Business
McAlpine appointed contractor for Port Talbot steelworks decarbonisation

SIR ROBERT MCALPINE has been named as the main works contractor by Tata Steel for its £1.25 billion investment in low-carbon ‘green’ steelmaking at Port Talbot steelworks. The project marks a major step in Tata Steel UK’s goal of decarbonising steel production.
The construction will focus on a state-of-the-art electric arc furnace (EAF)-based steel production facility capable of producing approximately three million tonnes of steel annually. The works include building a new EAF, ladle furnaces, and associated infrastructure within the existing Basic Oxygen Steelmaking (BOS) plant and surrounding areas.
This ambitious initiative, aimed at securing a sustainable future for UK steelmaking, represents a significant transformation for Port Talbot. It aligns with Tata Steel’s commitment to achieving net zero goals. Enabling works will begin in early 2025, with the main civil, structural, and building works set to start in Q3 2025, pending planning approval. The project is expected to take three years to complete.
Upskilling the workforce and supporting local communities
Beyond technology, the project emphasises investing in people. Resources will be dedicated to training and upskilling the workforce in EAF technology. The initiative is set to strengthen Port Talbot’s position as a hub for low-carbon steel production.
Sir Robert McAlpine has been collaborating with Tata Steel UK since September 2022, conducting feasibility studies for the facility. The contractor brings decades of experience in industrial construction, having worked on various parts of the Port Talbot steelworks over the past 70 years.
Craig Allen, Managing Director, Industrial, at Sir Robert McAlpine, expressed pride in contributing to this landmark transformation:
“We are proud to be part of the decarbonisation of Port Talbot steelworks, which will play a pivotal role in turning the Port Talbot site into a world-leading hub for sustainable steel production. Our robust relationship with Tata Steel UK and long-standing industrial expertise make us the ideal partner for this transformation. We look forward to working collaboratively, as part of a fully integrated project team, to deliver the project successfully.”
Commitment to regional impact and sustainability
The project also promises to positively impact the region. Sir Robert McAlpine and Tata Steel UK will collaborate with local educational institutions to support training and skills development while fostering relationships with supply chain partners to ensure project delivery.
Peter Jones, Tata Steel’s EAF Project Lead, highlighted the significance of this partnership:
“We’re delighted to confirm the appointment of Sir Robert McAlpine to support us on this once-in-a-generation investment project. Our new arc furnace will be one of the largest and most sophisticated of its kind in the world, so it is important that we work with highly skilled and experienced partners to ensure its success. We have a longstanding and trusted collaborative relationship with Sir Robert McAlpine, so are confident they are the right partner for us in the project.”
The transition to an electric arc furnace at Port Talbot steelworks is expected to result in significant job reductions. Tata Steel is cutting approximately 2,800 positions across its UK operations, with the majority of these losses occurring at the Port Talbot site.
This decision follows the closure of the plant’s two blast furnaces, which are being replaced by the new electric arc furnace.
Trade unions have expressed strong opposition to the job cuts. Unite, one of the leading unions, has planned industrial action in response to the proposed redundancies. The union has criticized Tata Steel’s decision, arguing that it threatens the livelihoods of thousands of workers and undermines the local economy.
Political figures have also weighed in on the issue. Keir Starmer previously stated his commitment to “fight for every single job and fight for the future of steel in Wales.”
Last year he called on Tata Steel to halt the planned closures and engage in discussions to explore alternatives that would protect jobs and ensure the long-term viability of steelmaking in the region.
The UK government has now agreed to provide £500 million in support to assist Tata Steel’s transition to greener production methods. Despite this financial aid, the company has indicated that the job cuts are necessary due to the reduced labor requirements of the new electric arc furnace technology.
The situation remains a point of contention among stakeholders, with ongoing discussions about balancing environmental objectives with economic and social impacts.
This monumental project signifies a new chapter for UK steelmaking and strengthens Port Talbot’s role as a global leader in sustainable steel production.
Business
Major solar farm approved for Pembrokeshire

