Business

New rules on allergy information

Published

10 years ago

January 5, 2015

RESEARCH released today by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Allergy UK found that 70% of those with allergies avoid buying takeaways, due to fears about allergens and a lack of trust in the information they are given. More than half of those with allergies (53%) said they avoided eating in restaurants for the same reason. From December 13, restaurants and takeaways are required by law to tell customers if any of the top 14 allergen ingredients are present in the foods they serve. These changes will mean consumers can feel more confident when asking about allergenic ingredients when eating out in cafes and restaurants. A survey, carried out by the Food Standards Agency, found that 53% of respondents in Wales didn’t feel confident in their knowledge of ingredients related to food allergies and intolerances.

This poll also found that 7% of Welsh respondents were more likely to suffer from food intolerances than allergies. Restaurants and takeaways now have to inform their customers about 14 specific allergens that range from widely known ingredients such as nuts and milk, to less widely recognised allergens including mustard and lupin seeds, which are often used in flour. Around 2 million people in the UK suffer from allergies including 2% of adults and 8% of children. It is hoped these changes will bring about a reduction in the number of allergic reactions caused by people accidentally eating food they are allergic to.

On average 10 people die and around 5,000 are hospitalised per year in the UK due to allergic reactions. The majority of these avoidable deaths and hospitalisations are due to incorrect information being given about allergenic ingredients in foods when those with allergies are eating out – usually in a restaurant or takeaway. This is a growing issue in the UK, with hospital admissions relating to allergies rising by 87% between 2002 and 2014. However, the same study conducted by the FSA found that half of all UK adults (51%) have either limited or no knowledge at all about the ingredients that cause allergic reactions.

Food businesses such as restaurants and cafes have been given flexibility on how they provide allergy information. This can be communicated verbally through explanations by staff or signposted to where or how more information can be found on menus or through additional means. The new EU Food Information for Consumers Regulations will also change the way allergy information appears on labelling for prepacked foods bought in shops and supermarkets.

Hilary Neathey, Food Policy Adviser at the FSA in Wales told The Herald: “With a steady rise in the number of people suffering from food allergies and intolerances in the last decade, these new measures will make it simpler for those with allergies to buy and consume food. Allergies can be fatal for some people and this is why it is vital that food businesses give their customers information they can trust. “The legislation is a huge step forward for those with food allergies, who should now feel confident they have a right to ask about allergenic ingredients in the foods they buy. This normalises allergen information as something that should be available at all times. We have been working very closely with local authorities, food businesses and consumer groups to ensure that these changes are put into place.”

Business

Secretary of State, Jo Stevens MP confirms Pembrokeshire’s role in green energy pilot

Published

8 hours ago

January 30, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WALES, Jo Stevens MP, was in Pembrokeshire today to confirm that the county will be part of a pilot project for green energy. Speaking to The Pembrokeshire Herald, she said: “I welcome the skills pilot in Pembrokeshire, calling it a crucial step in securing a workforce for clean energy expansion in the Celtic Sea.” Economy Secretary Rebecca Evans added: “This initiative, led by the Welsh Government, will unlock vast opportunities for green jobs and energy security.”

***Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stephens MP, speaking to The Herald at Ledwood Mechanical Engineering Ltd in Pembroke Dock (Image: Herald)***

Thousands of workers will benefit from government-backed training as part of a major skills investment to prepare the UK for a clean energy future by 2030. Key regions, including Aberdeen, Cheshire, Lincolnshire, and Pembrokeshire, have been identified for growth in offshore wind, nuclear, and solar industries under the government’s Plan for Change.

The initiative will provide funding for local training centres, courses, and career advisors, equipping workers with skills in welding, electrical engineering, and construction. The government has also launched a long-awaited ‘skills passport’ to help oil and gas workers transition into renewable energy jobs, particularly offshore wind. Developed in collaboration with industry and the Scottish Government, the online tool will guide workers into roles such as construction and maintenance.

Funding to drive economic transformation

The government has allocated initial funding to Cheshire West and Chester, North and North East Lincolnshire, and Pembrokeshire, with around £1 million earmarked for each area. Aberdeen, which has already completed extensive skills mapping, will be considered for further funding later this year.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Our Plan for Change is about more than clean power; it’s about reindustrialising Britain with well-paid, union jobs in industrial communities. We are ensuring that British workers seize the opportunities clean power brings.”

Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin highlighted Scotland’s commitment, stating: “It is vital that we support oil and gas workers in transitioning to sustainable jobs. The Energy Skills Passport ensures their expertise is recognised and applied in our fair and managed transition to net zero.”

Building a skilled workforce

***Thousands of apprentices will be needed the Government says (Image RWE)***

Research by Offshore Energies UK shows that 90% of oil and gas workers possess skills relevant to the clean energy transition. From January 22, workers can use the skills passport to access four career pathways, with further expansion planned over the next year.

The government has also confirmed contracts for the UK’s first carbon capture project in Teesside, reinforcing its commitment to transforming industrial heartlands. Employers will receive a handbook outlining available support for workforce growth and upskilling.

