News

Carmarthen Chamber of Trade – Meeting Update

🗓️ 8th October 2025

📍 Held at The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel

Attendees:

Justin (Chair, The Flower Studio), Ruth (Mooch etc), Moira (Origin), Richard & Manon (R&M Hardware), Mark (Rainbows), Janette & Chris (Membership Secretary, Taylors), Eurig (Jackie James), David (Treasurer, Mansion House Hotel), Jack (Ivy Bush Royal Hotel), Russell (The Swim Centre, Deputy Mayor & County Councillor), Jenny (Minutes Secretary)

Apologies:

Neil (Vice Chair, Coracle Fish Bar), Sioned (Swansea Building Society), Harriet (Blue Marble)

🛍️ Supporting Carmarthen Businesses

Chair Justin opened the meeting by asking: “What can the Chamber do for businesses in town?”

Members shared mixed reports following the summer period — while footfall was high, spending was lower than expected. Weather extremes were noted as a factor.

Russell highlighted the positive impact of the hanging flower baskets, funded by Carmarthen BID and subsidised by the Town Council. Winter displays will be installed soon. Members agreed these displays enhance the town’s appeal, but if funding is withdrawn, individual businesses may struggle to cover costs. The Chamber will ask Town and County Councils to explore future funding or subsidies.

🎃 Halloween Activities

Merlin’s Walk will host Halloween trails, and The Flower Studio will offer:

Pumpkin carving for children

Pumpkin floral arrangements for adults

Businesses are encouraged to create Halloween-themed offers or displays to boost footfall and dwell time. Don’t forget to share your activities on social media using hashtags to amplify reach.

🎆 Carmarthen Round Table Fireworks – 5th November

The fireworks event at Carmarthen Town Park (from 17:00) brings footfall through town. While shoppers may not linger that evening, open doors and engaging window displays can leave a lasting impression and encourage future visits.

🎖️ Remembrance Sunday – 9th November

Parade will muster at Guildhall Square at 09:15, proceed to St Peter’s Church for a 10:00 service, followed by wreath-laying at the County War Memorial. Businesses are warmly invited to attend and show support.

🏁 Roger Albert Clark Rally – 19th November

From 19:00–21:00, rally cars will parade through King Street, Nott Square, Hall Street, Guildhall Square, Dark Gate, Lammas Street and return to the Showground.

Expect national TV coverage and high footfall

Tea Traders will open late; other businesses are encouraged to consider extended hours or themed offers

Hotels are already fully booked — a great sign of interest

Let’s showcase Carmarthen online and celebrate our vibrant business community

Eurig emphasised the importance of audience-focused content. Teams and spectators will be based in Carmarthen from Wednesday to Friday before heading north.

🎄 Christmas Lights Switch-On – 22nd November (10:00–17:00)

Plans include:

Performers, Elf Stations, fireworks

King Street becomes Elf Street for the day

Record-breaking challenge: Most Santas in Carmarthen!

Ideas: Santa hats, themed window displays, festive workshops

The Flower Studio will host wreath-making, table centrepiece, and garland workshops.

Note: Christmas planning should begin in February next year.

Action: Justin

💡 Streetlights

Concerns were raised about faulty or dim streetlights in key areas of the town. Russell kindly offered to share contact details for reporting issues directly.

Action: Russell

🏙️ Placemaking & Town Aesthetics

The Chamber discussed the need for a more attractive and welcoming town centre. Several members expressed frustration about the general appearance of buildings and public spaces — describing Carmarthen as feeling “grubby” in places. There was strong agreement that improving the visual appeal of the town is essential to boosting footfall, encouraging repeat visits, and supporting local businesses.

The Carmarthenshire County Council Placemaking Plan for Carmarthen was highlighted as a key opportunity to influence long-term improvements. The plan outlines ambitions for regeneration, public realm upgrades, and better connectivity between different parts of the town. Businesses are encouraged to review the plan and submit feedback or questions via the Council’s consultation page:

📎 View the Placemaking Plan & Have Your Say

To ensure business voices are heard, the Chamber will invite the Regeneration Team from Carmarthenshire County Council to attend our November meeting and discuss the plan in more detail.

Action: Justin

🛒 Small Business Saturday – 6th December

This national campaign is a golden opportunity to shine a spotlight on Carmarthen’s independent businesses. Held on Saturday 6th December, Small Business Saturday encourages communities to support local traders — and it’s a chance for us to drive footfall, boost sales, and celebrate the heart of our high street.

We’re calling on all businesses to get involved:

Plan a special offer, event, or festive display

Share your activity on social media using campaign hashtags

Use the free marketing materials available to help promote your business

📎 Full details and resources: smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com

Let’s make Carmarthen a standout destination this Small Business Saturday!

🗺️ Other Business

A Christmas Map will be created to highlight key dates and events

A town-wide Facebook Group for traders is being considered to help promote offers and activities

📅 Next Meeting

Wednesday 12th November 2025

🕠 17:30 – 19:30

📍 The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel

**PLEASE use your BID vote! It is valid until the end of February, whether you vote YES or NO, please use your VOTE!**

Gwella Caerfyrddin | Improving Carmarthen 21.10.24

Ann Davies MP ‘Caerfyrddin’ visited the members of Carmarthen Chamber of Trade on 02.10.24 at Sloppy Joes Streetfood HQ!

SLOPPY JOES STREETFOOD HQ host our business meetings, join us at 5:30pm for FREE refreshments and networking!

Carmarthen Chamber of Trade recently sponsored the '2024 Carmarthen Market Junior Traders' event hosted by Carmarthenshire Markets in St. Catherine's Walk / Rhodfa Santes Catrin.
Neil James, Chairman of Carmarthen Chamber of Trade and Justin John Vice-Chairman of Carmarthen Chamber of Trade attended the event and judged the local schools.
Justin John explained, "It was an absolute pleasure to be asked to help judge the Junior Market Traders event. All of the pupils were excellent and represented their schools extremely well. They'd put a lot of thought and time into their stalls and products and were very confident in asking passers by to part with their cash! It was excellent to see schools teaching business skills and I look forward to hopefully seeing some of these pupils with their own businesses in the future".
Diolch yn fawr iawn - Thank you very much to everyone that took part and organised this event!

Diolch yn fawr iawn | Thank you very much to all the candidates who attended the Carmarthen Chamber of Trade Business Hustings on Thursday 27th June 2024 at the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel. #business #caerfyrddin #chamber