help ensure our rural communities continue to prosper as we transition towards a more digital society.”

Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council and Chair of the Swansea Bay City Deal’s joint committee, also praised the initiative:

“This is fantastic news for the rural communities in our region. The Swansea Bay City Deal fully supports initiatives that improve the lives of people and businesses. This investment in digital infrastructure will create social and economic opportunities for communities that would otherwise be left behind.”

£289 million boost for broadband expansion

The announcement forms part of four new contracts worth over £289 million, aimed at delivering gigabit-capable broadband to approximately 131,000 homes and businesses across England and Wales.

Unlike traditional copper-based networks, gigabit connections provide faster and more reliable service, even during peak times. Households and businesses will no longer need to compete for bandwidth, as these high-speed networks allow multiple devices to operate seamlessly.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens highlighted the significance of the investment: “Powered by this UK Government funding, thousands more people and businesses across Wales will gain access to ultra-fast broadband. Our priority is to drive sustained economic growth, and to achieve this, we must ensure every part of Wales has full digital coverage as quickly as possible.”

Implementation and next steps

The Digital Infrastructure Programme is working closely with Building Digital UK (BDUK) and Openreach to deliver Project Gigabit. Further regional updates are expected in the coming months, outlining timeframes and specific locations set to benefit.

Upgrading and expanding existing networks is a complex process, requiring technical surveys and coordination between commercial providers and local authorities, including planning and highways departments. As a result, implementing gigabit-capable broadband can take time.

For further details about broadband plans in your area, residents are encouraged to contact their Digital Champion for more information.

Business

Welsh Govt-backed SME exports surpass £320m since Export Action Plan launch

Published

21 hours ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SMALL and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Wales have secured over £320 million in export deals directly supported by the Welsh Government since the introduction of its Export Action Plan in December 2020.

The government’s tailored export assistance includes comprehensive market research, strategies to identify new customers, and hands-on support to help businesses enter international markets and forge lasting partnerships.

This milestone follows a series of successful 2024 trade missions, which introduced 150+ Welsh businesses to key global markets. Highlights included enabling life sciences firms to exhibit at Medica in Düsseldorf and supporting fintech companies at Money 20/20 in Amsterdam.

Case Study: Brainbox Ltd
Cardiff-based Brainbox Ltd, a leader in non-invasive brain stimulation and imaging technology for neuroscience research, has achieved £5 million in new international contracts with Welsh Government backing.

Dan Phillips, Commercial Director at Brainbox, said: “Exporting has been pivotal to our growth, enabling us to showcase cutting-edge neuroscience solutions worldwide. The Welsh Government’s support has been instrumental in launching new products, building global relationships, and driving our expansion over the past five years. Their tailored approach exemplifies how strategic trade guidance can propel businesses onto the international stage.”

2025: A Year of Global Ambitions
The Welsh Government has announced seven international trade missions scheduled by March 2025, including:

Arab Health Expo in Dubai (January 2025)
Trade delegations to Singapore and Malaysia (February)
Participation in Gulfood Dubai, Foodex Tokyo, and the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco (March).

Additionally, the Explore Export Wales 2025 conferences in March will unite Wales’ “export ecosystem” of support services under one roof, offering SMEs expert advice on navigating global markets.

Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Planning, commented: “Exporting empowers SMEs to scale up, create jobs, and bolster resilience in a competitive global economy. Despite recent challenges, our Export Action Plan has delivered undeniable value to Wales. We remain committed to ensuring businesses across the nation continue to thrive internationally in 2025 and beyond.”

Business

Harlech Foodservice steps in after Pembrokeshire Foods owners retire

Published

2 days ago

January 28, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A FAST-GROWING food wholesale company has stepped in to support customers after the retirement of a couple who ran a rival business for more than 30 years.

Josiah and Steffi George, who operated Pembrokeshire Foods at Hasguard Cross, near Haverfordwest, decided to retire and ensure their loyal customers would be well cared for. The couple approached Harlech Foodservice, which will now supply more than 100 businesses across Pembrokeshire and into Ceredigion.

Last year, Harlech Foodservice expanded significantly, establishing offices and a distribution centre in Carmarthen as part of a £6 million investment. This growth has already created 70 new jobs, 15 of which are in South West Wales.

This isn’t Harlech’s first move into the area; the company previously acquired Celtic Foodservices in Pembroke Dock, describing the acquisition as a “perfect fit.”

In a letter to customers, Mr. and Mrs. George explained their decision:
“To ensure our customers have a supplier who cares about you and your business, we have approached Harlech Foodservice, who recently opened a site in Carmarthen, and asked them to provide ongoing service to your business.

“Harlech have a core customer base in the tourism and hospitality sectors, aligning perfectly with Pembrokeshire Foods. They offer a large range of around 5,000 lines across frozen foods, butchery, groceries, soft drinks, snacks, hygiene products, and disposables, all at genuinely competitive prices.

“Once again, thank you for supporting us over many years, and we wish you every success in the future.”

Harlech Managing Director David Cattrall called the partnership with Pembrokeshire Foods a significant step in the company’s ongoing expansion.

Since last April, Harlech has gained 943 new independent customers and 243 new contract customers across Wales and the English border counties. The company’s clients range from individual businesses to large local authorities, including a contract to supply Shropshire Council’s Shire Services.

Harlech’s expansion into South and West Wales has also been fruitful, with the Carmarthen and Merthyr Tydfil depots winning contracts worth nearly £500,000.

Mr. Cattrall commented:
“Steffi and Josiah can be rightly proud of what they have achieved over the past three decades, building a successful company that has played a key role in the local business community.

“We are grateful for their trust in Harlech Foodservice to look after their customers and to ‘deliver’ for them in every sense of the word. We wish them all the best for their well-deserved retirement.”

Steffi George added:
“Harlech Foodservice are a fantastic company with a huge range of excellent products and first-class customer service, so we are confident that our beloved customers will be in very good hands in the future.”

Caption:
Stepping into the breach: Harlech Foodservice Managing Director David Cattrall.