Business
Sunday Times article sparks fears for Murco workers
AN ARTICLE published today by a leading national newspaper has reignited fears amongst workers that a Milford Haven oil refinery may close, putting 400 jobs at risk.
The Sunday Times printed that mounting losses as well as a shift in focus by parent company Murphy Oil – from refining to exploration – meant that the refinery was now at risk. The American oil giant has tried to sell the refinery, which opened in 1973, but no buyer has been found. This is despite the offer of a multi-million pound dowry.
According to accounts published by Murphy Oil in the USA, the refinery made a loss of $105m (£63m) in the last three months of 2013.
Murphy Oil classified the refinery, which is the smallest site in the UK, as a “discontinued operation” in its accounts, according to The Sunday Times.
The Sunday Times has also reported that Murphy Oil said that it expects to complete the “disposition” of the refinery by this year.
Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, has spoken to The Herald about her concern about the future of refinery following the report that it may face closure.
Mrs Evans said: “This is deeply concerning. The accounts, filed in America, show Milford Haven representing a loss to the company of $105 million for the last quarter of 2013.
“Murphy Oil has said that it expects to complete the “disposition” of the refinery at Milford Haven by the end of the year. I am seeking urgent clarity from the company as to what that means.
“Assurances were given in November that the refinery would not close – and yet three months later the company is talking about “disposition.” If disposition means a sale, then that could be positive as it would end a protracted period of uncertainty for the 400 strong workforce. However, if disposition means closure, then that would be a devastating and terrible blow to Milford Haven and the surrounding area.
“I know that there are several serious challenges facing the Milford Haven operation, including the downturn in demand for petrol. There is also new competition from giant refineries being built in the Middle East and Asia which can operate at a fraction of the cost of Milford Haven refinery, which is the smallest in Britain.
“I have written to the Minister for the Economy, Science and Transport asking what discussions she and her officials are having with the company, what assistance Government might be able to offer in terms of helping find a buyer for the refinery, and what support can be offered to the workers.
“I also am seeking a meeting with union representatives.”
HERALD NEWS UPDATE
AN ARTICLE published today by a leading national newspaper has reignited fears amongst workers that a Milford Haven oil refinery may close, putting 400 jobs at risk.
The Sunday Times printed that mounting losses as well as a shift in focus by parent company Murphy Oil – from refining to exploration – meant that the refinery was now at risk. The American oil giant has tried to sell the refinery, which opened in 1973, but no buyer has been found. This is despite the offer of a multi-million pound dowry.
According to accounts published by Murphy Oil in the USA, the refinery made a loss of $105m (£63m) in the last three months of 2013.
Murphy Oil classified the refinery, which is the smallest site in the UK, as a “discontinued operation” in its accounts, according to The Sunday Times.
The Sunday Times has also reported that Murphy Oil said that it expects to complete the “disposition” of the refinery by this year.
Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, has spoken to The Herald about her concern about the future of refinery following the report that it may face closure.
Mrs Evans said: “This is deeply concerning. The accounts, filed in America, show Milford Haven representing a loss to the company of $105 million for the last quarter of 2013.
The site has been for sale for three years, but Murco has been unable to find a buyer for the site and had to write-down the company’s value by $73m (£44m) from its value last year.
“Murphy Oil has said that it expects to complete the “disposition” of the refinery at Milford Haven by the end of the year. I am seeking urgent clarity from the company as to what that means.
“Assurances were given in November that the refinery would not close – and yet three months later the company is talking about “disposition.” If disposition means a sale, then that could be positive as it would end a protracted period of uncertainty for the 400 strong workforce. However, if disposition means closure, then that would be a devastating and terrible blow to Milford Haven and the surrounding area.
“I know that there are several serious challenges facing the Milford Haven operation, including the downturn in demand for petrol. There is also new competition from giant refineries being built in the Middle East and Asia which can operate at a fraction of the cost of Milford Haven refinery, which is the smallest in Britain.
“I have written to the Minister for the Economy, Science and Transport asking what discussions she and her officials are having with the company, what assistance Government might be able to offer in terms of helping find a buyer for the refinery, and what support can be offered to the workers.
“I also am seeking a meeting with union representatives.”
Plaid Cymru AM for the Mid and West, Simon Thomas said: “Just a couple of months ago the current owners were adamant that closure was not on the cards at Milford Haven but comments by the company’s CEO and the write down of UK assets, namely Murco, appear to suggest a real threat to ongoing operations at Milford Haven.
“Four hundred jobs are at stake so it is vital that the Welsh Government intervenes now. In November we were told that talks between the Welsh Government and the company were not in relation to the plant’s closure which at the time was a great relief. But it is unfair to expect workers to live with such uncertainty hanging over them.
“I expect the Economy Minister to address the Assembly at the earliest possible opportunity to reassure us that the Welsh Government is fighting for those 400 jobs.”
Paul Davies, Assembly Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire, said, “The Murco oil refinery is an important employer in Pembrokeshire providing hundreds of skilled jobs.
“Further uncertainty over the refinery’s future is most unwelcome and I hope the company will be offered every possible support.
“I hope Welsh Labour Ministers are doing all they can to help secure the future of this refinery and the contribution it makes to the Welsh economy.”
