News
Favourite present inspires jewellery business
A FAVOURITE festive gift has inspired a Pembrokeshire teenager to realise her “big Idea” of running a bespoke jewellery business, becoming one of Wales’ latest young entrepreneurs.
Six years after finding a “make your own jewellery kit” under her Christmas tree, 17-year-old Jacqs Scourfield from Tenby has turned her love of crafts into a one-of-a-kind enterprise. Now a popular brand in and around Pembrokeshire, Jewellery by Jacqs has developed a reputation for its quirky designs, and has steadily grown to include a diverse range of products and unique commissioned pieces. Jacqs is now looking to expand her jewellery business, having recently purchased a £12,000 laser cutter to branch out into new products and designs. Spurred on by advice from the Welsh Government funded Spirit of Enterprise and Small Steps to Enterprise, two Pembrokeshire initiatives that support young entrepreneurs, Jacqs has steadily grown her business. She is a good example of what the Welsh Government’s Big Ideas Wales campaign is achieving by encouraging young people into entrepreneurship. Jacqs said: “I got a small do-ityourself jewellery kit when I was 11 for Christmas and things have taken off from there really. I really enjoyed it so asked for some beads and materials to make more items. My parents are both self-employed and encouraged me in the early days, helping me out with some of the funding which I’ve since paid back. “The more I made, the more interest I got from my friends and others at school, and soon after I took out a stand at a local craft fair. My items sold really well and I really enjoyed the experience, and the business just took off from there. “Since then I’ve just continually made new designs and sold at more craft fairs, markets and a pop-up shop in Haverfordwest.” Having taken the initiative to start up her own business, Jacqs has shown just the sort of entrepreneurial spirit Big Ideas Wales is looking for. Big Ideas Wales is a Welsh Government campaign designed to encourage young people to be more entrepreneurial and help those interested in starting a business take their ideas forward. The campaign is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and managed by Menter a Busnes on behalf of the Welsh Government to support delivery of the Youth Entrepreneurship Strategy (YES) for Wales. Having finished her GCSEs, Jacqs is now focusing her efforts on the business, and is busy developing new and exciting range of goods. Having made a significant investment in a laser cutter, which will allow her to create new and personalised products out of plastic, Jacqs has big plans to make 2014 her most successful year yet. “I’m looking to branch out with new items this year,” Jacqs said. “Using the laser cutter, I’m making clocks, gifts and customisable products and jewellery, which is something I get a lot of enquiries about. “I’ve also started to sell on the Internet – that’s my big goal for 2014, to develop the e-commerce side of the business. “I love working for myself – I have a chance to make a career out of something I love doing that is fun and creative, and there’s scope for me to do just about whatever I want.” Manon Llwyd, Big Ideas Wales Manager at Menter a Busnes, said that Jacqs’ creativity and determination would set her in good stead for the future. “It was really brave of Jacqs to set up her own business straight out of school, and we commend her ambition and commitment. Having worked hard to establish herself and taken some expert advice along the way, I’m confident her jewellery business will be a great success for years to come.” More details about Big Ideas Wales and how young people can start their own business can be found at www. bigideaswales.com or get involved at facebook.com/BigIdeasWales, tweet @BigIdeasWales.
Crime
Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case
A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).
On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.
When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.
Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.
Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).
While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.
After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.
The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.
“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.
“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.
“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.
“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”
On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.
If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
In an emergency, always call 999.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
News
Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police
DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”
In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”
Business
Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’
THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.
“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”
Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”
“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”
Find out more about careers at the Port of Milford Haven here: www.mhpa.co.uk/about/careers-at-the-port/.
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