A NEW solar farm set to generate green electricity for thousands of homes has been approved in Pembrokeshire.
The 8.6 MW project, featuring more than 14,000 solar panels, was originally developed by One Planet Developments Limited before being acquired by Shawton Energy Limited. Planning permission was granted last year, and construction is expected to commence soon, with energy production anticipated later this year.
Once operational, the solar farm will generate enough electricity to power approximately 2,500 homes annually, reducing carbon emissions by more than 2,000 tonnes each year.
Jamie Shaw, CEO of Shawton Energy, said: “Acquiring this ready-to-build asset marks a significant step for Shawton Energy as we continue to help UK businesses achieve their sustainability goals while lowering energy costs. This project strengthens our growing solar portfolio and reinforces our commitment to expanding renewable energy infrastructure.”
Robert Wall, director of Shawton Energy and head of sustainable private infrastructure at Lazard Asset Management, added: “We are pleased to support Shawton Energy’s expansion and investment in local renewable energy projects. The increasing demand for electricity requires diverse renewable solutions, and this solar farm will provide UK businesses with the low-cost energy they need.”
One Planet Developments’ business development director, James Stoney, welcomed the project’s progress, stating: “We are delighted to have worked with Shawton Energy on this development. Having taken it from concept to a ready-to-build stage, we look forward to seeing the project come to fruition.”
Shawton Energy, part of the Shawton Group, has been active in the renewable sector for nearly three decades, developing large-scale solar, battery storage, and renewable energy projects across the UK. The company partnered with Lazard Asset Management in 2023 to accelerate the deployment of fully funded commercial solar projects nationwide.
Business
Council take legal action against 686 Pembrokeshire-based businesses

Scores of firms listed in court for non-payment of business rates
HUNDREDS of businesses across Pembrokeshire are facing court action for unpaid non-domestic rates (business rates), with a staggering number of cases listed at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 17).
The court list reveals that Pembrokeshire County Council is seeking liability orders against an astonishing 686 defendants.
The hearings will determine whether the council can proceed with enforcement measures against those who have failed to pay their dues. The proceedings fall under Regulation 12 of the Non-Domestic Rating (Collection and Enforcement) (Local Lists) Regulations 1989.
These liability orders, if granted, could result in enforcement action, which may include bailiff visits, seizure of goods, or other legal consequences for businesses struggling to meet their financial obligations.
The scale of the action highlights the financial strain faced by many local businesses, with concerns growing over the economic pressures forcing traders into arrears. The Herald understands that businesses across multiple sectors, including hospitality, retail, and services, are among those affected.
A local business owner, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Herald: “The cost of running a business has skyrocketed, and many of us are struggling to keep up. We want to pay our rates, but when you’re dealing with soaring costs and reduced footfall, it becomes a real challenge.”
As the Welsh Government considers levying a Tourism Tax, the court action underscores the difficulties facing Pembrokeshire’s business community, as economic conditions continue to tighten.
The Herald will continue to monitor the outcome of these proceedings and report on any further developments.
Business
Wales Tourism Alliance criticises Mark Drakeford’s visitor levy evidence

THE WALES TOURISM ALLIANCE has strongly criticised comments made by Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Mark Drakeford, during his evidence session to the Welsh Government Finance Committee regarding the proposed Welsh Visitor Levy. The WTA argues that Drakeford’s remarks misrepresent the scale of the tourism industry and downplay the potential economic consequences of the levy.
What is the visitor levy?

