News

Almost 200 new jobs in Wales created following Starmer’s trade mission to India

Published

1 month ago

October 9, 2025

Investments worth over £1 billion secured from 64 Indian companies – with major projects in Wrexham and across Wales

NEARLY 200 new jobs will be created in Wales following a series of investment deals signed during the Prime Minister’s trade mission to India this week.

A total of 64 Indian companies will invest over £1 billion into the UK economy, generating 6,800 jobs across all regions. Almost 200 of those jobs will be based in Wales, marking a significant boost to the nation’s growing technology, pharmaceutical and advanced engineering sectors.

Indian investors have committed £1.2 billion to UK businesses, signalling renewed confidence in the UK–India trade relationship and strengthening Wales’ reputation as a destination for innovation and high-value manufacturing.

Major investments in Wales

Among the companies investing are:

EdSupreme, an education technology firm using AI in physiotherapy, which will invest £10 million in London and Wales, creating 50 jobs in Wales over three years.

Wockhardt, a leading pharmaceutical company, which will invest £8 million to upgrade its Wrexham facility, creating 35 skilled positions to support its global operations.

NeoCeltic Global Ltd, a medical device innovator, investing £5 million and creating 50 jobs to deliver advanced mobility and rehabilitation technology.

NMT Engineering and Services, an advanced engineering firm, which will invest £5 million to manufacture precision components for renewable energy, defence, and aerospace industries, creating 15 skilled jobs in Wales.

Government reaction

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said the deals represented “a major opportunity for Welsh businesses” as the UK strengthens economic ties with India.

He added: “India is now the fourth-biggest economy in the world, and by investing billions of pounds in sectors from AI to education and financial services, it shows the scale of opportunity this presents for Welsh businesses.”

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said the investments proved the UK’s trade strategy was working for Wales.

“Our landmark trade deal with India will boost jobs and economic growth across Wales.

Key industries such as renewable energy, the creative sector, and food and drink producers will all benefit, while Welsh businesses gain access to India’s huge procurement market with increased protections for exporters,” she said.

Wider UK investment

The Prime Minister’s two-day mission to Mumbai saw direct meetings with Indian business leaders, resulting in several major UK-wide deals, including:

TVS Motor investing £250 million in Solihull to expand Norton Motorcycles and develop next-generation electric vehicles, creating 300 jobs.

Cyient investing £100 million in semiconductor and clean energy innovation, creating 300 UK jobs.

Mastek investing £2 million in new AI centres in London and Leeds, generating 200 skilled roles including 75 apprenticeships.

Atul–Date Palm Developments investing £11 million in agri-tech R&D in Somerset, creating 44 jobs.

Also joining the Prime Minister’s official business delegation to India this week was Ruth Chapman, Executive Managing Director of Dulas, a renewable energy company based in Machynlleth.

The visit – the largest government-led trade mission to India to date, with 125 members – marks the first since the UK–India trade deal was signed in July.

Dulas is the UK’s only manufacturer of WHO-accredited solar-powered vaccine refrigerators, used by global health organisations in over 80 countries. The company also provides consultancy in wind, solar, and hydro power, supporting the clean energy transition in the UK and abroad.

During the visit, Ms Chapman joined senior UK business leaders in Mumbai and Bengaluru to explore opportunities for sustainable technology partnerships. Dulas already works with UNICEF and local partner Sheshnag in India to strengthen vaccine cold chain systems and training.

“It’s an honour to represent a Welsh exporter on such a historic mission,” Ms Chapman said after the visit.

“There is enormous potential for collaboration between the UK and India in renewable innovation and health resilience, and it’s exciting to see Wales playing a part in that.”

Industry optimism

Mr Chandan Jerry, Director of NeoCeltic Global Ltd, said the UK–India partnership would accelerate technological collaboration:

“Our company is proud to invest in AI-driven physiotherapy and rehabilitation technology. We will work with UK partners to create innovations that drive growth, generate jobs and improve quality of life.”

India is already the UK’s second-largest investor, with more than 1,000 Indian companies operating across Britain. The latest investments reaffirm the strong economic partnership between both nations, particularly in AI, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing.

Business

Festive fun as Milford Haven Christmas market returns to the waterfront

Published

4 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Traders, lights and family entertainment to kick off Pembrokeshire’s Christmas season

THE FESTIVE spirit is coming to life in Milford Haven with markets, lights and family fun as the town gears up for a packed Christmas programme along the waterfront.

Milford Waterfront is preparing for a busy season of events, starting with an indoor Christmas market in the Link Building from November 21 to 23, featuring handcrafted local gifts and festive treats.

Lucy Wonnacott, head of communications and marketing at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Every year the berth holder community, Milford Waterfront businesses and residents all get involved in making the whole place sparkle, so we encourage people to come and see their efforts and enjoy the lights, soak up the festive cheer, and visit the amazing businesses around Milford Waterfront.

