Trading Standards says trader failed to engage after advice — criminal investigation not ruled out

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has confirmed it is continuing to assess complaints relating to Steven Grant and his business Computer Solutions Wales, and has not ruled out the possibility of a criminal investigation.

The statement comes after the Pembrokeshire Herald published a series of reports in recent weeks detailing allegations from customers and former workers who say they were left out of pocket following dealings with the business.

The council confirmed that complaints were first received by its Trading Standards Service in October 2024.

At that time, officers assessed the matters as predominantly civil disputes between consumers and a trader, meaning they did not initially meet the threshold for criminal enforcement action.

However, Trading Standards officers did engage directly with Mr Grant.

A council spokesperson said: “Trading Standards colleagues met with Mr Grant to discuss the concerns raised and offered extensive business advice verbally and in writing, outlining his statutory duties as a trader and steps that he could take to resolving the various grievances.”

Advice was also provided to complainants about how devices might be recovered and the options available through civil legal processes.

Engagement ‘unmet’

The council has now confirmed that attempts to continue dialogue with Mr Grant have not been successful.

The spokesperson said: “Since this early engagement Trading Standards colleagues have been unable to obtain updates from Mr Grant, and attempts to engage in further dialogue have gone unmet.”

The authority added that it remains aware of ongoing complaints and unresolved issues.

“The Trading Standards Service is aware that certain matters remain unresolved and of wider complaints and will continue to appraise the nature of these issues and whether a criminal investigation might be warranted.”

Officers also confirmed they were aware of changes to trading addresses and company status connected to the business.

Legal powers complex

The council explained that newer consumer protection legislation — including the Digital Markets, Consumers and Competition Act 2024 — provides civil enforcement mechanisms designed to encourage compliance by traders, but these processes can be lengthy and depend on engagement from the business concerned.

Growing number of complaints

The Herald has been contacted by a significant number of individuals who say they paid money for repairs, devices or services that were delayed, not delivered, or subject to refund disputes.

Others claim equipment was not returned, while former workers have also alleged unpaid wages.

Mr Grant has previously said problems stemmed from a dispute with a landlord which prevented access to customer devices, and has said he was seeking legal advice regarding how property could be returned.

He has since declined to provide further comment.

How to complain

The council said any new complaints relating to Steven Grant or Computer Solutions Wales should be reported to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, which acts as the national gateway for Trading Standards referrals.

Consumers can contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.

A CALL to allow the selling of alcohol as late as 10pm at a rural beauty spot former village tearoom which objectors fear will “create an absolute nightmare” exacerbating an already growing issue with antisocial behaviour from holidaymakers, has been given the go-ahead.

At Pembrokeshire County Council’s February licensing sub-committee, members considered an application by Sarah Jane Partridge and Robert John Secrett for a new premises licence at Bosherton Bistro, Old World Cottage, Bosherton.

A report for members said it was proposed the premises, formerly a tearoom called ‘Ye Olde Worlde Café’ would open 8am-10pm, selling alcohol from 9am on and off site, seven days a week in the village.

Since the proposal for the site, close to the village pub The St Govan’s Inn, was publicised, 13 objections were received, including Stackpole and Castlemartin Community Council.

In its submissions, the community council said it “will cause a significant public nuisance in the residential area”.

It said the ordinarily tranquil Bosherston, with its neighbouring beauty spot attractions of the lily ponds and St Govans currently has four well-established camp sites “which already frequently cause late night disruption, littering and anti-social behaviour caused predominantly by intoxicated individuals”.

It went on to say: “Instances of aggressive behaviour and trespass are already prevalent within the village by visitors under the influence of alcohol.”

Concerns raised by members of the public included fears of “an increased problem with drunkenness, drink driving and antisocial behaviour,” and it would “make life for the residents in the immediate area an absolute nightmare”.