The proposed Visitor Levy, commonly referred to as the “tourism tax,” would allow local authorities in Wales to introduce a charge on visitors staying in overnight accommodation. The Welsh Government argues that this levy would help support local infrastructure and services used by tourists. However, industry representatives and local businesses fear that it will deter visitors, particularly in key tourism-dependent areas such as Pembrokeshire.
Pembrokeshire, home to one of Wales’ most popular tourist destinations, Tenby, relies heavily on tourism revenue. Business owners, accommodation providers, and tourism operators in the county have expressed significant concerns that the levy could put off visitors, leading to reduced spending in local shops, restaurants, and attractions. Many have pointed out that, with the cost-of-living crisis already squeezing holiday budgets, an additional charge could push visitors to choose alternative destinations outside Wales.
Employment figures disputed
Drakeford claimed that the tourism and hospitality sector in Wales employs “a million” people and would not struggle to absorb the loss of several hundred jobs due to the levy. He also suggested that many tourism jobs are seasonal, have flexible hours, and are high-churn, implying that job losses would be manageable.
However, the WTA strongly disputes these figures, citing Welsh Government data that places the number of people employed in the sector at approximately 159,000. Given this significantly lower number, the loss of even a few hundred jobs would be far more impactful than Drakeford suggests. Furthermore, the WTA argues that seasonal and part-time jobs play a crucial role in providing employment opportunities, particularly for young people and those with caregiving responsibilities, such as parents and carers—groups that may struggle to find work in other sectors.
Concerns over data reliability
Drakeford also accused industry representatives, including the WTA, of selectively using worst-case scenario data in their evidence to the committee. The WTA rejects this claim, arguing that the data underpinning the Visitor Levy’s economic impact assessment is flawed and unreliable.
This concern was echoed by Professor Calvin Jones, the author of the Welsh Government’s own Visitor Levy Economic Impact Assessment. In his evidence to the Finance Committee, Jones stated: “We know very little about how the tourism economy in Wales works… we know very little about what drives visitors to come to Wales; we know almost nothing about how much they’re spending when they’re here… there isn’t even any data anymore on… how much is spent on accommodation… it should be a very uncomfortable place for Senedd Members to be when they’re trying to make policy or audit policy on tourism.”
Impact on families and educational visits
Drakeford defended the inclusion of children in the Visitor Levy by comparing it to VAT on sweets, arguing that children are not generally exempt from taxation. However, the WTA points out that this analogy is flawed, as children’s clothing, shoes, and books are zero-rated for VAT in the UK. The WTA also highlights that many other countries with tourism taxes exclude under-18s from such charges.
The per-person nature of the levy means that families will be disproportionately affected. For instance, two adults staying in accommodation for a week would pay a levy of £21, whereas a family of six would pay £63 for the same stay. Moreover, the WTA raises concerns that the levy will also apply to children on school trips and educational visits, adding an extra financial burden on families and schools.
Impact on Pembrokeshire’s tourism sector
Pembrokeshire businesses, particularly those in coastal tourist hotspots like Tenby, Saundersfoot, and St Davids, are among those voicing the strongest opposition to the levy. Many fear that it will discourage visitors from choosing Welsh destinations, instead opting for other parts of the UK or even holidaying abroad.
Tourism plays a vital role in Pembrokeshire’s economy, providing employment for thousands and sustaining local businesses. According to industry figures, over 4 million visitors come to Pembrokeshire each year, contributing hundreds of millions to the local economy. Hospitality providers in the region have warned that the levy could have serious repercussions, particularly for independent hotels, B&Bs, and campsites that rely on high occupancy levels during peak season to remain viable year-round.
A local B&B owner in Tenby, speaking to The Herald, said: “We are already seeing the effects of rising costs on bookings. If people are being asked to pay extra on top of accommodation prices, they will simply look elsewhere. We rely on repeat visitors and families who come year after year—this levy could drive them away.”
Wider economic impact
Drakeford dismissed the idea that the Visitor Levy would contribute to the cumulative challenges faced by the tourism and hospitality sector, stating that these issues “do not collide on all of the sector.”
The WTA strongly disagrees, asserting that tourism is a holistic industry where changes in one area inevitably impact others. They highlight several pressures already affecting tourism businesses, including:
- The 182-day rule for self-catering properties.
- National Insurance increases.
- The removal of furnished holiday let tax relief.
According to the WTA, these combined factors are already forcing many small, locally-run self-catering businesses to close, further weakening the sector and putting more jobs at risk.
WTA’s final response
Rowland Rees-Evans, Chair of the WTA, criticised Drakeford’s approach, stating: “We are disappointed that Mr Drakeford is dismissing the valid concerns raised by industry experts and academics and making claims that are factually incorrect.
Many people in Wales are unaware that the Visitor Levy will apply to anyone staying in ‘Visitor Accommodation’—including children on educational visits and people working away from home, even if they already live in Wales.
The bottom line is that the Visitor Levy will cost people in Wales money and jobs—even in the best-case scenario presented by the Welsh Government. Mr Drakeford seems content to push through a policy that is poorly conceived, offers no guaranteed financial benefit to Wales, and threatens hundreds of jobs in an industry that employs over 20% of the workforce in some parts of the country.
Given the current economic climate, it is difficult to understand why the person responsible for managing the Welsh budget would consider imposing such a levy at this time.”
The debate over the proposed Visitor Levy continues, with industry representatives calling for more robust data, a clearer assessment of economic consequences, and a reconsideration of its implementation before the policy is finalised.
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