News

£3m to prop up Pembrokeshire

Published

9 years ago

December 3, 2014

murco A MULTI-MILLION pound fund to create and protect jobs in Pembrokeshire has been announced following the loss of 340 jobs at the Murco oil refi nery . Economy and Science Minister for Wales Edwina Hart said the government would: “Focus on doing all we can,” to maximise opportunities for those workers from the site. As well as a £3m fi ghting fund, Mrs Hart also said she would explore ‘additional ways’ to improve the A40, ‘including the potential for dualling’. The Minister told The Herald: “I will be introducing a special round of the Welsh Economic Growth Fund that will be open to support businesses in creating and safeguarding employment in Pembrokeshire.

That £3m will sit alongside a £500,000 new round of the SME Growth Fund that I am committing to, aimed at supporting smaller and micro-sized companies to maximise the employment and growth opportunities in the region. We will of course be exploring the use of European monies to meet our goals and be working with the UK Government to consider the use of the EU’s Globalisation Adjustment Fund. The energy sector is integral to the economic fabric of the local area and is a specific priority of the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone.” Paul Davies, Assembly Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire, said: “I have campaigned for the dualling of the A40 from St Clears to Fishguard for years and welcome moves to explore its potential.

You can travel along continuous dual carriageway from eastern Europe to Ireland apart from this stretch through Pembrokeshire, which is a barrier to investment and makes it more difficult for West Wales firms to compete. Consideration of dualling and other potential upgrades to the A40 must be concluded as swiftly as possible so work can begin to protect jobs and attract new ones. At this difficult time for Murco workers and their families, we welcome support available for them and hope regeneration funding will be made available to support the jobs dependent on the oil refinery’s supply chain.”

William Graham AM, Shadow Minister for Business, said: “I welcome the Welsh and UK Governments working together to support Murco workers and their families at this worrying time. We welcome consideration of ways to support employment in the West Wales communities affected by the loss of Murco. Workers at Murco and in the supply chain are highly experienced and will need every possible help in identifying new sources of employment to enable them to use their skills to contribute to Welsh industry.” Marc Tierney, South Pembrokeshire Labour Assembly Candidate said: “The Welsh Government Economy Minister has shown her strong support for Murco workers and the local economy this week in the Senedd.

The new appointment of Mr Stan McIlvenny OBE (current Chief Executive and Company Secretary of Port of Waterford Company) as the Chair of Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone reemphasises the focus on securing economic prosperity for Haven communities and the wider west Wales area. The undertaking to look at improving the A40 is an important step forward and it is right that the Welsh Government looks more closely at this now. As part of that process engagement must take place with local communities and organisations representing business, tourism and other local interests.”

William Powell, Welsh Liberal Democrat Regional Assembly Member for Mid & West Wales has told The Herald that he welcomes the £3m fund. The announcement by Economy Minister, Edwina Hart, follows the loss of 340 jobs at the Murco oil refinery in Milford Haven. William Powell has also welcomed the appointment of Stan McIllvenny OBE as Chair of the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone, who has high level international experience in the ports sector. William Powell stated: “We need to do everything possible to develop the local economy to provide high quality jobs to replace those being lost at Murco. That is why I am pleased to hear the Economy Minister’s emphasis on improving transport links including the long overdue dualling of the A40 into the county.

I’ve also urged the Minister to explore innovative sources of funding for infrastructure investment, including the European Investment Bank. This could include both port development and the potential electrifi cation of rail services into West Wales.” He added: “It is also excellent news that the current Murco apprenticeships will be built into the training programme at Valero. This helps to lessen the danger of a skills drain out of the local economy, which we can ill afford, especially in the energy sector.

I commend Valero for their vision and commitment to both Pembrokeshire and the wider Welsh economy.” Joyce Watson AM said: “We should not lose sight of the fact that Pembrokeshire retains a strong energy sector. We have the LNG terminal, the Valero refi nery and Pembroke B – the largest gas-fi red power station in Europe. I would imagine the immediate priority for staff will be to discuss whether there are job opportunities at these alternative sites – because we don’t want to lose these skills in West Wales.” The collapse of the Murco deal will lead to the loss of hundreds of wellpaid local jobs. Mrs Watson stressed the importance of ‘open lines of communication’ with employees: “The last thing they need is to feel they’re being kept in the dark. I have also asked my offi cials to conduct further, urgent work, to explore additional ways to improve the A40, including the potential for duelling. This work will be complete within 6 months,” she said.

