Business

Liberty Steel collapse raises fears for Welsh steel’s future

Published

3 months ago

August 24, 2025

Instability of Gupta empire casts shadow over Newport

THE COLLAPSE of Liberty Steel’s major operations in South Yorkshire has intensified concerns about the long-term future of the UK’s steel industry — with growing scrutiny now falling on the company’s Welsh site in Newport.

Liberty’s Speciality Steel UK (SSUK) business, which includes plants in Rotherham and Stocksbridge, was placed into compulsory liquidation last week. The UK Government has stepped in to take over operations temporarily, securing 1,450 jobs and attempting to stabilise supply chains in the aerospace, energy, and defence sectors.

While Liberty’s Newport site has not been affected directly and remains operational, it is part of the wider GFG Alliance, the international conglomerate owned by Sanjeev Gupta. The group has faced significant financial strain since the collapse of its main backer, Greensill Capital, in 2021, and is currently the subject of an ongoing Serious Fraud Office investigation.

The Pembrokeshire Herald understands that Newport continues to produce hot-rolled coil, a key material used in construction and manufacturing. However, the instability across the group has prompted unions and industry watchers to warn of potential knock-on effects in Wales should further restructuring or asset sales occur.

Port Talbot transition looms

The uncertainty comes at a time of major change for Welsh steel. Tata Steel has already closed both of its blast furnaces at Port Talbot as part of its move to electric arc furnace technology. Although £1.3 billion in public funding has been committed to support the transition, and £80 million has been allocated for retraining and business support, the closures mark the end of primary steelmaking at the site — a capability that has existed in Port Talbot for over 70 years.

In a speech to the Welsh Labour Conference on June 28, Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens defended the government’s handling of the transition, highlighting the investment package and a new £11.8 million joint fund with Tata to stimulate job creation. She described the reforms as essential for securing a “bright, long-term future” for steel communities in Port Talbot, Llanwern and Trostre.

But industry analysts and union leaders continue to express concern that the UK is losing too much too fast — especially when it comes to its ability to make steel from raw materials rather than recycled scrap.

Is the UK still self-sufficient?

With Liberty Steel’s collapse adding to the list of recent setbacks, serious questions are being raised about the UK’s strategic independence in steel production. The government is now financially supporting four of the country’s six largest steelmakers and has passed emergency legislation to intervene in the industry.

However, now that Port Talbot’s blast furnaces have closes, the UK is now left with no large-scale primary steelmaking capacity. This, critics argue, has left the country vulnerable in the event of global supply chain shocks, conflict, or major infrastructure demand.

The Newport site remains stable — for now — but its future is increasingly tied to the fortunes of the wider GFG group. Unless long-term certainty is restored across the sector, the UK risks not only further job losses but the erosion of a vital national industry.

What next for Liberty Steel and UK industry?

Reports suggest that Sanjeev Gupta is preparing a “pre-pack” administration deal to regain control of Speciality Steel UK (SSUK) following its liquidation. One proposal under consideration includes placing the business into a trust for his children — a move intended to reassure investors and secure the unit’s future. Talks are ongoing as administrators seek a viable solution to restart operations.

Labour MP Sarah Champion has described the liquidation process as “full of hollow promises” and warned that Liberty Steel is too strategically important to be allowed to fail. “I am confident the government will do all in their power to let it flourish,” she said.

GMB National Officer Charlotte Brumpton-Childs also weighed in, calling the collapse “another tragedy for UK steel” and blaming “years of chronic mismanagement” by Liberty’s leadership. She urged the government to step in, as it previously did with British Steel, to safeguard remaining jobs and production capacity.

With instability spreading across the sector, industry leaders are urging the government to produce a long-term industrial strategy. A comprehensive plan is expected to be unveiled later this year, which may include further support drawn from the £2.5 billion National Wealth Fund.

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

3 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

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.

Business

Welsh Govt shifts stance on business rates after pressure from S4C and Herald

Published

13 hours ago

December 3, 2025

Sarah-Jane Absalom

Ministers release unexpected statement 48 hours after widespread concern highlighted in Welsh media

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has announced a new package of tapered business rates relief for 2026-27, in a move that follows sustained pressure from Welsh media — including S4C Newyddion and The Pembrokeshire Herald — over the impact of revaluation on small businesses.

In Milford Haven, the hard-pressed pub sector is already feeling the impact: the annual bill for The Lord Kitchener is rising from £5,000 to £15,000, while rates at the Kimberley Public House have nearly doubled from £10,500 to £19,500. The Imperial Hall’s rates are increasing from £5,800 to £9,200, prompting director Lee Bridges to question why businesses “are being asked to pay more when we use less services”. In Haverfordwest, the annual rates bill for Eddie’s Nightclub is increasing from £57,000 to £61,500.

A written statement, issued suddenly on Wednesday afternoon, confirms that ministers will introduce a transitional “tapering mechanism” to soften steep increases for tourism, hospitality and small independent operators. Full details will be published with the draft Budget later this month.

