Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Tom Sawyer: Ideas and action from Milford Haven’s new port boss

Published

on

HERALD EDITOR TOM SINCLAIR SPEAKS TO THE NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN, TOM SAWYER

HE started off his working career, at 18, as an assistant at the Buchan Ness Lighthouse in Boddam, Scotland. So, the Port of Milford Haven’s new Chief Executive’s first post was linked to the sea. But then, following his father’s footsteps, he then joined the RAF – so how did a man who spent 26 distinguished years serving on land and in the air become the boss of one of the UK’s busiest ports?

Tom Sawyer: Took control of the Port of Milford Haven at the end of April (Image Herald)

Tom Sawyer took control of the port at the end of April. He spent his many RAF years working on forces’ air-land integration. During our two-hour chat in his office, which has a huge window overlooking the waterway, he explained how his military service had taken him to such danger zones as Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, and Sierra Leone. We touched on how Russia had been doing this badly, leading to heavy losses in the Ukraine conflict. But we weren’t there to talk about the crisis in Ukraine, except to discuss if it would impact on port operations, so more on that later.

Mr Sawyer left the military in March 2011 and spent the next six and a half years working with QinetiQ. Whilst there in 2017, he led the initial business set up and strategy development of BQ Solutions, a Joint Venture in Qatar. Then, as the Business Development and Solutions Director, he was in the vanguard of the engagement into Qatar’s Ministry of Defence and its Armed Forces and played a central role in winning and delivering significant business that provided his clients with operational and commercial advantage.

This business experience, plus working for four and a half years in the firm he helped to create, combined with skills from his time in the military running air bases has stood him in good stead for his new role at the Port.

Mr Sawyer explained that an airport is a kind of port after all with “much of the same safety-critical and environmental considerations.”

Mr Sawyers’ promise when he joined the port just seven weeks ago was to: “build for the future and ensure the long-term relevance of the Port to the region and nation.”

A TIME FOR CHANGE

Mr Sawyer is taking the reins at the Port of Milford Haven at a time of innovation and exciting plans for change.

And building for the future he certainly is already; I spoke to the Port’s new Chief just one day after he had been at The Houses of Parliament, as part of the Milford Haven Waterway Future Energy Cluster. The two local MPs, Simon Hart and Stephen Crabb were both there – as was the Business, Energy and Clean Growth Minister Greg Hands.

Members of the Haven Waterway Future Energy Cluster – including Blue Gem Wind, Cambrian Offshore, DP Energy, Dragon LNG, ERM, Marine Energy Wales, RWE, Valero, Prosperity Energy, the Port of Milford Haven, South Wales Industrial Cluster, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Pembrokeshire County Council – are working collaboratively to promote the Milford Haven Waterway’s pivotal role in delivering the UK’s net zero ambitions, offering a whole energy cycle solution that will ‘unlock accelerated transition, whilst stimulating economic growth.

Mr Sawyer admits it’s a big plan, with Milford Haven having the potential to provide 20% of the UK Government’s low carbon hydrogen production target by 2030 as well as 10% of its floating offshore wind target.

“One of the things we have is a steady wind supply in Wales”

Heavy lift: The turbine under construction in Pembroke Dock (Image: Herald)

“We have tide and wind energy, and we need to adapt for these opportunities.”

We spoke about the £60 million Pembroke Dock Marine programme, which is designed to place Pembrokeshire at the heart of global zero carbon marine energy innovation while also helping tackle climate change.

The programme is expected to generate £73.5 million a year to the regional economy.

As well as having application across other blue economy industries, Pembroke Dock Marine will create the right conditions for the marine energy industry to flourish as the UK moves towards net zero decarbonisation targets.

Pembroke Dock Marine’s drive to maximise innovation and operational efficiencies will seek to drive down the cost of marine energy, while acting as a foundation programme that will support the growth of new initiatives in the region.

