Business
Welsh businesses face uncertainty as .Cymru domain storefront closes
WELSH businesses are facing potential disruption following the announcement that CentralNic Registry will be closing its dedicated .Cymru domain storefront. The decision, which comes after a review of the effectiveness of single-domain web stores, reflects ongoing challenges in sustaining regional domain extensions like .cymru, despite their cultural significance.
The .cymru and .wales domain extensions were launched in 2014 as part of a broader initiative to promote Welsh identity in the digital world. The rollout, which was supported by the Welsh Government and various local organisations, aimed to provide businesses and individuals in Wales with an opportunity to showcase their national pride through their online presence. The new domains were seen as a vital step in distinguishing Wales on the global stage, offering a unique digital identifier that aligned with the country’s heritage and language.
Initial uptake of these domain extensions was positive, with many Welsh businesses adopting .cymru and .wales as part of their branding strategy. The domains allowed companies to signal their local roots and connect with a Welsh audience in a meaningful way. However, the enthusiasm for these domains has not translated into sustained growth, with the number of registrations and active use falling short of expectations.
In a recent communication to its customers, CentralNic Registry cited the low volume of activity associated with the .cymru domain as a key factor in its decision to close the dedicated storefront. The company has recommended that businesses transfer their domains to another registrar, such as OnlyDomains, to continue managing their online presence. While the transition is necessary to retain ownership of .cymru domains, it may involve additional costs, including potential transfer fees.
The closure of the .Cymru storefront raises concerns about the long-term viability of regional domain extensions. For many businesses in Wales, the need to transfer their domains could prompt a reevaluation of the benefits of maintaining a Welsh-specific web address, particularly in a competitive online environment where global domains like .com and .co.uk dominate.
Historically, the introduction of the .cymru and .wales domains was met with optimism, with supporters highlighting their potential to boost the Welsh digital economy and strengthen the country’s online identity. The domains were seen as a way to assert Wales’s presence on the internet and to foster a sense of community among Welsh-speaking and Welsh-identifying individuals and businesses.
However, the challenges highlighted by CentralNic’s recent decision reflect broader trends in the digital world, where niche domains often struggle to gain traction against more established, widely-recognised extensions. As businesses in Wales navigate this transition, they will need to weigh the symbolic value of a Welsh domain against the practicalities of domain management and the demands of a global market.
While the .cymru and .wales domains will remain available through other registrars, the closure of the CentralNic storefront marks a turning point. Welsh businesses must now consider how best to balance their commitment to promoting local identity with the realities of operating in an increasingly interconnected and competitive digital landscape.
The Pembrokeshire Herald will continue to monitor developments as Welsh businesses adapt to this change and explore the future of their online identities.
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Business
52 homes to be built in Roch as scheme gets final sign-off
THE FINAL stage of approval for a near-£10m Pembrokeshire residential development of 52 homes has been given the go-ahead.
Back in April, members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee backed an application by Wakefield Pembrokeshire Ltd for the development, which includes four one-bed affordable housing units, on land near Pilgrims Way, Roch.
18 objections to the scheme were received, raising concerns including an “inadequate” affordable housing level, it being a high density development for a rural area, a loss of green space, the size of some of the homes, and pressures on existing services and facilities, and fears it may lead to an increase in second homes.
Nolton & Roch Community Land Trust (N&RCLT) has raised its concerns about a lack of affordable homes at the development, calling for a 20 per cent affordable homes element, as recommended by policy.
An officer report for members, recommending conditional approval, said: “It is apparent that the proposed development is not fully policy compliant, insofar as it cannot deliver the indicative 20 per cent affordable housing sought [by policy].
“However, a substantial positive social impact will arise through the provision of housing, including four one-bed affordable housing units, in meeting identified needs for both market and affordable housing.
“Financial obligations identified to mitigate adverse impacts arising from the proposed development cannot be met in full. However, [policy] acknowledges that in such circumstances contributions may be prioritised on the basis of the individual circumstances of each case.”
Speaking at the meeting, agent Gethin Beynon said the project had a “significant economic value” of around £10m, and the local applicant had “a sense of stewardship to the local community,” offering affordable housing and community infrastructure towards highways and education.
Approval was delegated to the council’s head of planning to approve the application, subject to the completion of a Section 106 planning obligation, making community financial contributions.
The Section 106 agreement was recently agreed, with the application now formally approved.
Business
World of engineering and welding SPARCs interest in Ysgol Harri Tudur’s female learners
AN EVENT hosted by Ledwood Engineering gave girls from Year 8 and 9 at Ysgol Harri Tudur first-hand experience of the world of engineering recently.
Engineering is a booming sector in Pembrokeshire with a high demand for skilled workers in exciting career pathways associated with the development of low carbon and renewable energy industry and the Celtic Freeport.
The young women heard from industry experts on the importance of engineering in Pembrokeshire, and had hands on experience using a welding simulator, at the company’s Pembroke Dock site.
The learners are part of the County’s SPARC (Sustainable Power and Renewable Construction) initiative aimed as inspiring and empowering young females to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) pathways where females are under-represented in the workforce.
SPARC is funded through an alliance comprising Blue Gem Wind, Ledwood Engineering, Port of Milford Haven, RWE Renewables, Pembrokeshire County Council, Pembrokeshire College and the Swansea Bay City Deal.
Mrs Laura Buckingham, SPARC practitioner at Ysgol Harri Tudur said: “Our learners had a fantastic experience at Ledwood Engineering. They were given lots of advice by industry experts on the different career options and pathways within the engineering sector.
“They appreciated the opportunity to ask their questions and found the session very informative. Having the chance to trial their welding skills on the simulator was an experience they continue to talk about and has definitely piqued their interest.”
Poppy Sawyer, Year 8 SPARC learner added: ‘It was a really good trip. Talking to the different people there has helped me know more about the jobs we could get which will be very useful when making choices for my future.”
“They helped us a lot by giving us lots of information. We were able to look around and try welding. It was really fun,” added Tianna Marshall, Year 8 SPARC learner.
The Regional Learning and Skills Partnership also launched its Explore Engineering interactive website at the event.
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