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Celtic Freeport progress despite Government communications mix-up

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MILFORD HAVEN Port Authority was dealt a short-lived setback last week when the government indicated it would announce five new freeports in Wednesday’s budget.

In a Financial Times report published Friday, a government insider confirmed Downing Street was preparing to reveal five additional freeports across the UK, joining the twelve currently designated sites, including those at Milford Haven and Port Talbot, aimed at boosting economic growth and job creation. The report also suggested that Labour Leader Keir Starmer anticipated the new freeports would “bear this government’s stamp,” despite the policy’s origins in Conservative-led initiatives.

However, in a rapid reversal, the government clarified on Sunday that Wednesday’s budget will not announce new freeports. Instead, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to focus on plans and funding to make several existing designated freeports “operational,” moving closer to full functionality with approved tax and customs status.

Milford Haven, along with Port Talbot as part of the Celtic Freeport project, and Anglesey Freeport were designated as Wales’s first freeports in March 2024 but remain awaiting full operational status.

Currently, twelve freeports are scattered across the UK, including sites at Inverness, the Forth, Teesside, the Humber, Liverpool, Anglesey, Plymouth, the Solent, the Thames, and Felixstowe and Harwich. However, not all are classified as operational, as some await final designation of specific tax and customs sites to activate intended benefits.

The government confirmed that the chancellor’s budget announcement will establish five new customs sites within existing freeports rather than launching entirely new locations. Ports at Inverness and the Humber will, for the first time, have designated customs sites, enabling the Humber site to become operational and eligible for tax reliefs and funding. Meanwhile, Inverness is still awaiting final sign-off. Three additional customs sites will be introduced at Liverpool, adding to the city’s existing infrastructure.

Freeports’ impact on UK economy

Freeports, positioned strategically near ports or airports, exempt imported goods from tariffs, a model aimed at spurring economic activity in trade, investment, and job creation. Businesses operating within these zones benefit from tax reliefs, such as property and employment incentives, meant to attract long-term investment. Originally active in the UK from 1984 until 2012, freeports were phased out by David Cameron’s government. Rishi Sunak reintroduced them as chancellor in response to Brexit, seeking to soften tariff impacts and establish a stable investment climate.

Since 2021, the UK has established eight freeports in England and two each in Wales and Scotland. However, challenges remain, as some officials and critics argue the zones merely shift economic activity rather than creating net growth. Despite these critiques, industry leaders in Milford Haven view the Celtic Freeport as a green corridor that could foster local prosperity through inward investment and job creation.

The vision for Celtic Freeport

For the Port of Milford Haven, expectations remain high as it partners in the Celtic Freeport project. A spokesperson for the port commented: “We’re encouraged that the parliamentary process to formally designate the Celtic Freeport has begun. Subject to necessary approvals, we are hopeful the Celtic Freeport will be open for business by the end of November 2024.”

Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive of Milford Haven Port Authority, added, “The Celtic Freeport’s vision is to create a green investment corridor, helping to drive major inward investment, future skills development, and decarbonisation. For Pembrokeshire’s communities, that means new career routes, opportunities for business expansion, and greater local prosperity.”

While Downing Street’s recent miscommunication may not directly affect ongoing plans, its mixed signals underscore growing concerns over government coordination and the effectiveness of freeports in achieving their ambitious economic goals.

For the Port of Milford Haven, optimism remains high as they await the final approvals to make the Celtic Freeport a reality by the end of the year, contributing to a green and prosperous future for Pembrokeshire and beyond.

 

Business

Rosemarket Dawn Till Dusk golf club 18-hole plans lodged

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A CALL to extend a long-established Pembrokeshire golf club, bringing it up to a full 18 holes, has been submitted to county planners.

In the application, Mr and Mrs Young, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, seek a change of use of land adjoining the Dawn Till Dusk Golf Club, Furze Hill Farm, Bastleford Road, Rosemarket, to form an extension to the existing golf course, along with landscaping and associated works.

A supporting statement through the agent says: “The application seeks full planning permission for the enlargement of the existing golf course to provide an additional six holes, to provide a total of 18 holes.

“The proposal would involve minor landscaping works to the fields and boundaries and the creation of a small number of ponds and bunkers. The extension would be located on land to the west of Furze Hill Farm and on the opposite side of the road to the existing golf course and clubhouse.

“An altered access to the land parcel is proposed as part of this application, which would provide an improved route for users crossing the public highway to avoid conflict with movements at the main entrance.

“The application site exceeds 1ha and therefore the proposal is considered major development necessitating a Pre-Application Consultation prior to formally submitting the planning application to the Local Planning Authority.”

It adds: “The existing golf course has operated in excess of 30 years and is popular with both visitors and locals. Club membership currently stands at approximately 350 and there is demand for enhancing the provisions of the course.

