Business
Welsh businesses face uncertainty as .Cymru domain storefront closes
WELSH businesses are facing potential disruption following the announcement that CentralNic Registry will be closing its dedicated .Cymru domain storefront. The decision, which comes after a review of the effectiveness of single-domain web stores, reflects ongoing challenges in sustaining regional domain extensions like .cymru, despite their cultural significance.
The .cymru and .wales domain extensions were launched in 2014 as part of a broader initiative to promote Welsh identity in the digital world. The rollout, which was supported by the Welsh Government and various local organisations, aimed to provide businesses and individuals in Wales with an opportunity to showcase their national pride through their online presence. The new domains were seen as a vital step in distinguishing Wales on the global stage, offering a unique digital identifier that aligned with the country’s heritage and language.
Initial uptake of these domain extensions was positive, with many Welsh businesses adopting .cymru and .wales as part of their branding strategy. The domains allowed companies to signal their local roots and connect with a Welsh audience in a meaningful way. However, the enthusiasm for these domains has not translated into sustained growth, with the number of registrations and active use falling short of expectations.
In a recent communication to its customers, CentralNic Registry cited the low volume of activity associated with the .cymru domain as a key factor in its decision to close the dedicated storefront. The company has recommended that businesses transfer their domains to another registrar, such as OnlyDomains, to continue managing their online presence. While the transition is necessary to retain ownership of .cymru domains, it may involve additional costs, including potential transfer fees.
The closure of the .Cymru storefront raises concerns about the long-term viability of regional domain extensions. For many businesses in Wales, the need to transfer their domains could prompt a reevaluation of the benefits of maintaining a Welsh-specific web address, particularly in a competitive online environment where global domains like .com and .co.uk dominate.
Historically, the introduction of the .cymru and .wales domains was met with optimism, with supporters highlighting their potential to boost the Welsh digital economy and strengthen the country’s online identity. The domains were seen as a way to assert Wales’s presence on the internet and to foster a sense of community among Welsh-speaking and Welsh-identifying individuals and businesses.
However, the challenges highlighted by CentralNic’s recent decision reflect broader trends in the digital world, where niche domains often struggle to gain traction against more established, widely-recognised extensions. As businesses in Wales navigate this transition, they will need to weigh the symbolic value of a Welsh domain against the practicalities of domain management and the demands of a global market.
While the .cymru and .wales domains will remain available through other registrars, the closure of the CentralNic storefront marks a turning point. Welsh businesses must now consider how best to balance their commitment to promoting local identity with the realities of operating in an increasingly interconnected and competitive digital landscape.
The Pembrokeshire Herald will continue to monitor developments as Welsh businesses adapt to this change and explore the future of their online identities.
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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