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Apprentices the ‘life blood’ of salon group

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Andrew Price Salons: Senior stylist Kirsty Collett (left) with manager Rhys John, salon co-ordinator Anna Whiting-Whipps and apprentice Georgia Maher at the company’s Narberth salon

Andrew Price Salons: Senior stylist Kirsty Collett
(left) with manager Rhys John, salon co-ordinator
Anna Whiting-Whipps and apprentice Georgia
Maher at the company’s Narberth salon

THE OWNER of a West Wales hairdressing salons group, who describes apprentices as the “life blood” of his business, has been shortlisted for a prestigious Apprentice of the Year award at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2014. Andrew Price Salons, which employs 115 staff at nine salons, including Cardigan, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest, Lampeter, Llanelli, Narberth and Swansea, is one of three finalists in the Medium Employer of the Year category.

The business will join 35 other finalists in 13 categories at the high profile awards ceremony at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on Friday, October 31. The awards are organised jointly by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW). Showcasing excellence in skills development in Wales by learners, employers and learning providers, the awards are sponsored by Pearson PLC with support from media partner,

Media Wales. The awards recognise employers who commit to developing their workforce through apprenticeships and other work-based learning programmes, which support employees during their training. They are also a great way to evaluate training and development, as well as a fantastic motivational factor for any workforce or learner. The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.

Andrew Price Salons has used the Apprenticeship Programme to meet the high standards demanded by the hairdressing industry since being established in Tenby 26 years ago. “We have always wanted to have a reputation for providing a high quality service to all our clients at affordable prices and to be at the forefront of technological and artistic advancement,” said founder and proprietor, Andrew Price.

“Apprentices are the life blood of our business and, through the development of our Apprenticeship Programme, we are able to nurture the best talent in Welsh hairdressing,” Over the past four years 88 per cent of apprentices have completed their Foundation Apprenticeship Programmes within the business and 66 per cent have moved on to the next level and undertaken an Apprenticeship.

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James said: “Apprenticeships are one of the most practical and cost effective ways for a business to build a skilled workforce. An apprentice can learn the skills an employer needs to keep pace with developments in their industry and deliver the service customers demand. “I am delighted that employers like Andrew Price Salons share the Welsh Government’s commitment to training our future workforce.” More than 300 key stakeholders from the vocational education and training sector across Wales are expected to attend the high profile awards ceremony, where guests will dine out with chefs from the Welsh National Culinary Team.

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Business

Thai massage clinic opens bringing authentic therapy to Milford Haven

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A NEW traditional Thai massage clinic has opened in Milford Haven, offering specialist treatments for chronic pain, mobility issues, and stress relief — with a strong focus on therapeutic results.

Cosmic Thai Massage, based at 7 Pill Road, is run by Lisa, a qualified therapist originally from Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand. Having lived in the UK for over a decade, Lisa has recently opened the business during her second week of trading and is already earning praise from early clients for her warm manner and clinical skill.

A single mother raising her young daughter, who attends a local primary school, Lisa has invested everything into launching her new venture. She is fully certified in medical massage by the Thai Ministry of Public Health, meaning she is trained not only in traditional Thai and oil massage, but also in treatments for conditions such as lymphoedema, back and neck pain, and muscular inflammation.

One recent visitor said the treatment helped with both lymphoedema and ankylosing spondylitis, noting that while parts of the session were painful due to the nature of the condition, “Lisa treated me with care, professionalism, and real compassion throughout.”

The business operates in a newly refurbished premises with a peaceful and hygienic environment. Clients are required to sign a medical consent form, and treatments are tailored to individual health conditions, with Lisa taking time to understand each client’s needs.

Services offered include:

  • Traditional Thai massage
  • Thai oil massage
  • Deep tissue therapy
  • Circulatory and lymphatic drainage
  • Pain relief and mobility support for medical conditions

With many local residents struggling with access to NHS physiotherapy and long-term pain management options, businesses like Cosmic Thai Massage are filling a valuable gap in complementary healthcare.

Lisa told The Herald: “I want to help people feel better and bring Thai healing to Milford Haven. I’ve worked hard to make this space welcoming, and I’m so grateful for the support from the local community.”