VALERO

As shipping movements currently account for 75% of the Port’s revenue I asked if he thought there was a future for the continued operation of Valero oil refinery in the long term. The plant is over fifty years old now, and some staff there have said it is showing its age.

In a nod to the predicted continuation of oil refining operations in Milford Haven, Tom Sawyer said: “The long-term future of Valero is in being here.”

Explaining that he could not speak for the management of Valero, he did say: “The refinery makes money, is thriving, and is operating at full speed.”

Valero Oil Refinery, Milford Haven (Image: PA)

Pointing across to the window he said: “There is barely a day when there is an empty berth on the jetty over there.”

“There will be oil tankers coming in and out of this harbour for the next twenty or thirty years. Hydrogen and electric vehicles cannot replace fossil fuels overnight.”

“In addition, there are other products such as bitumen which cannot be replaced by a hydrogen alternative.”

OBJECTIVES

I asked Mr Sawyer about how he saw his new role, and to define objectives. He said: “I see myself as the current custodian of this trust port. My aim is that when I do eventually hand over this office to the next chief executive, that I do so with the Port in a better state than when I took it on.”

“75% of what we do is move ships, and we must continue to do that in a safe, resilient, reliable way and provide the right services for our stakeholders.”

New boss: I am the current custodian of this trust port (Image MHPA)

In relation to stakeholders and the wider community, he added: “The Port does have social obligations”

“I look out of my window every day and see a multi-million-pound industry, but at the same time I am aware that around 30% of children in Pembrokeshire are living in poverty.”

“That’s something we need to look at and work collaboratively with our stakeholders and partners on”, he said.

The new Port boss promises that he is committed to the local community, stating the Port’s role as a Trust Port to “contribute to the future prosperity, quality of life and wellbeing of the people of Pembrokeshire”.

He explained the importance of the Port to the locality in economic terms, explaining that the Port supports 200 jobs directly – mostly employing local people – and that the energy sector around the Port provides, according to early recent economic analysis by Cardiff Business School – around 3,500 jobs in the communities immediately surrounding the Waterway.

Mr Sawyer added that he wanted to promote the Port’s Community Fund and the Green Energy Fund.

He said: “We have funding in place to support worthwhile causes in the local community. I feel that we need to promote our Community Fund more as last year it was not fully subscribed.”

There will be more information in The Herald in the coming weeks about these two funds.

DOCKS DEVELOPMENT

The Milford Waterfront development is something that Mr Sawyer says would continue. He praised the business partnership with The Celtic Collection in running the new 100-bedroom hotel on the marina.

He said: “In regard to the development of the area further, I am keen that this is done in such a way that it should benefit the town centre and not distract from it.”

Miflord Haven Docks Masterplan (Image: MHPA)

Mr Sawyer said that access between Milford Haven’s Charles Street and the Waterfront could be improved to facilitate this.

He said that he wanted there to be “more to do” at Milford Waterfront, and he said he did not want there to be only “places to eat and drink” but a range of activities to make the area more of an attraction – an example cited was a new canoe and kayaking businesses which was due to open soon near the old Cosalt building.

IMPROVEMENTS

We spoke about the November 2018 flood in Lower Priory and Havens Head.

There had been controversy at the time, with Stephen Crabb MP calling on the Port to take responsibility for the flooding. That never happened.

Mr Sawyer said: “There is a corporate recognition within the Port that communications between the various agencies and with residents were poor, and that things could have been handled better.

“There was no liability for the flood apportioned to the Port, but we should have been more forthcoming and supportive earlier on.

The Priory Inn, Lower Priory, Milford Haven on November 9 , 2018 (Pic: Herald)

“We do understand that we have a role in collective community responsibility.

Mr Sawyer added: “The Port of Milford Haven commissioned its own analysis, in which we found that no activity would have made any difference in preventing the flood, given the tidal nature of the docks.

“We have invested significantly on improvements – such as new covers for culverts – and these modifications will make it safer for our team to deliver a new ‘good housekeeping’ plan, ensuring that rubbish can be kept clear of the culverts.” The Port is also working collaboratively with PCC to look at longer term improvements.

THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR

Mr Sawyer explained that the Port, which handles 20% of the UK’s seaborne trade, had to conduct more checks now to ensure compliance with sanctions against Russia. He said: “We have a due diligence process and are conducting checks and balances on embargoed items.

“We have a new system of multiple checks on cargoes and produce a daily assurance list to ensure that all cargo meets the threshold (of being legal),”

He added that despite sanctions, which the Port would monitor carefully, it was unlikely that there would be a turndown in business.

Community

Milford Haven Town Council seeks nominations for 2025 Citizens’ Awards

Published

on

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL is inviting residents to put forward their local heroes for recognition in this year’s Citizens’ Awards.

The annual awards celebrate the efforts of individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make Milford Haven a better place—voluntarily and without any form of payment.

Nominations are now open, and members of the public are encouraged to take a moment to think about those who deserve a special thank you. Whether it’s someone who supports vulnerable neighbours, leads a youth group, organises community events, or simply goes out of their way to help others, the Town Council wants to hear about them.

A spokesperson for the council said: “These awards are a fantastic way to recognise the unsung heroes of our town—the people whose efforts too often go unnoticed. If you know someone who gives their time freely to benefit the local community, we urge you to nominate them.”

Nominations must be submitted by 12:00pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

To obtain a nomination form:

Please note: Awards can only be granted to those working in a voluntary capacity, and previous award recipients are not eligible for nomination.

For inspiration, you can view highlights from last year’s ceremony via Milford Haven Town Council’s Facebook page:
facebook.com/milfordhaventowncouncil/posts/pfbid02f7WhKXhjtDxEqV68ujznDvFX89yhBYe8dQgXtqqY19Yb7bC7SeNYW6Ua42E4Ehevl

The council encourages everyone to get involved and help shine a light on the incredible community spirit that defines Milford Haven.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

The authentic sound of The Rolling Stones… with the world’s premier Jagger lookalike

Published

on

CAPTURING the authentic sound and spirit of The Greatest Rock n’ Roll Band In The World, NOT THE ROLLING STONES have played festivals, theatres and private gigs throughout Europe, the middle east and the UK. This May, they will appear here on the Torch Stage in Pembrokeshire!

Featuring the best Mick Jagger lookalike you will ever see, truly international tribute act in demand all over Europe as well as the UK, will take you back to the Golden Age of The Stones- from Satisfaction to Sympathy for the Devil… You won’t believe it’s not Jagger!

Based on the Rolling Stones, an English rock band formed in London in 1962 and active for over six decades, they were one of the most popular, influential, and enduring bands of the rock era and pioneered the gritty, rhythmically driven sound that came to define hard rock, and Not The Rolling Stones carry on that legacy today.

They have the unique asset of a ‘Mick and Keith’ who stagger audiences with their authenticity, also attested by the many TV and film credits they have between them.

Backed by a superb group of professional musicians that love the music they are playing; they convey their enthusiasm for the work of the world’s greatest rock and roll band.

Not the Rolling Stones will be on the Torch Theatre stage on Friday 16 May at 7.30pm. Tickets are £25. Visit the website for further details www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

Continue Reading

Business

Wales leads Britain in export growth for financial and professional services

Published

on

Financial exports soar by 63.5% to £4.3bn

WALES has outpaced every other part of Great Britain in export growth for financial and related professional services, according to a new report by TheCityUK.

The report, Exporting from across Britain: Financial and related professional services 2025, reveals that exports from Wales surged by 63.5% in 2022, reaching £4.3bn—significantly ahead of the national average.

Across Great Britain, total financial and related professional services exports rose by 18.4% to £158bn, with nearly half (47%) generated outside London. Wales contributed 2.9% of the UK’s total financial services exports and 2% of the related professional services total.

The report provides a breakdown of 2022 data by region and nation, highlighting the growing contribution of areas outside London in strengthening the UK’s role as a global financial centre.

