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Business

Wales powers ahead with approval of landmark onshore wind project

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THE WELSH GOVERNMENT’S Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Planning has granted approval for the Twyn Hywel Energy Park, a pioneering project by renewable energy developer Bute Energy. Set across the Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Boroughs, this development will feature 14 wind turbines generating 92.4 MW of clean energy—enough to power approximately 81,000 households annually.

Twyn Hywel Energy Park is part of Bute Energy’s ambitious network of energy parks across Wales, representing a £3 billion investment with the potential to generate over 2 gigawatts of renewable power. This clean energy output could supply 2.25 million homes and offset around 5.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions—equivalent to removing all cars from Caerphilly County Borough’s roads each year.

This project will mark Wales’s first onshore wind construction since 2020, symbolizing a renewed commitment to sustainable energy.

Stuart George, Managing Director of Bute Energy, said: “Onshore wind represents the cheapest, cleanest, and quickest route to generating clean energy and ending our reliance on fossil fuels. Wales is primed to lead and benefit from the shift to renewable energy through significant direct investment, new jobs, and investment in local communities. Bute Energy is dedicated to creating a lasting legacy of skills, opportunities, and investment for Wales. Our Community Benefit Fund, skills initiatives, and collaborative approach with communities will help keep as much of the investment in Wales as possible.”

Bute Energy has established a Community Benefit Fund worth over £30 million across the 40-year lifespan of its projects. Designed with input from local communities, the fund aims to support local groups, charities, and services in sustaining and growing their work to meet community needs. Additionally, the company has embedded a 2% Social Value Standard into every contract, ensuring investments flow into local economies during the energy park’s construction and beyond.

The project is anticipated to create hundreds of jobs in Wales, generating millions in local economic benefits. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2025, with completion targeted for 2027. Bute Energy plans to maintain ongoing consultation with local authorities and communities throughout the development process.

Business

Insolvency figures rise as businesses face growing pressures

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CORPORATE INSOLVENCIES increased in England and Wales by 6.4% in January 2025, reaching 1,971 cases compared to December 2024’s total of 1,852. The figure also marks a 10.7% rise from January 2024’s 1,780 cases and a 13.1% increase from January 2023.

Personal insolvencies, meanwhile, dropped by 3.4% in January 2025 to 9,706, down from 10,045 in December. However, this remains 11.6% higher than January 2024’s figure of 8,698 and 12.5% higher than January 2023’s 8,630.

Rising costs drive business closures

Bethan Evans, Wales Chair of R3, the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, said the rise in corporate insolvencies is largely due to an increase in Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations and Administrations.

She said: “This suggests that many directors are opting to close their businesses after years of tough trading conditions, particularly ahead of the upcoming rise in the National Minimum Wage and Employers’ National Insurance Contributions in April. As a result, corporate insolvencies have hit their highest January level in over five years.

“There is some positive news in the form of increased Administration numbers, which suggests that more companies may be rescued through sales out of Administration.”

Evans added that creditor pressures and ongoing costs remain key factors driving insolvencies, as rising expenses and reduced consumer spending continue to take a toll.

“Creditors have largely abandoned the more lenient approach they took post-pandemic, with HMRC now returning to pre-COVID levels of debt collection,” she said.

Sectors including retail, construction, and hospitality have struggled. While retailers saw an increase in sales during the festive season, Evans noted that much of this was driven by discounts rather than sustained consumer demand. The construction sector has been hit by rising costs and client caution, while hospitality businesses failed to see the Christmas revenue boost they had hoped for.

Looking ahead, she said: “The projected cut in economic growth has affected business confidence, with many firms hesitant to invest in expansion or hiring ahead of April’s wage and tax changes. However, the Bank of England’s decision to cut the base interest rate could help improve access to rescue finance.”

Household debt remains a concern

On personal insolvencies, Evans pointed to a rise in Debt Relief Orders (DROs), attributing this to changes in debt thresholds and the removal of administration fees last year.

“Breathing Space numbers are at their highest in a year, reinforcing the fact that household debt remains a serious issue in England and Wales,” she said.

“With winter costs for heating and food still high, financial worries are mounting. Many people are keeping a close watch on their outgoings and remain uncertain about their financial future.”

She urged those struggling with debt to seek help early.

“Discussing financial problems—whether personal or business-related—can be difficult, but seeking advice early often provides more options. Most R3 members in Wales offer free initial consultations to help people understand their financial situation and explore potential solutions.”

