News

Industrial strategy to boost growth and jobs in Wales

Published

12 months ago

June 23, 2025

A MODERN Industrial Strategy aimed at making the UK the premier destination for business investment and growth has been unveiled today (Monday, June 23), promising billions in investment and tens of thousands of new jobs across Wales.

The comprehensive 10-year plan, published by the UK Government, will significantly reduce electricity costs for more than 7,000 energy-intensive businesses by up to 25%. This includes industries such as automotive, aerospace, steel, chemicals, and glass, sectors crucial to the Welsh economy.

High electricity prices, historically among the highest globally, have long hindered UK manufacturing competitiveness. From 2027, the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will lower electricity costs by up to £40 per megawatt-hour for affected businesses, exempting them from levies such as the Renewables Obligation, Feed-in Tariffs, and Capacity Market fees.

Further support is also being offered through the British Industry Supercharger, raising the discount on electricity network charges from 60% to 90% starting in 2026. These initiatives aim to level the playing field, supporting firms to invest, grow, and safeguard skilled jobs.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the strategy as a “turning point” for the UK economy, stating: “In an era of global economic instability, this provides long-term certainty and direction British businesses need to innovate, invest, and create quality jobs. Our message is clear: Britain is back and open for business.”

Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, highlighted the specific benefits for Wales, saying: “Wales has huge potential. This strategy harnesses our businesses and workforce strengths, particularly in aerospace, semiconductors, and emerging industries like floating offshore wind, positioning Wales as a global leader.”

Key Welsh-specific measures include:

Over £4 billion investment in the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector, significantly benefiting Welsh firms such as Airbus in Broughton, North Wales.
Establishment of a semiconductor doctoral training centre at Swansea University, enhancing South Wales’ globally recognised semiconductor cluster.
A Defence Growth Deal cluster leveraging Wales’ defence industry footprint.
A new British Business Bank champion for Cardiff Capital Region, connecting businesses and investors to stimulate growth.
A £30 million Local Innovation Partnerships Fund in collaboration with Innovate UK to spur innovation in Wales.
Enhanced investment opportunities through the National Wealth Fund and Development Bank of Wales.
A £600 million Strategic Sites Accelerator to increase investible sites and bolster regional growth.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasised the broader UK implications, noting: “We’ve secured £100 billion of investment in the past year alone. This Industrial Strategy will ensure the UK remains globally competitive by reducing energy costs, enhancing skills, and attracting billions for new business sites and research.”

Welcoming the strategy, Sarah Williams-Gardener, Chair of Fintech Wales, said: “We look forward to unlocking the full potential of financial services, especially the emphasis on AI and digital innovation.”

Frank Holmes, Chair of the Cardiff Capital Region Investment Board, added: “The renewed focus on industrial strategy and SME finance aligns with our regional vision, driving job creation and innovation.”

Louise Harris, CEO of Tramshed Tech in Cardiff, highlighted the strategy’s role in technology and innovation, stating: “Aligning local strengths with national ambitions will empower Welsh businesses to lead in sectors such as tech and advanced manufacturing, creating sustainable, high-quality jobs.”

The Industrial Strategy also includes sector-specific plans:

Advanced Manufacturing: £4.3 billion funding to anchor supply chains and promote zero-emission technologies.
Clean Energy: Doubling investments by 2035, including £700 million for clean energy supply chains.
Creative Industries: £380 million to boost growth in film, TV, gaming, music, and arts.
Digital and Technologies: Over £2 billion for AI and frontier technologies such as semiconductors in Wales.
Professional and Business Services: Enhancing global trust and adoption of UK-grown AI technologies.

The plan aims to deliver over 1.1 million well-paid jobs nationwide, driving economic prosperity, raising living standards, and positioning Wales at the forefront of the UK’s growth ambitions.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

9 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

19 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

20 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.