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Welsh Government and Development Bank launch new Green Business Loan Scheme

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A MAJOR new loan scheme to support businesses in Wales cut their energy costs by taking steps to become greener and more energy efficient has been launched today by the Welsh Government and Development Bank of Wales.

With the ambition to invest £10m over the next 3 years, the new Green Business Loan Scheme, which will offer discounted interest rates and flexible repayment dates, will help businesses make improvements allowing them to reduce their carbon footprint – supporting Wales’ journey to become net zero by 2050.

Projects which could be supported by the loans include:

  • Investing in renewable energy technology;
  • Improving the fabric of premises and energy efficiencies within the building;
  • Upgrading systems or machinery to reduce energy use;
  • Water usage and waste reduction/improvements
  • While businesses see the benefits in becoming environmentally sustainable, many lack the funds required to make the up-front investment needed. And wider economic circumstances mean many businesses which might have planned decarbonisation work have since had to prioritise other costs – while those who have the resources needed to make such improvements often don’t know the best place best to start.

As well as the new loan, support and advice is also available from the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service to help businesses decarbonise.

Launching the new loan scheme, Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, said:

“Tackling climate change is a priority for the Welsh Government. That’s why we’ve set ambitious plans for Wales to become net zero by 2050.

“Businesses have a crucial role to play if we are to meet our ambition, so we’re proud to work with the Development Bank in supporting Welsh businesses on their decarbonisation journey.

“The economy has suffered in recent months and many businesses won’t have the resources needed to decarbonise. This is especially concerning as energy bills have risen, which highlights just how important Wales’ journey towards becoming a Net Zero nation is.

“We want to ensure businesses have the support needed to make the improvements they want to make – not just through financial backing offered by the Green Business Loan Scheme, but also with practical advice from our Business Wales service.

“I’d encourage any businesses interested in the new scheme to contact the Development Bank for more information.”

Minister for Climate Change, Julie James, said:

“The current cost of energy has brought into sharp focus the need to reduce our energy use, be more energy efficient and switch to local, renewable energy sources instead of relying on costly fossil fuels.

“Businesses can be at the heart of our transition to net zero, and we know our business community are keen to take action. This scheme offers the capital funding which small and medium sized businesses often need to make investment decisions.

“The Green Business Loan Scheme can help businesses reduce carbon emissions, manage energy costs and increase business competitiveness.”

The market for ‘green’ loans is new and evolving and the Development Bank will use this pilot to test the market – learning lessons that can inform the operation of the larger funds operated by the bank. Those larger funds such as the Wales Flexible Investment Fund carry the firepower to provide finance at far greater scale.

Chief Executive of the Development Bank of Wales, Giles Thorley, said:

“The new Green Business Loan Scheme will help businesses looking to improve energy efficiency and future-proof themselves against rising energy costs.

“We know that sustainability is an increased area of focus for investors, customers and employees – as such, investing in decarbonisation measures is becoming increasingly important for businesses, but few have the initial capital needed to make those changes.

“The new scheme offered by the Development Bank will be provided on a patient capital basis, with payment schedules linked to the payback of improvements made.”

Business

Call to end ‘fad’ of ‘school dogs’ in Pembrokeshire

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A CALL to end the ‘fad’ of permanent ‘school dogs’ in Pembrokeshire for their benefit and the befit of the schools, instead using visiting ‘therapy dogs’ is to be heard next week.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Schools And Learning Overview And Scrutiny Committee meeting of November 28 will consider a public submission by Robert Thomas – who works with therapy dogs – on the subject of school dogs.

The submission reads: “My definition of a school dog is one that spends long periods in the school and is managed and owned by school employees not outside assessed and insured visiting therapy dogs who stay for an hour with a competent handler.

“The welfare of many dogs in schools in Pembrokeshire has been compromised over the last few years and we are concerned that the rise in the popularity of school-owned or teacher-owned dogs is an animal welfare issue.

“I can think of several school dogs in Pembrokeshire where it has gone wrong for the animal.”

He cites examples of ‘school dogs’ the county, where he says they have had to be removed, with the animals being unsettled, barking and even nipping on occasions, showing “a lack of understanding of animal welfare”.

His submission adds: “We have done some work with the Animal Welfare team at the Welsh Government around licensing this field, a consultation was completed in March 2023, currently awaiting the outcome.

“It has become a fad across the country and many dogs spend all day in schools supported by staff members who have another job to do. It feels like PCC does not have a policy overarching animal welfare policy in schools to protect dogs from being seen as staff members and there purely for human benefit, not the dogs.

“Dogs need to rest and sleep during the day and not in school. The visiting therapy dog model works best as the impact is greatest and the welfare of the dog is managed externally. If the dog is there all the time that can diminish the impact, and the novelty can wear off for the pupils.

