Business
‘Plain cigarette packaging won’t work’
RETAILERS from across the UK protested last week (Feb 11) outside Parliament at the Government’s decision to go ahead with a free vote proposing plain packaging of cigarettes. Retailers are angry as they allege their views have been chiefly ignored.
The National Spokesman for the Tobacco Retailers’ Alliance, Suleman Khonat said: “There is a huge groundswell of opposition to plain packaging amongst small retailers from across the UK. That is why we have taken our campaign directly to Westminster today. Despite three consultations on plain packaging returning a strong thumbs down to this ill-thought out policy, and evidence from Australia showing that plain packaging does not work, the Government seems determined to introduce a measure which will only benefit tobacco smugglers.
“If introduced, plain packaging would undermine legitimate businesses like mine up and down the country because the simple, one design packs are so easy to counterfeit and would be a boon for the criminals. It would also fail to deliver its so-called aim – to deter under-age smoking. The Government is sleep-walking into this decision. The fact that retailers have travelled from all over the country today – and taken a day away from their shops – demonstrates the huge strength of feeling against plain packaging.”
Mr Khonat continued, adding: “It is an illogical and nonsensical proposal. Plain packaging will create an unnecessary burden on struggling newsagents and convenience stores across the land, especially as the display ban has not yet been introduced into smaller shops – never mind evaluated. Yet the Government says it’s serious about cutting red tape.”
With cigarettes already having been banned in shops from plain view, The Herald was interested to know if this had had an effect on sales of tobacco and spoke with a Tesco employee working at the tobacconist section of the Milford Haven store. She believed that the screens over the cigarette shelf had made no difference to the orders and sales of tobacco.
Only two Halifax branches remain in west Wales as banking giant considers major brand shake-up
HALIFAX could disappear from UK high streets after more than 170 years under plans being considered by Lloyds Banking Group.
The banking giant is understood to be looking at phasing out the Halifax name as part of a wider review of its brands, with Lloyds expected to become the main retail banking name in England and Wales.
If the plans go ahead, the move would mark the end of one of Britain’s best-known financial brands, which began life in 1852 as the Halifax Permanent Benefit Building Society.
No final decision has yet been announced, but reports suggest new Halifax account openings could be stopped later this year, with existing customers gradually moved across to Lloyds.
The Herald understands that branch banking in west Wales has already been significantly reduced, with only two Halifax-branded branches currently remaining in the region — in Llanelli and Swansea.
Customers in Pembrokeshire no longer have access to a Halifax branch, with banking services instead directed through Lloyds Bank branches, including Haverfordwest. Carmarthenshire customers are similarly directed to Lloyds Bank in Carmarthen.
The possible disappearance of Halifax comes amid continuing pressure on high street banking, with many branches already closing as more customers move to mobile and online banking.
Consumer groups have warned that the steady loss of bank branches risks leaving elderly customers, vulnerable people and small businesses without easy access to face-to-face banking.
For many towns across west Wales, the loss of familiar banking names has become part of a wider decline in high street services, alongside the closure of post offices, shops and public services.
Halifax became one of the country’s biggest mortgage lenders and was for decades associated with savings, home ownership and local branch banking. It later became part of HBOS before Lloyds took over the group during the financial crisis.
A final decision on the future of the Halifax brand is expected as Lloyds sets out its next strategic plans.
BLUESTONE National Park Resort has confirmed that its much-loved Steep Ravine will reopen on Saturday, May 23, marking the return of Camp Smokey and Smokey Joe’s Shindig, alongside new zip line adventures for guests to enjoy this summer.
The award-winning 5* resort in Pembrokeshire was forced to close the Ravine in December 2024 after severe storm damage left the area unsafe. Since then, work has been underway to restore the site and ensure it can be safely enjoyed by guests once again.
When visitors return this summer, they will find a landscape that looks different to how they may remember it – a change Bluestone says reflects both the impact of the storms and a conscious decision to take a long-term, nature-led approach to its recovery.
