Business
Deputy PM told of Pembrokeshire business support successes
THE support offered to local businesses by Pembrokeshire County Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) was highlighted to the Deputy Prime Minister recently.
Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP visited the Bridge Innovation Centre (BIC) in Pembroke Dock, run by the Council on Wednesday August 21st, to meet local people who have received assistance through the UKSPF to support the development of their businesses and safeguard and create jobs.
Ms Rayner was welcomed to the BIC by the Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Jon Harvey and Deputy Leader, Cllr Paul Miller.
Rachel Moxey, the Council’s Head of Economic Development and Regeneration, and Business Development Manager Peter Lord accompanied Ms Rayner as she met a series of business people.
Among them was Claire Garland from The Pembrokeshire Cheesecake Company.


With help from the Council’s business team, Claire was able to access funding to help buy a refrigeration unit for her vehicle to enable her travel further afield with her delicious treats.
Ms Rayner also met Heidi Reynolds from Dale Sailing. The family yacht building and marin services business was assisted to buy a specialist boat mover, creating three jobs and safeguarding seven others.
Also meeting Ms Rayner were Jade Rixon who has received business support to take on a catering contract, Sean Lade of Easy Garden Irrigation who received a grant for software and warehouse improvements and Sarah Evans of Jackland Leisurewear, who received funding towards an embroidery machine.
Ms Rayner, who is also Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, spent time speaking with the businesses, learning more about their experiences, successes and challenges..

Cllr Harvey said: “It was an honour to welcome the Deputy Prime Minister to the Bridge Innovation Centre and for her to meet our fantastic business support team and a small selection of the wonderful local businesses that have received funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
“As a Council we have spent the last few years laying the foundations for investment and jobs in the County and we were able to explain the importance of funding such as UKSPF to local businesses.
“This includes start-ups requiring support to more established businesses who are looking at taking the next steps in their growth and development, supported by our teams.
“If you would like to learn more about how our teams can help you and your business, there is a drop-in business support event held on the last Friday of each month at the BIC.”
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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