Business

Start up loan helps independent wine shop in Pembrokeshire open its doors

Published

2 years ago

July 10, 2023

A WINE shop selling locally produced Welsh wine has opened its doors on the grounds of acclaimed boutique hotel, Llys Meddyg in Newport, Pembrokeshire, thanks to British Business Bank funding.

Feral Pig Wines has been established by trained sommelier and former restaurant manager at Llys Meddyg, Dave Cushley (40), building on his 17 years’ experience working in hospitality across the UK as front-of-house and restaurant manager.

The shop sells a range of locally and sustainably produced wine from Wales, including Narberth-based Velfrey Vineyard and Carmarthenshire-based Hebron Vineyard, as well as an array of wines from smaller-scale producers across the world including Artisans Vignerons from Naoussa, Greece; Podere Canalino from Montalcino, Italy; Marcio Lopes from Vinho Verde, Portugal and De Sante from Napa Valley, USA.

Dave said: “I’ve set out to try and provide something unique, not only in the bottles we sell, but also the experience and story that comes with it. Our wine isn’t found in your local supermarkets, our stock is made up of much smaller scale, sustainably and organically produced wines and spirits, including those from just down the road in Pembrokeshire and elsewhere in Wales.

“Some people might wonder where the unusual name ‘Feral Pig Wines’ comes from. It follows the notion that a feral pig was once a domesticated pig that has gone wild. Feral pigs are known to eat and destroy everything it lays its eyes on – including a vineyard. The idea that feral pigs could be wine pests resonated with me, I’d like to think the name is somewhat of a self-portrait.”

The business received a £10,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank in February 2023.

“The British Business Bank loan provided the funds I needed to be able to get my business up and running”, said Dave. “The cost of the stock itself came to half of the amount alone, so put simply, without the financial backing I just wouldn’t have been able to get Feral Pigs Wine off the ground.”

As Pembrokeshire gears up for another busy summer season and footfall continues to increase, Dave intends to employ a couple of local people to help assist in the shop so he can focus on running other elements of the business including wholesale and consultancy.

Alongside this, Dave runs an online service for Feral Pig Wines, offering UK-wide delivery of wine boxes. And locally, he’s partnering with holiday lets and guest houses in the area to provide deliveries, something Dave hopes will be a popular service as tourism increases throughout the summer.

Feral Pig Wines is also host to weekly tasting nights, where customers can try an array of different wines and learn about their origins.

The British Business Bank Start Up Loans programme provides government backed loans of up to £25,000 per individual, up to a maximum of £100,000 per business, facilitated through delivery partners in Wales like Business in Focus based in Bridgend. In addition to finance, successful applicants receive free mentoring, access to resources and advice.

Jess Phillips, Senior Manager for Wales at the British Business Bank said: “Feral Pig Wines, a concept fuelled by experience and passion, is exactly why we support small businesses through our Start Up Loans programme.

“Dave’s business not only brings something new to the market in Pembrokeshire, but also supports sustainability and local producers in Wales. We wish Dave all the best for the future of his business.”

Business

Holiday lets allowed to stay at Narberth dairy farm

Published

2 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for a Pembrokeshire dairy farm to keep two “alternative” holiday pods sited without permission as a way of diversifying in an uncertain industry has been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Vaynor Farm Ltd sought retrospective permission for the siting of two self-catering holiday accommodation pods at The Cart House, Vaynor Farm, Bethesda, near Narberth as part of a farm diversification enterprise.

It was before committee members as it was recommended for delegated conditional approval by senior officers despite being against the development plan.

Previous retrospective schemes, for two self-catering pods along with an application to retain a shepherd hut accommodation pod at another farm, a part of the Vaynor Farm farm enterprise, were refused in 2023 and 2025, the latter due to “an unjustified and harmful impact on the character and appearance of the open countryside”.

Detailing the current application, an officer report for members said the pods: Vaynor Farm Pod within the garden of The Cart House, and The Paddock Pod, on the edge of a small paddock, were constructed off-site and have been transported to their current locations, with external decking, hot tubs, a barbecue area and car parking provided for each pod.

It added: “A business plan has been submitted with the application, which explains that due to uncertainties associated with dairy farming, the applicant has sought to diversify the farm enterprise to incorporate tourism accommodation.

“The application makes the case that the proposed development represents farm diversification. It is acknowledged that the development has resulted in the provision of an alternative type of holiday accommodation for which it has been demonstrated there is a demand, contributing to the diversity and quality of accommodation available within the county and supporting an existing farm business, with consequent economic and social benefits.

“Evidence has been provided that demonstrates the extent to which the pods have provided income which has been used to support the farm business.

“However, officers consider that should planning permission be granted, a [planning obligation] will be necessary to ensure that the accommodation pods continue to support the farm business and are not separated from it at some future point in time.”

Delegated conditional approval limiting the use and occupation of the self-catering accommodation pods to short term holiday use only was moved by Cllr Brian Hall and unanimously backed by committee members.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

13 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

17 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):