Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Two new businesses have opened in Llanelli Market. Maureen’s Floral Designs provides fresh and artificial arrangements for all occasions, from wedding button holes to grave pots, funeral tributes and wreaths. There is also a selection of homemade baby and children’s clothing. Owned by Maureen Harries from Llanelli, the stall is already attracting customers from as far afield as Abergavenny, Aberystwyth and Neath. Maureen, who has been running the business on a more casual basis, including at the outdoor market and in the Elli Centre for the last eight years, said: “Having a stall in the indoor market is a big commitment but it’s going very well. “Due to having a small workspace here, in most cases customer orders can be completed by the following day.” Verve Cafe on Cowell Street, is a mother and daughter business partnership. Kathryn Williams said it was her 18-year-old daughter Angharad Davies’ idea. She added: “Angharad wanted to open up a milkshake bar so we’ve combined the spe...

Three new businesses have started trading in Carmarthen Market. Rone’s Jewellery Repair Specialists can be found behind the Clock Tower and Big Rasta Nation and Cowin Lush Cakes have opened up inside the market hall. This brings the total to 6 new traders opening in the market in recent months. Rone’s Jewellery Repair Specialists offer services including ring sizing, ring repairs, chain repairs, supply of precious gemstones, remodelling of current jewellery, bespoke design service and cleaning and rhodium services. The independent family business is run by Caroline and Jonathan Rone. Caroline said: “Jonathan previously worked in Burgess Jewellers in Carmarthen for 30-years. Things are going really well here in the market at the moment.” Big Rasta Nation sells Caribbean crafts, mens, ladies and childrenswear, jewellery and over-18 goods. Trader Emerson Ray has been trading in the outdoor market on Wednesdays and Saturdays for a year. He is currently trading in the both the indoor an...

Licensed premises and members clubs across Carmarthenshire are being warned about selling alcohol to under-18s ahead of the A-level and GCSE exam results. Council licensing officers have been speaking to licensees and club representatives in the county to remind them of their responsibilities. In particular, if taking bookings for functions they need to establish whether the event is aimed at young persons so that they can decide whether to accept the booking and have adequate measures in place to prevent the sale to or consumption of alcohol by under-18s. Tackling underage drinking is a key priority for the Carmarthenshire Community Safety Partnership , which includes the council and the police. A lot of work is underway to educate staff at licensed premises in relation to fake IDs. Test purchasing exercises using child volunteers are also carried out throughout the year. Councillor Tom Theophilus, chairman of the council’s licensing committee, said “The majority of licensees are resp...

Shops struggling with the recession and rising energy costs are being offered a helping hand by South Wales researchers. Aberystwyth University and the Dyfi Biosphere are inviting local retail businesses to take part in one of their free workshops taking place in Aberystwyth on Wednesday 11th July and Machynlleth on Thursday 12th July. The workshop series is designed specifically for small and medium sized retailers, and aim to help them recognise that climate change presents a real and valuable opportunity to build and sustain their businesses. Above all, the project will explore ways of helping businesses break free from the current constraints of the economic recession. Many businesses are beginning to realise the benefits of adapting to a changing climate. However, Dr Nicola Thomas of Aberystwyth University said that more sceptical business owners are particularly welcome: “We aim to convert each ‘but’ into a commercial opportunity.” Nicola continued, “we will commit to under...