Business

Welsh producers to showcase at UK’s leading food and drink show

Published

17 mins ago

April 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WALES’ finest food and drink companies are gearing up to showcase their innovative spirit and exceptional quality produce at a pivotal show in the UK food and drink calendar.

The group includes 44 Welsh food and drink companies who will be attending the Farm Shop & Deli Show 2024 being held at the NEC in Birmingham between 29 April – 1 May. This event will serve as a prime opportunity for both established companies and emerging stars from Wales to exhibit their products to a national audience.

Supported by the Welsh Government, 13 of Wales’ well-known food and drink companies will be exhibiting on the Welsh Government Pavilion at the show. A further 20 Welsh up and coming and emerging stars will be exhibiting as part of the Cywain Showcase stand, while another 11 Welsh companies will be exhibiting for 1 day during the show on the Cywain Test Trading stand, these companies will change each day.

Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, said, “The Farm Shop & Deli Show provides unparalleled opportunities for Welsh companies to showcase the exceptional quality and innovation of their products. These events are crucial for promoting Welsh products and reinforcing Wales’ reputation for quality and innovation in food and drink.

“The Welsh Government is dedicated to supporting our producers, ensuring they have the platforms needed to succeed and contribute to Wales’ reputation as a place of outstanding natural produce. We are committed to helping them thrive in these important markets and continue to build on Wales’ esteemed reputation.”

Welsh producers exhibiting as part of the Welsh Government Pavilion includes Calon Wen Organic Dairy, Cradoc’s Savoury Biscuits Ltd, Crwst Ltd, Golden Hooves, Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co, Mario’s Ice Cream, Morning Foods, Rural Foodies Ltd/Coco Pzazz, Snowdonia Cheese Company Ltd, The Anglesey Sea Salt Company/Halen Môn, Tregroes Waffles, Welsh Hills Bakery and Welsh Lady Preserves.

The 31 Welsh companies making up the showcase under the support of Cywain, a Welsh Government funded project that works with food and drink producers across Wales, helping them grow and develop their businesses, will feature products from alcohol, coffee, tea, chocolate, cheeses, rapeseed oil to preserves, sauces and spices.

Commenting on being part of the Welsh Government delegation, owner Alison Lea-Wilson from Anglesey sea salt company Halen Môn said, “We’ve attended Food & Drink Expo several times and always find it an interesting mix of people giving us a chance to stay updated on the food and drink industry. We’re looking forward to catching up with our current customers at the Farm Shop & Deli Show this year and are excited about the possibility of meeting new ones, particularly ingredient suppliers.

“It’s also our first time here as a B Corp business, which is a big step for us, and we’re launching our new Beetroot ketchup, adding a vibrant touch to our product line.”

Cradoc’s Savoury Biscuits Ltd is set to feature their new Gluten Free range at the Farm Shop & Deli Show, with products ready to order alongside their traditional offerings. The company is also proud finalists for the Artisan Food and Drink Business of the Year at the Wales Food and Drink Awards 2024.

Reflecting on a year of innovation and growth, Allie Thomas from Cradoc’s Savoury Biscuits said, “2023 was a pivotal year for Cradoc’s. We embarked on a journey of transformation, starting with a significant update to our packaging, which is our main sales tool and we invest as much as possible in protecting the authenticity of the Cradoc’s brand. Working with Zero2Five Food Industry Centre led to enhancements that resonate with our customers, emphasizing our Net Zero Carbon Manufacturing status and sustainability efforts.

“We have recently got the go ahead for our new gluten free bakery, which is testament to our commitment to inclusivity and innovation. We’re looking forward to seeing what visitors to these shows think of our new three gluten free flavoured crackers: Rosemary and Garlic, Chilli Ginger and Cumin and Cheddar Cheese and Chives.”

After a successful rebranding launch and a Farm Shop & Deli Gold Award win for their Traditional Mead at last year’s Farm Shop & Deli Show, Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co are set to showcase their modern mead to a wider audience at this year’s show.

“Our presence at the Farm Shop & Deli Show is testament to our growth and the significant demand for our products over the last 5 years, but in particular within the last 12 months which has seen us stocked in Selfridges and in 3 Michelin Restaurants” says Kit Newell, Co-founder of Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co.

“Our rebranding to Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co in 2023 was a milestone of our progress and our commitment to modernising mead. This year, we’re not just expecting to showcase our products to those unfamiliar with contemporary mead; we’re here to forge lasting connections with larger retailers and regional distributors, and to reaffirm our relationships with those who have supported us from the start. The Farm Shop & Deli Show is more than an event for us—it’s a platform to test the pulse of the market, to ensure our products resonate with current trends through direct consumer feedback.”