“The applicants’ sons have recently increased their involvement in the enterprise and in recent years wet winter months have necessitated the closure of the course, or parts of it, due to the ground becoming waterlogged, primarily due to the flat nature of the existing course.

“The extension would provide variation to the terrain, providing, dryer conditions, as well as the ability to alternate between the existing and proposed to maintain use, enhancing the viability of the enterprise.”

The application will be considered by Pembrokeshire County Council planners at a later date.

 

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Plans to rebuild arson hit building at farm with one of largest sheep flocks in Wales

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A CALL to rebuild a fire-damaged Pembrokeshire farm building, as a family home to help manage one of the largest sheep flocks in Wales, has been submitted to the national park.

In the application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, D B Davies and Sons through agent Harries Planning Design Management, with a supporting statement by Reading Agricultural Consultants Ltd, seek permission to renovate an existing fire-damaged dwelling, together with the conversion and extension of outbuildings to form an agricultural worker’s dwelling at Mynydd Du, Rosebush.

The supporting statement through Reading Agricultural Consultants Ltd says Mynydd Du is part of a wider holding which includes Eisteddfa Fawr and land around the village of Brynberian, the farms approximately six km apart, with land under control of the applicant amounting to some 1,500 acres, with a further 3,000 acres of Preseli mountain common land also used; the land accommodating a 5,000-ewe flock with 10 suckler cows and followers.

It says DB Davies & Sons Unlimited, has five partners: the two Davies brothers, Berian and Ken; their wives; and Berian’s son, Dyfed.

Berian and Ken are in their late 70s, with most of the heavy work on the farm is undertaken by Dyfed.

Dyfed and his wife Megan are first language Welsh speakers, living some 10 km away in Nevern, while Berian and Ken, and their wives, live at Eisteddfa Fawr, Brynberian.

The dwelling at Mynydd Du, where most sheep are now wintered, is structurally sound and repairable but has been unoccupied since 1990, and was subject to arson circa 2013, the statement says.

It says Dyfed works full-time on the farm, alone with increasing frequency as the older business members are above retirement age, working “long hours out of necessity to undertake all the work associated with one of the largest flocks of sheep in Wales”.

“His working hours are extended further due to the fact that he lives remote (6kms) from the main block of land at Tyllosg, where Mynydd Du is situated in the centre of the farm. Travelling back and forth several times each day during lambing and other times during poor weather, to check on flock welfare is an arduous task and can be dangerous, particularly if driving when tired during inclement conditions.”

The statement adds: “The application seeks permission to repair the fire damaged dwelling at Mynydd Du and bring it back to serve a useful purpose to enable Dyfed to closely monitor the ewes, not only at lambing, but throughout the year when the flock is grazing on the adjacent common land.

“It will also enable Dyfed to be with his partner and young child on a more regular basis than simply at the end of a long day when he is away from their current home, tending the sheep at Mynydd Du.”

The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.

 

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Business

Herald expands sales team as Milford Haven growth drives demand

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THE PEMBROKEHIRE HERALD is launching a recruitment drive to bring in two new sales executives as the newspaper continues to grow its commercial operations across the county.

The move comes as the Herald strengthens its position as the leading independent news platform in West Wales, with increasing demand from local businesses looking to advertise both in print and online.

The expansion is being driven in part by the rapid growth of Milford Haven and the wider energy sector, with major investment in green energy projects, port activity and associated industries creating new opportunities for local businesses.

As the area continues to develop as a key energy hub, more companies are seeking to reach customers, partners and the wider community through trusted local media.

The successful candidates will work directly with Pembrokeshire businesses, helping them promote their services to a growing audience through the Herald’s expanding digital reach and established print readership.

Editor Tom Sinclair said the recruitment reflects both the changing local economy and the Herald’s increasing audience.

He said: “Milford Haven is expanding rapidly, particularly with new energy and green projects coming forward, and that’s creating real opportunities for local businesses.

“At the same time, our audience continues to grow across both our website and social media platforms, meaning we can now offer advertisers a much bigger and more effective platform than ever before.”

The new roles will focus on building relationships with local firms, developing advertising campaigns, and identifying new opportunities across sectors including tourism, retail, trades, energy and professional services.

The Herald has continued to invest in its digital platforms, including Herald.Wales, alongside its well-established print edition, offering advertisers a multi-platform approach to reaching customers.

The recruitment drive also comes at a time when many local businesses are looking for cost-effective ways to promote themselves amid ongoing economic pressures.

Mr Sinclair added: “Local advertising matters. When businesses advertise locally, that money stays in the local economy. It helps create jobs, supports families and helps communities grow alongside the businesses within them.”

The roles are expected to appeal to motivated, target-driven individuals with strong communication skills and an interest in media, sales or marketing.

Both positions are based in Pembrokeshire, with opportunities for training and career progression within the Herald’s growing media group.

Anyone interested in applying is encouraged to email [email protected] with a CV and covering letter before Tuesday (Apr 1, 2026).

 

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