In terms of export destinations, 27% of Wales’s financial services exports went to the European Union, with the remaining 73% reaching markets across the rest of the world.

Tom Bray, TheCityUK Chair for Wales and Senior Office Partner (Cardiff) at Eversheds Sutherland, said: “It’s great to see such strong growth in Wales for financial and related professional services exports. Our skill and ability to provide high-quality financial and professional services plays an important role in driving growth in Wales, creating jobs and opportunities for communities across the nation.”

Anjalika Bardalai, Chief Economist and Head of Research at TheCityUK, added: “In 2022, Wales had an extremely strong year of export growth, albeit from a lower base than most regions. Nearly half of all UK exports in financial and related services now come from outside London, reinforcing the UK’s strength as an international financial hub and the importance of regional contributions.”

Policy recommendations

TheCityUK report also outlines a series of recommendations for industry, government, and regulators to support export growth in Wales and beyond. These fall under three key areas:

1. Improving access to trade opportunities

  • Better coordination between UK government, devolved administrations, and investment bodies.
  • Align local growth strategies with national trade goals.
  • Launch a pilot national brokerage scheme to connect capital with investable projects.

2. Expanding global market access

  • Finalise FTAs with Switzerland and India, ensuring better market access and digital trade provisions.
  • Use talks with the Gulf Cooperation Council to promote regulatory cooperation.
  • Strengthen regulatory dialogues with major markets like the US, EU, Japan, and Singapore.
  • Replicate successful models like the UK-Switzerland MRA with other global financial centres.
  • Encourage domestic and international investment into UK scale-up businesses.

3. Positioning the UK for future demand

  • Make the UK a global hub for data, tech, and innovation.
  • Establish the UK as the gateway for international investment.
  • Focus development work on high-potential markets to maximise value.

The report underlines that Wales’s performance demonstrates the growing importance of the UK’s nations and regions in maintaining the country’s competitive edge on the global stage.

Continue Reading

News6 hours ago

Fire chief praises crews for response to grass fires

Over 250 incidents tackled during dry spell THE CHIEF Fire Officer of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service...

News7 hours ago

Man paralysed after being shot during weapons test at Pendine MoD range

Defence firm fined £800,000 over ‘devastating’ safety failure A CIVILIAN weapons expert was left paralysed from the neck down after...

Crime13 hours ago

Former police superintendent dismissed for gross misconduct

Misogynistic behaviour spanned three years, hearing told A FORMER senior officer has been dismissed from Dyfed-Powys Police following a gross...

Charity2 days ago

Royal visit celebrates Pembrokeshire charity’s community impact

STAFF, volunteers and visiting pupils at Lower Treginnis Farm were delighted to welcome a very special guest on Wednesday (April...

Business2 days ago

Valero refinery escapes Trump’s new tariffs

Fuel imports spared as US tries to avoid price hikes THE VALERO oil refinery in Pembroke has escaped the impact...

Crime2 days ago

Leaked messages point to leadership crisis at HMP Parc

Staff mocked suicide and bragged about assaults as G4S failed to intervene A CULTURE of violence, cruelty and neglect flourished...

News3 days ago

Cleddau Bridge Hotel site housing development takes a step forward

CASTELL GROUP, in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council, have completed the sale for the redevelopment of the former Cleddau Bridge...

Business3 days ago

Pembrokeshire Council rules out ‘toxic tourism tax’ – for now

VISITORS to Pembrokeshire will not face a new overnight tourism tax—at least not during the current county council administration. As...

News3 days ago

Shellfish gathering labelled ‘out of control’ in Saundersfoot

COUNCILLOR DEMANDS ACTION AS 250 COCKLE PICKERS DESCEND ON LOCAL BEACH ANGER is growing in Saundersfoot after more than 200...

Crime3 days ago

In court charged with intentional strangulation of woman

A PEMBROKESHIRE man is to appear before a Crown Court judge for trial charged with the intentional strangulation of a...

Popular This Week