“In my experience schools should concentrate on teaching and leave the therapy dog introduction to those that have the expertise in animal welfare.”

The submission will be considered by committee members at the November 28 meeting.

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Specsavers relocates to landmark new store following £1.2 million investment

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HAVERFORDWEST will celebrate the opening of Wales’ largest Specsavers store on Monday 16 December 2024, following a transformative £1.2 million relocation to larger premises in the Riverside Shopping Centre.

The new state-of-the-art store, located at 21 Riverside Quay, promises cutting-edge facilities and enhanced services to meet growing community needs.

It will boast 14 test rooms, including two dedicated audiology suites, making it not only the largest Specsavers store in Wales, but one of the largest in the UK. Equipped with the latest technology, the premises will offer enhanced eye care, contact lens, and audiology services, easing the burden on local NHS services.

The store will also play a key role in education, supporting optometrists undertaking higher qualifications, such as Glaucoma and Independent Prescribing certificates, by providing hands-on opportunities to gain essential clinical experience.

‘This substantial investment reflects our commitment to delivering world-class eye and hearing care to Pembrokeshire,’ says Andy Britton, ophthalmic director at Specsavers Haverfordwest. ‘Our larger premises will allow us to meet growing demand, introduce advanced clinical services, and provide a dedicated training facility for optometrists pursuing higher qualifications.’

A recent YouGov survey, commissioned by Specsavers, revealed that 68% of Welsh adults wouldn’t think to visit an optician first for eye-related problems, and half (50%) would first contact another NHS service (GP, pharmacy, eye hospital, NHS 111 or A&E) if they woke up with eye issues, rather than their local opticians.

New Specsavers store under constructions (Image: Specsavers)

The survey also revealed that, of the 68% who would not visit an optician first if they woke up with an eye problem, more than a third (35%) didn’t know they could use an optician for these issues, while a quarter (25%) were concerned they’d have to pay for treatment.

Mr Britton explains: ‘We encourage anyone experiencing acute or chronic eye problems – such as sudden loss of vision, red or painful eyes, flashing lights, floaters, or headaches – to make their optometrist their first point of contact. Optometrists are equipped to manage a wide range of urgent eye issues, allowing patients to receive prompt care and avoid unnecessary trips to A&E or long waits for a GP appointment.

‘By offering quick access to eye health services, we can reduce the burden on the NHS in Wales and ensure people receive the help they need before their condition worsens.’

Andy Britton and Wayne Jones inspect progress of construction (Image: Specsavers)

The grand reopening event on 16 December will feature live entertainment from the Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir and notable attendees, including several local mayors and other dignitaries. The event will also celebrate Specsavers’ community-focused ethos, with a series of fundraising and awareness initiatives planned for 2025.

This new chapter follows the addition of Wayne Jones, retail director, to the Haverfordwest team earlier this year. With a remarkable career and commitment to innovation in optometry, Mr Jones brings invaluable leadership to the practice. His appointment, combined with the relocation, marks a transformative era for the store.

Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Paul Miller, praised the move: ‘Specsavers’ significant investment is a strong vote of confidence in the future of Haverfordwest. The new store is a key part of the town’s ongoing regeneration, drawing important footfall through the town centre.’

The new Specsavers Haverfordwest store will be open seven days a week, offering flexible appointment times to cater to the community’s needs. To book an appointment or learn more about the services available, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/haverfordwest.

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Business

Ascona wins at the 2024 Allica Bank Vreat British Entrepreneur Awards

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PEMBROKESHIRE businessman Darren Briggs, founder of petrol station operator Ascona, has been named a winner of the prestigious Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the ‘Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year – Wales’ and the inaugural ‘Randal Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year – Wales’ categories.

Now in its 12th year, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals and businesses driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the UK economy.

This year, the brand new ‘Randal Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year’ award celebrated entrepreneurs whose business embodied The Randal Foundation’s core mission – to save lives, improve life chances, and contribute positively to local communities.  

Ascona has been committed to supporting local communities since its inception, having established The Ascona Foundation in 2020. The success of the Group over the years has enabled Darren and the team to support many charities in the areas in which it operates, with the Company donating over £400,000 to local, national and community organisations since 2017.

Darren Briggs, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ascona Group, commented: “It is a great honour to be recognised for such prestigious awards at this year’s Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

“I am incredibly proud of Ascona and everything we have achieved over the years. This is another milestone for our business and the recognition is a testament to everyone’s hard work, commitment, and ‘Team Ascona’s’ ethos over the years.

“However, I am most proud of our charitable endeavors and the team’s commitment to giving back. It is something that is very close to my heart. We’re committed to supporting our various charity partnerships, including the Wales Air Ambulance this year, as we continue our extensive fundraising initiatives across the Group.”

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