Business

Pembrokeshire businesses fear for future as rates revaluation triggers big increases

Published

3 days ago

December 1, 2025

Sharp rises worry traders across the county and beyond

A NUMBER of Pembrokeshire businesses say they are worried about their future after being told their business rates are likely to rise sharply from April.

Firms across the county have been notified that the rateable value of their premises has increased under the latest revaluation carried out by the Valuation Office Agency, which reviews commercial property values every three years across Wales and England.

Business rates for the next financial year will depend on the multiplier set by the Welsh Government. For 2025–26, the multiplier is 0.568, but ministers have not yet confirmed what figure will apply from April.

The Welsh Government says it has provided £1 billion in rates relief to the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors over the last six years, and insists that revaluation does not increase overall revenues but updates bills “to reflect current property market conditions”.

Hotels, pubs and holiday parks facing steep rises

In Cwm Gwaun, the Gelli Fawr Hotel has seen its valuation more than double from £45,000 to £108,000, while in Newport the Golden Lion pub faces a rise from £98,000 to £130,000 — an increase of 33%.

Local business owners say the increases come at a time when energy, staffing and supply costs remain high, and many customers are already cutting back. Several told the Herald the lack of warning has made planning extremely difficult, and that margins are already “paper thin”.

Tourism operators, including holiday parks in the Newport area, say the uncertainty over the final rates multiplier — which will determine the actual bill — is causing significant anxiety heading into the new season.

In Milford Haven, the had pressed pub sector is affected badly. The bill for The Lord Kitchener pub is increasing from £5,000 to £15,000 and the rates at the Kimberley Public House have nearly doubled from £10,500 to £19,500.

The Imperial Hall’s rates are increasing from £5,800 to £9,200. It’s director, Lee Bridges, said: “Business rates are Council Tax for businesses, why are we being asked to pay more when we use less services.

“A business in existence already contributes into the pool by paying VAT, NI, wages to staff who pay council tax etc.”

In Haverfordwest, the annual rates bill at Eddies Nightclub is increasing from £57,000 to £61,500 per year.

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) says it uses ‘fair maintainable turnover’ to value public houses and hotels. This is the annual income they think a reasonably efficient landlord could expect to achieve on a certain date.

A rental percentage is applied to the turnover estimate to get the rateable value. The percentage takes into account things like the type of pub and its location.

But it is not only the hospitality sector affected.

Educational establishments are too. For example, the ratable value of Happy Days Nursery in Milford Haven is going up from £16,000 to £30,500, new figures reveal.

This is a massive increase for a small operator already dealing with increased energy costs and other expenses.

‘Very anxious’ – county councillor

Independent councillor Huw Murphy, who represents Newport, Pembrokeshire, said many businesses have contacted him after receiving substantial valuation increases.

“Businesses are very anxious about what happens from 1 April,” he said. “It looks likely that rates will rise, and for some the increase could be extremely high. If margins disappear, jobs will go.”

Small firms call for stability

Speaking to S4C, Dr Llyr ap Gareth, of the Federation of Small Businesses Wales, said small firms have been under intense pressure for years.

“Anything that increases costs is a major concern,” he said. “The Welsh Government needs to provide clarity as early as possible. A lack of certainty is a real problem.”

The VOA said valuations rise or fall depending on location and property type, and that the hospitality sector is seeing increases because many businesses have recovered since the pandemic suppressed values during the last revaluation.

Business rate arrangements for 2026–27 are expected to be confirmed when the Welsh Government publishes its budget on 20 January 2026.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

5 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

8 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):

13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)
14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)
15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)
16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)

Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):

13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)
14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)
15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)
16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

16 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CALLS to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire which had been recommended for refusal has been given a breathing space by planners.

In an application recommended for refusal at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the redundant former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the open countryside location being contrary to planning policy and there was no evidence submitted that the application would not increase foul flows and that nutrient neutrality in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC would be achieved within this catchment.

An officer report said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.

Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, after the committee had enjoyed a seasonal break for mince pies, said of the recommendation for refusal: “I’m a bit grumpy over this one; the client has done everything right, he has talked with the authority and it’s not in retrospect but has had a negative report from your officers.”

He said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant catering for ‘100 covers’ before it closed two three years ago when the original owner relocated to Carmarthenshire.

He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming over 36 acres and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing the “beautiful kitchen” and facilities would easily convert to holiday let use.

He said a “common sense approach” showed a septic tank that could cope with a restaurant of “100 covers” could cope with three holiday lets, describing the nitrates issue as “a red herring”.

He suggested a deferral for further information to be provided by the applicant, adding: “This is a big, missed opportunity if we just kick this out today, there’s a building sitting there not creating any jobs.”

On the ‘open countryside’ argument, he said that while many viewed Martletwy as “a little bit in the sticks” there was already permission for the campsite, and the restaurant, and the Bluestone holiday park and the Wild Lakes water park were roughly a mile or so away.

He said converting the former restaurant would “be an asset to bring it over to tourism,” adding: “We don’t all want to stay in Tenby or the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven.”

While Cllr Nick Neuman felt the nutrients issue could be overcome, Cllr Michael Williams warned the application was “clearly outside policy,” recommending it be refused.

A counter-proposal, by Cllr Tony Wilcox, called for a site visit before any decision was made, the application returning to a future committee; members voting seven to three in favour of that.