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Murco sale ‘agreed’ says MP

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Future secure: Stephen Crabb MP has announced that Murco's will stay open.

Future secure: Stephen Crabb MP has announced that Murco’s will stay open.

THERE has been a breakthrough in the ongoing negotiations to find a new buyer for Murco oil refinery in MIlford Haven.

Speaking on Saturday, Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb told The Herald: “I am delighted with the breakthrough today in negotiations over the sale of the Murco oil refinery in Milford Haven. The agreement in principle reached between Murphy and the buyer is a hugely positive step forward. The sale will secure hundreds of high quality jobs and will enable the refinery to continue operating fully. There remain challenges ahead, and a due diligence process to be completed, but I am just so pleased that we have reached this point. I am very optimistic that the sale can be completed. It has felt like a race against time to find a new buyer ever since Murphy started the clock on potential closure. I am very pleased that I was able to bring the buyer into the negotiations in the first instance and help broker a deal. At every step of the way I have remained in close contact with all parties and have worked tirelessly to keep negotiations flowing when difficulties arose. All along I have been incredibly impressed with the dedication of the workforce on site who have stayed focused despite the huge cloud of uncertainty hanging over the refinery.”

The Herald understands that a sale to oil entrepreneur Gary Klesch has been agreed, although the deal is yet to be finalised.

Speaking on BBC Wales on Sunday, Mr. Crabb said was delighted with the timing of the deal: “It was crucial to get this breakthrough this weekend because Murphy were clear that without that commitment, they were going to announce tomorrow morning they were beginning the process of shutting down the refinery altogether,”

Gary Klesch is an Anglo-American entrepreneur, who in 1990 founded The Klesch Group, a global industrial company, based in Geneva, Switzerland, which he owns and chairs.

Delyth Evans, Labour Parliamentary Candidate for South Pembrokeshire said on Sunday: “If this deal goes through it is fantastic news and a huge relief to employees at Murco and to the wider community. It is a vote of confidence in Pembrokeshire and in our skilled workforce. A lot of people including the Welsh Government have been working incredibly hard to secure a buyer for the plant, and it is to all their credit that these efforts appear to have finally paid off. I wish the new owners every success and I hope this will bring further investment to the area. News of the agreement in principle is very encouraging. Murco is an extremely important employer for the area, supporting more than 400 skilled, well paid jobs. The prolonged period of uncertainty has been difficult for everyone concerned.

Mrs Evans added: “I know that the Welsh Government Business Minister, Edwina Hart, will be leaving no stone unturned in trying to ensure a sale and save the jobs I sincerely hope for the successful completion of the sale.”

Murphy oil said yesterday: “Solid progress has been made on negotiations, but the deal has not yet been signed and sealed.”

Stephen Crabb said that he had worked closely with the UK and Welsh Government. He added “The crucial breakthrough came with the involvement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the past few days, when he put the full weight of his support behind keeping Murco open. It was a race against time. I first met with the current buyer give months ago and have remained in contact with them while Murphy was locked into negotiations with Grey-bull.”

Stephen Crabb told The Herald: “There was a concern at a UK level about the position held by Murphy Oil in Arkansas, USA. We needed to be sure that they were willing to sell the refinery as a going concern. It just so happens that I have a good working relationship with the Senator or Arkansas, who helped to open lines of communication between the UK Government and Murphy Oil. It was a question of pulling out all the stops and trying all angles to save the refinery.”

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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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Business

Bluestone National Park Resort pledges support to armed forces community

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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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