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Business

Pembrokeshire households face energy bill hikes, but Solwr.wales offers a solution

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Households are bracing themselves for yet another energy price increase, effective 1st October 2024. With inflation driving costs skyward and recent changes to the energy price cap, experts predict that many families will feel the strain more than ever this winter. However, a Pembrokeshire-based energy company, Solwr.wales, claims it can help residents save up to £1700 on their annual energy bills.

New Energy Price Cap Means Higher Bills for Most

Energy regulator Ofgem has confirmed that the energy price cap for standard tariffs will increase this October, following months of uncertainty in the market. This increase means that the average household energy bill could rise significantly, leading to a financial squeeze for millions of families. For many, the cost of heating homes during the colder months has become a major concern, with energy usage often surging during winter.

The latest energy cap announcement follows a turbulent period in the energy sector, characterised by soaring wholesale prices and the ongoing repercussions of global energy market instability. This has put many UK households in a tight spot, with some already having to make difficult decisions about how to budget for the upcoming winter season.

Martin Lewis, the well-known financial expert, has previously urged consumers to shop around and consider fixed-rate tariffs in anticipation of such hikes. With the October cap increase looming, the time to take action is now. For those living in Wales, the solution may be closer than they think.

Solwr.wales’s Solution: Save Up to £1700 Annually

Solwr.wales, a renewable energy company based in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, is stepping in to offer a lifeline to residents facing the energy price hike. By switching to Solwr.wales’s innovative energy solutions, households can potentially save up to £1700 a year on their energy bills. This considerable saving is not only a financial relief but also a push towards a more sustainable energy future.

The company’s approach involves helping customers install solar panels and battery storage systems, thereby reducing reliance on the National Grid and offering long-term, renewable energy solutions. With energy produced on-site and stored for use when needed, homes can significantly cut down their electricity costs, especially during peak usage times when energy prices tend to spike.

“Our mission is to empower local communities by providing affordable and sustainable energy solutions,” a spokesperson for Solwr.wales said. “With the new price cap taking effect, it’s never been more crucial for households to explore alternative energy options. We aim to help families not just manage, but actually reduce their energy costs in the long term.”

How to Benefit from Solwr.wales’s Offerings

Pembrokeshire residents interested in reducing their energy bills can explore Solwr’s.wales services by visiting their website or contacting their Haverfordwest office for a consultation. The process involves a thorough assessment of the home’s energy needs, followed by a tailored plan to maximise solar energy production and storage capacity.

Unlike traditional energy suppliers, Solwr.wales offers a more hands-on approach, guiding customers through the installation and use of solar power systems. Not only does this empower customers to take control of their energy consumption, but it also contributes to a more eco-friendly community by promoting the use of renewable resources.

Further Benefits: Insulation from Market Fluctuations

Aside from the immediate financial benefits, switching to solar energy with Solwr.wales also provides long-term security against future energy market fluctuations. With energy prices subject to ongoing uncertainty, having an independent energy source can protect households from the volatile pricing of traditional energy suppliers. By investing in solar panels and battery storage now, customers can lock in savings for years to come.

For those worried about the upfront costs of such an investment, Solwr.wales offers various financing options, making it accessible for a range of budgets. The company is also keen on supporting government initiatives that provide grants and incentives for installing renewable energy solutions, ensuring customers can access available funding to offset initial installation expenses.

Take Action Before the Winter Chill Sets In

With the 1st October price cap increase just around the corner, time is of the essence for UK households looking to mitigate the impact of soaring energy costs. By acting swiftly and considering alternative energy solutions like those provided by Solwr.wales, Pembrokeshire residents can safeguard their finances and contribute to a greener future.

As energy costs continue to rise, exploring renewable energy options like those offered by Solwr.wales could be the key to not just surviving, but thriving through the coming winter. For those interested in taking control of their energy consumption and saving up to £1700 annually, now is the perfect time to consider making the switch.

For more information, visit Solwr.wales’s website or reach out to their Haverfordwest team to start the journey towards a more affordable and sustainable energy future.

Contact Solwr.wales:
Website: https://solwr.wales/
Address: Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Phone: 08000 30 27 77

Business

New creative space aims to help revitalise Haverfordwest town centre

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A FRESH initiative is bringing a creative spark to Haverfordwest’s high street, with the opening of a new shared studio space designed to support local artists and breathe life into empty shops.

Breakout Gallery, led by Arthur Brooker, officially opened its doors to the public on Friday, February 14, offering both a workspace and a platform for artists to showcase their work.

Arthur, who has been running Breakout Gallery for nearly a decade, has shifted the focus of the business in response to changing times.

“We initially specialised in selling artwork on commission,” Arthur explained. “But after COVID and the cost-of-living crisis, we needed to rethink our approach. Now, our main goal is to help regenerate Haverfordwest by transforming vacant retail spaces into hubs of creativity.”

The gallery has been redesigned to include individual studio units, allowing artists to rent space to create and exhibit their work.

Beyond the studio, Breakout Gallery is well known for its street exhibitions, which add a vibrant touch to local festivals and events. The team also rents out event decorations and manages a space at Westival.

Arthur is now setting his sights on further expansion. “There’s so much potential in Haverfordwest,” he said. “We’re already exploring another premises to offer even more creative space. It’s all about revitalising the town, one shop at a time.”

In addition to providing studio space, the gallery hosts exhibitions and events, with the next major showcase, Heartbreak Hotel by Harriet Davis, set to open on Friday, February 28. Life drawing and oil painting classes are also being introduced to further engage the local artistic community.

