Business

Popular Pembrokeshire pub destroyed by fire to be rebuilt

Published

4 months ago

October 11, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS to rebuild and renovate a fire-ravaged Pembrokeshire seaside pub have been given the go-ahead by the national park.

In an application before Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners, Pleasure Inns Ltd sought permission for alterations and refurbishment works to the Duke Of Edinburgh Inn, Newgale, including a change of use of first floor manager accommodation and letting units to a bar/restaurant area.

The Duke of Edinburgh was severely damaged during a blaze in the early hours of January 16.

The fire burned through the roof of the two-storey building which consisted of the ground floor pub with accommodation above, causing significant damage.

It took fire crews from St Davids, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven and Fishguard crews around six hours to bring the blaze under control.

Local community council Nolton and Roch has supported the proposed the works to the pub, saying: “Community Councillors feel the plans are well-considered, attractive and will certainly enhance Newgale, both visually and as an excellent service for tourists and locals alike.

“The Duke of Edinburgh public house is synonymous to Newgale and has been enjoyed by tourists and locals for several generations, and the local community look forward to the planned refurbishments and normal business resuming at the property in the near future.”

A supporting statement, through agent A D Architectural Design Consultants Ltd, said: “As part of the proposal, the entire internal layout will be re-arranged and given a complete re-vamp. The ground floor layout will remain as existing, apart from the introduction of a new staircase and lift, providing access to the proposed first floor bar and restaurant areas.

“The entire provision of first floor accommodation will be omitted from the proposed scheme, minimising any risk of impact from the flood zone. Additionally, the overall footprint of the building will be reduced as part of the proposal, with the existing front entrance porch being demolished and replaced with a ‘post-supported’ balcony above, providing an external seating area to the proposed bar and restaurant areas.

“With the afore-mentioned existing entrance porch being demolished, the proposed main entrance will be located as part of the proposed southern corner glazing, providing an internal glazed lobby, which then provides access into the proposed entrance bar.”

An officer report said amended plans “to incorporate a more traditional appearance to the central part of the public house” had been submitted.

The report, recommending approval, said: “The pub dates back to the turn of the century, having been previously built on the other side of the road according to a historic newspaper article and was moved to the landward side of the road after storm damage.

“The use of the site as a public house has not been lost as result of the fire, and so the principle of restoring the building to its original use is acceptable, and although it is in a flood plain, as it is an existing use and is not being extended beyond the existing footprint, it does not contravene the principles of building in the flood plain.”

It added: “If this were a new-build application, it would be contrary to the principles of the Local Plan, but as it is the refurbishment of an existing building with an existing lawful use, it can be supported.”

National Park planners granted approval with a long string of conditions.

Mid and West Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) immediately undertook a fire investigation to determine the cause of the fire earlier this year.

“The outcome of the fire investigation was inconclusive due to the extent of damage in the area of the building where the fire most likely first started,” a spokesperson for the service said.

“There were no suspicious circumstances so it will be recorded as accidental undetermined.”

Business

Secretary of State, Jo Stevens MP confirms Pembrokeshire’s role in green energy pilot

Published

8 hours ago

January 30, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WALES, Jo Stevens MP, was in Pembrokeshire today to confirm that the county will be part of a pilot project for green energy. Speaking to The Pembrokeshire Herald, she said: “I welcome the skills pilot in Pembrokeshire, calling it a crucial step in securing a workforce for clean energy expansion in the Celtic Sea.” Economy Secretary Rebecca Evans added: “This initiative, led by the Welsh Government, will unlock vast opportunities for green jobs and energy security.”

***Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stephens MP, speaking to The Herald at Ledwood Mechanical Engineering Ltd in Pembroke Dock (Image: Herald)***

Thousands of workers will benefit from government-backed training as part of a major skills investment to prepare the UK for a clean energy future by 2030. Key regions, including Aberdeen, Cheshire, Lincolnshire, and Pembrokeshire, have been identified for growth in offshore wind, nuclear, and solar industries under the government’s Plan for Change.

The initiative will provide funding for local training centres, courses, and career advisors, equipping workers with skills in welding, electrical engineering, and construction. The government has also launched a long-awaited ‘skills passport’ to help oil and gas workers transition into renewable energy jobs, particularly offshore wind. Developed in collaboration with industry and the Scottish Government, the online tool will guide workers into roles such as construction and maintenance.

Funding to drive economic transformation

The government has allocated initial funding to Cheshire West and Chester, North and North East Lincolnshire, and Pembrokeshire, with around £1 million earmarked for each area. Aberdeen, which has already completed extensive skills mapping, will be considered for further funding later this year.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Our Plan for Change is about more than clean power; it’s about reindustrialising Britain with well-paid, union jobs in industrial communities. We are ensuring that British workers seize the opportunities clean power brings.”

Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin highlighted Scotland’s commitment, stating: “It is vital that we support oil and gas workers in transitioning to sustainable jobs. The Energy Skills Passport ensures their expertise is recognised and applied in our fair and managed transition to net zero.”

Building a skilled workforce

***Thousands of apprentices will be needed the Government says (Image RWE)***

Research by Offshore Energies UK shows that 90% of oil and gas workers possess skills relevant to the clean energy transition. From January 22, workers can use the skills passport to access four career pathways, with further expansion planned over the next year.

The government has also confirmed contracts for the UK’s first carbon capture project in Teesside, reinforcing its commitment to transforming industrial heartlands. Employers will receive a handbook outlining available support for workforce growth and upskilling.

