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Murco Task Force asking for expressions of interest for £3.5m funding

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Recovery fund: Business will apply for funding

Recovery fund: Business will apply for funding

TWO FUNDS, worth £3.5m, to boost employment opportunities in Pembrokeshire in the wake of the collapse of the Murco deal will be opened later this month, Edwina Hart told members of the Murco Task Force on Thursday (Dec 4).

The opening of the expression of interest phase of the Wales Economic Growth Fund on December 15 will follow the first in a series of events arranged by the Murco Task Force, which has been established to support the Murco employees and contractors and businesses in the supply chain. An event to provide business advice and support for the wider contractor network will take place on December 9 and a jobs fair will take place on December 10.
 
A £3 million Wales Economic Growth Fund will support current suppliers to Murco  to diversify and projects which will create or safeguard jobs in Pembrokeshire. Providing grants of between £50,000 and £500,000, it aims to support some 30 businesses and safeguard or create up to 300 jobs in the area.
A £500,000 Small Capital Investment Fund is also open for applications from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Pembrokeshire. This fund will provide grants between £5,000 and £25,000 (and £50,000 in exceptional circumstances) in this financial year, towards projects that create or sustain jobs, or grow businesses. Priority will be given to SMEs in the Energy and Environment sector or supply chain which have been heavily impacted by the Murco position and those in deprived wards.
Edwina Hart AM

Edwina Hart AM

The Minister said: “The collapse of the sale of the Murco Oil Refinery was a bitter blow for the whole of Pembrokeshire and our priority now is safeguarding as many jobs as possible in the area. These two funds will go a considerable way towards achieving this by supporting businesses and individuals in the area to diversify or grow their businesses and to make the most of the opportunities provided by Superfast Broadband. “

The Wales Economic Growth Fund will be open for expressions of interest from December 15 until January 19 2015. The application window will then be open from January 26  until February 23 and the first awards are expected to be made in the next financial year.
The Small Capital Investment Fund operated through Business Wales is already open for applications and will remain open until the end of January 2015. Grants will be awarded to projects that can use the grant funding in this financial year and will result in the creation and sustaining of jobs, or growth of businesses Both funds are discretionary, terms and conditions apply
Commenting on the news that two funds, worth a total of £3.5 million and introduced by Welsh Business Minister Edwina Hart to support Murco employees, contractors and suppliers following the closure of the facility, Preseli MP Stephen Crabb said:

“I am very pleased with this latest support package for those affected by the closure of Murco refinery – which will assist direct employees and those local businesses up the supply chain.”

“Without doubt these two funds will help a number of local companies to diversify their business following the closure of the refinery. But this is only a first step – money alone won’t solve the underlying problems facing the Pembrokeshire economy.”

“That is why I am writing to Carwyn Jones to call for a strategic long-term plan for the West Wales economy. We need a more supportive business environment, better transport links and all levels of government working together to make Pembrokeshire a great place to start or grow a business. For too long our County has relied on oil and petroleum alone for economic strength. This needs to change.”

3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. annoyed

    December 5, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    Good news if you’re an ex murco employee, but how many other people in Pembrokeshire who have lost their jobs during the last few years have had their own jobs fair? None of them ,they get chucked on the scrap heap, but this lot get it all because they were big earners? No better than anyone else, welcome to reality

  2. annon

    December 9, 2014 at 6:13 pm

    NO offence to the poor Murco workers but why has Cardiff Bay suddenly found all this money for Pembrokeshire?
    where have they been until now?

  3. annon

    December 9, 2014 at 6:19 pm

    Pembrokeshire is here every day and every year, why is Cardiff bay suddenly throwing money our way now, where were they when Mustang Marine where in trouble?

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Business

Major solar farm approved for Pembrokeshire

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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.

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Business

Council take legal action against 686 Pembrokeshire-based businesses

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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.

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Business

Wales Tourism Alliance criticises Mark Drakeford’s visitor levy evidence

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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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