Business
Kurtz addresses Employment and Skills Convention
SENEDD Member Samuel Kurtz kicked off an Employment and Skills Convention at the Cardiff City Stadium recently, organised by the Learning and Skills Institute. The event sought to unite organisations, businesses, and training providers to discuss critical issues surrounding employment and skills development across Wales.
The convention featured a panel of distinguished speakers, including local Samuel Kurtz MS, who is the Shadow Minister for the Economy and Energy; Rhys Morris, Managing Director of The Busy Group; and Megan Hooper, Director for Employment and Skills at Serco. Together, they explored strategies for increasing employment and the positive impacts this can have on individuals, young people, and the broader community.
Following the event, Samuel Kurtz said: “It was a privilege to speak at this convention and to underscore the vital role of collaboration between government and the private sector in aligning skills and training with the evolving needs of our economy.
“By enhancing skills and creating jobs, we can foster a resilient workforce that will not only meet today’s demands but also drive essential green infrastructure projects, ensuring a prosperous future for young people in Wales.
“Welsh Government Ministers must acknowledge their role in addressing high levels of economic inactivity. Introducing employment targets is essential to support people in re-entering the workforce and contributing to Wales’ economic growth.”
Business
Homebase enters administration, putting 2,000 jobs at risk
HOMEBASE, the beleaguered home improvement chain with stores in Haverfordwest and Bridgend, has collapsed into administration, placing 2,000 jobs in jeopardy. The company has struggled with rising costs and shifting consumer demand, which led to the closure of other Welsh stores in Newport, Brecon, Mold, and Cardiff in recent years.
Hilco, Homebase’s owner, had been attempting to sell the struggling retailer but failed to secure a complete buyer. The owner of The Range, CDS Superstores, has agreed to acquire up to 70 Homebase locations along with the brand itself, protecting approximately 1,600 jobs. However, this deal leaves 49 stores without a buyer, with thousands of additional jobs at risk in stores and at the head office. Teneo, the appointed administrators, declined to specify which locations face potential closure.
For now, the 49 stores will continue trading as Teneo seeks a buyer, with no immediate redundancies planned. In the new arrangement, CDS Superstores has acquired Homebase’s brand name and intellectual property, ensuring the Homebase brand will persist online, while physical stores will convert to The Range.
Damian McGloughlin, CEO of Homebase, described the past three years as “incredibly challenging” for the DIY sector. He cited the downturn in consumer spending following the pandemic, persistent inflation, global supply chain disruptions, and unusual weather patterns as factors that impacted Homebase’s performance. Despite restructuring and investment efforts, the business has not been able to turn its fortunes around.
Teneo joint administrator Gavin Maher acknowledged the uncertainty this announcement brings, urging any interested buyers for the remaining stores to make contact.
The current administration marks the end of a troubled chapter for Homebase, which Hilco bought for £1 in 2018 after Wesfarmers, its previous owner, admitted to several strategic missteps, including underestimating winter demand and cutting popular product lines. Homebase reported an £84.2 million loss last year, highlighting its continued financial struggle amid competition from budget-friendly rivals such as B&M and Home Bargains, which have thrived in the value-driven market.
Homebase was founded in 1979 by Sainsbury’s and the Belgian-owned department store chain GB-inno-BM. Over the years, it expanded rapidly, absorbing the Texas Homecare chain in the 1990s before changing hands several times in the 2000s.
Business
Bluestone National Park Resort pledges support to armed forces community
BLUESTONE National Park Resort has signed the Armed Forces Covenant to pledge its commitment to the UK Armed Forces as the country commemorates Armistice Day.
Bluestone, which employs several former armed forces personnel, marked Armistice Day on 11, with a commitment to reaching gold status on the covenant.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or have served in the armed forces and their families are treated fairly.
The Covenant aims to eliminate disadvantage and ensure that no member of the armed forces community faces discrimination in providing public and commercial services compared to any other citizen.
Glenn Hewer, Head of Sales at Bluestone, is a former Royal Marine who volunteers with the Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines. He said: “More and more employees recognise the importance and significance that former armed personnel have and play in their communities and workplaces. The covenant is a commitment to them and a recognition of what they and their families have sacrificed for us.
“Additionally, ex-forces personnel make great employees in all walks of life. They are highly trained in a wide range of skills and bring many benefits to businesses. Providing an opportunity that allows them to further their careers outside the military is a great way of supporting them and their families.”
This commitment has also led Bluestone to join the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze award. The ERS encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. It encompasses bronze, silver, and gold awards for organisations that pledge, demonstrate, or advocate support for defence and the armed forces community.
Marten Lewis, Director of Sustainability at Bluestone National Park Resort who is also a veteran of the Royal Engineers, said: “At Bluestone, we deeply value the contribution of the Armed Forces community to our country.
“We are proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrate our commitment to supporting them. We believe it’s important to recognise the sacrifices made by service personnel and their families and ensure they are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve. We are committed to attaining the Gold ERS as we build our relationship with the armed forces community.”
Craig Middle, Regional Employer Engagement Director at the Ministry of Defence, said: “We are delighted that Bluestone National Park Resort has signed the Armed Forces Covenant and is committed to supporting the Armed Forces community. This is a fantastic example of a business recognising the value that serving personnel, veterans and their families bring to the workplace and wider society.”
Marten added: “The Armed Forces Covenant is a living document, and Bluestone is committed to updating its pledge to reflect its ongoing support for the Armed Forces community.”
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