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Business

Special meeting to decide new £2.3m holiday development at deer park

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PLANS for £2.3m disability-friendly holiday lodges at a Pembrokeshire deer park attraction have been backed for a second time, but a final decision will have to be made by full council.

In an application recommended for refusal at the February 18 meeting of Pembrokeshire County council’s planning committee, Mr and Mrs Evans are seeking permission for 15 lodges at Great Wedlock, Gumfreston, near Tenby, the site of a 176-acre deer farm attraction, which includes animals from the late Queen’s estate, and a more recently-granted market traders’ barn.

The application had previously been recommended for refusal at the January meeting, but members went against officer recommendations with a ‘minded to’ approval, meaning the scheme returned to the February meeting after a ‘cooling off period’.

Reasons for refusal given to members included it was outside of an identified settlement boundary in a countryside location, and was considered to have an adverse impact on visual amenity.

The applicants have previously said build costs to complete the development would be circa £2.3m.

St Florence Community Council did not support a previous application, but has supported the latest amended scheme.

At the February meeting, officers repeated their concerns, also raising a recent court judgement against the council for a previously-granted holiday park scheme in Stepaside, which had been backed despite repeated calls by officers for its refusal, saying there was a possibility of a similar situation arising.

Applicant Andrew Evans thanked members for their previous support for the scheme, saying it would be “completely unique to Pembrokeshire,” providing a facility “for those less fortunate than ourselves,” adding: “Persons with disabilities can come and stay and be one of the majority, and not the minority.”

He said issues on visual intrusion had been addressed by screening which had already cost some £2,000, saying: “The only way you’d see this development is from a helicopter.”

Mr Evans told members some £2.3m was being sunk into the scheme, estimating an annual £1.5m spend in the county when wages, visitor expenditure and other factors were taken into account.

He said, if full approval was given, the first builds could be up-and-running this year, with all finished by February 2026.

Tenby-born Mr Evans quoted a recently-submitted Network Rail scheme to the national park to improve disability access at the town’s railway station, adding: “We’re going for something that no-one else caters for; 24 per cent of people suffer a disability.”

Local member, Cllr Rhys Jordan called once again for the scheme to be supported, saying the recent judgement of the Heritage Park scheme was “a different set of circumstances,” with the likelihood of a judicial review on an application that had “not received one objection” and was supported by the local community council “slim to none”.

Councillor Alan Dennison, who moved approval, seconded by Cllr Jordan, said: “With respect to the recent court case, everyone supports this.”

Concerns were raised by councillors Brian Hall and Alistair Cameron, the former warning it could “open the door” for applications previously refused.

Members voted nine in favour to five against supporting the scheme.

This second approval against officer recommendations based on policy means the final decision on the scheme will have to be made by full council, the matter expected to be heard at the March meeting.

The applicants’ previous scheme for a trading barn took an identical route, being decided by full council after repeatedly being recommended for refusal.

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Business

Dragon Welsh cheese available in Aldi stores nationwide for St David’s Day

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DRAGON cheese will be available in Aldi stores throughout Wales this March in time to celebrate St David’s Day.

Wales’s largest dairy co-operative, South Caernarfon Creameries, has recently secured distribution of Dragon to all major supermarkets in Wales with their newest partnership with Aldi.

With over 70 Aldi stores located across Wales and the borders, securing a deal with the renowned multinational supermarket chain further solidifies Dragon’s position within the retail sector.

Nick Beadman, Head of Commercial at SCC said, “We are incredibly proud to introduce Dragon to a wider audience through our partnership with Aldi. This expansion into all major supermarkets in Wales not only increases the availability of Dragon but also supports Welsh farmers and promotes the rich dairy heritage of Wales. The partnership with our retailers reflects a shared commitment to quality, community, and sustainability.”

Crafted using the finest ingredients and traditional recipes, Dragon embodies the rich heritage and bold flavours of Wales and is a testament to the farmers’ co-operative’s commitment to quality and tradition.

Bringing authentic Welsh flavours to homes, Dragon is ideal for cheese boards, cooking or simply enjoying on its own.

Julie Ashfield, Managing Director for Buying at Aldi UK added, “We are delighted to partner with South Caernarfon Creameries, bringing Dragon to all our customers across Wales. This collaboration allows us to offer a unique and high-quality product that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Wales, and just in time for St David’s Day.”

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