Business

Top security firm wins national praise — and it all started in Pembrokeshire

Published

7 months ago

April 29, 2025

A PEMBROKESHIRE security company that began as a local start-up just over three years ago has been awarded a string of prestigious national accreditations – cementing its position as one of Wales’ most trusted providers of training and protection services.

RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd, which employs around 300 people and is based in the county, has passed rigorous audits for both ISO 9001 and CoP 119 – two of the toughest and most respected certifications in the security industry.

These achievements, along with six other nationally recognised accreditations, underline the company’s meteoric rise from a small family-run venture to a sector leader with operations across South Wales.

Pembrokeshire roots, national reach

Founded in November 2021 by former high-risk security operative Ryan Mayne and Tenby native Kerry McReynolds, RM Training was born out of a desire to bring professionalism, fairness and opportunity to the Welsh security sector.

***Mathew Davies: Oversees company’s day-to-day operations***

“Pembrokeshire gave me a second chance,” Ryan told The Herald. “I was sent here during the pandemic to work on Home Office security contracts, and I knew straight away this was where I wanted to stay and build something meaningful.”

That dream became a reality when Ryan partnered with Kerry — now his fiancée — and was soon joined by General Manager Mathew Davies, a seasoned security professional with a military background who helped the business expand quickly while maintaining discipline, training standards and reliability.

Together, the trio built a company that now works with everyone from local pubs and event organisers to public sector bodies and large commercial clients across Wales.

A clean sweep of accreditations

The company’s recent success in passing the ISO 9001 and CoP 119 audits is being hailed as a major milestone.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Ryan-mayne-edited.webp — ***MD of a growing local firm: Ryan Mayne***

ISO 9001 is the gold standard for quality management systems, confirming that the business has robust internal processes focused on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

CoP 119, meanwhile, is a specialist code of practice set by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and the British Standards Institution. It sets out strict requirements for recruitment, vetting, workforce welfare and compliance — ensuring companies who deploy security staff are ethical, transparent and accountable.

But RM Training’s achievements don’t stop there. The company also holds:

Disability Confident Employer status — promoting inclusive recruitment and support for disabled workers
CPD Approved Provider recognition — certifying its training as high-quality and professionally approved
A Bronze Award from the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme — showing support for veterans and reservists
Good Business Charter membership — committing to responsible business practices
ICO registration — ensuring data protection and privacy compliance
SafeContractor and SafePQQ approval — verifying health, safety, environmental, and anti-bribery standards

General Manager Mathew Davies said: “These accreditations are more than just badges. They show we’re doing things the right way – by the book, with integrity, and with people at the heart of everything.”

Investing in people – and Pembrokeshire

One of RM Training’s central goals is to open doors for people in Pembrokeshire and beyond who want to build a secure, long-term career in the industry.

***Professional approach:*** ***Kerry McReynolds***

With over 140 training courses available — including door supervision, corporate and retail security, festival work and site guarding — the company is helping people gain the qualifications they need to work in a sector where demand is constantly rising.

“A big part of what we do is supporting people into work,” said Mr Mayne. “Whether they’re ex-military, looking for a fresh start, or just need flexible hours that work for their family – we give them the tools, training and confidence to succeed.”

A family-run firm with big ambitions

Despite its growth, the firm has never lost its family feel. Kerry McReynolds, who juggles raising their young son Archie with managing staff and client relations, remains at the centre of the operation.

“She’s the one who keeps everything moving,” Ryan said. “Without Kerry and Mathew, this wouldn’t work. We’ve all worked hard to build something we can be proud of — for Pembrokeshire, and for the people we serve.”

As the company looks ahead to more expansion across South Wales and the rest of the UK, it remains committed to its founding values: professionalism, fairness, opportunity — and giving back to the community that helped it grow.

Business

Holiday lets allowed to stay at Narberth dairy farm

Published

6 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for a Pembrokeshire dairy farm to keep two “alternative” holiday pods sited without permission as a way of diversifying in an uncertain industry has been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Vaynor Farm Ltd sought retrospective permission for the siting of two self-catering holiday accommodation pods at The Cart House, Vaynor Farm, Bethesda, near Narberth as part of a farm diversification enterprise.

It was before committee members as it was recommended for delegated conditional approval by senior officers despite being against the development plan.

Previous retrospective schemes, for two self-catering pods along with an application to retain a shepherd hut accommodation pod at another farm, a part of the Vaynor Farm farm enterprise, were refused in 2023 and 2025, the latter due to “an unjustified and harmful impact on the character and appearance of the open countryside”.

Detailing the current application, an officer report for members said the pods: Vaynor Farm Pod within the garden of The Cart House, and The Paddock Pod, on the edge of a small paddock, were constructed off-site and have been transported to their current locations, with external decking, hot tubs, a barbecue area and car parking provided for each pod.

It added: “A business plan has been submitted with the application, which explains that due to uncertainties associated with dairy farming, the applicant has sought to diversify the farm enterprise to incorporate tourism accommodation.

“The application makes the case that the proposed development represents farm diversification. It is acknowledged that the development has resulted in the provision of an alternative type of holiday accommodation for which it has been demonstrated there is a demand, contributing to the diversity and quality of accommodation available within the county and supporting an existing farm business, with consequent economic and social benefits.

“Evidence has been provided that demonstrates the extent to which the pods have provided income which has been used to support the farm business.

“However, officers consider that should planning permission be granted, a [planning obligation] will be necessary to ensure that the accommodation pods continue to support the farm business and are not separated from it at some future point in time.”

Delegated conditional approval limiting the use and occupation of the self-catering accommodation pods to short term holiday use only was moved by Cllr Brian Hall and unanimously backed by committee members.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

17 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

21 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):