HAVERFORDWEST airport’s new operators are expected to take their lease up in the next few days as part of a drive to make the facility cost-neutral to the council.

Back in 2024, members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet supported the leasing of the council-run Withybush Airport as part of plans to make the facility cost-neutral to the authority.

In 2023, Cabinet members heard the financial position at the council-supported Haverfordwest/Withybush airport deteriorated in 2022/23, with an out-turn position for 2022/23 of £238,000.

That loss was been reduced to an expected £119,000 for 2023/24 “following an extensive review of the operations of the airport”.

Cabinet members, back in 2024, heard there would be a requirement on leases to obtain/keep a CAA [Civil Aviation Authority] Cat II licence and at a market rent, which would “make the airport cost-neutral to the council from the day the lease is signed, whilst also ensuring that an operational airport remains for Pembrokeshire to benefit from”.

“Any lease would have to allow the operator to run the airport on the commercial terms of their choosing to give a chance of long-term sustainability, so, the council will lose full control of how the airport operates.

“However, any lease will require that the airport be maintained to an acceptable standard and that a CAA Cat II licence is maintained. If these terms of the agreement are breached, then the facility will return to the council.”

Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller at the time said: “The airport is a valuable facility and one I’m keen to maintain; I personally recognise that maintaining an ongoing public subsidy is not something we’re particularly keen to do indefinitely.”

He added: “What the lease, we believe, will do is maintain a franchising CAT II airport in Haverfordwest and remove our liability from day one.”

At the March 2025 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, members heard the final paperwork was “on track” to hand the airport over to the new operators by the start of April, with the facility becoming “cost-neutral” to the authority “from the moment it’s handed over to the operator”.

Committee chair Cllr Mark Carter said: “It cost us around £100-200,000 per year; fingers crossed, I’m sure all members are delighted with this.”

Members heard the initial lease would be for a 15-year period, rent-free for the first five years to allow the lease to invest in the site.

Firms optimistic about trading prospects and economy

WELSH business confidence surged to its highest level in eight months in March, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank.

Confidence among companies in Wales rose by 27 points to 51%, up from 24% in February. Optimism about their own trading prospects increased by 25 points to 56%, while confidence in the wider economy climbed by 27 points to 45%.

In addition, a net balance of 33% of Welsh firms said they expect to increase staff levels over the next year – a 13-point rise from the previous month.

Looking ahead, businesses in Wales cited their main priorities for the next six months as investing in their workforce through training (53%), investing in sustainability initiatives (34%), and evolving their product or service offerings (32%).

The Business Barometer, which has surveyed 1,200 businesses monthly since 2002, provides early indicators of regional and national economic trends. The data for March was collected between the 3rd and 17th of the month, ahead of the Chancellor’s Spring Statement.

UK-wide outlook

Across the UK, overall business confidence remained steady at 49%, unchanged from February.

While confidence in individual trading prospects held firm at 57%, optimism in the wider economy dipped by one point to 40%. The West Midlands and London were the most optimistic regions, both recording 62%, followed by the North West at 59%.

Sector insights

Retail was the standout sector in March, with confidence rising seven points to 58% – the highest level seen since the pandemic. The increase reflected positive expectations for trading conditions in the coming months.

Manufacturing saw the biggest drop in confidence, falling 12 points to 39%, as concerns over supply chain disruptions deepened. Confidence among construction firms slipped to 48%, while the services sector also saw a slight decline, down to 47%.

Lloyds: Businesses feeling brighter

Dave Atkinson, regional director for Wales at Lloyds Bank, said: “The changing of the seasons is also bringing a sunnier outlook for Welsh businesses.

“It’s particularly good to see firms so optimistic in their own prospects. As they look to capitalise on their confidence, we’ll be ready with our support to help them make the most of any opportunities ahead. This includes discounted lending to support investments in measures that improve environmental impact – something central to many Welsh firms’ growth plans.”

Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist at Lloyds Commercial Banking, added: “Business confidence remained steady this month, suggesting that UK companies may have been waiting to see the impact of government decisions at home and globally.

“Despite this, today’s data continues to reflect a positive growth trend in the UK economy. With confidence maintaining last month’s high, business leaders are optimistic, noting that investing in their development and workforce will position them well to seize future growth opportunities.”

Industry gears up for MEW2025 as policy, innovation and investment align

WALES is rapidly becoming a powerhouse in marine renewable energy, with the sector seeing a surge in momentum ahead of the UK’s largest dedicated marine energy conference, MEW2025, set to take place in Cardiff this May.

The two-day event at the All Nations Centre (May 7–8) will bring together over 400 delegates, including developers, investors, policymakers and innovators, all working to harness the power of tides, waves, and floating offshore wind.

Marine Energy Wales (MEW), the organisation behind the event, has confirmed a packed programme of speakers and panels. The First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan MS, will deliver a keynote address on Day One, signalling the Welsh Government’s commitment to driving forward the green energy transition.

Tidal power potential recognised

The Severn Estuary Commission has this month published final recommendations backing the feasibility of tidal range energy in the Severn. The report calls for immediate government support to develop the industry, establish a commercial demonstration project, and unlock private investment through a clear financial framework.

The report recommends a public sector-led Project Delivery Vehicle and improved regional management to ensure environmental and commercial viability.

Floating wind and tidal tech on the rise

MEW2025’s programme will explore the cutting edge of floating offshore wind, as well as new technologies in tidal stream energy. Sessions such as Turning the Tide: Scaling Tidal Energy in Wales Today and Floating Stepping Stones: Doing it for the Region will offer insights into commercialisation and scaling of Welsh marine renewables.

Research and development also remains central. Projects such as META (Marine Energy Test Area) in Pembrokeshire continue to break ground, with sessions at the conference reflecting key R&D milestones and practical deployments.

A new Marine Energy Engagement Toolkit was launched at the Senedd on March 18, spearheaded by Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum and supported by MSs including Sam Kurtz and Joyce Watson. The toolkit aims to empower communities across Pembrokeshire and beyond, ensuring that residents can meaningfully engage with the changes and opportunities brought by marine renewables.

Empowering communities

By providing accessible information and creating space for dialogue, the initiative hopes to bridge the gap between developers and the communities they affect.

Investment on the horizon

The Crown Estate Act 2025, which recently received Royal Assent, grants new powers to borrow and invest up to £1.5 billion over 15 years. This could be a game-changer for marine energy in Wales, enabling strategic investment in technology, infrastructure and supply chains.

With additional commissioners joining The Crown Estate Board, the focus will be on delivering environmental, social, and financial value – a shift welcomed by the sector.

Opportunities for Welsh industry

The Empower Cymru conference this month saw Net Zero Industry Wales outline its vision for a Welsh chapter of the UK Industrial Strategy. The plan positions Wales as a cornerstone of the UK’s clean energy future, citing a strong pipeline of value-for-money projects ready to deliver.

Meanwhile, Morlais, the tidal stream energy project off Anglesey, has been shortlisted for a prestigious Green Energy Award in the Net Zero Developer category – another sign of the sector’s growing national significance.

Final call for exhibitors and sponsors

With limited space remaining, MEW2025 organisers are urging businesses and organisations to secure their place. Exhibition packages include full branding opportunities, event passes and speaking slots for major sponsors. Artwork must be submitted by April 17.

Tickets are also still available for those looking to attend and connect with the growing network shaping the future of marine energy in Wales and across the UK.