DIRECT Welsh Government investment in businesses totalling in excess of £600m has seen more than 40,000 jobs created or safeguarded across Wales during this government term.

As part of the £600m, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans is today announcing close to £10m to support close to 700 jobs at three businesses across Wales.

Through investment made in loans, equity and grants, the Welsh Government is making significant progress delivering on its commitment to building a stronger, fairer, and greener economy.

Boccard UK Ltd, based in North Wales, is receiving Economy Futures Funding of £1.2m to secure a move to a substantial new unit and significantly increase its fully digitised manufacturing capacity.

This will help the company, which is headquartered in France, to retain its market leading position in the nuclear sector in Wales, safeguarding 59 jobs and creating in excess of 150 new positions.

An £8m Welsh Government investment is also contributing to safeguarding 325 jobs at WEPA, in Bridgend.

It is part of a significant investment by the company, which specialises in the production and distribution of sustainable hygiene paper and innovative hygiene solutions, to reduce energy consumption at its Maesteg site and boost production capacity.

Further funding of £540,000 is also helping bring an old factory, which closed in 2022 with the loss of 60 jobs, back into use in Clydach Vale, near Tonypandy.

Coppice, an international manufacturer and supplier of packaging to the food industry will create 83 jobs at the new operation, with this number potentially increasing to 150 in the next five years.

Speaking during a visit to Boccard’s new site in Deeside, Flintshire, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said:

“The Welsh Government is proud that we have supported over 40,000 jobs since the start of this Senedd term through our business support programmes. We have rolled our sleeves up to deliver for businesses, communities, and thousands of workers across Wales – like those here at Boccard, which is exactly the sort of overseas-owned company we are looking to attract at our Investment Summit later this year.

“From direct business support to property investment and long-term regional planning, we are not just supporting businesses and job creation but building the infrastructure and conditions that will enable Welsh businesses to grow, invest, and future-proof their operations.

“We will continue to make Wales a place where good jobs, strong businesses, and thriving communities are the foundation of a stronger, fairer, and greener economy.”

Douglas McQueen, Managing Director of Boccard UK, said: “Boccard is delighted with the support from the Welsh Government in securing the Economy Future Funding, which underpins our commitment to creating highly skilled jobs in Deeside. This is growing the UK’s nuclear and industrial supply chain which is key in our challenge to meet net zero targets.”

Leon Elston, Managing Director of Coppice/Sirane, said: “We are delighted to announce the establishment of our new manufacturing facility, following the recent acquisition of Sirane. This exciting expansion marks a significant milestone for the Coppice Group, further broadening our food packaging portfolio and reinforcing our position as a market leader in sustainable packaging solutions.

“Our continued success is rooted in strong employee engagement and meaningful collaboration with the communities in which we operate. The opportunity to invest in the Cambrian site and support employment regeneration in the Rhondda was a compelling factor in our decision. This new facility provides a strategic platform to scale operations and enhance our presence in both current and emerging markets, whilst making a positive contribution to the local economy.

“This project has been made possible through the invaluable support of the Welsh Government. Their funding played a pivotal role in our investment decision and enabled the development of this purpose-built manufacturing site.

“As we move forward, we extend our sincere thanks to the Welsh Government for their continued collaboration and commitment to Coppice’s ambitious growth plans. The integration of Sirane and the Cambrian facility will be instrumental in achieving our mission to be the global supplier of choice for sustainable packaging.”

WEPA Mill Manager Jordi Goma-Camps Trave said: “We highly appreciate that the Welsh Government supports this important project for WEPA. It will not only improve the sustainability of our manufacturing process, but also increases our production capacity and contributes to the future viability of the site.”

A MODERN Industrial Strategy aimed at making the UK the premier destination for business investment and growth has been unveiled today (Monday, June 23), promising billions in investment and tens of thousands of new jobs across Wales.

The comprehensive 10-year plan, published by the UK Government, will significantly reduce electricity costs for more than 7,000 energy-intensive businesses by up to 25%. This includes industries such as automotive, aerospace, steel, chemicals, and glass, sectors crucial to the Welsh economy.

High electricity prices, historically among the highest globally, have long hindered UK manufacturing competitiveness. From 2027, the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will lower electricity costs by up to £40 per megawatt-hour for affected businesses, exempting them from levies such as the Renewables Obligation, Feed-in Tariffs, and Capacity Market fees.

Further support is also being offered through the British Industry Supercharger, raising the discount on electricity network charges from 60% to 90% starting in 2026. These initiatives aim to level the playing field, supporting firms to invest, grow, and safeguard skilled jobs.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the strategy as a “turning point” for the UK economy, stating: “In an era of global economic instability, this provides long-term certainty and direction British businesses need to innovate, invest, and create quality jobs. Our message is clear: Britain is back and open for business.”

Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, highlighted the specific benefits for Wales, saying: “Wales has huge potential. This strategy harnesses our businesses and workforce strengths, particularly in aerospace, semiconductors, and emerging industries like floating offshore wind, positioning Wales as a global leader.”