A former director at Haverhub, Arthur is passionate about bringing more artists into the fold and ensuring that Haverfordwest becomes a thriving creative hub.

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Business

Insolvency figures rise as businesses face growing pressures

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CORPORATE INSOLVENCIES increased in England and Wales by 6.4% in January 2025, reaching 1,971 cases compared to December 2024’s total of 1,852. The figure also marks a 10.7% rise from January 2024’s 1,780 cases and a 13.1% increase from January 2023.

Personal insolvencies, meanwhile, dropped by 3.4% in January 2025 to 9,706, down from 10,045 in December. However, this remains 11.6% higher than January 2024’s figure of 8,698 and 12.5% higher than January 2023’s 8,630.

Rising costs drive business closures

Bethan Evans, Wales Chair of R3, the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, said the rise in corporate insolvencies is largely due to an increase in Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations and Administrations.

She said: “This suggests that many directors are opting to close their businesses after years of tough trading conditions, particularly ahead of the upcoming rise in the National Minimum Wage and Employers’ National Insurance Contributions in April. As a result, corporate insolvencies have hit their highest January level in over five years.

“There is some positive news in the form of increased Administration numbers, which suggests that more companies may be rescued through sales out of Administration.”

Evans added that creditor pressures and ongoing costs remain key factors driving insolvencies, as rising expenses and reduced consumer spending continue to take a toll.

“Creditors have largely abandoned the more lenient approach they took post-pandemic, with HMRC now returning to pre-COVID levels of debt collection,” she said.

Sectors including retail, construction, and hospitality have struggled. While retailers saw an increase in sales during the festive season, Evans noted that much of this was driven by discounts rather than sustained consumer demand. The construction sector has been hit by rising costs and client caution, while hospitality businesses failed to see the Christmas revenue boost they had hoped for.

Looking ahead, she said: “The projected cut in economic growth has affected business confidence, with many firms hesitant to invest in expansion or hiring ahead of April’s wage and tax changes. However, the Bank of England’s decision to cut the base interest rate could help improve access to rescue finance.”

Household debt remains a concern

On personal insolvencies, Evans pointed to a rise in Debt Relief Orders (DROs), attributing this to changes in debt thresholds and the removal of administration fees last year.

“Breathing Space numbers are at their highest in a year, reinforcing the fact that household debt remains a serious issue in England and Wales,” she said.

“With winter costs for heating and food still high, financial worries are mounting. Many people are keeping a close watch on their outgoings and remain uncertain about their financial future.”

She urged those struggling with debt to seek help early.

“Discussing financial problems—whether personal or business-related—can be difficult, but seeking advice early often provides more options. Most R3 members in Wales offer free initial consultations to help people understand their financial situation and explore potential solutions.”

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Business

Special meeting to decide new £2.3m holiday development at deer park

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PLANS for £2.3m disability-friendly holiday lodges at a Pembrokeshire deer park attraction have been backed for a second time, but a final decision will have to be made by full council.

In an application recommended for refusal at the February 18 meeting of Pembrokeshire County council’s planning committee, Mr and Mrs Evans are seeking permission for 15 lodges at Great Wedlock, Gumfreston, near Tenby, the site of a 176-acre deer farm attraction, which includes animals from the late Queen’s estate, and a more recently-granted market traders’ barn.

The application had previously been recommended for refusal at the January meeting, but members went against officer recommendations with a ‘minded to’ approval, meaning the scheme returned to the February meeting after a ‘cooling off period’.

Reasons for refusal given to members included it was outside of an identified settlement boundary in a countryside location, and was considered to have an adverse impact on visual amenity.

The applicants have previously said build costs to complete the development would be circa £2.3m.

St Florence Community Council did not support a previous application, but has supported the latest amended scheme.

At the February meeting, officers repeated their concerns, also raising a recent court judgement against the council for a previously-granted holiday park scheme in Stepaside, which had been backed despite repeated calls by officers for its refusal, saying there was a possibility of a similar situation arising.

Applicant Andrew Evans thanked members for their previous support for the scheme, saying it would be “completely unique to Pembrokeshire,” providing a facility “for those less fortunate than ourselves,” adding: “Persons with disabilities can come and stay and be one of the majority, and not the minority.”

He said issues on visual intrusion had been addressed by screening which had already cost some £2,000, saying: “The only way you’d see this development is from a helicopter.”

Mr Evans told members some £2.3m was being sunk into the scheme, estimating an annual £1.5m spend in the county when wages, visitor expenditure and other factors were taken into account.

He said, if full approval was given, the first builds could be up-and-running this year, with all finished by February 2026.

Tenby-born Mr Evans quoted a recently-submitted Network Rail scheme to the national park to improve disability access at the town’s railway station, adding: “We’re going for something that no-one else caters for; 24 per cent of people suffer a disability.”

Local member, Cllr Rhys Jordan called once again for the scheme to be supported, saying the recent judgement of the Heritage Park scheme was “a different set of circumstances,” with the likelihood of a judicial review on an application that had “not received one objection” and was supported by the local community council “slim to none”.

Councillor Alan Dennison, who moved approval, seconded by Cllr Jordan, said: “With respect to the recent court case, everyone supports this.”

Concerns were raised by councillors Brian Hall and Alistair Cameron, the former warning it could “open the door” for applications previously refused.

Members voted nine in favour to five against supporting the scheme.

This second approval against officer recommendations based on policy means the final decision on the scheme will have to be made by full council, the matter expected to be heard at the March meeting.

The applicants’ previous scheme for a trading barn took an identical route, being decided by full council after repeatedly being recommended for refusal.

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