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Business

Wales’ finest to shine at Dubai’s prestigious food and drink event

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WELSH food and drink companies are set to make a significant impact at Gulfood, one of the world’s largest food and drink exhibitions, taking place in Dubai later this month.

Gulfood 2025 is a five-day event running from February 17-21 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This year’s edition is expected to host a record 5,500 exhibitors from over 190 countries, providing a platform for businesses to explore new opportunities, meet suppliers, sample innovative food products, and find solutions to evolving global challenges.

Supported by the Welsh Government, fifteen companies will be attending under the Food & Drink Wales banner, aiming to expand their export markets. Welsh food and drink exports to non-EU countries were worth £202 million in 2023, with the Middle East emerging as a key region. Exports to the UAE alone reached £13 million last year—an increase of £4.3 million since 2019—making it the second-largest destination outside the EU.

A key opportunity for Welsh producers

Welsh Government Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, highlighted the importance of the event.

“Attending trade events like Gulfood is crucial for our food and drink producers. It provides an invaluable opportunity to showcase the exceptional quality and innovation of Welsh products on a global stage.

“Expanding our export markets is not just about increasing sales; it’s about building lasting relationships and enhancing the reputation of Wales worldwide. I’m delighted to see so many of our leading producers in attendance this year, proudly representing our fantastic food and drink industry.”

Welsh companies showcasing at Gulfood 2025

The Welsh companies exhibiting include Dairy Partners Limited, Rachel’s Dairy, Castle Dairies Ltd, and Calon Wen Dairy Produce Ltd in the Dairy Hall (Hall 2 – Stand A2-24). Mornflake Mighty Oats, PGI Welsh Lamb, What’s Cooking?, and Hilltop Honey Limited will be in the International Hall (Hall 1 – Stand S1/B10). Other attending businesses include Cwmfarm Charcutier Products, Welsh Lady Preserves, Wrexham Lager, Penderyn Distillery, Princes Group, Ocean Bay Seafoods Ltd, and Golden Hooves.

Jack Davies, National Account Manager at Hilltop Honey, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s participation.

“This will be our sixth time attending Gulfood. We’re hoping to secure new business and distributors while reconnecting with existing customers to showcase our rebrand.

“Gulfood provides an unparalleled platform to present our high-quality honey products to a global audience. We have always found this event incredibly valuable for networking and exploring new market opportunities.

“This year, we are particularly excited to introduce our new packaging and receive feedback from both existing and potential customers. It’s a superb way to test the market and build lasting relationships in the industry.”

Milestone for Mornflake Mighty Oats

Mornflake Mighty Oats, a renowned brand under Morning Foods, will also be exhibiting in the Dairy Hall as they celebrate their 350th anniversary—making them one of the oldest family-owned companies in the UK.

Richard Jones, International Sales Manager at Mornflake Mighty Oats, told The Herald: “We have been attending Gulfood for many years, but 2025 is an exciting event for us as we celebrate our 350th anniversary—the fourth-oldest family-owned company in the UK. Managed by the 15th generation, we will be highlighting our new Export Oat pack.

“This event provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with new and existing customers, and we are eager to present our heritage and quality products on this prestigious platform.”

Expanding Welsh charcuterie into the Middle East

Cwmfarm Charcuterie is also looking forward to its first-ever appearance at Gulfood. Owner Ruth Davies said:

“We are really excited about exploring the market in Dubai, which is a first for us. It’s somewhere we’ve long wanted to check out for potential opportunities.

“As a company, we hope to attract new customers, gain sales, and establish new contacts. It’s a fantastic way to test the market with our Biltong.

“We have recently rebranded and have new packaging that we are excited to showcase at Gulfood and receive feedback on.”

Showcasing Welsh food and drink

There will also be a stand activation at the Food & Drink Wales International stand (S1/B10) for invited guests to sample Welsh food and drink available in the Middle East. This event is part of the Blas Cymru / Taste Wales roadshow, designed to further promote Welsh products globally.

For more information on how the Welsh Government can assist businesses with exporting, visit businesswales.gov.wales/export.

Business

Major housing development plans submitted for Broad Haven

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PLANS for a development of 76 homes in a Pembrokeshire seaside village have formally been submitted to the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Millbay Homes, through agent Asbri Planning, seeks permission for the development of 76 homes and associated works on land East of Marine Parade, Broad Haven, near Haverfordwest.

The proposal seeks to build 10 one-bed properties; 20 two-bed, 32 three-bed, 10 four-bed, and four five-bed properties, with Millbay Homes have been liaising with the authority`s housing department about the requirement for affordable housing at the site, the authority favouring a rate of some 34 per cent affordable.

The site itself is allocated for up to 87 residential dwellings.

The applicants say the scheme will “lead to the creation of a high-quality and attractive place to live and will contribute to creating a distinct sense of place”.

A supporting statement adds: “Rather than imposing a rigid, flat layout, the homes are arranged to follow the natural contours of the land, stepping up and down in response to the site’s slopes.

“This approach minimizes the need for extensive excavation and preserves much of the natural landscape. It also ensures that each home has a unique relationship with its surroundings, with most properties benefiting from stunning sea views due to their elevated positions.