Industry and government backing

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens welcomed the skills pilot in Pembrokeshire, calling it a crucial step in securing a workforce for clean energy expansion in the Celtic Sea. Economy Secretary Rebecca Evans added: “This initiative, led by the Welsh Government, will unlock vast opportunities for green jobs and energy security.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council leader Cllr Louise Gittins said the initiative would play a “crucial role” in transitioning workers to clean energy sectors. Midlands Net Zero Hub head Jack Hayhoe stressed that strategic skills investment could unlock £15 billion of economic growth in the next five years.

A roadmap to net zero

The Energy Secretary is convening a roundtable with industry, education, and trade union leaders to ensure the UK workforce is prepared for the clean energy transition. The regional skills funding comes from the Office for Clean Energy Skills Fund, with key partnerships supporting skills mapping and training development.

The Plan for Change aims to unlock £40 billion of annual investment, securing thousands of jobs and positioning Britain as a global leader in clean energy.

Business

UK Government Invests in Gigabit Broadband for South West Wales

Published

1 day ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE UK GOVERNMENT has announced a further investment in Project Gigabit, aiming to deliver high-speed broadband to hard-to-reach areas across Britain. Rural towns and villages in South West Wales are among the latest to benefit, as part of a wider effort to achieve near-total gigabit coverage by 2030.

The programme, a key pillar of the Government’s Plan for Change, is designed to stimulate economic growth and remove barriers to opportunity. The latest rollout will bring some of the fastest broadband speeds available to remote communities, enhancing access to essential services such as healthcare, remote education, and video communication. It is also expected to support business growth and improve job opportunities for young people.

Welsh leaders welcome investment

Cllr Hazel Evans, of Carmarthenshire County Council, welcomed the announcement, saying: “This is a much-needed boost as we strive to improve digital connectivity across Carmarthenshire. Further investment will help ensure our rural communities continue to prosper as we transition towards a more digital society.”

Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council and Chair of the Swansea Bay City Deal’s joint committee, also praised the initiative:

“This is fantastic news for the rural communities in our region. The Swansea Bay City Deal fully supports initiatives that improve the lives of people and businesses. This investment in digital infrastructure will create social and economic opportunities for communities that would otherwise be left behind.”

£289 million boost for broadband expansion

The announcement forms part of four new contracts worth over £289 million, aimed at delivering gigabit-capable broadband to approximately 131,000 homes and businesses across England and Wales.

Unlike traditional copper-based networks, gigabit connections provide faster and more reliable service, even during peak times. Households and businesses will no longer need to compete for bandwidth, as these high-speed networks allow multiple devices to operate seamlessly.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens highlighted the significance of the investment: “Powered by this UK Government funding, thousands more people and businesses across Wales will gain access to ultra-fast broadband. Our priority is to drive sustained economic growth, and to achieve this, we must ensure every part of Wales has full digital coverage as quickly as possible.”

Implementation and next steps

The Digital Infrastructure Programme is working closely with Building Digital UK (BDUK) and Openreach to deliver Project Gigabit. Further regional updates are expected in the coming months, outlining timeframes and specific locations set to benefit.

Upgrading and expanding existing networks is a complex process, requiring technical surveys and coordination between commercial providers and local authorities, including planning and highways departments. As a result, implementing gigabit-capable broadband can take time.

For further details about broadband plans in your area, residents are encouraged to contact their Digital Champion for more information.

Business

Welsh Govt-backed SME exports surpass £320m since Export Action Plan launch

Published

2 days ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SMALL and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Wales have secured over £320 million in export deals directly supported by the Welsh Government since the introduction of its Export Action Plan in December 2020.

The government’s tailored export assistance includes comprehensive market research, strategies to identify new customers, and hands-on support to help businesses enter international markets and forge lasting partnerships.

This milestone follows a series of successful 2024 trade missions, which introduced 150+ Welsh businesses to key global markets. Highlights included enabling life sciences firms to exhibit at Medica in Düsseldorf and supporting fintech companies at Money 20/20 in Amsterdam.

Case Study: Brainbox Ltd
Cardiff-based Brainbox Ltd, a leader in non-invasive brain stimulation and imaging technology for neuroscience research, has achieved £5 million in new international contracts with Welsh Government backing.

Dan Phillips, Commercial Director at Brainbox, said: “Exporting has been pivotal to our growth, enabling us to showcase cutting-edge neuroscience solutions worldwide. The Welsh Government’s support has been instrumental in launching new products, building global relationships, and driving our expansion over the past five years. Their tailored approach exemplifies how strategic trade guidance can propel businesses onto the international stage.”

2025: A Year of Global Ambitions
The Welsh Government has announced seven international trade missions scheduled by March 2025, including:

Arab Health Expo in Dubai (January 2025)
Trade delegations to Singapore and Malaysia (February)
Participation in Gulfood Dubai, Foodex Tokyo, and the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco (March).

Additionally, the Explore Export Wales 2025 conferences in March will unite Wales’ “export ecosystem” of support services under one roof, offering SMEs expert advice on navigating global markets.

Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Planning, commented: “Exporting empowers SMEs to scale up, create jobs, and bolster resilience in a competitive global economy. Despite recent challenges, our Export Action Plan has delivered undeniable value to Wales. We remain committed to ensuring businesses across the nation continue to thrive internationally in 2025 and beyond.”