Business
Dilly’s Chocolates triumphs at Pembrokeshire County Show
Dilly’s Chocolates Triumphs at Pembrokeshire County Show: A Sweet Journey of Passion and Craftsmanship
Dilly’s Chocolates, a cherished local confectionery in Pembrokeshire, has won the prestigious Best Food or Drink Product award at the Pembrokeshire County Show. This accolade is a testament to the dedication and passion of owners Stephen John Penney and Dilys Sarah Penney, who have poured their hearts into creating exceptional chocolates since the business began in 2018.
Dilys’s journey into chocolatiering started as a passion project. After training with renowned chocolatiers like Mark Tilling, a two-time UK Chocolate Master, and Julie Sharp at the Callebaut Academy, she and Stephen established their chocolate kitchen in Pembrokeshire. Their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality quickly earned Dilly’s Chocolates a loyal following.
For chocolate enthusiasts, Dilly’s Chocolates offers an array of indulgent options. Their selection boxes, available in packs of 6 or 12, feature flavours like Raspberry & Rose, Gin & Lemon, Honey & Almond, Whiskey & Vanilla, and Honey & Saffron. Each piece is hand-decorated to reflect the unique taste inside. For traditionalists, Dilly’s also provides classic dark and milk chocolate selections.
Chocolate bars are another highlight of their range, with seven flavours available in both milk and dark chocolate, plus the crowd-favourite Caramel Gold. From Salt & Pepper Caramel to Dark Orange & Mocha, there’s a flavour for everyone.
In addition to their selection boxes and bars, Dilly’s Chocolates offers stick boxes and love spoons, each bursting with delicious flavours.
The Penneys also specialise in catering for special events. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or party, Dilly’s Chocolates can create bespoke chocolates with personalised packaging to make any occasion extra special.
Dilly’s Chocolates are available at various locations across Wales, including Vincent Davies in Haverfordwest, Chapel Chocolates in St Davids, and Bluestone Resort in Narberth. Cardiff residents can find them at Wally’s Delicatessen and Pugh’s Garden Village, among other places.
For those visiting Milford Waterfront, a trip to Dilly’s Chocolates’ shop at Agamemnon House is a must. With parking available on Mackerel Quay, it’s an ideal spot to pick up a luxurious treat.
With their recent victory at the Pembrokeshire County Show, Stephen and Dilys Penney are excited for the future. Their journey from a passion project to an award-winning business is a testament to their hard work, creativity, and love for chocolate. As Dilly’s Chocolates continues to grow, there’s no doubt that more sweet successes lie ahead.
To arrange customised orders, customers can contact them directly at [email protected] or by phone at 07866 534860.
Business
Beer and pub industry supports 44,000 jobs in Wales – but jobs ‘could be at risk’
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.
Business
Council denies responsibility for The Range store’s snub of Haverfordwest
THIS week Pembrokeshire County Council has refuted claims circulating on social media that it was responsible for The Range’s decision not to open a store in the former Wilko unit in Haverfordwest.
The rumors, which gained traction on Facebook this week, suggested that the discount retailer pulled out due to issues related to car parking charges in the nearby Perrots Road car park.
A council spokesperson addressed the situation, on Wednesday (Sept 18) telling The Herald: “There is absolutely no truth in the rumour that The Range decided not to take on the former Wilko store in Haverfordwest due to car parking charges in the nearby Perrots Road car park. The Council is unaware of where this rumour has come from.”
This statement comes in response to a flurry of social media activity, where several residents expressed their disappointment and frustration. One user, Stephen Hughes, sparked conversation with a post claiming, “Range wanted to go to Wilko and the council refused free parking at Haverfordwest absolutely shocking.” The post received multiple comments, reflecting the growing frustration among the community.
Chris Wilson said: “The council seemed determined to wreck Haverfordwest,” while Julie McIntosh added, “OMG we will never have them now.”
These sentiments echo a broader dissatisfaction with the current state of the Haverfordwest town centre.
The council, however, has made it clear that The Range’s decision was independent of any car parking policies. “While The Range ultimately decided not to proceed, the Council is currently in detailed discussions with a prospective tenant for the unit and very much hope to have the building brought back into use as soon as possible,” the spokesperson added.
The speculation on social media highlights the ongoing concerns about the town’s retail prospects and the council’s role in facilitating or hindering economic development.
Recent reports indicate that The Range is expanding in the UK, with five new branches opening by Christmas in locations such as Walkden, Cwmbran, Leamington Spa, Chelmsford, and Oswestry.
Additionally, The Range’s parent company, CDS Superstores, has announced plans to reopen up to 300 Wilko stores after acquiring the brand, with five concept stores expected to open by Christmas 2024
Despite Haverfordwest now being off the list, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and whether the prospective tenant will bring a new chapter to Haverfordwest’s retail scene.
Business
Recruitment drive for Ledwood as company looks to fill 40 roles
A PEMBROKE DOCK-based engineering, fabrication and construction company is recruiting with up to 40 role available.
Ledwood has launched the recruitment drive as it prepares to scale-up the delivery of key projects throughout the UK.
All required for client projects in the energy production and processing industries are welders, mechanical fitters, pipe fitters, riggers and platers.
Schemes include South Hook and Valero in Pembroke Dock, Hinkley Point C in Somerset, the Fawley TAR turnaround project in Southampton and the VINCI joint venture (EVT) project at Isle of Grain in Kent.
Nick Revell, managing director of Ledwood Mechanical Engineering, said: “With an extensive fabrication facility at Pembroke Dock, we deliver complex engineering projects throughout the UK. Unprecedented demand means that we now have vacancies for both qualified personnel and those looking for apprenticeships. We hope these opportunities will be of interest to those seeking new careers, particularly given the demise of Tata Steel in Port Talbot, and would also like to hear from anyone looking for an apprenticeship.”
Ledwood specialises in the delivery of complex projects in the process and energy sectors.
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