Business

West Wales doing well, but serious concerns raised over other Welsh Growth Deals

Published

3 months ago

September 15, 2025

Senedd Committee warns North Wales and Cardiff schemes face major risks as Swansea Bay projects, including Pembroke Dock Marine, move forward

A SENEDD Committee has raised serious concerns about the performance of Welsh City and Regional Growth Deals, with particular criticism of the North Wales Growth Deal and the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal.

The Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee has written to both the Welsh and UK Governments urging urgent monitoring of the deals, which are responsible for delivering economic growth with substantial amounts of public funding.

What are Growth Deals?

City and Growth Deals are agreements between governments and local regions to boost economic growth through long-term investment in infrastructure, skills, and innovation. Introduced in the UK in 2011, they are designed to bring together councils, business, and education institutions.

In Wales, four Growth Deals cover every region: Cardiff Capital Region, North Wales, Swansea Bay, and Mid Wales. Collectively, they represent more than £2.5 billion in investment when UK and Welsh Government contributions are combined with private sector funding.

North Wales Growth Deal behind targets

***Collapsed: The Trawsfynydd nuclear project***

The North Wales Growth Deal, signed in 2020, has a budget of £240m from both the UK and Welsh Governments over 15 years. It set out to create up to 4,200 jobs and generate £1bn in private sector investment.

But the collapse of the Trawsfynydd nuclear project has left it far short of targets. The project was expected to deliver 12.5% of job targets and 40% of investment goals. With Great British Nuclear deciding not to pursue the site for Small Modular Reactors, Ambition North Wales has so far reported only 35 jobs created and £1.8m of private investment.

The Committee has called for urgent clarity on funding and a review of decision-making processes.

Cardiff Capital Region concerns

The Cardiff Capital Region City Deal, signed in 2016, involves £1.2bn of investment, including £375m from the UK Government and £375m from local councils.

Its flagship project, the redevelopment of the Aberthaw Power Station site, is facing major challenges. The site was purchased for £8.6m, with £30m earmarked for demolition, but the overall cost could exceed £1bn. A procurement dispute has already cost £5.25m in settlement, and an independent review is now under way.

While there has been strong investor interest, the Committee warned of risks to public finances due to the scale of funding needed.

Swansea Bay progress

By contrast, the Swansea Bay City Deal — which covers Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire — has been praised for its progress. It is worth £1.3bn, including £241m from each of the UK and Welsh Governments.

So far, 896 jobs have been created and £133m of private investment secured. The Deal has also been highlighted for its support to Port Talbot and Tata Steel workers during a period of major uncertainty for the steel industry.

However, the Committee warned that inflation is squeezing budgets and said the Deal needs greater flexibility in funding.

***Theresa May signing the Swansea Bay City Deal as Prime Minister in 2017***

What it means for Pembrokeshire

For Pembrokeshire, the Swansea Bay Deal is critical. The county is central to one of its flagship projects — Pembroke Dock Marine. This £60m development is designed to make Pembrokeshire a world leader in marine energy innovation, building on the county’s deep-water port facilities and expertise in renewables.

The project brings together Milford Haven Port Authority, Marine Energy Wales, ORE Catapult, and Wave Hub. It aims to create high-value jobs in research, testing and deployment of marine technologies, including floating offshore wind.

Other Pembrokeshire-linked schemes include investment in digital infrastructure and innovation centres that could benefit rural communities and local businesses.

With the Senedd Committee sounding the alarm about funding risks in other regions, questions will be asked about whether future Welsh and UK Government support could be diverted away from west Wales. Local leaders have long argued that Pembrokeshire needs sustained investment to unlock its potential in green energy and ensure that the marine sector delivers long-term jobs.

Mid Wales enters delivery phase

The Mid Wales Growth Deal, covering Powys and Ceredigion, was signed in 2020 with £55m each from the UK and Welsh Governments. It has only just entered its delivery phase and has not yet transferred to a Corporate Joint Committee model.

The Committee said it will closely monitor its progress given the unique economic challenges in mid Wales.

Committee chair speaks out

Andrew RT Davies MS, Chair of the Committee, said: “The four City and Growth Deals should be a key driver for economic growth in Wales and be creating a bright economic future. While there are promising signs, particularly in Swansea Bay, we must address serious concerns particularly in North Wales and Cardiff Capital Region.

“Proper monitoring and consistent leadership are essential to ensure all Deals are supported to reach their ambitious targets and deliver on the significant public investment. Transparency, clarity, and long-term vision are essential.”

The Committee has asked both governments to respond to its concerns and outline how they will ensure Growth Deals deliver for all regions of Wales.

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

3 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):

13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)
14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)
15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)
16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)

Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):

13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)
14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)
15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)
16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

10 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

21 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.