Business

Wales investment summit spotlights £16bn pipeline amid economic challenges

Published

3 days ago

December 1, 2025

HUNDREDS of global business leaders gathered today (Dec 1) at the International Convention Centre Wales and Celtic Manor Resort for the inaugural Wales Investment Summit – the largest event of its kind in Wales since the 2014 NATO Summit.

First Minister Eluned Morgan described the summit as a “pivotal moment” to showcase Wales’ economic potential, with more than 300 delegates from twenty-seven countries hearing pitches on high-growth sectors including AI, semiconductors and clean energy. Around one hundred and fifty of the attending firms are new to Wales.

Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas and broadcaster Alex Jones appeared at sessions throughout the day, adding a distinctly Welsh touch to a high-profile programme led by Morgan and UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

£16bn pipeline and major job pledges

Since announcing the summit in August 2024, Morgan said Wales has secured investment commitments worth £16 billion. The largest is a £10 billion programme from Vantage Data Centers, which plans AI-driven data campuses across south Wales, including at the former Ford engine plant in Bridgend. The project is expected to create several thousand jobs over the next decade.

A further £4.6 billion in pledges was unveiled last week, including:

£2.5 billion for the Wylfa nuclear project
New investments from Rolls-Royce, Vishay, Stena Line, Boccard and Bute Energy

Today’s discussions also followed the UK Government’s recent confirmation that Wylfa will host Britain’s first small modular reactors (SMRs). Construction and operational phases are forecast to support up to 3,000 jobs.

Two “AI Growth Zones” – one across Anglesey and Gwynedd, and a second in south Wales – are projected to generate more than 8,000 jobs combined. The north Wales zone alone is expected to deliver over 3,400 jobs in research, data centres and training, leveraging power output from the Wylfa site.

Reeves confirmed a £10 million UK budget allocation to boost Newport’s semiconductor cluster, emphasising cross-government cooperation.

The summit also highlighted a milestone for the Development Bank of Wales, which has now invested over £1 billion since 2017, supporting 50,000 jobs and nearly 5,000 businesses.

Wales has delivered a 23% rise in foreign direct investment projects in 2024/25 – reaching sixty-five deals – alongside a 30% rise in inward-investment jobs. Wales retains the highest manufacturing share of GDP in the UK at 15.6%, compared to the national average of under ten per cent.

A tough international landscape

The upbeat messaging comes against a difficult global backdrop. UK-wide foreign investment fell to 853 projects in 2024, a thirteen per cent drop. Across Europe, FDI fell by five per cent – the lowest level for almost a decade – amid geopolitical instability, supply-chain pressures and falling manufacturing investment.

Although Wales’ twenty-three per cent rise in project numbers mirrors UK-wide trends, much of the headline £16bn relates to long-term pipelines rather than near-term spending. Several flagship schemes, including Wylfa and the AI zones, rely heavily on public subsidy, with hundreds of millions committed by both the Welsh and UK Governments.

Structural challenges persist

Despite strong announcements, Wales continues to face stubborn economic gaps. Gross value added per head stood at £29,316 in 2023 – around 85% of the UK average. Total Welsh GVA reached £81.5 billion, showing little real-terms growth.

Economic inactivity remains the highest in Great Britain at 24.1% of working-age adults, driven largely by long-term sickness. Average full-time weekly earnings in Wales are £634, compared to the UK figure of £682.

There are also concerns over regional imbalance. South-east Wales continues to attract the majority of major investments, leaving parts of north and west Wales – including Anglesey – vulnerable without wider rail, digital and skills upgrades.

Opposition: ‘Late in the day’

Opposition parties welcomed new jobs but criticised Labour’s economic record.

Plaid Cymru’s Heledd Fychan said many announcements were “late in the day” after “over two decades” of Labour governance, and called for a streamlined “one-stop shop” for business support. The party previously dismissed the summit as a “gimmick”.

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar said the focus should be on “lower taxes and less bureaucracy”, accusing Labour of “hamstringing” the Welsh economy with regulation since 1999. Shadow economy secretary Samuel Kurtz urged investment in “world-class skills” and real support for small firms.

With Senedd elections set for May 2026 – and Labour still absorbing the shock of losing the Caerphilly by-election to Plaid – political scrutiny of the summit has intensified.

Looking ahead

Morgan told delegates: “This summit is the culmination of months of work. Welsh Labour means business and is investing in our economy and jobs for the future.” She said Wales must focus on “growth with purpose”, ensuring high-skilled roles spread opportunity across every region.

Economy Secretary Rebecca Evans added: “Wales is at the forefront of industries that will define the next decade. We’re ready to turn conversations into commitments.”

As delegations continue discussions, the long-term test will be delivery. With £16 billion in pledges and thousands of jobs at stake, Wales faces a decisive question:
Will this investment help close long-standing economic divides – or deepen them in an already fragile global economy?

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

17 minutes 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

8 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

18 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.