PEMBROKESHIRE BUSINESSES WARNED OF PRESSURE FROM FUEL, TRANSPORT AND SUPPLIER COSTS

WELSH business confidence improved in April, but firms are still facing falling orders, job cuts and rising costs, according to the latest NatWest Wales Growth Tracker.

The report, compiled by S&P Global, found that confidence among Welsh businesses picked up from March’s recent low, amid hopes of stronger demand over the coming year.

However, the overall picture remains challenging. The Wales Business Activity Index rose to 47.9 in April, up from 46.2 in March, but remained below the 50 mark which separates growth from contraction.

For Pembrokeshire businesses, particularly those in tourism, hospitality, transport, food, farming supply chains and small-scale manufacturing, the figures point to continued pressure from higher fuel, materials and delivery costs.

The report found that output and new orders were still falling, although at a slower pace than in March. New sales declined for a third month running, with firms blaming weak customer demand and wider economic uncertainty.

Employment also fell sharply. Welsh businesses recorded the steepest drop in workforce numbers of any of the 12 UK nations and regions monitored, with firms cutting staff or not replacing workers who had left.

Cost pressures were a major concern. Operating expenses rose at the fastest rate since November 2022, driven by higher fuel, transportation and supplier costs. Firms increased their own prices in response, but not by enough to fully offset the rise in costs.

Jessica Shipman, Chair of the NatWest Cymru Board, said: “Welsh business confidence ticked higher on hopes of stronger customer demand and planned investment in building resiliency.

“However, we saw contractions in output and new orders soften during April, but underlying business conditions told a challenging tale. A further drop in new sales led to sharper falls in backlogs of work and employment, as firms sought to cut costs and streamline processes.”

She added that pricing remained a key concern, with higher fuel and transport costs putting further pressure on businesses.

The report also found that Welsh export conditions improved only slightly, with weaker performance in Germany and France weighing on the outlook.

For Pembrokeshire, where many businesses rely on seasonal trade, logistics, hospitality and supply chains linked to agriculture, energy and the port economy, the figures suggest that confidence may be recovering, but margins remain under pressure ahead of the summer trading period.

BARCUD Group has launched a new Older People’s Strategy aimed at improving homes, services and support for older residents across mid and west Wales.

The three-year strategy sets out how the group will help older people maintain stable and suitable homes, while also supporting health, wellbeing, independence and stronger community connections.

Barcud, which works across Ceredigion and Powys, said the strategy has been developed in response to Wales’ ageing population and the changing needs of older tenants and communities.

The group includes Barcud Housing Association, Care and Repair in Powys, The Care Society and EOM.

Sara Woodall, Barcud’s Director of Communities, said: “Barcud Group has a significant role to play in the communities in which it works, in Ceredigion and Powys, as evidence shows an increasingly ageing demographic.

“It is of vital importance that we plan now for how we want to deliver homes and services that meet current and anticipated needs of our older communities.

“In doing this we understand that whilst this is Barcud Group Strategy, we will have to work in partnership with others to deliver on the Strategy’s aims.”

The strategy was developed with input from Barcud tenants, board members and external partners. It deliberately does not define the word “older”, recognising that older people are not one single group and may include several generations with very different needs and aspirations.

Following tenant feedback, Barcud will also rename sheltered accommodation as independent living schemes.

The strategy focuses on four key themes: health, wellbeing and social connection; digital inclusion and accessible communication; affordability and financial inclusion; and ensuring facilities and services are fit for purpose.

This will include work to tackle loneliness and isolation, improve accessible communication, support tenants with fuel poverty and financial pressures, and assess Barcud’s current independent living schemes with a view to upgrading facilities.

Sara Woodall added: “Future-proofing Barcud Group’s homes and services in the context of the ageing demographic of Wales is fundamental to delivering Barcud’s strategic objectives.

“This ensures Barcud remains an effective, forward-looking group. By strengthening and widening our service offering we can also enhance efficiency and respond more effectively to the needs of our tenants and communities as they grow older.”

FAMILIES can look forward to a packed programme of history, hands-on activities and outdoor adventure at Carew Castle this May half-term.

From treasure hunts and medieval encampments to herbs, bats and siege engines, the programme offers plenty of ways to explore the Castle’s history and grounds in a fun and memorable way.

Running daily throughout the holiday, Time Traveller’s Quest invites visitors to step into the past on a self-led treasure hunt through the ages. Using a smart phone, families can journey from the Iron Age to the medieval and Elizabethan eras, and even into World War II, uncovering secrets hidden within the Castle walls.

The activity costs £2.50 per child, with normal admission fees applying.

Medieval action

From Sunday, May 24 to Tuesday, May 26, Bowlore: Legends of Bow and Blade returns with its medieval encampment, bringing sword fighting, archery and armour displays to the Castle grounds.

Visitors can take part in Sword School, try Have-a-Go Archery and handle authentic medieval weapons. Normal admission fees apply, with a small cash charge for some activities.

On Wednesday, May 27 at 2:30pm, visitors can watch the launch of the Giant Trebuchet, one of the Castle’s most dramatic demonstrations.

The huge medieval catapult once hurled stones at fortified walls with devastating force, offering a glimpse into the power and ingenuity of siege warfare.

Bats, herbs and family quests

Later that evening, Carew Castle will host a Night Bat Walk at 8:45pm, giving visitors the chance to discover the wildlife that emerges after dark.

Led by an expert guide and using bat detectors, the walk will explore why the Castle grounds are such an important haven for bats. Tickets cost £10 per person, spaces are limited and booking is essential.

For children who enjoy nature and crafts, Hooray for Herbs! takes place on Thursday, May 28 and Friday, May 29 from 2:30pm to 3:30pm.

Families can enjoy a short tour of the herb beds before gathering ingredients to make toothpaste, lemon balm tea and a traditional nosegay. The activity is free with normal Castle admission.

There is more hands-on fun on May 28 and 29, with Weapons and Armour drop-in sessions from 10:30am to 11:30am, where visitors can try on armour, lift a battle shield and long sword, and learn a few sword-fighting moves.

Later in the day, at 3:00pm, families can join Find the Key!, a guided quest to hunt for the one key that will unlock the treasure chest. Both activities are included free with normal admission.

Creative fun

The half-term programme ends on Saturday, May 30, when Magical Makes with Whimsical Wildlings takes over the Castle’s atmospheric undercroft.

Children can decorate their own crowns, swords, flags, mirrors and shields to take home, with prices starting from £2 per item. No booking is needed.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, said: “There’s a fantastic mix of activities at Carew Castle this half-term, from medieval action and family quests to nature experiences and creative crafts.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy time together, explore the Castle and discover something new.”

Visitors are advised that Carew Castle will close early on Saturday, May 23 for a private wedding. Last admission will be at 1:00pm and the Castle will close at 1:30pm. Carew Tidal Mill, the Gift Shop and Nest Tearoom will remain open as usual.

Nest Tearoom will also be open during the half-term holiday, serving light lunches, homemade cakes and Fairtrade coffee.

Some events have limited spaces or must be booked in advance. Further information is available at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.