Six-figure investment gets cliff railway back on track
Robert Gray, Director of Constitution Hill Limited said: 'Our railway is an iconic attraction and an important part of local heritage. It's enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year, most of whom go on to spend time and money in the local area. The support of Welsh Government and the funding from the Development Bank has made the biggest difference to the future sustainability of the railway; allowing us to carry out essential maintenance work and invest in our facilities for the benefit of local people and visitors alike.'
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Wales Online
2 days ago
- Wales Online
Backlash from thousands who want parking fees scrapped at popular Welsh beach
Backlash from thousands who want parking fees scrapped at popular Welsh beach The council say the charges help to maintain an important public space Aberavon seafront had parking charges introduced earlier this year (Image: Neath Port Talbot Council ) Members of Neath Port Talbot Council are set to discuss options for parking in Aberavon later this month after calls from residents to reinstate free parking along the beachfront. The move came after a public backlash when the local authority introduced parking charges at The Princess Margaret Way laybys along the beachfront in April. This led to the creation of a petition with thousands of signatures from locals which they said was launched in order to fight the decision and "make the beach more accessible" for residents and tourists. Others added that frustrations were caused for some users due to the lack of cash payment options in the area, with payment accessed through an app or phone-based systems. Discussions on the issue will now come at council scrutiny session on June 27, where members will hear of proposals to introduce new short-stay parking tariffs at four nearby off-street car parks from April 1, 2026. These will include Bay View, Ocean Way, Scarlet Avenue and Victoria Road car parks with proposed tariffs of £1 for one hour and £2 for two hours in order to "support short-stay visitors to the seafront allowing them to pay with cash using the existing pay and display machines." It was however noted that payments made at these car parks would not be transferable to the laybys, with the possibility of installing cash payment machines there not deemed as feasible due to the cost of installing them. Article continues below A council spokesperson said: "We've listened to the concerns raised since the introduction of charges and are proposing changes that aim to make parking at the seafront more accessible and easier to use. "Whether you're visiting for a quick walk or a full day out, we want to make parking as simple and flexible as possible—while helping to maintain one of our county borough's most important public spaces." The council says it will also ask for permission from the Welsh Government to install clearer signage along The Princess Margaret Way to improve information about payment options. However, speaking after the announcement of the proposals, which came ahead of a scheduled public meeting, Councillor Sean Pursey of Sandfields East said he felt they did nothing to address most of the issues raised. He said: "The local councillors for Sandfields have been raising their concerns with the charges since 2023. Despite this and several petitions with thousands of signatures, the proposals went ahead. "Many of the concerns raised in 2023 have come to bear since - the charges are having an impact on both the health and well-being of residents in Neath Port Talbot, and the businesses on the seafront - that impact is not worth the revenue that is being raised. "The councils proposed changes to the other car park tariffs do nothing to address most of these issues and won't be implemented until next year in any case. "It is disappointing that the council has come forward with these proposed changes before hearing the feedback in the public meeting from residents and businesses. "We hope that following the meeting the leader and cabinet member reflect on the genuine concerns that will be expressed and scrap the lay-by charges." Article continues below
Business News Wales
2 days ago
- Business News Wales
Number of Employee-Owned Businesses in Wales Nears 100
The number of employee-owned businesses in Wales is now approaching 100 – exceeding a Welsh Government pledge to get to 74 by 2026. The Welsh Government's Business Wales and Social Business Wales service offers specialist advice to support employee buy outs, with fully funded and bespoke help available to help business owners decide if employee ownership and share schemes are the right solution for their business. The number of employee-owned businesses in Wales now stands at 95, exceeding the Programme for Government commitment to double the number in Wales and reach 74 by 2026. Research shows that employee-owned businesses perform particularly strongly, with employees demonstrating greater engagement and commitment. The commercial benefits are also becoming increasingly popular with entrepreneurs creating new businesses to help attract and reward talented employees and drive business growth. One company to receive support is Cambrian Training Group, a leading provider of apprenticeship and vocational training across Wales. The Welshpool company, which marked 30 years of business by becoming employee owned earlier this year, was established in 1995 as a subsidiary of Mid Wales Tourism to deliver vocational and hospitality skills as part of the development of the region's tourism sector. It now employs 65 staff and has expanded its work-based learning, skills and apprenticeship programmes into a range of other sectors, including manufacturing, retail, and financial services. Arwyn Watkins OBE, of Cambrian Training Group, said: 'Securing Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) status is a significant step in our journey. Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, and this move ensures that they have a direct stake in our continued success. 'The decision to move towards an EOT rather than opting for a trade sale was motivated by the desire to sustain the company's culture, values, and commitment to quality over the long term.' The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'By improving employee well-being and job satisfaction, the employee-ownership model plays a key part in strengthening the foundations on which every successful business is built. 'It's proven benefits include giving employees more control over their own destiny, and providing business owners with the peace of mind that that the future of their business is in safe hands, and that the future of their highly valued employees has been safeguarded in the community the business was fostered in. 'I urge more businesses to explore the benefits on offer via Business Wales and Social Business Wales, to ensure Wales-based companies remain in Welsh hands.'
Business News Wales
2 days ago
- Business News Wales
Celebrating Pride Cymru: A Commitment to Inclusivity and Positive Change
I'm looking forward to joining my colleagues at the Development Bank of Wales in celebrating Pride Cymru in Cardiff this weekend. Events like Pride Cymru hold real significance, standing as a beacon of visibility, unity, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. They remind us that equality is not a passive ideal but something that must be continuously nurtured and defended. Whether through the efforts of campaigning individuals or the support of public institutions and large employers, Pride embodies the power of solidarity and progress. Throughout my time at the Development Bank of Wales, since starting with Finance Wales in 2002, I have been incredibly proud of how we embrace equality, diversity, and inclusivity. These values are not just words in a strategy document but are actively embedded in everything we do, shaping our workplace, our partnerships, and the communities that we serve. From the support we provide to our employees and colleagues to the entrepreneurs and business owners that we fund, we champion fairness, accountability, and transparency. The Development Bank is more than just a financial institution—we are a force for positive change, using our influence to foster an environment where everyone can thrive. Our commitment to ethics and social responsibility drives us to be purposefully engaged in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. It's not just about business; it's about doing what's right. This commitment is clearly reflected in our recruitment strategies. In 2024/25, one-fifth of all our new starters came from ethnic minority backgrounds—well above the national average of six per cent. It's this kind of intentional inclusivity that matters, not just for our workforce but for the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. When organisations take active steps to build diverse workplaces, they send a powerful message: You are seen, valued, and supported. We also recognise that true inclusion goes beyond hiring; it's about continuous growth and development. That's why we prioritise personal and professional growth. Being named one of the UK's Best Workplaces for 2025 by Great Place to Work was a proud moment for us, as was receiving their Development Award—a recognition of our commitment to helping employees become the best version of themselves. One shining example of how we support diversity in business is Freya Curtis, a determined 21-year-old entrepreneur who opened Merthyr Tydfil's first LGBTQ+ themed bar, Sparkles, with the help of a £35,000 loan from the Development Bank. Sparkles, which hosts live shows, karaoke nights, and drag performances, has quickly become a popular space for the local community—providing not only entertainment but also a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Through her vision, Freya has created a hub of celebration and connection while generating local jobs, demonstrating how empowered entrepreneurs can make a real difference. The Development Bank of Wales is more than just a workplace; it's a place where people, businesses, and communities flourish. As we come together for Pride Cymru, I'm reminded that progress is never a solo journey—it's a collective effort. By celebrating diversity, amplifying voices, and standing up for what's right, we move forward, together. I am proud to be part of that journey. You can find out more about the Development Bank at
