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
Specsavers relocates to landmark new store following £1.2 million investment
HAVERFORDWEST will celebrate the opening of Wales’ largest Specsavers store on Monday 16 December 2024, following a transformative £1.2 million relocation to larger premises in the Riverside Shopping Centre.
The new state-of-the-art store, located at 21 Riverside Quay, promises cutting-edge facilities and enhanced services to meet growing community needs.
It will boast 14 test rooms, including two dedicated audiology suites, making it not only the largest Specsavers store in Wales, but one of the largest in the UK. Equipped with the latest technology, the premises will offer enhanced eye care, contact lens, and audiology services, easing the burden on local NHS services.
The store will also play a key role in education, supporting optometrists undertaking higher qualifications, such as Glaucoma and Independent Prescribing certificates, by providing hands-on opportunities to gain essential clinical experience.
‘This substantial investment reflects our commitment to delivering world-class eye and hearing care to Pembrokeshire,’ says Andy Britton, ophthalmic director at Specsavers Haverfordwest. ‘Our larger premises will allow us to meet growing demand, introduce advanced clinical services, and provide a dedicated training facility for optometrists pursuing higher qualifications.’
A recent YouGov survey, commissioned by Specsavers, revealed that 68% of Welsh adults wouldn’t think to visit an optician first for eye-related problems, and half (50%) would first contact another NHS service (GP, pharmacy, eye hospital, NHS 111 or A&E) if they woke up with eye issues, rather than their local opticians.
The survey also revealed that, of the 68% who would not visit an optician first if they woke up with an eye problem, more than a third (35%) didn’t know they could use an optician for these issues, while a quarter (25%) were concerned they’d have to pay for treatment.
Mr Britton explains: ‘We encourage anyone experiencing acute or chronic eye problems – such as sudden loss of vision, red or painful eyes, flashing lights, floaters, or headaches – to make their optometrist their first point of contact. Optometrists are equipped to manage a wide range of urgent eye issues, allowing patients to receive prompt care and avoid unnecessary trips to A&E or long waits for a GP appointment.
‘By offering quick access to eye health services, we can reduce the burden on the NHS in Wales and ensure people receive the help they need before their condition worsens.’
The grand reopening event on 16 December will feature live entertainment from the Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir and notable attendees, including several local mayors and other dignitaries. The event will also celebrate Specsavers’ community-focused ethos, with a series of fundraising and awareness initiatives planned for 2025.
This new chapter follows the addition of Wayne Jones, retail director, to the Haverfordwest team earlier this year. With a remarkable career and commitment to innovation in optometry, Mr Jones brings invaluable leadership to the practice. His appointment, combined with the relocation, marks a transformative era for the store.
Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Paul Miller, praised the move: ‘Specsavers’ significant investment is a strong vote of confidence in the future of Haverfordwest. The new store is a key part of the town’s ongoing regeneration, drawing important footfall through the town centre.’
The new Specsavers Haverfordwest store will be open seven days a week, offering flexible appointment times to cater to the community’s needs. To book an appointment or learn more about the services available, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/haverfordwest.
Business
Ascona wins at the 2024 Allica Bank Vreat British Entrepreneur Awards
PEMBROKESHIRE businessman Darren Briggs, founder of petrol station operator Ascona, has been named a winner of the prestigious Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the ‘Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year – Wales’ and the inaugural ‘Randal Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year – Wales’ categories.
Now in its 12th year, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals and businesses driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the UK economy.
This year, the brand new ‘Randal Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year’ award celebrated entrepreneurs whose business embodied The Randal Foundation’s core mission – to save lives, improve life chances, and contribute positively to local communities.
Ascona has been committed to supporting local communities since its inception, having established The Ascona Foundation in 2020. The success of the Group over the years has enabled Darren and the team to support many charities in the areas in which it operates, with the Company donating over £400,000 to local, national and community organisations since 2017.
Darren Briggs, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ascona Group, commented: “It is a great honour to be recognised for such prestigious awards at this year’s Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
“I am incredibly proud of Ascona and everything we have achieved over the years. This is another milestone for our business and the recognition is a testament to everyone’s hard work, commitment, and ‘Team Ascona’s’ ethos over the years.
“However, I am most proud of our charitable endeavors and the team’s commitment to giving back. It is something that is very close to my heart. We’re committed to supporting our various charity partnerships, including the Wales Air Ambulance this year, as we continue our extensive fundraising initiatives across the Group.”
Business
Cilgerran cafe could close but a new one could open as plans submitted
A CALL to convert a Pembrokeshire village café back to a house, while another ongoing scheme in the same village seeks to convert a house to a café, have been submitted to county planners.
David McDonald, through agent Acer Town Planning, seeks permission to change the use of the ground floor of Awelfa, High Street, Cilgerran from a café to being used as part of the attached dwelling.
A supporting statement, through the agent, says Adele’s café at Awelfa, High Street was originally a dwelling but has seen mixed commercial use for decades.
“Prior to opening as Adele’s café by the applicant, the ground floor commercial use had been vacant for around two years having previously been operated as a Chinese takeaway.
“The current owners took over the rental of the property in April 2019 (purchasing in October 2020) and have operated Adele’s café from the premises between June 2019 and August 2024 whilst living in the linked dwellinghouse.
“During this period, the Awelfa, Cilgerran business has been under prolonged and sustained economic pressures from the cost-of-living crisis with the subsequent increases in utility and food costs and minimum wages.
“Summers 2023 and 2024 saw a significant drop in trade from both local customers and, in particular, a drop in the number of tourists visiting the area. The closure of the toilets and visitors centre at Cilgerran Castle is considered to have contributed to this reduction in visitor numbers.
“The business was closed during January due to low trade and opened again in February for three days a week and then four days a week from April. Even with reduced opening hours the business has not been viable for the applicant to continue operating. The reluctant decision was therefore made to sell the property and trading ceased on August 24.”
The statement says was put up for sale with no offers to buy despite several price reductions, with only three viewings in total.
“In order to increase the pool of buyers for the property, the applicant is now applying for the change of use of the café areas back to form part of the residential use of the main dwelling (as per the original building),” the statement adds.
It also references an unrelated application to convert The Old Post House, High Street, owned by nearby village stores Siop Y Pentre, from a dwelling to a café and flat, saying it “could act as a replacement facility for the community”.
Both applications are currently before planners and are expected to be considered at a later date.
-
Crime2 days ago
Pembroke man faces rape and sexual assault charges
-
Business3 hours ago
Specsavers relocates to landmark new store following £1.2 million investment
-
Community4 days ago
Special guests for Torch showing of ‘Attack on Sorpe Dam’
-
Community1 day ago
Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest is now officially open!
-
News2 days ago
A tribute to Honey Arteya Foxx French, written by her family
-
Top News3 days ago
Pembrokeshire’s ‘coal king’ lifts one of world’s oldest 127 kg lifting stones
-
News3 days ago
Police appeal after Nerf gun bullet hit baby
-
Crime6 days ago
Man jailed for growing £500,000 worth of drugs in Pembroke