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José Peralta Appointed New CEO of Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales

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AFTER an extensive recruitment process, José Peralta has been named the new Chief Executive of Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), the red meat levy body.

José brings over 25 years of experience in the UK meat industry, having held senior leadership roles across several prominent companies. Notably, he served as Managing Director of the UK’s second-largest red meat business under the ownership of Grampian Country Food Group, Vion, and 2 Sisters Food Group. During his tenure, the organisation achieved annual sales exceeding £500 million, employed over 3,000 staff, and operated six processing plants across the UK, making it a significant seller of Welsh beef and lamb domestically and internationally until 2016.

Following this, José became Managing Director of Tulip Food Company, overseeing eight processing sites and generating over £500 million in annual sales of pork-based products. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Pembrokeshire-based Puffin Produce, where he spearheaded initiatives such as the development of the Pembrokeshire Creamery milk bottling plant.

HCC Chair Welcomes New Leadership

Commenting on the appointment, HCC Chair Catherine Smith said: “The Hybu Cig Cymru Board is delighted to welcome José Peralta as our new Chief Executive. His exceptional leadership skills and extensive experience in the red meat industry make him the ideal candidate to guide HCC into its next phase of development within an evolving and dynamic sector.

“This is an exciting time for HCC as we continue to grow and strengthen our renowned brands, PGI Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef. With the finalisation of our current five-year business plan and the shaping of our strategic vision for 2026 and beyond, our focus is on creating a roadmap that supports the sustainable growth of the industry as a vital part of the Welsh agri-food economy.

“We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Heather Anstey-Myers, who has served as Interim Chief Executive over the past year, for her dedication and hard work.”

Government Endorsement

Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, praised the appointment: “I am pleased that José Peralta is taking on this important role. His extensive track record in the red meat industry will be invaluable in advancing the organisation and ensuring it delivers the best outcomes for levy payers and the broader agri-food sector. Hybu Cig Cymru plays a crucial role in working with the Welsh Government and stakeholders to secure a sustainable future for farmers across Wales.”

CEO’s Vision for the Future

José Peralta expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating: “I am honoured to join Hybu Cig Cymru and look forward to collaborating with the HCC team to champion the development and promotion of the Welsh red meat industry on behalf of our levy payers.

“Over the coming weeks and months, I will engage with levy payers and industry partners to identify opportunities for collaboration and partnership, ensuring maximum returns for both levy payers and the wider industry.”

José Peralta is set to assume his position on 20 January 2025.

 

Business

New facilities at Haverfordwest Target Shooting Club agreed

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A CALL by a Pembrokeshire shooting club for more disability-friendly facilities has been given the go-ahead by county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Haverfordwest Target Shooting Club, through agent Andrew Sutton Architecture, sought permission for an extension to existing target shooting club building at The Firing Range, Withybush Road, Haverfordwest to improve accessibility and internal facilities, together with associated landscaping works.

A supporting statement said: “The club’s own published history states it was founded in 1968, moved from the Drill Hall to the old wartime airfield butts at Withybush by the early 1970s, and had developed facilities over time, including the clubhouse by 1999. The established leisure/community use has existed on the site for a number of years and the proposal does not seek to intensify the core activity beyond that already authorised/established.”

It added: “The primary objective of the scheme is to improve inclusive access to the club’s facilities for disabled users and those with reduced mobility. The internal arrangement will provide adequate entrance and lobby space, clear accessible routes and appropriately designed sanitary accommodation, including an accessible wetroom/shower and separate WC.”

It also said accessible parking and surfacing designed to provide a firm, even, slip-resistant route from parking to the principal entrance.

It added: “The Equality Act 2010 places duties on service providers to make reasonable adjustments so that people with additional access needs are not placed at a substantial disadvantage.

“The proposal is therefore a positive enhancement to a community/leisure facility and supports wider policy objectives for inclusive environments.”

It went on to say: “The club operates within a highly controlled environment, and the proposed works will maintain and enhance safety and security measures.”

The application was conditionally approved by planners.

 

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Business

St Davids GP surgery plans lodged with national park

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PLANS to convert a former GP surgery in Pembrokeshire’s only city to a home and holiday let have been lodged with the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Alice and Danjal Joensen, through agent Oochitecture, seek permission for a change of use of the ground floor of the former GP surgery, Eryl Mor, 36, New Street, St Davids, merging with the existing first-floor apartment to create a larger single dwelling house, along with the creation of an attached short-term holiday let.

The GP surgery is currently vacant, following its closure in October 2024 after new partners could not be secured.

A supporting statement says, prior to being a GP surgery, the two storey element was a single dwelling house.

It adds: “The house would consist of an open plan kitchen-living space to the ground floor, along with a study, lounge and utility room. The first floor includes four double bedrooms with ensuite and main bathroom.

“The new unit of accommodation would form a holiday-let with two double bedrooms, shower room, and an open plan kitchen-living space.

“The GP surgery is currently vacant, following its closure in October 2024 after new partners could not be secured, therefore the proposed change of use will provide a viable long-term future use for the property.”

It says minimal external alterations are proposed to the property with existing entrances utilised for both the main house and holiday-let, adding: “The existing concrete ramp to the front elevation will be retained with proposed works including extending the upper level and steps to provide a connection to the front door, allowing for accessible entrance to the property.

“There will be no changes to vehicular or pedestrian access, with the site continuing to be accessed via the existing entrance from New Street. Parking will be provided for the main house and holiday-let on the existing tarmac driveway off New Street.”

The application will be considered by Park planners at a later date.

 

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Business

Cardigan bakery named among best in UK

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A CARDIGAN bakehouse has been named among the best bakeries in the UK as interest in “bakery tourism” continues to rise.

Bara Menyn, a small family-run bakehouse tucked away in a side street in Cardigan, has been highlighted by travel experts at holidaycottages.co.uk as one of the bakeries worth making a trip for.

The name Bara Menyn means “bread and butter” in Welsh, and the bakery has built a reputation for imaginative bakes, pizzas and seasonal produce.

Laura Kerslake, regional expert for Wales, said: “Bara Menyn is how you say ‘bread and butter’ in Welsh and the name of the small family bakehouse that is hidden down a side street in Cardigan, West Wales.

“It’s open three days a week so that the owners can fit the bakehouse around family life and their careers as artists.

“The family’s artistic flair can be seen in all the imaginative fillings and toppings on the bakes and pizzas served, which are also made using local, seasonal produce.”

The listing comes as the UK sees growing interest in independent bakeries, with spending on bakery goods reported to have risen by six per cent from 2025 to 2026.

Research also suggests that many people are now willing to travel for regional food experiences, from traditional cakes to artisan bread and pastries.

Two other Welsh bakeries were also highlighted: Little Valley Bakery, which has sites in Mumbles and Brynmill, and was recently named in the Good Food Guide’s 50 Best Bakeries 2026; and another Welsh entry included in the travel company’s wider list.

For Cardigan, the recognition adds to the town’s growing reputation as a destination for independent food, drink and creative businesses.

 

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