Local businesses in Pembrokeshire are feeling squeezed by rising costs and a challenging economic outlook, according to responses gathered from recent Pembrokeshire engagement events and the latest labour market statistics for Wales.
New figures show that employment in Wales has increased slightly to 71.8%, but still remains the lowest in the UK (75%). Economic inactivity has risen from 24.5% to 24.8%, the highest in Great Britain, while UK unemployment has reached a near five-year high as wage growth slows.
Commenting on the figures and the experiences shared by business owners across Pembrokeshire, Samuel Kurtz MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Energy, said local firms are struggling under the weight of rising taxes and operating costs.
“Behind these statistics are real businesses and real livelihoods here in Pembrokeshire,” said Samuel Kurtz. “Whether it was at the recent Pembrokeshire business rates online forum or the follow-up business surgery, I heard first-hand from entrepreneurs who feel squeezed, not supported by the status quo.”
“When Wales has the lowest employment rate in the UK and the highest economic inactivity, while businesses here in Pembrokeshire say they are being squeezed from every direction, that should be a wake-up call to both governments,” Samuel Kurtz said.
At these events, local owners from sectors including tourism, hospitality, retail and manufacturing raised concerns about rising business rates, energy bills, and the cumulative impact of tax increases from both Cardiff and Westminster. Many reported scaling back plans to hire, invest or expand due to financial pressures with many facing decisions about whether to even keep the doors open.
“Labour and Plaid Cymru are failing to get a grip on the economy in Wales,” Samuel Kurtz continued. “Their stitch-up budget in Cardiff Bay, alongside tax rises from Westminster, have piled pressure onto employers who are already battling higher costs just to stay afloat.”
Local business owners shared similar warnings:
- A tourism operator described holiday booking cancellations and staff shortages due to tighter household budgets.
- A café owner in the county town reported considering shorter opening hours after sharp increases in energy and staffing costs.
- A manufacturing firm said competitiveness is being undercut by high rates and regulatory burdens.
“Despite the resilience of Pembrokeshire people and business owners, employment in Wales remains the lowest in the UK and economic inactivity the highest. That should be a wake-up call to both governments,” Samuel Kurtz said.
Samuel Kurtz reiterated that the Welsh Conservatives are offering an alternative plan to support job creation and restore confidence among businesses.
“We are putting forward a bold, fully costed tax-cutting agenda to kickstart the economy including abolishing stamp duty and cutting business rates to undo Labour and Plaid’s economic damage and get Wales working again,” he said.
“Pembrokeshire has enormous potential, from our energy sector to tourism and food production, but businesses need a government that backs enterprise rather than burdens it. I will continue to stand up for local employers who feel ignored and squeezed by rising costs.”