“We’re delighted to host so many activities this festive season to support the independent business community here. There will definitely be something for everyone, and new to Milford Waterfront this year, the indoor Ice Rink at Sybil House will be very special – we’re looking forward to seeing everyone getting their skates on.”

The festive programme includes Santa by the Sea on December 6, when Father Christmas will arrive by RNLI lifeboat before heading to Milford Haven Town Hall for the town’s official Christmas lights switch-on.

The event, running from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, will feature live music, entertainment, face-painting and family activities.

Young artists aged three to twelve can take part in print-your-own Christmas card workshops at the Waterfront Gallery on November 22, 29 and 30. The sessions are free but must be booked in advance by calling 07949 763100.

From December 12 to 14, visitors can enjoy an indoor ice-skating experience at Sybil House, next to Phoenix Bowl. The synthetic rink will be open from 12:00pm to 8:00pm and is suitable for all ages.

The festive fun continues with Pure West Radio’s Purely Magical Christmas Grotto in the Link Building on December 7, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21. Tickets must be booked in advance and include a visit with Santa and his elves, professional photography, chocolate gifts and more.

Throughout December, the waterfront will be illuminated by the annual Christmas Lights Competition, organised by Milford Waterfront, Milford Marina and Visit Milford Haven. The contest features decorated shopfronts, balconies and boats, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere across the area.

Visitors are encouraged to make the most of the season by staying overnight at the Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront, overlooking the marina, to enjoy the full Christmas experience.

More information about this year’s programme of events is available on the Milford Waterfront website.

Crime

Man arrested on suspicion of murder after woman’s body found in Cardigan boatyard

Published

6 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Victim’s family informed as officers appeal for witnesses who were near the scene from Thursday night

POLICE have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a woman’s body at a boatyard in Cardigan.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were called to Netpool Boatyard at around 12:35pm on Saturday (Nov 15) after the body of a woman was found.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

The woman’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

There has been an increased police presence in the town since Saturday afternoon, with officers cordoning off the Netpool slipway and nearby access roads. Late on Saturday night, a boat covered in black plastic sheeting was removed from the scene as part of the ongoing forensic investigation.

Detectives are appealing for information from anyone who may have been at, or seen activity around, the boatyard from 9:00pm on Thursday, November 13 onwards.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police via the website https://orlo.uk/olxMg, email [email protected], or call 101, quoting reference 144 of November 15. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Entertainment

Local premiere for S4C documentary on Pembrokeshire’s ‘Cannabis Cove’

Published

7 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Exclusive screening revisits one of Wales’ most remarkable police operations

A TWO-PART documentary exploring a major drugs bust that stunned a quiet Pembrokeshire seaside town will have its exclusive English-language premiere in Newport next week.

Cannabis Cove: Operation Seal Bay, produced for S4C, takes viewers back to 1983, when the peace of Newport was shattered by one of the most extraordinary police investigations in Welsh criminal history.

That summer, the town became the unlikely centre of an international smuggling ring after a local fisherman, Andy Burgess, spotted something unusual at a remote beach called Pwll Coch—known locally as Seal Bay.

Soon after, authorities discovered a concealed hatch on nearby Traeth Cell Hywel. Beneath it lay a man-made underground chamber stocked with food, radio equipment and fibreglass resin — “like something straight out of James Bond.”

The mystery unfolds

As detectives began to investigate, residents reported strange activity around Newport — unfamiliar luxury cars on rural lanes, and strangers flashing £50 notes in local pubs.

What followed was a sprawling investigation that reached from Pembrokeshire to Scandinavia and the Middle East. Within days, three men — Robin Boswell, Ken Dewar, and escaped drug trafficker Sam Spanggaard — were arrested.

However, the case soon hit a snag: the drugs had disappeared. Without the contraband, the entire prosecution risked collapse. Detectives began to suspect there was a local connection — someone who knew the coastline well.

Forty years on

More than four decades later, S4C’s new documentary returns to the mystery with rare interviews, archive footage, and dramatic re-enactments.

For the first time, it includes testimony from a local man — known only as “Jim” — whose words are voiced by an actor to protect his identity. “Jim,” who once modified cars for Boswell, became unwittingly entangled in a smuggling network stretching from Pembrokeshire to Morocco and beyond.

The two episodes retrace both the discovery of the secret underground chamber and the international scope of the operation that followed.

Local resident Wendy Phillips recalled: “Everyone knew everyone. Everyone knew each other’s business — that’s just how you were brought up.”

Screening in Newport

The pre-broadcast English-language screening of Cannabis Cove: Operation Seal Bay will take place at 6:30pm on Thursday, November 20, at Canolfan Bethlehem, Upper West Street, Newport.

Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session with retired detectives Don Evans and John Daniels, who worked on the original case, alongside the film’s director James Hale.

Entry is free, but donations will be taken on the door to support Canolfan Bethlehem.

Cannabis Cove: Operation Seal Bay airs on S4C later this month.