“By embracing the site’s topography, the development not only minimises its environmental impact but also creates a visually appealing and varied streetscape that feels integrated into the natural landscape rather than imposed upon it.”

The scheme has been subject to revisions following discussions with planners, moving from an initial increase from 62 to 77 homes, now dropped to 76 to provide an ‘informal open space’ “designed to meet the planners’ request and to offer a communal area where residents can enjoy outdoor activities and relaxation in a natural setting”.

The formal pre-application consultation ran up to late January of this year.

The statement stresses: “The proposed residential housing scheme represents a carefully considered response to the village’s architectural heritage, challenging topography, and coastal environment.

“Through a thoughtful, collaborative design process, incorporating comments and feedback from the planning officers and public, the development will create a vibrant, sustainable community that offers diverse housing options, maximises sea views, and integrates seamlessly with its surroundings.”

The application concludes: “The ambition for the site is to create a contemporary development of liveable, affordable homes within Broad Haven which takes advantage of the site’s seaside location, in accordance with the council’s housing allocation within the Local Development Plan. 

“In light of the above, it is concluded that the proposal fully accords with both national and local policies and there are no material considerations which should prevent the planning application from being determined in accordance with the relevant planning policy framework.”

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

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Business

Help to Buy Wales extended – new homes in Haverfordwest available through scheme

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THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has extended the Help to Buy – Wales scheme until September 2026, offering new opportunities for buyers to secure a property at the Augustus Grange development in Haverfordwest with financial assistance.

The scheme enables eligible buyers to purchase a new-build home valued up to £300,000 with just a five per cent deposit. The remaining amount is covered by a 75 per cent mortgage and a 20 per cent shared equity loan, which is interest-free for the first five years.

Five-star housebuilder Lovell Homes, which is delivering the development in partnership with Pobl Group, is encouraging potential buyers to explore the scheme’s benefits. Located off St David’s Road, Augustus Grange comprises 115 two and three-bedroom homes and lies just six miles from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Unlike some support schemes, Help to Buy – Wales is open not only to first-time buyers but also to existing homeowners looking to move.

A number of three-bedroom properties are currently available at the site, including the popular Lambourne and Lansdown designs.

Suzie Hewitt, regional sales director at Lovell Homes, said: “Help to Buy – Wales is a brilliant initiative and we’re delighted that it has been extended to 2026. For many, buying a home is the biggest financial step they’ll take, and this scheme makes that step more accessible.

“We’re offering a range of high-quality homes under £300,000 at Augustus Grange – perfect for first-time buyers, growing families, and those looking to rightsize. We encourage anyone interested to contact our sales team.”

Haverfordwest, the historic county town of Pembrokeshire, offers a mix of heritage and modern amenities. With its 12th-century castle, riverside walks along the Western Cleddau, a selection of shops and restaurants, and good transport links, it’s an attractive location for both families and commuters.

The Augustus Grange marketing suite is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm. For further information, visit newhomes.lovell.co.uk/developments/augustus-grange-haverfordwest or call 01437 468024.

Terms and conditions apply. Full details on the Help to Buy – Wales scheme can be found at lovell.co.uk/offers/help-to-buy-wales.

Lovell Homes recently received a Gold award for customer service from In-house Research, with 93.6 per cent of South Wales and West customers saying they would recommend the company to friends and family.

Follow Lovell Homes:

  • Facebook: facebook.com/lovellhomes
  • Instagram: @lovell_homes
  • LinkedIn: @LovellPartnershipsLtd
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Business

Big changes made to major Cosheston solar farm development

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AMENDMENTS to a previously granted scheme for a south Pembrokeshire solar farm by using higher specification panels which would actually see less land covered have been approved by county planners.

Last year, plans for a nine-megawatt solar farm at West Farm, Cosheston, near Pembroke Dock by James Wallwork of One Planet Developments Limited were approved by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The applicants said the scheme would generate enough power for 2,500 homes.

The scheme was initially recommended for refusal before a later recommendation for approval at last March’s planning committee; the scheme supported by Cosheston Community Council, which said the plans would be a natural rounding-off of the site, with no detrimental impact as it would neighbour the existing solar farm.

A supporting statement, through agent Mango Planning & Development Ltd, said: “The proposed development would contribute circa 9,337,000 KWh of renewable electricity to the local area, which will typically produce enough green electricity a year to power about 2,500 homes.

“The proposed development is for a temporary 40-year timescale and will be fully reinstated at the end of its operational life. There will be no loss of agricultural land.”

After last year’s approval, the applicants had asked for a change of planning conditions.

A supporting statement accompanying the amendment request says: “Subsequent to the grant of consent, the applicant has been advised that the solar panels originally proposed are no longer available. It is necessary, therefore, to substitute these with an alternative type.”

It says the proposed alternative panels would be slightly larger in size but “as a consequence of the improved specification of the proposed panels, a reduced site coverage is required to achieve the originally agreed output,” adding: “In particular, it is not now necessary to provide arrays in the small field at the east of the application site.”

The proposed amendments have been approved by planning officers.

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