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General Manager of Valero will drive £1.3bn Swansea Bay deal

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A LEADING figure with links to Pembrokeshire will play a key role in driving forward the £1.3bn Swansea Bay City Deal.

Edward Tomp, Vice President and General Manager of Valero UK in Pembroke, has been chosen as preferred candidate to become chair of the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Economic Strategy Board (ESB).

During an international, private sector career spanning over 30 years, Mr Tomp has also held a number of senior positions in companies based in the USA and Australia.

The ESB will represent the wider community, including the private sector and third sector. It will act as the voice of business, provide strategic direction to the City Deal and oversee the development of business cases for each project. It will also have a role in advising the Joint Committee on opportunities to strengthen the City Deal’s impact.

Subject to the City Deal’s governance being agreed, Mr Tomp will be officially confirmed as ESB chairman.

Mr Tomp, originally from California, said: “Through an innovative public and private sector partnership, the Swansea Bay City Deal will considerably boost growth in sectors including digital enterprise, life sciences and well-being, smart manufacturing and sustainable energy production. This will help build and improve the Swansea Bay City Region for local people and local businesses throughout Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea as a number of major projects unfold across South West Wales.

“As preferred candidate to become chair of the City Deal’s Economic Strategy Board, I’m extremely proud that I’ll play a part in delivering this tremendously exciting programme of considerable investment in coming years.

“The City Deal is vitally important because it will create thousands of new, well-paid jobs, while supporting existing businesses and entrepreneurs through more supply chain opportunities and the construction of state-of-the-art spaces for offices, clustering, research and development.

“Also potentially leading to new global export markets in the City Region, the City Deal will improve our economic well-being and raise aspirations, which is why I’m wholeheartedly committed to doing all I can to help ensure it realises its enormous potential.”

As well as his position at Valero UK, Mr Tomp has experience as a chairperson and member of Pembrokeshire College’s Board of Governors. He’s also been a member of Pembrokeshire Council’s A-Level Steering Group, the Milford Haven Enterprise Zone Advisory Board, and the Welsh Government’s Energy Wales Strategic Delivery Group.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Lead Leader for the Swansea Bay City Region, said: “There are five key areas of the City Deal, with Mr Tomp showing considerable experience in three of them – energy, manufacturing and skills.

“This, coupled with his hugely impressive international private sector and industrial experience, means he’s the perfect person to chair the Economic Strategy Board.

“The ESB will play a vital role in the City Deal’s delivery and impact in coming years, so we’re delighted to have chosen someone of Mr Tomp’s calibre as our preferred candidate.”

Alun Cairns, the UK Government’s Secretary of State for Wales, said: “The Economic Strategy Board has a critical role to play in how the Deal is developed and implemented.

“It’s essential that private sector expertise is the driving force behind projects within the City Deal. Not only will Mr Tomp be the voice of business in the region, but his international reputation will be an asset in attracting and securing new investment to the region.”

Ken Skates, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport, said: “I welcome Mr Tomp’s selection as the preferred candidate and the wealth of experience he can bring as Chair. The Economic Strategy Board will play a vital role in the delivery of the Swansea Bay City Region City Deal in representing the voices of the private, public and third sector. The Board will also support the more regional approach which is central to our vision for a more prosperous Wales, and a key component of our Economic Action Plan.”

As well as the chair, the process for selecting a number of other private sector representatives to sit on the ESB is progressing. Areas including life sciences and further education will be among those represented.

Business

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority invites businesses to advertise in mag

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As 2024 comes to a close, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is encouraging local businesses to prepare for the year ahead by reserving advertising space in Coast to Coast, Pembrokeshire’s highly regarded, award-winning visitor magazine.

Launching its 43rd edition in Easter 2025, Coast to Coast provides a prime opportunity for businesses to reach a wide audience, with a readership exceeding one million people.

The bilingual publication, distributed across Pembrokeshire’s busiest locations and parts of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion during peak tourism months, is a valuable resource for both visitors and residents. From unique products and delicious offerings to exciting experiences, businesses of all types can benefit from the exposure Coast to Coast offers. The magazine is available in hundreds of outlets countywide and has become an essential guide for anyone looking to explore the best of Pembrokeshire.

“Over the years, Coast to Coast has established itself as the must-have summer guide, packed with inspiration for exploring the Park,” said Marie Parkin, Head of Marketing and Communications for the Authority. “In addition to showcasing our visitor attractions such as Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, Castell Henllys Iron Age Village and Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre, the magazine includes practical information like maps, bus schedules and tide tables.”

“From scenic walks and beach days to rich insights into the Park’s heritage, culture, and wildlife, Coast to Coast offers something for everyone. Our Activities and Events listings ensure families can enjoy a full calendar of experiences,” Marie Parkin added.

With advertising deadlines set for early January 2025, businesses are encouraged to act swiftly to secure their spot and avoid disappointment.

For more information about advertising in Coast to Coast, please contact [email protected] or call 01646 624895.

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Business

Kurtz addresses Employment and Skills Convention

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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.”

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Business

Homebase enters administration, putting 2,000 jobs at risk

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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.

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