Industry and government backing

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens welcomed the skills pilot in Pembrokeshire, calling it a crucial step in securing a workforce for clean energy expansion in the Celtic Sea. Economy Secretary Rebecca Evans added: “This initiative, led by the Welsh Government, will unlock vast opportunities for green jobs and energy security.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council leader Cllr Louise Gittins said the initiative would play a “crucial role” in transitioning workers to clean energy sectors. Midlands Net Zero Hub head Jack Hayhoe stressed that strategic skills investment could unlock £15 billion of economic growth in the next five years.

A roadmap to net zero

The Energy Secretary is convening a roundtable with industry, education, and trade union leaders to ensure the UK workforce is prepared for the clean energy transition. The regional skills funding comes from the Office for Clean Energy Skills Fund, with key partnerships supporting skills mapping and training development.

The Plan for Change aims to unlock £40 billion of annual investment, securing thousands of jobs and positioning Britain as a global leader in clean energy.

Business

UK Government Invests in Gigabit Broadband for South West Wales

Published

1 day ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE UK GOVERNMENT has announced a further investment in Project Gigabit, aiming to deliver high-speed broadband to hard-to-reach areas across Britain. Rural towns and villages in South West Wales are among the latest to benefit, as part of a wider effort to achieve near-total gigabit coverage by 2030.

The programme, a key pillar of the Government’s Plan for Change, is designed to stimulate economic growth and remove barriers to opportunity. The latest rollout will bring some of the fastest broadband speeds available to remote communities, enhancing access to essential services such as healthcare, remote education, and video communication. It is also expected to support business growth and improve job opportunities for young people.

Welsh leaders welcome investment

Cllr Hazel Evans, of Carmarthenshire County Council, welcomed the announcement, saying: “This is a much-needed boost as we strive to improve digital connectivity across Carmarthenshire. Further investment will help ensure our rural communities continue to prosper as we transition towards a more digital society.”

Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council and Chair of the Swansea Bay City Deal’s joint committee, also praised the initiative:

“This is fantastic news for the rural communities in our region. The Swansea Bay City Deal fully supports initiatives that improve the lives of people and businesses. This investment in digital infrastructure will create social and economic opportunities for communities that would otherwise be left behind.”

£289 million boost for broadband expansion

The announcement forms part of four new contracts worth over £289 million, aimed at delivering gigabit-capable broadband to approximately 131,000 homes and businesses across England and Wales.

Unlike traditional copper-based networks, gigabit connections provide faster and more reliable service, even during peak times. Households and businesses will no longer need to compete for bandwidth, as these high-speed networks allow multiple devices to operate seamlessly.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens highlighted the significance of the investment: “Powered by this UK Government funding, thousands more people and businesses across Wales will gain access to ultra-fast broadband. Our priority is to drive sustained economic growth, and to achieve this, we must ensure every part of Wales has full digital coverage as quickly as possible.”

Implementation and next steps

The Digital Infrastructure Programme is working closely with Building Digital UK (BDUK) and Openreach to deliver Project Gigabit. Further regional updates are expected in the coming months, outlining timeframes and specific locations set to benefit.

Upgrading and expanding existing networks is a complex process, requiring technical surveys and coordination between commercial providers and local authorities, including planning and highways departments. As a result, implementing gigabit-capable broadband can take time.

For further details about broadband plans in your area, residents are encouraged to contact their Digital Champion for more information.

Business

Welsh Govt-backed SME exports surpass £320m since Export Action Plan launch

Published

2 days ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SMALL and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Wales have secured over £320 million in export deals directly supported by the Welsh Government since the introduction of its Export Action Plan in December 2020.

The government’s tailored export assistance includes comprehensive market research, strategies to identify new customers, and hands-on support to help businesses enter international markets and forge lasting partnerships.

This milestone follows a series of successful 2024 trade missions, which introduced 150+ Welsh businesses to key global markets. Highlights included enabling life sciences firms to exhibit at Medica in Düsseldorf and supporting fintech companies at Money 20/20 in Amsterdam.

Case Study: Brainbox Ltd
Cardiff-based Brainbox Ltd, a leader in non-invasive brain stimulation and imaging technology for neuroscience research, has achieved £5 million in new international contracts with Welsh Government backing.

Dan Phillips, Commercial Director at Brainbox, said: “Exporting has been pivotal to our growth, enabling us to showcase cutting-edge neuroscience solutions worldwide. The Welsh Government’s support has been instrumental in launching new products, building global relationships, and driving our expansion over the past five years. Their tailored approach exemplifies how strategic trade guidance can propel businesses onto the international stage.”

2025: A Year of Global Ambitions
The Welsh Government has announced seven international trade missions scheduled by March 2025, including:

Arab Health Expo in Dubai (January 2025)
Trade delegations to Singapore and Malaysia (February)
Participation in Gulfood Dubai, Foodex Tokyo, and the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco (March).

Additionally, the Explore Export Wales 2025 conferences in March will unite Wales’ “export ecosystem” of support services under one roof, offering SMEs expert advice on navigating global markets.

Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Planning, commented: “Exporting empowers SMEs to scale up, create jobs, and bolster resilience in a competitive global economy. Despite recent challenges, our Export Action Plan has delivered undeniable value to Wales. We remain committed to ensuring businesses across the nation continue to thrive internationally in 2025 and beyond.”