Key Welsh-specific measures include:

• Over £4 billion investment in the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector, significantly benefiting Welsh firms such as Airbus in Broughton, North Wales.
• Establishment of a semiconductor doctoral training centre at Swansea University, enhancing South Wales’ globally recognised semiconductor cluster.
• A Defence Growth Deal cluster leveraging Wales’ defence industry footprint.
• A new British Business Bank champion for Cardiff Capital Region, connecting businesses and investors to stimulate growth.
• A £30 million Local Innovation Partnerships Fund in collaboration with Innovate UK to spur innovation in Wales.
• Enhanced investment opportunities through the National Wealth Fund and Development Bank of Wales.
• A £600 million Strategic Sites Accelerator to increase investible sites and bolster regional growth.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasised the broader UK implications, noting: “We’ve secured £100 billion of investment in the past year alone. This Industrial Strategy will ensure the UK remains globally competitive by reducing energy costs, enhancing skills, and attracting billions for new business sites and research.”

Welcoming the strategy, Sarah Williams-Gardener, Chair of Fintech Wales, said: “We look forward to unlocking the full potential of financial services, especially the emphasis on AI and digital innovation.”

Frank Holmes, Chair of the Cardiff Capital Region Investment Board, added: “The renewed focus on industrial strategy and SME finance aligns with our regional vision, driving job creation and innovation.”

Louise Harris, CEO of Tramshed Tech in Cardiff, highlighted the strategy’s role in technology and innovation, stating: “Aligning local strengths with national ambitions will empower Welsh businesses to lead in sectors such as tech and advanced manufacturing, creating sustainable, high-quality jobs.”

The Industrial Strategy also includes sector-specific plans:

• Advanced Manufacturing: £4.3 billion funding to anchor supply chains and promote zero-emission technologies.
• Clean Energy: Doubling investments by 2035, including £700 million for clean energy supply chains.
• Creative Industries: £380 million to boost growth in film, TV, gaming, music, and arts.
• Digital and Technologies: Over £2 billion for AI and frontier technologies such as semiconductors in Wales.
• Professional and Business Services: Enhancing global trust and adoption of UK-grown AI technologies.

The plan aims to deliver over 1.1 million well-paid jobs nationwide, driving economic prosperity, raising living standards, and positioning Wales at the forefront of the UK’s growth ambitions.

Qatari tankers could be blocked from reaching Wales if Gulf tension escalates

IRAN has voted to close the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to cut off LNG supplies to Milford Haven and raising the stakes in an already volatile Middle East crisis.

The vote, passed by Iran’s parliament on Sunday (June 22), comes in retaliation for recent US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure. While the decision has not yet taken effect, and must still be approved by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, the symbolic move has sent shockwaves through global energy markets.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow but vital shipping lane between Iran and Oman through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports flow. This includes the majority of Qatar’s LNG shipments—gas that arrives in Wales via Milford Haven, one of the UK’s most strategically important energy ports.

Senior Iranian military commanders have warned that retaliation is “already under way” and that the closure of the strait remains on the table as a military and economic weapon. General Esmail Kowsari of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard told Iranian media: “Closing Hormuz is under consideration… Our hands are wide open when it comes to punishing the enemy.”

A direct threat to Wales

Milford Haven’s two LNG terminals—South Hook and Dragon—receive regular shipments from Qatar’s Ras Laffan port. With Qatar entirely reliant on free access through Hormuz, any disruption, even temporary, could choke off Britain’s most reliable source of imported gas.

“This isn’t a theoretical risk,” a senior UK energy analyst told The Herald. “If the Strait closes, Qatar can’t deliver, and Milford Haven’s supply is directly impacted. It’s a sharp reminder that our energy security is still tied to global flashpoints.”

Shipping industry sources have reported increased GPS interference, spoofing signals, and navigation issues in the Gulf, raising concerns about potential Iranian sabotage or electronic warfare. Some LNG tankers have already begun rerouting or delaying travel through the area.

Economic impact already being felt

Global oil prices surged past $100 per barrel on Monday, while UK gas futures climbed sharply in early trading. Analysts warn that if the closure proceeds, prices could leap to $120 or more, with ripple effects across heating bills, manufacturing costs, and inflation.

“If Qatari tankers are forced to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, it would add two weeks to shipping times and increase insurance and fuel costs,” said energy security expert Dr Leila Marwood of King’s College London. “That cost ends up hitting British consumers directly—especially in winter.”

Milford Haven’s terminals are equipped with local storage capacity, and contingency plans are being reviewed to manage supply shortfalls. However, alternative sources such as US or African LNG come with longer delivery times and higher prices.

Strategic wake-up call

Milford Haven plays a vital role in Britain’s energy infrastructure, with capacity to handle over 30% of the country’s gas needs during peak periods. Any sustained disruption would place further strain on a system already navigating post-Brexit import pressures, North Sea production decline, and the global transition to renewable energy.

One local port expert told The Herald: “This isn’t just about Iran or Israel—it’s about what’s coming through our own port here in Pembrokeshire. If tankers stop arriving in the Haven, the knock-on effect will be felt across the UK.”

Although the Iranian vote is not yet legally binding, Western intelligence officials warn it reflects a dangerous shift in Tehran’s posture—and that military escalation in the Gulf could trigger action at short notice.

As diplomatic efforts intensify behind the scenes, Milford Haven remains in the spotlight. The port may be thousands of miles from the Strait of Hormuz, but its future—as well as the UK’s winter gas reserves—may soon be shaped by events in the Persian Gulf.