“Our achievements, such as winning the Golden Fork Award for Wales, are symbols of our dedication to quality and taste. Alongside our flagship wine-style meads and modern sparkling varieties we will have our special edition meads that celebrate and support bee charities such as Bees For Development, made using honey from forests in Zambia. Our Spiced Honey Rum, launched in February, is the newest addition to our family of products, and we’re excited to see it take its place in the spotlight.”

Also, within The Restaurant Show, there will be a Geographical Indication (GI presentation) and tasting taking place on the Restaurant Stage between 15:30 – 16:15 on Monday 29 April.

Farm Shop & Deli Show is packed with new launches, fresh industry insights and trend-setting food and drink to help you get face-to-face with the people driving the market forward in 2024.

Whether you’re an independent farm shop, delicatessen, or artisan food outlet, you can help grow your business along with your passion at Farm Shop & Deli Show. At the show you’ll find all the big ideas to help you discover fresh thinking and practical tips and techniques to increase your profits with our exciting line up of live events and sessions. The show will also reveal the winners of the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards 2024.

Farm Shop & Deli Show will run alongside Food & Drink Expo, National Convenience Show, The Forecourt Show and The Restaurant Show in 2024 as part of the UK Food & Drink Shows, bringing together the grocery, specialist retail, wholesale, foodservice and hospitality sectors under one roof. With over 1200 exhibitors and 25000+ visitors to five shows over 3 days, the event is a must-visit for anyone in the food and drink industry.

Other Welsh companies participating independently at the other shows include Cygnet Distillery, Dewkes Ltd, Gasm Drinks, Heartsease Farm, Meadowvale Foods, Peter’s Food Ltd, Brain Blasterz and Celtic Frozen Drinks.

Come and visit the Welsh food and drink companies at the Farm Shop & Deli Show from the 29 April – 1 May:

Welsh Government Pavilion | Hall 20 | Stands S160 & S170
Cywain Showcase Stand | Hall 20 | Stands S180, S190, S200
Cywain Test Trading Stand | Hall 20 | Stands S200

For more information on how the Welsh Government can assist your business with reaching new markets through trade event visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/foodanddrink/growing-your-business/trade-events

Entertainment

Music at the Manor returns for an exciting evening of entertainment

Published

23 mins ago

April 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE MUSIC SERVICE is proud to announce the return of Music at the Manor on Friday 10^th May at Scolton Manor for an evening of fantastic entertainment.

More than 150 Pembrokeshire young musicians will showcase their talents in the beautiful surroundings of Scolton.

This is the third Music at the Manor event, expanding on the success of previous years to bring an exciting evening of musical celebration from across Pembrokeshire.

Gates open at 4.30pm for a 6pm start and guests are invited to bring a chair or blanket and arrive in plenty of time to relax, soak up the atmosphere and grab something to eat.

Food lovers will be well catered for with Daps Baps, Pembs Pizza co and Worley’s Ice-creams on hand and Absolute Events Bars to provide a drink to enjoy along with the music.

Face painting by the talented Gabrielle Swales will also be on offer.

Performing are:

Pembrokeshire Music Service (PMS) Youth String Orchestra
PMS Youth Wind Band
PMS Youth Brass Band
PMS Rock and Pop bands “Nebular” and “Broken Strings”
PMS Youth Woodwind ensemble
PMS Training Orchestra featuring the Second Steps ensemble players

Cleddau Chamber orchestra and Pembrokeshire Music Service Community Choir will also perform.

Compere for the evening is Ysgol Greenhill Headteacher David Haynes.

Tickets are £8, £4 Concessions and £18 family ticket.

You can purchase tickets online or alternatively contact Angela White on 01437 775202.

Tickets will be available on the night but to reduce potential for congestion please pre pay where possible.

Charity

New Quay RNLI’s inshore lifeboat rescues stranded 26ft yacht

Published

31 mins ago

April 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEW QUAY RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched on service at 08:32 this morning to assist a 26ft yacht in difficulty a quarter of a mile from New Quay harbour.

Launching with four volunteer crew members, the D-class lifeboat, the Will Morgan, quickly located the vessel, with one person on board.

Simon Rigby, New Quay RNLI’s helm said, “The yacht had lost all means of propulsion, both sail and engine, and was unable to recover a fouled anchor.

“Having assessed the situation we decided that the best course of action was to take the vessel under tow to New Quay harbour. We placed two members of our crew on board, disconnected the anchor chain and began the tow.

“Having safely berthed the yacht alongside the harbour wall, we returned to station just after 09:30.”