News

Almost 200 new jobs in Wales created following Starmer’s trade mission to India

Published

7 months ago

October 9, 2025

Investments worth over £1 billion secured from 64 Indian companies – with major projects in Wrexham and across Wales

NEARLY 200 new jobs will be created in Wales following a series of investment deals signed during the Prime Minister’s trade mission to India this week.

A total of 64 Indian companies will invest over £1 billion into the UK economy, generating 6,800 jobs across all regions. Almost 200 of those jobs will be based in Wales, marking a significant boost to the nation’s growing technology, pharmaceutical and advanced engineering sectors.

Indian investors have committed £1.2 billion to UK businesses, signalling renewed confidence in the UK–India trade relationship and strengthening Wales’ reputation as a destination for innovation and high-value manufacturing.

Major investments in Wales

Among the companies investing are:

EdSupreme, an education technology firm using AI in physiotherapy, which will invest £10 million in London and Wales, creating 50 jobs in Wales over three years.

Wockhardt, a leading pharmaceutical company, which will invest £8 million to upgrade its Wrexham facility, creating 35 skilled positions to support its global operations.

NeoCeltic Global Ltd, a medical device innovator, investing £5 million and creating 50 jobs to deliver advanced mobility and rehabilitation technology.

NMT Engineering and Services, an advanced engineering firm, which will invest £5 million to manufacture precision components for renewable energy, defence, and aerospace industries, creating 15 skilled jobs in Wales.

Government reaction

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said the deals represented “a major opportunity for Welsh businesses” as the UK strengthens economic ties with India.

He added: “India is now the fourth-biggest economy in the world, and by investing billions of pounds in sectors from AI to education and financial services, it shows the scale of opportunity this presents for Welsh businesses.”

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said the investments proved the UK’s trade strategy was working for Wales.

“Our landmark trade deal with India will boost jobs and economic growth across Wales.

Key industries such as renewable energy, the creative sector, and food and drink producers will all benefit, while Welsh businesses gain access to India’s huge procurement market with increased protections for exporters,” she said.

Wider UK investment

The Prime Minister’s two-day mission to Mumbai saw direct meetings with Indian business leaders, resulting in several major UK-wide deals, including:

TVS Motor investing £250 million in Solihull to expand Norton Motorcycles and develop next-generation electric vehicles, creating 300 jobs.

Cyient investing £100 million in semiconductor and clean energy innovation, creating 300 UK jobs.

Mastek investing £2 million in new AI centres in London and Leeds, generating 200 skilled roles including 75 apprenticeships.

Atul–Date Palm Developments investing £11 million in agri-tech R&D in Somerset, creating 44 jobs.

Also joining the Prime Minister’s official business delegation to India this week was Ruth Chapman, Executive Managing Director of Dulas, a renewable energy company based in Machynlleth.

The visit – the largest government-led trade mission to India to date, with 125 members – marks the first since the UK–India trade deal was signed in July.

Dulas is the UK’s only manufacturer of WHO-accredited solar-powered vaccine refrigerators, used by global health organisations in over 80 countries. The company also provides consultancy in wind, solar, and hydro power, supporting the clean energy transition in the UK and abroad.

During the visit, Ms Chapman joined senior UK business leaders in Mumbai and Bengaluru to explore opportunities for sustainable technology partnerships. Dulas already works with UNICEF and local partner Sheshnag in India to strengthen vaccine cold chain systems and training.

“It’s an honour to represent a Welsh exporter on such a historic mission,” Ms Chapman said after the visit.

“There is enormous potential for collaboration between the UK and India in renewable innovation and health resilience, and it’s exciting to see Wales playing a part in that.”

Industry optimism

Mr Chandan Jerry, Director of NeoCeltic Global Ltd, said the UK–India partnership would accelerate technological collaboration:

“Our company is proud to invest in AI-driven physiotherapy and rehabilitation technology. We will work with UK partners to create innovations that drive growth, generate jobs and improve quality of life.”

India is already the UK’s second-largest investor, with more than 1,000 Indian companies operating across Britain. The latest investments reaffirm the strong economic partnership between both nations, particularly in AI, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing.

Local Government

Harvey backs Hodgson to take over ahead of 2027 elections

Published

3 seconds ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Council leader says Tessa Hodgson has the experience to guide Pembrokeshire through turbulent year

LEADER Cllr Jon Harvey has thrown his support behind Cllr Tessa Hodgson to succeed him, after confirming he will not seek re-election as leader of Pembrokeshire County Council.

Cllr Harvey, who has led the authority for the past two years and represents Pembroke St Mary North, said the decision had come after careful consideration and reflection.

He described his time in office as “a fantastic two years” and “a real honour and privilege”, praising the work of his cabinet and colleagues during what he called a challenging period.

“After much thought and reflection, I feel now is the right time to make way for someone else to lead the council through the next twelve months to the local government elections in May 2027,” he said.

Cllr Harvey pointed to the wider political landscape, with a Senedd election imminent, as a key factor in his decision.

“We are living through turbulent times, and following the Senedd election next week, we will almost certainly have a new government in Cardiff,” he said.

“We need leadership and a cabinet in Pembrokeshire that has experience and is able to build on the great work already in progress, and that is why I will be one hundred per cent supporting Tessa in her bid to become the next leader.”

Cllr Tessa Hodgson, who has represented Lamphey since 2012 and currently serves as cabinet member for adult social care and safeguarding, has confirmed she will stand for the leadership.

Responding to the endorsement, she paid tribute to Cllr Jon Harvey and his time in office.

“I was sad to hear that Jon had decided not to seek re-election – he has much to be proud of and it has been great to serve in his cabinet and to work alongside him with such a dedicated team of cabinet colleagues,” she said.

Setting out her intentions, Cllr Hodgson said she would aim to provide continuity while bringing her own approach to the role.

“Should I be successful in my bid to be leader, I would look to build on the successes of the last nine years and use my experience, energy and ideas to lead the council through the next twelve months and to work collaboratively with all members in the best interests of Pembrokeshire,” she said.

The Herald understands that a decision on the new leader is expected in the coming weeks, as the council prepares for a transitional period ahead of the May 2027 local government elections.

Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

Published

2 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.

The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.

It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.

A plea of not guilty was entered.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.

A reporting restriction remains in force.

Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

Published

2 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.

Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.

The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.

Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.

Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.

The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.

The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.