A CUTTING-edge defence technology company that now owns West Wales Airport has revealed how its rapid growth is helping put the region firmly on the map for high-tech innovation and skilled jobs.

The company, Tekever, has expanded significantly across the UK in recent years—but it is its presence in west Wales that is playing a crucial role in its operations.

The firm owns West Wales Airport near Aberporth, where it tests advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), trains operators and demonstrates cutting-edge systems to clients.

Strategic role for west Wales

What began as a small UK operation has grown into a major player in defence and security, specialising in AI-driven autonomous systems used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Company founder Paul Webb said the airport in west Wales is central to that vision.

He explained that the site provides a unique environment where new technologies can be tested safely while supporting collaboration across the wider aerospace sector.

The Herald understands that facilities like West Wales Airport are increasingly seen as vital national assets, particularly as the UK looks to strengthen its domestic defence capability.

From small beginnings to global reach

Tekever, originally founded in Portugal, established its first UK base in Southampton before expanding to Bath and London. It is now preparing to open a major engineering and manufacturing hub in Swindon.

Its growth has been supported in part by early backing from Farnborough Aerospace Consortium, which helped the company develop key software systems in its early days.

FAC chief executive Alan Fisher said the company’s success highlights the importance of supporting innovative businesses from the outset.

He said: “It is remarkable to see how far the company has progressed. It shows what can be achieved when strong ideas and technical talent are backed in the right way.”

Jobs and opportunities

The expansion is expected to bring further investment and high-skilled employment across the UK, with west Wales playing a continuing role in testing and development.

While much of the manufacturing will take place elsewhere, the airport’s role in trials, training and demonstrations ensures the region remains an important part of the company’s long-term plans.

For west Wales, the presence of a world-leading UAV firm offers not just prestige, but the potential to attract further aerospace and defence businesses to the area.

PLANS for the expansion of a Pembrokeshire kennels business has been approved by the national park despite neighbour concerns about increased noise.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Nick Willis sought permission for the expansion of an existing kennels/cattery business at Foxcombe House, near Manorbier, with 15 new kennels with dog runs, an office, grooming room, kitchen, and associated facilities.

Three members of the public had raised concerns about the scheme including potential noise nuisance with its expansion of the site, just off the A4139 Tenby to Jameston road.

An officer report said the proposals were an amendment to original plans which proposed an extension into the field adjacent to the A4139, currently used as a small caravan and motorhome campsite.

“Whilst the level of development remains as originally proposed and represents a significant intensification of built development, the proposed location, closer to existing facilities, is considered to better reflect an extension of the existing business rather than a separate part of the business,” the report said.

It added: “Correspondence has been received from three properties in the surrounding landscape, which raise concerns about noise nuisance from the existing kennels and indicate that there is likely to be an increase due to the proposed expansion of the kennel business.

“Officers have consulted directly with Pembrokeshire County Council Public Protection team, who confirmed that no formal noise complaints had been received regarding the existing kennel business.

“It is recognised that there is potential for both the existing business and the proposed expanded business to create a noise impact within the immediate surrounding landscape. However, the nearest properties are 103 metres to the southeast and 64 metres to the west.”

It went on to say: “The proposed business plan states that the existing kennels are soundproofed, and the proposed new kennels will also be soundproofed to limit any noise impact. Obviously, it is recognised that the dogs will not be in the kennels for their entire stay and will require access to the exercise areas daily. These areas are open and could lead to noise impact, but again, the use of the exercise areas will be limited and is considered a necessary part of the business, and is an essential element of the business to keep the animals healthy during their stays at the site.

“As such, given the limited nature of the essential exercise areas and that the proposed kennels are to be soundproofed, sufficient mitigation has been proposed in this instance to minimise any noise disturbance to neighbours.”

The application was conditionally approved by park planners.

COMMERCIAL coasteering activities in Pembrokeshire’s national park will need to be licensed at a cost of £100 from May following a decision by park members.

At the March 25 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, members were recommended to agree the delegation of the introduction of a licensing scheme in relation to commercial coasteering operations on land owned or leased by the National Park Authority, subject to the satisfactory completion of associated environmental assessments for specific routes.

A report for members said: “The Authority has historically relied on a combination of voluntary codes of behaviour to guide the operation of a range of recreational activities in Pembrokeshire, including on land in which the Authority has an interest.

“This has operated successfully for many years, however changes in the number of providers operating over time and complaints raised in the last two years have highlighted the benefits of moving to a more formal arrangement through the issuing of licences for coasteering activity.

“The intention is to move to a system of licensing following the completion of environmental assessments for existing coasteering routes from May 1. Should any routes not pass the environmental assessments, they would not be included in such licensed arrangements.”

It added: “The change to licensing agreements between PCNPA directly with coasteering providers is a significant change in the proposed management of coasteering. The majority of coasteering in Pembrokeshire takes place on land owned or managed either by PCNPA or by the National Trust. Both organisations have historically worked historically together on this issue and the move to issuing licenses is supported by the National Trust as well as PCNPA Officers.”

It went on to say: “There is a recognised difference between general public access and commercial activity. Licensing will give a legal basis to the permission for providers to use Authority-owned/managed land which will ensure that the public benefit (special qualities, wildlife and conservation features) is not compromised by commercial activity. Coasteering with commercial groups has the potential for much greater risk of disturbance/environmental impact than individual public access on foot on public rights of way or beaches which is why it needs to be dealt with differently.”

It added: “A fee of £100 as a cost for the PCNPA Licence is being assigned for this year, which does not cover the costs of the environmental assessment work but is a contribution towards costs whilst the Authority transitions to these arrangements. Over the next few years, the intention is for the Authority to move towards a position of full cost recovery for this work.”

Members, by 10 votes to one against, and one abstention, backed the introduction of the licensing scheme for national park lands.