SHADOW MINISTER for Economy and Energy and Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Samuel Kurtz, has commended Pembrokeshire’s ports and ferry operators in the Senedd for their exceptional response in managing increased traffic following severe disruptions at Holyhead Port.

The disruption, caused by Storm Darrah, brought winds of up to 96 mph in early December, causing widespread damage across Wales and significantly impacting Holyhead Port.

As one of the UK’s busiest ports, Holyhead typically handles 2 million passengers annually and serves as a critical link to Ireland for commercial shipping and ferry services.

In response to Holyhead’s temporary closure, Pembroke Port and Fishguard Harbour, along with ferry operators, stepped up to ensure the seamless movement of goods and passengers. Key vessels involved in this effort included Irish Ferries’ James Joyce and Isle of Innisfree, alongside Stena Line’s Stena Nordica and Stena Adventurer, which sailed from Pembrokeshire’s ports to support transportation needs.

Samuel Kurtz, who previously worked onboard ships on the Fishguard to Rosslare crossing, said following a statement in the Senedd Chamber: “The performance of Pembrokeshire’s ports and ferry operators during this time of increased demand has been nothing short of remarkable. The contributions of vessels such as Irish Ferries’ James Joyce and Isle of Innisfree, and Stena Line’s Stena Nordica and Stena Adventurer, underscore the strategic importance of our region in maintaining Wales’ economic resilience and connectivity.

“While we look forward to Holyhead Port resuming full operations, Pembrokeshire’s ports and ferries have proven their readiness to rise to the occasion, ensuring that Wales remains open for business. This southern corridor from Pembrokeshire to Rosslare has demonstrated its importance.

“This success is a direct result of the dedication, skill, and professionalism of the men and women who operate our ports and ferries. Their hard work deserves our deepest gratitude, as they have played a vital role in minimising disruption and safeguarding the flow of trade and travel during these uncertain times.”

SEAFOOD restaurants and takeaways have an exciting opportunity to attract and engage customers by highlighting the numerous health benefits of their dishes.

That’s the message from three multi-award-winning businesses recognised for their innovative approaches to promoting the health aspects fish and shellfish.

As the New Year sparks a focus on healthier living, Towngate Fisheries in Yorkshire, Fish City in Belfast and Something Else Fishy in Dorset are leading the way in highlighting seafood as a nutritious choice. They hope to inspire others in hospitality to weave health-focused messaging into their customer engagement.

The businesses’ efforts are part of Seafish’s new Seafood for Life initiative, which champions the benefits of fish and shellfish while celebrating industry best practice. Profiles of the three businesses are featured in the health section of the Seafood for Life web hub, alongside a blog by registered dietician Juliet Kellow outlining 10 healthy reasons to eat more seafood in 2025. There is an accompanying downloadable factsheet.

Businesses are invited to use these resources to help inform their own approaches to promoting seafood’s health benefits.

Explaining his rationale for promoting the healthy eating aspects of fish in his fish and chip shop, Towngate Fisheries owner Mark Drummond said: “One out of 10 customers might be interested in health, but if you can get to that extra 10% of customers, that can mean the difference between a business breaking even or making a good profit.”

John Lavery, owner of Fish City restaurant in Belfast said: “Fish is a healthy, natural protein, often with little or no processing. Government guidelines recommend a minimum of two portions per week, so I believe, from a promotional point of view, this provides an opportunity we should focus on.”

Nicki Else runs Something Else Fishy in Dorset. She explained: “For us, it’s about showcasing the wide range of benefits of seafood and fitting a health message into that. I would encourage other businesses to do something like this because it builds loyalty from your customers – they trust you because you are knowledgeable.”

Seafish Chief Executive Marcus Coleman said: “The aim of Seafood for Life is to showcase the benefits of seafood and the good work of the UK industry that produces it. We want to help businesses have informed conversations with their customers that encourage them to eat more fish and shellfish.

“As we begin 2025, we know many people are thinking about ways to be a bit healthier, so we’ve kicked off the year with a focus on the nutritional benefits of seafood. We’re highlighting great examples of businesses which are already successfully promoting the health aspects of their dishes and offering resources for the industry which we hope will inspire and inform their own activities.”

Pictured above: John Davery from Fish City

AS WELSH farming families consider the implications of the UK government’s plan to limit 100% agricultural and business relief for inheritance tax (IHT) to the first £1m of value, Farming Connect is launching a roadshow of events across Wales to help businesses consider different options for protecting their assets including succession planning.

The Autumn Budget on 30 October included significant proposed changes to IHT rules and these will impact many farm businesses. 

Demand for the advice available through Farming Connect is anticipated to be high as a result therefore it is holding 10 events where experts in farm IHT issues and succession planning will provide important guidance on the planned measures and advise on how farmers can mitigate the effects of the change.

They will include Dr Nerys Llewelyn Jones, of Agri Advisor, who says the changes further emphasise the importance of timely and effective succession planning.

For example, the seven-year rule still applies which means someone could transfer an asset at least seven years before their death, without having to pay IHT on that asset. These are referred to as Potentially Exempt Transfers (PETs)

“The changes could lead to more transfers between generations before death but reservation of benefits rules apply and therefore this must be considered carefully,’’ says Dr Llewelyn Jones.

“If these rules are broken, for example if the gift donor is still benefiting in some way from the estate, for example living in the farmhouse, it may be referred to as a “failed PET” and will then become subject to IHT.’’

She anticipates heavier scrutiny on valuations and a greater need to have assets valued. 

Until now, farmers will have been advised to essentially “keep farming” for as long as possible to qualify for Agricultural Property Relief (APR). 

“This will apply possibly to assets that they are seeking APR and Business Property Relief (BPR) on, including those assets within the £1m cap’’ says Dr Llewelyn Jones.

However, there will be changes to the legal advice previously given as a result of the Budget and she strongly advises farmers to seek professional advice and put a plan in place.  

“For some, small changes will enable them to maximise the new IHT regime and the reliefs available but for others significant planning and consideration will be required with some difficult decisions to be made,’’ says Dr Llewelyn Jones.

Solicitors, accountants and land agents will be on hand to answer questions.

A comprehensive package of support is available through Farming Connect including facilitated family succession meetings; a succession review to assess the tax position and subsidised business and legal advice. For more information contact your local Development Officer, or call the Service Centre.

The schedule of events is as follows:

20/01/25 – Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, Carmarthen SA31 1LG

21/01/25 – Monmouthshire Livestock Centre, Raglan, NP15 2B

22/01/25 – County Showground, Withybush, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 4BW

27/01/25 – The Barn, Moody Cow, Bargoed Farm, Llwyncelyn, Aberaeron, SA46 0HL

28/01/25 – Maesteg Golf Club, Maesteg, CF34 9PR

03/02/25 – Coleg Cambria – Llysfasi, Llysfasi, Ruthin LL15 2LB

03/02/25 – Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon, LL55 1AY

05/02/25 – The Elephant & Castle Hotel, Newtown, SY16 2BQ

10/02/25 – Hafod a Hendre, Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, LD2 3SY

11/02/25 – Rhyd-y-main Hall, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2AS

For further details visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect/whats-on