Speaking at the meeting, applicant Sarah Jane Partridge said they shared “the same fundamental aims as the residents,” with the scheme “not about creating a drinking venue but a food-based family bistro”.

She stressed that campers were already able to buy alcohol from the pub, or bring their own to the campsites, adding the 84-cover bistro would introduce safeguarding measures around the sale of any alcohol; off-site sales consisting of ‘gift-set’-style alcohol craft packages rather than “cans of lager”.

Objector Rik Guly said there had been many public order incidents over the years in the 36-home village relating to visitors from the campsites, as well as empty beer bottles, tampons and tins littering the area, one farmer also having his ‘honesty box’ stolen on several occasions; the application “effectively throwing a catalyst for more alcohol consumption and more public disorder”.

He also raised concerns it could restrict access along the narrow road to the nearby coastguard building for emergency services.

Another objector Clare Strudwick said “almost half the village” was objecting to the scheme which would cause “unacceptable public nuisance”.

Representing the community council, local county councillor Steve Alderman, who once farmed in Bosherston himself, said post-Covid visitor interest in the area had been raised “immeasurably,” with huge numbers attracted to the area.

He said that, while “antisocial behaviour, both physical and verbal” and “a complete lack of respect for what is a marvellous-looking village” was “society’s fault,” the resident’s had a right to enjoy their quality of life.

After the committee deliberated, chair Cllr Tony Wilcox said they had considered the range of objections but considered they were “not of sufficient seriousness to consider rejecting the application”.

The licensing application was approved, objectors hearing that decision could be appealed within 28 days.

SHERIFF’S BILTONG, the award-winning Welsh snack brand co-founded by former Wales and British & Irish Lions captain Ken Owens and West Wales food producer Ruth Davies, has been named as a finalist in the prestigious Wales Food and Drink Awards 2026, in the category of Farm to Fork Producer of the Year, sponsored by NFU Mutual.

The nomination recognises Sheriff’s Biltong’s unwavering commitment to sourcing, producing and celebrating the very best of Welsh food. Made exclusively with PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) Welsh beef, the highest standard of provenance for Welsh red meat, and crafted using only minimal natural ingredients with no additives or preservatives. Every bag provides 16 grams of protein and tells a story that begins on Welsh farms and ends on the shelves of some of Wales’ most iconic locations and biggest retailers, from Cardiff Airport and the Snowdon Summit Café to over 50 Tesco Superstores and Extra stores across the nation.

The brand’s journey began when long-time friends Ken Owens and Ruth Davies struck up a conversation over the garden wall. Ruth, who has more than 15 years of experience in the food industry and learnt traditional curing techniques in Italy, was looking to diversify the charcuterie business she ran with her husband Andrew. Ken, already a loyal customer, became involved in developing the product from the ground up, not just lending his name, but helping shape the product itself.

Since launching, Sheriff’s Biltong has gone from strength to strength, securing a major Tesco listing, attending the Gulfood sourcing event in Dubai, and now earning recognition at one of Wales’ most respected food and drink industry events.

Ruth Davies, co-founder of Sheriff’s Biltong, said: “We started Sheriff’s Biltong because we believed Wales had something truly special to offer, world-class beef and a genuine pride in our food heritage. To be recognised by the Wales Food and Drink Awards in the Farm to Fork category means everything to us.”

Ken Owens, co-founder, said: “I’ve always been proud to be Welsh and proud of what Welsh farming stands for. Sheriff’s Biltong was built on those values, honest ingredients and nothing unnecessary. Being shortlisted for this award is a huge honour and shows that when you back Welsh produce wholeheartedly, people notice.”

The Farm to Fork category, sponsored by NFU Mutual, specifically celebrates producers who demonstrate a transparent and traceable journey from field to finished product, values that sit at the very heart of the Sheriff’s Biltong story.

The winners of the Wales Food and Drink Awards will be announced at a black-tie ceremony hosted at the Swansea Building Society Arena, Swansea, on 16th April 2026.