Business
Bluestone unveils national campaign ‘Welcome to our Neighbourhood’
BLUESTONE NATIONAL PARK RESORT is launching a national marketing campaign to attract holiday makers to Wales in 2024.
The luxury holiday resort, named third best value in the UK for 2023 by Which? magazine for a second year running, appointed Golley Slater to develop an integrated marketing campaign.
In 2023, Bluestone invested a total of £30million into the expansion of the resort including the launch of 80 new platinum lodges and the imminent development of an 11-hectre solar farm.
The “Welcome to our Neighbourhood” campaign demonstrates how a visit to Bluestone is more than a stay at a luxury resort – it’s a journey into a community, an opportunity to create memories and an exploration of nature.
The creative showcases Bluestone’s entire neighbourhood to prospective guests – from its luxury lodges, family-friendly activities and award-winning spa to the people, wildlife and unparalleled scenery of Pembrokeshire.
Bluestone sits within 500 acres of scenic countryside in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, making it the perfect destination to enjoy the surrounding beauty of Wales’s beaches, cliffs, harbours and charming villages.
The TV advert features a cast of children who invite viewers into their neighbourhood to see and experience the resort through their eyes, including family fun at the indoor water park, toasted marshmallows at Camp Smokey restaurant, and a boat ride in the popular seaside town of Tenby.
Adopting a playful spin on the popular TV show “MTV Cribs”, the advert depicts how children and adults alike are able to make the resort their own by roaming free and enjoying the ‘Free Range’ experience at Bluestone.
The TV ad was produced by Storm and Shelter and directed by Chris Strong.
Bethan Rees, Head of Marketing, said: “This year has been a hugely exciting one for Bluestone, with the launch of 80 new platinum lodges and our new heritage dining experience, Black Pool Mill.
“As we look ahead to 2024, we wanted to launch a campaign that captures the full spectrum of Bluestone’s charm, from our luxury lodges and unique activities to the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant communities that define Pembrokeshire.
“We’re thrilled with the campaign, which focusses on the genuine joy of children experiencing our resort, and truly reflects the heart and soul of Bluestone.”
The 30-second and 60-second advertising spots will run on regional TV and be supported by video-on-demand, social and digital display from boxing day for eight weeks.
Golley Slater will also manage the media planning and buying for this campaign.
The latest campaign brief comes after a longstanding successful partnership between the Cardiff-headquartered marketing agency and family-run resort which dates back nearly a decade.
Most recently, Golley Slater was appointed by Bluestone to provide PR support, with a focus on increasing the resort’s exposure in national UK and Welsh press.
Richard Daughton, Creative Director at Golley Slater, said: “The creative process was fuelled by a desire to foster a genuine connection between potential visitors and the authentic charm of Bluestone.
“We wanted to immerse viewers into the Bluestone community through the eyes of the thousands of families that create unforgettable memories filled with joy, nature and adventure at the resort every year.”
“We are immensely proud of what we’ve achieved and excited to see the campaign come to life at the start of 2024 so even more people can discover the charm of Bluestone.”
Business
Port welcomes first vessel to new workboat pontoons
PEMBROKE PORT, which is owned and operated by the Port of Milford Haven, has welcomed the first customer to its new workboat pontoons. Installed as part of the Pembroke Dock Marine project to modernise the Port’s infrastructure, the pontoons are available for use by a range of vessels including workboats, barges and other small vessels.
CRC Sentinel, a dive support vessel owned by Commercial Rib Charter which is undertaking work on the Milford Haven Waterway, was the first to use the new pontoons.
Sharon Adams, Commercial Manager for Pembroke Port commented: “It’s great to see these new assets being utilised. Pembroke Port is perfectly positioned within the Port of Milford Haven to act as a hub for operations associated with marine activity taking place within the Port and the Celtic Sea. The pontoons are available for short and long term berthing and have secure access, as well as electricity and water hook ups.
The workboat pontoons compliment the other infrastructure upgrades we made as part of the Pembroke Dock Marine project including new laydown space and an expanded slipway.
We look forward to working with our existing customers, and welcoming new ones, to use the new facilities at Pembroke Port.”
The new infrastructure at Pembroke Port forms part of the Pembroke Dock Marine project to create a world-class energy and engineering centre of excellence and act as a focal point for capturing the economic value from wind, wave, and tidal renewable energy projects.
Alongside the Port’s own investment, Pembroke Dock Marine – a Swansea Bay City Deal project – is part funded by the UK Government and the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government as well as other private sector partners.
During construction, the project supported over 50 jobs including 6 apprenticeships. Contractors BAM, Walters Group and R&M Williams undertook community activity during the project, with the local community benefiting from over £11m local spend.
For further details on the facilities at Pembroke Port, and how the Pembroke Dock Marine investments have readied Pembroke Port for future energy, please visit www.pembrokeport.com.
Business
Last Call for Entries: Carmarthenshire Business Awards
BUSINESSES throughout Carmarthenshire are urged to submit their nominations for the prestigious Carmarthenshire Business Awards as the deadline of 17th May 2024 rapidly approaches.
Organised by Grapevine Event Management, these awards are set to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions and achievements of local enterprises across a variety of sectors. With the nomination process ending in less than two weeks, businesses and individuals from across the county are invited to take advantage of the opportunity for recognition by entering one of the 15 award categories.
The winners will be unveiled during a glamorous black-tie event at Parc y Scarlets on 12th July, attended by the crème de la crème of Carmarthenshire’s business community.
Liz Brookes, the founder of the awards and director at Grapevine Event Management, expressed her enthusiasm about the high quality of entries received so far. “We are thrilled with the response and the calibre of organisations that have entered. This is the final call for entries; it’s time to ensure your business and its contributions are recognised,” she stated.
Rupert Moon, chair of the judges, highlighted the significance of the awards in promoting local businesses. “Carmarthenshire boasts a range of fantastic businesses. These awards are not just a celebration but a platform to highlight significant achievements in innovation, sustainability, growth, and export success among others,” Moon commented.
Support for the event is strong, with notable local companies such as Castell Howell Ltd leading as headline sponsors. “Supporting local business is essential for Carmarthenshire’s prosperity. These awards are a fantastic opportunity for businesses to gain the recognition they deserve,” said Martin Jones, Director of Castell Howell.
Additional sponsors include Swansea Building Society, Dunbia, Azets, JCP Solicitors, JG HR Solutions Ltd, Business News Wales, and Stills, all contributing to the event’s success.
For more information on how to enter the Carmarthenshire Business Awards, or to register before the 17th May deadline, please visit https://carmsbusinessawards.com/.
Business
Lidl will be first supermarket to sell milk from Pembrokeshire Creamery
LIDL has announced that it will soon become the first UK retailer to sell milk exclusively produced and bottled in Wales, thanks to a partnership with Pembrokeshire Creamery.
Starting from June 1, Lidl customers in Wales will be able to purchase Welsh own-label milk products, with plans to extend this to include cream shortly thereafter.
Previously, milk produced in Wales was transported to England for bottling before being sold in Welsh stores. However, with a significant £20m investment supported by the Welsh government, Pembrokeshire Creamery has now established the only bottling facility in the country certified to supply supermarkets. This development not only reduces transportation distances, thus cutting down on food miles, but also generates 80 new jobs in the local community.
The initiative is part of Lidl’s broader strategy to support Welsh agriculture and provide consumers with locally sourced products. Their range already includes Welsh bread, butter, yoghurt, eggs, lamb, and beef. Richard Bourns, Lidl GB’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasised the retailer’s dedication to local produce: “Our partnership with Pembrokeshire Creamery is testament to our commitment to offer Welsh shoppers the very best in homegrown food and drink.”
Mark McQuade, Managing Director of Pembrokeshire Creamery, highlighted the efficiency of the new operation. “The partnership will deliver products from farm to shelf in a more efficient way, removing the need for Welsh milk to be sent to England for bottling, before coming back to Wales,” he said.
This news coincides with Lidl’s announcement of a £500m investment in the British pork industry, aimed at supporting continued production amidst recent challenges such as rising costs, a Chinese import ban on EU pork, and butcher shortages, which have significantly impacted the sector.
Lidl’s initiatives are set to bolster not only the local Welsh economy but also the broader agricultural sector across the UK.
-
Community2 days ago
Tragic passing Josh, 28, mourned by Milford Haven community
-
Community2 days ago
Lucy’s sudden passing at just 38 leaves a community in mourning
-
Community4 days ago
Joy as Willow rescued by coastguard after 12-day ordeal
-
Business4 days ago
Dragon LNG explores integration of LNG and CO2 liquefaction processes
-
Crime3 days ago
Farm mechanic admits drink driving after losing control of vehicle
-
Crime2 days ago
Drunk digger driver remanded for hurling racial abuse at neighbours
-
News6 days ago
Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police
-
News4 days ago
Milford Haven RFC celebrates Mini’s Section Presentation