James McNamara, Director of Product and Programme Development at Bluestone, said the reopening represents “a new chapter” for the Ravine.
“We know how special the Steep Ravine is to so many of our guests and closing it back in 2024 was not a decision we took lightly,” he said.
“The storm damage meant the area was no longer safe, so it was important that we took the time to restore the Ravine carefully and responsibly, working closely with specialists throughout the process.
“Every step has been taken with care for the landscape and its future, while making sure guests can once again enjoy everything that makes this place so special.”
As part of the restoration work, areas of woodland affected by the storms were carefully managed to improve the long-term stability of the site. Bluestone says the landscape will continue to naturally regenerate and evolve over time.
As part of this approach, some fallen timber and natural woodland material has intentionally been left within the Ravine to help support the recovery process. Over time, this will help return nutrients to the soil, encourage new plant growth and create valuable habitats for insects, birds and wildlife as the landscape regenerates naturally.
“Steep Ravine has always been about bringing people together outdoors – whether that’s around the campfire at Camp Smokey or experiencing the adventure of the Ravine itself,” James McNamara added.
“We’re excited to welcome guests back this month and reopen a place that means so much to so many people.”
While the landscape has naturally evolved following the restoration work, Bluestone says the experience guests know and love is very much returning this summer.
Camp Smokey – the rustic outdoor dining spot at the foot of the Ravine – will once again serve lunches, BBQ feasts, drinks, marshmallow toasting around the fire and a brand-new lunch menu.
Evening entertainment also returns with Smokey Joe’s Shindig, featuring high-energy family sing-alongs, dancing and live entertainment at Camp Smokey.
Adventure seekers will also be able to experience two new guided zip line adventures.
The Summit Flight sends guests racing across the Steep Ravine on a high-speed 279m zip line experience, while the Double Glide features shorter zips designed to build confidence and excitement along the way.
“We’ve treated this special place with real care and respect,” James McNamara said. “It means a great deal to our guests and our team, and we’re proud to be reopening it in a way that keeps its spirit alive.”
NEW banking reforms could unlock up to £80 billion in additional finance for British businesses, the Treasury has said.
Ministers say changes to the UK’s ring-fencing regime will make it easier for major banks to support firms with lending, investment and financial products, while keeping protections for savers in place.
The reforms include a proposed new Growth Allowance, allowing large banks to use part of their balance sheets more flexibly to support businesses looking to expand.
Ring-fencing was introduced after the financial crisis to separate everyday banking services, such as retail and small business deposits, from riskier investment banking activity.
The Treasury says the core protections will remain, with ring-fenced banks continuing to operate separately from investment banking arms.
Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister, Rachel Blake said: “Where financial systems are inefficient, we will change them.
“These reforms will ensure more financing flows into UK businesses, and we can support growth and create jobs across the country.
“This will unlock finance for growth while keeping the UK banking system resilient, competitive and fit for the future.”
The changes are set out in a new report, Safeguarding Stability, Enabling Growth, and will be taken forward through the forthcoming Enhancing Financial Services Bill.
The Prudential Regulation Authority will also be given more flexibility to update and tailor rules over time, rather than relying on detailed legislation.
The government says this should allow outdated requirements to be removed more quickly and help banks respond to changes in the financial system.
Banks may also be able to offer businesses a wider range of products, including improved hedging tools and greater access to programmes delivered through the British Business Bank and the National Wealth Fund.
Alex Depledge, Entrepreneurship Advisor to the Chancellor, said the reforms would help growing firms access capital at the point they need it most.
She said: “Too often, our fastest-growing firms hit a wall of unnecessary friction just as they start to scale.
“These changes will unlock more of the capital founders need to keep building in the UK, while maintaining the financial stability that underpins investor confidence.”
The government will consult on the detail of the changes before implementation.
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