Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Business

Investment in Docks aims to ‘create local jobs and strengthen heritage’

Published

on

Milford Docks: Exciting times are ahead, says Jeff Teague

Milford Docks: Exciting times are
ahead, says Jeff Teague

AN EXTENSIVE redevelopment of Wales’ largest fishing Port, Milford Fish Docks, is getting under-way this week in a project to modernise facilities and revitalise the town’s heritage, which has links to the fishing industry going back 125 years. 

The Port of Milford Haven is building new fish processing units, offices and facilities for the inshore fleet as part of its wider plan to boost the industry and strengthen the economic ties between the town and fishing industry. It is the second stage of the planned £70m redevelopment of Milford Dock that the Port hopes will make the area a top waterfront destination for locals and visitors alike.

The project, backed by the European Fisheries Fund through the Welsh Government, will enable the existing sheds to be replaced with new facilities and workspace which will enable processors to add value to seafood landed, creating jobs and investment. Jeff Teague from the Port of Milford Haven is overseeing the project. “It’s very exciting to see something that has been a long time in planning finally get underway.

Few people realise how vibrant Wales’ biggest fishing port actually is. We want to make the industry more visible and ensure it creates greater benefits for local businesses. Just as importantly we want to make sure everyone can get a taste of what is landed here, if they want it!” Contractors WB Griffiths, from Haverfordwest, will be carrying out the works, expected to continue until Spring next year.

To make way for the new facilities, two buildings, known locally as the F Shed and Packaway buildings, will be removed as part of the works. Jeff Teague says contractors will do everything they can to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum. “People should expect some traffic and pedestrian restrictions during the works, but we will keep talking to local stakeholders to make sure everyone is kept up to date with what is going on. If anyone has any concerns however, they should call the Port’s estates division Quayside Estates on 01646 696383.”

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business

Kurtz Addresses Skills and Employment Convention

Published

on

SENEDD Member Samuel Kurtz kicked off an Employment and Skills Convention at the Cardiff City Stadium recently, organised by the Learning and Skills Institute. The event sought to unite organisations, businesses, and training providers to discuss critical issues surrounding employment and skills development across Wales.

The convention featured a panel of distinguished speakers, including local Samuel Kurtz MS, who is the Shadow Minister for the Economy and Energy; Rhys Morris, Managing Director of The Busy Group; and Megan Hooper, Director for Employment and Skills at Serco. Together, they explored strategies for increasing employment and the positive impacts this can have on individuals, young people, and the broader community.

Following the event, Samuel Kurtz said: “It was a privilege to speak at this convention and to underscore the vital role of collaboration between government and the private sector in aligning skills and training with the evolving needs of our economy.

“By enhancing skills and creating jobs, we can foster a resilient workforce that will not only meet today’s demands but also drive essential green infrastructure projects, ensuring a prosperous future for young people in Wales.

“Welsh Government Ministers must acknowledge their role in addressing high levels of economic inactivity. Introducing employment targets is essential to support people in re-entering the workforce and contributing to Wales’ economic growth.”

Continue Reading

Business

Homebase enters administration, putting 2,000 jobs at risk

Published

on

HOMEBASE, the beleaguered home improvement chain with stores in Haverfordwest and Bridgend, has collapsed into administration, placing 2,000 jobs in jeopardy. The company has struggled with rising costs and shifting consumer demand, which led to the closure of other Welsh stores in Newport, Brecon, Mold, and Cardiff in recent years.

Hilco, Homebase’s owner, had been attempting to sell the struggling retailer but failed to secure a complete buyer. The owner of The Range, CDS Superstores, has agreed to acquire up to 70 Homebase locations along with the brand itself, protecting approximately 1,600 jobs. However, this deal leaves 49 stores without a buyer, with thousands of additional jobs at risk in stores and at the head office. Teneo, the appointed administrators, declined to specify which locations face potential closure.

For now, the 49 stores will continue trading as Teneo seeks a buyer, with no immediate redundancies planned. In the new arrangement, CDS Superstores has acquired Homebase’s brand name and intellectual property, ensuring the Homebase brand will persist online, while physical stores will convert to The Range.

Damian McGloughlin, CEO of Homebase, described the past three years as “incredibly challenging” for the DIY sector. He cited the downturn in consumer spending following the pandemic, persistent inflation, global supply chain disruptions, and unusual weather patterns as factors that impacted Homebase’s performance. Despite restructuring and investment efforts, the business has not been able to turn its fortunes around.

Teneo joint administrator Gavin Maher acknowledged the uncertainty this announcement brings, urging any interested buyers for the remaining stores to make contact.

The current administration marks the end of a troubled chapter for Homebase, which Hilco bought for £1 in 2018 after Wesfarmers, its previous owner, admitted to several strategic missteps, including underestimating winter demand and cutting popular product lines. Homebase reported an £84.2 million loss last year, highlighting its continued financial struggle amid competition from budget-friendly rivals such as B&M and Home Bargains, which have thrived in the value-driven market.

Homebase was founded in 1979 by Sainsbury’s and the Belgian-owned department store chain GB-inno-BM. Over the years, it expanded rapidly, absorbing the Texas Homecare chain in the 1990s before changing hands several times in the 2000s.

Continue Reading

Business

Bluestone National Park Resort pledges support to armed forces community

Published

on

BLUESTONE National Park Resort has signed the Armed Forces Covenant to pledge its commitment to the UK Armed Forces as the country commemorates Armistice Day.

Bluestone, which employs several former armed forces personnel, marked Armistice Day on 11, with a commitment to reaching gold status on the covenant.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or have served in the armed forces and their families are treated fairly.

The Covenant aims to eliminate disadvantage and ensure that no member of the armed forces community faces discrimination in providing public and commercial services compared to any other citizen.

Glenn Hewer, Head of Sales at Bluestone, is a former Royal Marine who volunteers with the Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines. He said: “More and more employees recognise the importance and significance that former armed personnel have and play in their communities and workplaces. The covenant is a commitment to them and a recognition of what they and their families have sacrificed for us.

“Additionally, ex-forces personnel make great employees in all walks of life. They are highly trained in a wide range of skills and bring many benefits to businesses. Providing an opportunity that allows them to further their careers outside the military is a great way of supporting them and their families.”

This commitment has also led Bluestone to join the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze award. The ERS encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. It encompasses bronze, silver, and gold awards for organisations that pledge, demonstrate, or advocate support for defence and the armed forces community.

Marten Lewis, Director of Sustainability at Bluestone National Park Resort who is also a veteran of the Royal Engineers, said: “At Bluestone, we deeply value the contribution of the Armed Forces community to our country.

“We are proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrate our commitment to supporting them. We believe it’s important to recognise the sacrifices made by service personnel and their families and ensure they are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve. We are committed to attaining the Gold ERS as we build our relationship with the armed forces community.”

Craig Middle, Regional Employer Engagement Director at the Ministry of Defence, said: “We are delighted that Bluestone National Park Resort has signed the Armed Forces Covenant and is committed to supporting the Armed Forces community. This is a fantastic example of a business recognising the value that serving personnel, veterans and their families bring to the workplace and wider society.”

Marten added: “The Armed Forces Covenant is a living document, and Bluestone is committed to updating its pledge to reflect its ongoing support for the Armed Forces community.”

Continue Reading

Business1 day ago

Bristol Trader to temporarily serve menu at the Castle Hotel

The team of a popular riverside pub in Pembrokeshire, devastated by a recent fire, will relocate to a new town...

News2 days ago

Ferry diverts to aid yacht after medical emergency alert in Irish Sea

FISHGUARD RNLI lifeboat launched on Sunday night (Nov 10) after HM Coastguard requested assistance for a 40ft yacht, approximately 28...

Community2 days ago

Those who gave their lives in service honoured at Freshwater West

A REMEMBRANCE service took place at 11:00am on Monday (Nov 11) at Freshwater West Bay, South Pembrokeshire, marking a poignant...

Community3 days ago

Remembrance service honours fallen at Haverfordwest’s war memorial

CROWDS gathered in Salutation Square for a solemn Remembrance Service at the historic Pembrokeshire County War Memorial, paying tribute to...

News7 days ago

Large fire at Bramble Hall Farm – Arson suspected

FIREFIGHTERS have brought a large blaze under control at Bramble Hall Farm in Pembroke Dock. The fire broke out in...

News7 days ago

Fire strikes popular Pembrokeshire pub – no staff or customers hurt

A FIRE broke out at The Bristol Trader pub on Quay Street, Haverfordwest, today (Wednesday, Nov 6), impacting two floors...

News1 week ago

Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum updates Pembrokeshire Marine Code

PEMBROKESHIRE COASTAL FORUM (PCF) has introduced key updates to the Pembrokeshire Marine Code, following a comprehensive review with stakeholders and...

News1 week ago

Blaze at Bristol Trader: Emergency services close Quay Street

FIRE crews have been deployed to Quay Street, Haverfordwest, after a blaze broke out at the popular Bristol Trader pub....

Crime1 week ago

Bin lorry driver banned after “squishing” man in road rage incident

RHYS GRIFFITHS, a former bin lorry driver, has been banned from driving after injuring a man by colliding with his...

News1 week ago

Motorcyclist dies after collision on A40 near Canaston Bridge

DYFED-POWYS Police is investigating a fatal motorcycle collision that occurred around 11:15pm on Friday (Nov 1) on the A40, just...

Popular This Week