Business
From tea boy to head of finance
STEVEN FLATHER from West Wales began his career at local government in Devon doing clerical work and making the tea but through his determination, hard work he became a professionally qualified accountant with ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and is now head of finance for Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue. Earning his professional qualification has seen Steven transform a mundane career in to one where he has influence, not only over the organisation he works for but also over public sector policies and over the development of the accounting profession. Steven said: “I soon realised that if I wanted something more I would have to become professionally qualified.
I first completed my technician level qualification and, as well as relocating from Exmouth in Devon to Haverfordwest, I worked my way up to become a senior internal auditor, but I became frustrated at not being the one making the decisions. I decided to pursue my ACCA qualification and this gave my career an extra boost. A change of employer, but still within local government, saw my career progress to a role in treasury management and the involvement of running a pension fund with £1bn of assets to manage. This lead me to become head of finance for a dynamic blue-light service.
I am on the policy group of my organisation and my presence is requested at authority meetings and on the management board of large or collaborative projects. I have also been invited on to groups advising the Welsh government. Becoming professionally qualified has allowed me to enter a world far beyond the limits of accounting. A truly exciting world which satisfies my ambitions and allows me to think I can make a difference. A far cry from where my career was heading when I left school.” This week (November 10-16) is Professions Week. A week dedicated to highlighting the difference a professional qualification can make to career prospects.
Business
First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead
THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port yesterday afternoon, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.
The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock shortly after 4pm on Wednesday, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.
A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, is due to arrive in the early hours of this morning (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.
The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.
Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.
“The Peak Bergen arrived yesterday with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”
The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
Port of Milford Haven shipping movements showed the Peak Bergen approaching the Haven throughout Wednesday morning before finally tying up at the cargo berth in Pembroke Dock. Cranes began unloading operations yesterday evening.
Weather conditions are currently favourable for this morning’s arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.
The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin next week, subject to final police and highway approvals.
A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide training opportunities and energy-bill support for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.
Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.
Photo: Martin Cavaney
Business
Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations
Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway
CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.
Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.
For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.
Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”
Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.
Special flight schedule
Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):
- 13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)
- 14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)
- 15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
- 15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)
- 16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
- 16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)
Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):
- 13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)
- 14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)
- 15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
- 15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)
- 16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
- 16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)
Business
Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred
CALLS to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire which had been recommended for refusal has been given a breathing space by planners.
In an application recommended for refusal at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the redundant former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.
It was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the open countryside location being contrary to planning policy and there was no evidence submitted that the application would not increase foul flows and that nutrient neutrality in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC would be achieved within this catchment.
An officer report said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.
Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, after the committee had enjoyed a seasonal break for mince pies, said of the recommendation for refusal: “I’m a bit grumpy over this one; the client has done everything right, he has talked with the authority and it’s not in retrospect but has had a negative report from your officers.”

He said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant catering for ‘100 covers’ before it closed two three years ago when the original owner relocated to Carmarthenshire.
He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming over 36 acres and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing the “beautiful kitchen” and facilities would easily convert to holiday let use.
He said a “common sense approach” showed a septic tank that could cope with a restaurant of “100 covers” could cope with three holiday lets, describing the nitrates issue as “a red herring”.
He suggested a deferral for further information to be provided by the applicant, adding: “This is a big, missed opportunity if we just kick this out today, there’s a building sitting there not creating any jobs.”
On the ‘open countryside’ argument, he said that while many viewed Martletwy as “a little bit in the sticks” there was already permission for the campsite, and the restaurant, and the Bluestone holiday park and the Wild Lakes water park were roughly a mile or so away.
He said converting the former restaurant would “be an asset to bring it over to tourism,” adding: “We don’t all want to stay in Tenby or the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven.”
While Cllr Nick Neuman felt the nutrients issue could be overcome, Cllr Michael Williams warned the application was “clearly outside policy,” recommending it be refused.
A counter-proposal, by Cllr Tony Wilcox, called for a site visit before any decision was made, the application returning to a future committee; members voting seven to three in favour of that.
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Stinnettekqf
October 29, 2025 at 3:35 am
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