Appointments can be booked online via:
👉 Fresha – Cosmic Thai Massage

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Business

Headline sponsor announced for Wales Business Awards 2025

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BEVAN BUCKLAND LLP, Wales’ largest independent accountancy firm, has been announced as the headline sponsor of the Wales Business Awards 2025.

The awards, organised by Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, celebrate the best of Welsh business. Winners across 12 categories, plus the Wales Business of the Year, will be announced at the ceremony which takes place on 12 June at Holland House Hotel, Cardiff and sees broadcaster Andrea Byrne return as host.

As headline sponsor of the event, Bevan Buckland will have a notable presence at the ceremony and drinks reception, as well as opportunities to connect with dignitaries, finalists and the Welsh business community.

With a history spanning over 125 years, the firm is a familiar fixture of the professional services sector across Wales, operating from offices in Carmarthen, Cowbridge, Haverfordwest, Pembroke and headquartered in Swansea.

Bevan Buckland has grown rapidly over the past few years, employing 140 staff and providing a full range of services. Using their extensive experience and expertise, the team at Bevan Buckland provide top level accountancy, audit, tax, corporate finance and financial planning services for individuals, businesses and not-for-profit organisations to help them achieve their goals.

The firm works with a diverse range of sectors including construction and property, charity and not-for-profit, creative industries, healthcare, manufacturing, retail and ecommerce, and small businesses and startups.

Alison Vickers, Managing Partner of Bevan Buckland LLP, said: “We are thrilled to be the headline sponsor of the Wales Business Awards, celebrating the remarkable achievements of Welsh businesses. Here at Bevan Buckland, our strong connection to Wales drives our passion for supporting the local business community. Witnessing the remarkable growth and success of so many Welsh businesses is truly inspiring. We are committed to celebrating their achievements and driving forward the entrepreneurial spirit and the continued excellence and ambition that define our region.”

Gus Williams, interim CEO at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “We’d like to thank all of our sponsors for their invaluable input, expertise in judging and support of the Wales Business Awards, and particularly extend our thanks to our headline sponsor Bevan Buckland. As we mark the successes of businesses in Wales, it’s fantastic to have the backing of a firm which is dedicated to helping businesses and organisations grow and thrive. It’s going to be an incredible ceremony!”

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Business

Stepaside dog salon that opened illegally allowed to stay

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A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire village dog grooming salon to keep running as the applicant didn’t realise he needed planing permission, has been backed by county planners.

Andrew Bird, in an application to Pembrokeshire County Council through agent Matthew Hitches Architectural Services, sought permission for a retrospective change of use of a domestic outbuilding at Roslyn Hill, Stepaside, to a dog-grooming salon, along with access alterations.

The change of use was completed last October.

Amroth Community Council has raised no objection to the scheme, other than concerns about its retrospective nature, and has welcomed the access improvements proposed, having previously raised concerns about road safety in the immediate area.

A supporting statement accompanying the application for the part-time business said: 2The applicant has been using the building for this purpose for several months and was unaware of the need to apply for planning permission, as the business is located within an existing outbuilding on the property.”

It added: “The salon is currently used on a part time basis, three days per week.  The salon has just one appointment in the morning and one in the afternoon.  So, the maximum number of visitors to the property would be six per week.  The applicant has no intention of expanding the business any further.

“The vast majority of the applicant’s current clients live within Stepaside and Pleasant Valley and most will journey to the salon on foot.  Although the business is situated within the countryside, it is considered essential that this business be situated in this location as it offers a valuable service to the local community.

“If the business were to be located elsewhere, this would mean local residents would need to travel by car to use such services. The number of customers arriving by car is minimal and there is considerable space for parking and turning within the property, if needed.  It is therefore considered there will be no detrimental effect on highway safety.”

An officer report recommending approval said: “Whilst the proposal would not derive inputs from the land and would not be an enterprise for which a countryside location is essential.  It is considered that due to the re-use of an existing building, associated noise effects a countryside location away from an urban environment would be acceptable.

“Furthermore, it can be considered that an urban/industrial setting is considered to be counterintuitive to the welfare of dogs could result in additional noise.  As such, in this instance in can be considered that a countryside location may be acceptable subject to the acceptability of detailed considerations.”

The application was conditionally approved by county planners.

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