The announcement comes less than two days after The Herald’s in-depth reporting brought forward direct concerns from Pembrokeshire business owners and councillors, highlighting the uncertainty facing one of Wales’ most important local industries.

Herald reporting credited by senior councillor

Pembrokeshire County Council Independent Group Leader Cllr Huw Carnhuan Murphy publicly thanked The Herald for pushing the issue into the spotlight.

In a statement shared on Wednesday, Cllr Murphy said: “Welcome news from Welsh Government. Thanks to Tom Sinclair for running this important item in the Herald in relation to the revaluation of businesses and the consequences it will have for many.

He added: “Newyddion S4C hefyd am redeg y stori pwysig yma ynghylch trethi busnes.,” which in English is “and thanks to S4C Newyddion as well for running this important story about business taxes.”

He added that the Independent Group “will always campaign to support our tourism and agriculture industry, on which so many residents rely within Pembrokeshire”.

Media spotlight increased pressure on Cardiff Bay

On Monday, ministers said business rates plans would be outlined “within the next two weeks”.
By Wednesday afternoon — following prominent coverage on S4C and continued pressure from The Herald — Welsh Government released an early written statement outlining new support.

Industry sources told The Herald they believed the level of public concern, amplified by the media, “forced the issue up the agenda much faster than expected”.

A cautious welcome for ‘better than nothing’

Cllr Murphy welcomed the partial support, though he stressed it fell short of what many businesses had hoped for.

“This isn’t the level of support many were hoping for,” he said, “but it is certainly much better than nothing.”

Draft Budget expected soon

The full tapered support scheme will be detailed in the Welsh Government draft Budget, expected within a fortnight.

Tourism and hospitality representatives have reserved final judgment until the figures are published, but many have expressed relief that some support will continue, following weeks of uncertainty.

Business

Pembrokeshire’s Puffin Produce a winner at British Potato Awards 2025

Published

22 hours ago

December 3, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKEHIRE-BASED Puffin Produce, Wales’ leading supplier of fresh root vegetables, has been named winner of the Best Environmental/Sustainability Initiative at the prestigious British Potato Awards 2025.

The judges recognised the company’s whole-system approach that combines ambitious long-term targets with practical, measurable action across its grower network and operations.

A sector-leading grower scheme Launched in winter 2024, the ‘Sustainable Spuds’ programme is already regarded as one of the most progressive grower incentive frameworks in UK agriculture. It rewards farmers with premium payments for verifiable improvements in nutrient efficiency, energy use, soil health, biodiversity and emissions reduction. Covering the entire crop cycle, the scheme is designed to drive rapid on-farm change while remaining commercially viable.

ROOT ZERO – the UK’s first carbon-neutral certified potato Since its 2021 launch, the ROOT ZERO brand has targeted a 51% reduction in carbon intensity per kilo by 2030. Progress is ahead of schedule. The potatoes are packed in 100% plastic-free, compostable and recyclable packaging, while 0.5p from every pack sold is donated to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Consumer-facing campaigns also promote low-energy cooking and food-waste reduction.

Verified science-based targets and rapid decarbonisation

Through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), Puffin Produce has committed to cutting Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 46% by 2030 and achieving at least a 90% reduction across all scopes by 2040. Since baseline measurements in 2019:

Operational emissions are already down 30%
2 MW of rooftop solar panels (covering 6,000 m²) now generate 100% of summer electricity demand, saving 2.4 tonnes of CO₂e daily
Winter power is purchased from guaranteed zero-carbon sources
Transition away from fossil fuels continues at pace

Zero waste ambition delivered early

Puffin signed the Courtauld 2030 pledge in 2015 to halve food waste by 2030. The company exceeded that target five years early, achieving a 57% reduction despite growing production volumes. Rigorous crop utilisation and technology investments ensure almost every potato grown reaches a plate.

As a Leading Food Partner for FareShare Cymru, Puffin has now helped provide the equivalent of two million meals through its ‘Surplus with Purpose’ programme.

Landscape-scale collaboration In 2025 Puffin co-founded the Wales Landscape Enterprise Network (LENs) – a farmer-led, business-backed model for stacking private and public funding to deliver nature-based solutions. Early results from the first LENs projects in potato-growing catchments are striking:

150+ acres of habitat and soil-health enhancements
25% average increase in five key wildlife indicator species
17% lower carbon emissions per tonne of potatoes
40 kg less nitrogen fertiliser per hectare – with no yield penalty

Emma Adams, Head of Sustainability at Puffin Produce, commented: “This award belongs to everyone in our supply chain – growers, team members and partners – who have turned ambition into action. Agriculture is complex, but it is also one of the most powerful tools we have to tackle the climate and nature crises. By working collaboratively and investing boldly, we’re proving that rapid, measurable progress is possible.”

Rooted in Pembrokeshire and sourcing ~80% of its produce from within 50 miles, Puffin Produce remains the only BRC AA+ accredited vegetable packing facility in Wales. It is the proud home of two Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) products – Pembrokeshire Early Potatoes and Welsh Leeks – and supplies major UK retailers and wholesalers all year round.

A standout example of Welsh food production leading the way to net zero and nature recovery.

Photo: