Business

Welsh business confidence soars despite February’s output decline

Published

2 years ago

March 8, 2024

WELSH business confidence has surged to its highest level since November 2021, despite facing output challenges in February. This optimism in the private sector shines against a backdrop of modest economic contraction, according to the latest NatWest Wales PMI® Business Activity Index. The index, which dipped from 49.9 in January to 47.5 in February, highlights a modest reduction in activity – marking the most significant decrease since the previous October. Notably, this places Welsh firms alongside those in the North East as the joint-lowest performers in the UK, primarily attributed to subdued customer demand and ongoing supply chain difficulties.

Despite a continuous ninth-month decline in new orders, February saw the slowest pace of this downturn, with some businesses noting early signs of recovering demand conditions. However, the enduring cost-of-living crisis continues to suppress sales, creating a fractional downturn in new business that contrasts with a modest expansion across the UK.

Remarkably, February witnessed a significant uplift in business confidence among Welsh private sector companies. This renewed optimism, the most robust since late 2021, aligns closely with the broader UK trend. Businesses are buoyed by prospects of product range extensions, customer base expansions, and anticipated stronger client demand.

However, Welsh firms reported a seventh consecutive month of workforce reductions, although the rate of job losses has slowed considerably, marking the softest drop since August 2023. Despite efforts to enhance efficiency and manage costs by not replacing voluntary leavers, the reduction in staff numbers remains significant, outpaced only by Yorkshire & Humber across the UK.

Furthermore, Welsh companies have seen an ongoing decrease in outstanding business since May 2022, with February’s contraction marking one of the sharpest declines. This reduction in backlogs of work underscores the broader challenges faced by the region’s private sector.

On the inflation front, Welsh firms experienced an accelerated increase in average cost burdens during February, with input prices climbing due to higher raw material costs and rising wages. This upturn in inflation, although less severe than the UK average, was the sharpest since May 2023. In response, Welsh companies raised their selling prices significantly, with service providers leading this charge as they passed increased costs onto customers.

Jessica Shipman, Chair of the NatWest Cymru Regional Board, reflects on the dual nature of the current economic landscape for Welsh businesses. While acknowledging the sharper fall in output and the weight of supply chain issues on production capacity, Shipman highlights the fractional easing in the decline of new business and the buoyant business confidence. This optimism is underpinned by strategic expansions and marketing investments, despite the uptick in inflationary pressures driven by higher wage and imported goods prices. Shipman notes the continued trend of cost-cutting through workforce reductions, even as business confidence strengthens and the pace of job shedding eases, signalling a cautious yet hopeful outlook for the Welsh private sector.

Business

Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery celebrates opening of second shop in Narberth

Published

7 hours ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A LOCAL pet treat business has celebrated a major milestone after opening its second shop on Narberth High Street.

The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery welcomed customers through the doors of its new Narberth store on Saturday, marking the latest stage in the growth of the independent business founded by Ali and Kelly.

Despite the hot weather, the opening attracted a strong turnout, with customers visiting to explore the bakery’s range of nutritious and colourful treats for dogs, cats and other much-loved pets.

The new premises joins the company’s established Haverfordwest store, allowing the team to serve customers from two Pembrokeshire town centres.

Ali and Kelly said the opening had been the result of years of hard work, determination and belief in their business.

They said: “What started as a big dream is now a reality, and seeing everyone flock through the doors on Saturday, despite the heat, has been one of our proudest moments to date.

“We are still pinching ourselves, to be honest, and it probably won’t sink in for a while yet.”

The pair also thanked residents and neighbouring businesses for the warm welcome they had received since arriving in Narberth.

They added: “The response and support from our friends, followers, customers and visitors has been absolutely incredible.

“Thank you doesn’t seem to cut it, but thank you all so very much. We are a little overwhelmed.”

The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery specialises in fun and nutritious handmade treats, with products available for a range of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, birds and small pets.

The owners said they were now looking forward to building on the success of the opening weekend and continuing to serve customers in both Narberth and Haverfordwest.

The new shop adds another independent name to Narberth’s busy High Street, which is widely known for its mix of locally owned shops, cafés and specialist businesses.

Picture caption: Ali and Kelly outside the new Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery shop on Narberth High Street.

Business

Iconic Tenby music shop Dales opens new branch in Carmarthen

Published

7 hours ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ONE of west Wales’ most recognisable independent music retailers has expanded into Carmarthen with the opening of a brand-new Dales Music Store.

The family-run business, which first opened in Tenby in 1947, has become a favourite destination for generations of music lovers, known for its extensive range of vinyl records, musical instruments, guitars, music accessories and merchandise.

Now, after almost 80 years in business, Dales has opened a second branch on Blue Street in Carmarthen, bringing its distinctive yellow-and-blue branding and passion for music to the county town.

The new store offers a wide selection of new and pre-owned vinyl, guitars, musical instruments, equipment, accessories, gifts and official band merchandise, catering for everyone from experienced musicians to collectors and casual music fans.

The expansion represents a significant milestone for the long-established business, which has evolved from its roots as a piano retailer into one of Wales’ best-known independent music stores while remaining family owned.

Owners say they are excited to welcome customers through the doors of the new Carmarthen branch and hope it will become a hub for the local music community, offering the same friendly service and specialist knowledge that has made the Tenby store a trusted name for decades.

The arrival of Dales also provides a welcome boost to Carmarthen’s independent retail scene, giving shoppers another reason to visit the town centre and supporting the area’s growing reputation as a destination for independent businesses.

Photo caption: The Dales team outside the new Carmarthen store on Blue Street, marking the opening of the iconic Tenby music retailer’s second branch.

Business

All Pets Vet Care begins new chapter under local ownership

Published

9 hours ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ALL PETS VET CARE is beginning a new chapter as ownership of the practice passes from founder Billa Schleicher to experienced local vets Alice Richards and Pete Howe.

The change will ensure the practice remains independently owned and firmly rooted in the Pembrokeshire community.

Alice and Pete have both worked as small animal vets in Pembrokeshire for more than a decade and say they are proud to build on the strong foundations already established at the practice.

They have pledged to continue providing compassionate, gentle and fairly priced veterinary care, with every animal treated as a valued member of the family.

The existing All Pets Vet Care team will remain in place, meaning clients will continue to see the same familiar faces and receive consistent, high-quality care.

Alice and Pete said the team’s longstanding relationships with clients were central to the practice’s success and that they intended to support and invest in staff as the business develops.

Alice said: “It is a privilege to take on All Pets Vet Care. There is a wonderful team here, and we are committed to maintaining the same personal and caring approach that clients and their pets know and trust.

“Remaining independent means we can stay close to the needs of our clients and the local community.”

Pete added: “We both care deeply about Pembrokeshire and the people and pets who live here.

“We want every client to feel supported, listened to and confident that their pets are in safe hands.

“That includes continuing to provide our own out-of-hours care for registered clients, so pets can be seen close to home by a familiar and trusted team when it matters most.”

All Pets Vet Care is one of only a small number of practices in Pembrokeshire to provide its own out-of-hours service for registered clients, offering continuity of care during evenings, nights and weekends.

The practice will also continue supporting local wildlife charities Tinkers Hill Bird Rescue and The Hogspital, which cares for sick and injured hedgehogs.

The partnerships have formed an important part of Billa’s legacy at the practice and will continue under the new owners.

Alice and Pete said All Pets Vet Care would remain an active part of the community, providing trusted advice, continuity of care and a genuinely personal service to pet owners across Pembrokeshire.

As the practice looks to the future, its commitment remains unchanged: providing trusted, compassionate and independent care for local pets and the people who love them.