WALES’ beer and pub sector supports 44,000 jobs but urgently needs the upcoming Budget to help it so it can keep people in work, the trade body has warned.   

These figures demonstrate that people around the country depend upon the industry to keep them in work and put money in their pockets, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said.    

But despite this, pubs make an average of just 12p on every pint of beer once taxes and costs have been deducted.    

Now the BBPA is calling for a reduction in soaring costs of doing business. It says the industry needs the Budget to help it continue to invest in business and people and remain a home away from home in communities across the country.     

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA, said: “Our brewers and pubs are helping people around the country earn money, gain skills and experience, and support both the local and national economy. 

“From those pulling pints to the farmers growing the hops, so many rely on our treasured beer and pub sector for their livelihoods and careers.  

“But for the job market to flourish – and for us to keep supporting those jobs – it’s vital our sector is given the support it needs to continue.   

“We are urging the Government protect the Great British brewing and pub sector – the beating heart of our communities – to ensure it can remain a driving force for growth, jobs, investment and social value whilst keeping the price of a pint affordable for all.”  

The BBPA is calling on the Government to use the upcoming Budget to cut beer duty, reform business rates, and pledge to keep the 75% business rates relief so that pubs and brewers can keep people in work and support more jobs. 

A 5% cut in beer duty in the upcoming Budget would result in up to 12,000 additional jobs across the UK, mainly in pubs. This is due to the dynamic effects of increased prices at the bar reducing demand from consumers, who are sensitive to costs rising. Decreased demand for drinks in pubs leads to closures and job losses so keeping the price of a pint affordable will allow the sector to thrive and employ even more people.  

The industry is facing multiple burdens and restrictions in the form of proposed eyewatering packaging taxes and a potential beer garden smoking ban.   

The industry is one for the most heavily taxed business sectors per pound of turnover in the UK with tax making up 40% of UK brewing turnover and £1 in every £3 spent in pubs.   

The BBPA warns any additional price increases, on top of the inflationary pressures of the last few years, would tip many beer and pub businesses over the edge.  

PEMBROKE and Cardigan site managers have been celebrated for their exceptional dedication to quality house-building, earning top accolades in the industry’s most esteemed competition.

Gareth Davies of T I Davies A’I Fab Cyf and Mike Thomas of South Meadow Homes Ltd, representing Cardigan and Pembroke respectively, were among the prominent winners at the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) Pride in the Job Awards 2024. The prestigious event, held at Celtic Manor Golf Club in Newport on Friday, 13 September 2024, recognises the very best in the industry.

In the Small Builder category, Gareth Davies clinched the top honour for his outstanding work at Maes Y Dderwen in Cardigan. His exceptional commitment to raising standards was further acknowledged with the Pride in the Job Seal of Excellence. Meanwhile, Mike Thomas was awarded the Seal of Excellence for his work in Pembroke, demonstrating the high standards upheld by builders in the region.

Matthew Coyle of Redrow Homes South Wales was also a major winner on the night, securing the Large Builder category award for his work at Parc Y Coleg in Newport. Like Davies, Coyle was awarded the Pride in the Job Seal of Excellence, marking his dedication to quality construction.

The Pride in the Job Awards, now in its 44th year, are regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the house-building industry, setting the benchmark for exceptional site management. The competition is known for its rigorous judging process, which assesses entrants across six key areas: consistency, attention to detail, leadership, interpretation of drawings and specifications, technical expertise, and health and safety.

This year, eight site managers from across Wales received the Seal of Excellence, having first earned a Quality Award in the initial round of the competition in June. The full list of Seal of Excellence recipients includes:

• Gareth Davies of T I Davies A’I Fab Cyf, Cardigan
• Matthew Coyle of Redrow Homes South Wales, Newport
• Dave Jones of Barratt and David Wilson Homes South Wales, Swansea
• Paul Oakley of Bellway Homes Wales, Cardiff
• Nick Powell of Redrow Homes South Wales, Newport
• Nick Rumble of Persimmon Homes West Wales, Pontyclun
• Mike Thomas of South Meadow Homes Ltd, Pembroke
• Daniel Williams of Taylor Wimpey South Wales, Penarth

Steve Wood, CEO at NHBC, extended his congratulations to the winners: “For more than four decades, Pride in the Job has underpinned NHBC’s purpose of raising standards in house building. The competition recognises the UK’s top site managers, showcasing best practice and rewarding excellence. Winning site managers demonstrate dedication, passion, and leadership to ensure new homes are delivered to exacting construction quality standards.”

The regional events, taking place throughout the UK, aim to celebrate these achievements and acknowledge the recipients of the Quality Awards. Mr Davies and Mr Coyle will now progress to the next stage of the competition, vying for the ultimate prize in house building at the Pride in the Job Supreme Awards, set to be revealed at a gala ceremony in London in January 2025.

SPECSAVERS’ decision to expand into larger premises in Haverfordwest is further proof of the confidence of businesses in the future of the County Town.
 
That was the message from Pembrokeshire County Council Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller to news that the leading optometry company will move to larger premises at the Riverside Shopping Centre.
 
Specsavers has signed a lease with the Council to expand into the building previously occupied by Boots and Poundland.

The additional space will allow for 14 examination rooms fitted with state-of-the-art technology that will enable Specsavers to provide more enhanced sight, contact lens and audiology services for its customers.
 
Cllr Miller, who is also the Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to support Specsavers in expanding and investing significantly in Haverfordwest.
 
“This shows confidence in both the present and future of Haverfordwest which is undergoing major regeneration by Pembrokeshire County Council.
 
“Through taking control of the Riverside Shopping Centre we have been able to secure investment and tenancies in the town while also recovering the Council’s investment to purchase the site.
 
“Alongside the great news that leading food and drink company Loungers is moving into our Western Quayside development, I am confident further businesses will be drawn to the town centre.
 
“The work we’re doing will ensure Haverfordwest is an attractive place for businesses to operate and a great place for people to live, work and visit.”
 
Andy Britton, one of the partners of the locally owned store, said: “We are so pleased to be making the move into larger premises. The additional space will allow us to better accommodate the increasing demand for eye tests and audiology clinics in the area and help take some of the pressure off the NHS.

“The new store will open later this year and we look forward to celebrating its launch with customers old and new.”

Pictured top of article: Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council (centre) with Andy Britton (left) and fellow partner Wayne Jones at the Riverside store which will be home to an expanded Specsavers.