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Momentum gathers behind transformational bid for Celtic Freeport

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  • From Manufacturing Wales to Tata Steel UK, Ledwood Mechanical Engineering to RWE, Floventis to NPTC Group of Colleges, momentum is gathering behind a freeport bid that will accelerate Wales’ decarbonisation and act as a catalyst for the transformation of Wales’ industrial cluster.

OVER 100 organisations and politicians have come together to back the transformational bid for a Celtic Freeport. Supporters include global industrial giants and Welsh engineering and construction businesses, green energy developers, decarbonisation groups and trade associations, universities, colleges and local politicians.

On 24 November 2022, a public-private consortium lodged its bid for a Celtic Freeport with the UK and Welsh governments. Spanning 600 hectares of development land across sites in Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire, the bid sets out a vision to deliver an accelerated pathway for Wales’ net zero economy. It is also expected to support over 16,000 jobs and generate up to £5.5 billion of new investment.

The Celtic Freeport will accelerate significant inward investment in new manufacturing facilities to support the roll-out of floating offshore wind (FLOW) in the Celtic Sea, giving Wales global first-mover advantage in this new form of clean, reliable energy. It will also provide the backbone for a greener future, with strengthened export and supply chain opportunities based on the hydrogen economy, sustainable fuels, carbon capture, cleaner steel and low-carbon logistics.

The Celtic Freeport bid covers the ports of Milford Haven and Port Talbot and includes clean energy developments and innovation assets; fuel terminals; a power station; heavy, light and advanced engineering; and the steel industry across south west Wales.

It will create a green investment corridor, securing long-term commitments for major port infrastructure upgrades, skills development and innovation. The bid is rooted in the fair work principles and enduring trade union engagement.

The bid also proposes an ambitious skills agenda through dedicated green skills programmes that will harness the skills-base, industrial assets and education providers of today, for the jobs of tomorrow.

The Celtic Freeport Consortium comprises Associated British Ports (ABP), Neath Port Talbot Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and the Port of Milford Haven. However, a huge range of organisations have been involved in the development of the proposals and spoken out in support of the bid.

“The support we have received for the Celtic Freeport proposals has been phenomenal, both prior to submission and since the bid was submitted,” explains Roger Maggs MBE, Chair of the Celtic Freeport consortium. “There has been a real appetite from across a wide range of industry sectors, as well as from education and politicians at all levels, to ensure Wales and the UK takes full advantage of the massive opportunity that exists through the generation of floating offshore wind energy in the Celtic Sea. Achieving freeport status would give the entire region an enormous boost, whether that is in achieving our net zero targets, creating high-skilled jobs, attracting new investment, developing innovative technology, supporting future skills or putting our manufacturing sector on a path to a sustainable future.”

Business

Ascona CEO honoured at 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards

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ASCONA GROUP, the seventh-largest independent forecourt operator in the UK and one of Wales’ fastest-growing companies for the past three years, has achieved a significant milestone. Darren Briggs, CEO and founder, has been recognised at the 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, securing wins in two prestigious categories: ‘Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year – Wales’ and the inaugural ‘Randall Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year – Wales.’

Celebrating its 12th anniversary, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards highlight innovators and trailblazers shaping the UK economy. The newly introduced ‘Randall Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year’ award celebrates business leaders whose ventures align with the foundation’s mission to save lives, improve life chances, and positively impact local communities.

Pembrokeshire-based Ascona’s commitment to community support has been a cornerstone of its success. The company established The Ascona Foundation in 2020 and has since donated over £400,000 to local, national, and community organisations.

Reflecting on the achievement, Darren Briggs said:
“It is a great honour to be recognised with 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 a testament to the hard work, commitment, and ethos of ‘Team Ascona.’

“However, I am most proud of our charitable endeavours and the team’s dedication to giving back. This year, we remain committed to our fundraising efforts, including our partnership with Wales Air Ambulance, as we continue to support the communities we serve.”

Since its founding, Ascona Group has focused on driving innovation in the forecourt sector while fostering community engagement. This dual commitment to growth and giving back has positioned the company as a leader in its field.

Ascona’s charitable initiatives have supported various causes, enhancing lives across Wales and beyond. Through partnerships with organisations such as Wales Air Ambulance, the Group continues to make a tangible difference.

Darren Briggs’ recognition at the awards underscores Ascona’s impact on both the business world and the communities it serves.

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Business

Call to end ‘fad’ of ‘school dogs’ in Pembrokeshire

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A CALL to end the ‘fad’ of permanent ‘school dogs’ in Pembrokeshire for their benefit and the befit of the schools, instead using visiting ‘therapy dogs’ is to be heard next week.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Schools And Learning Overview And Scrutiny Committee meeting of November 28 will consider a public submission by Robert Thomas – who works with therapy dogs – on the subject of school dogs.

The submission reads: “My definition of a school dog is one that spends long periods in the school and is managed and owned by school employees not outside assessed and insured visiting therapy dogs who stay for an hour with a competent handler.

“The welfare of many dogs in schools in Pembrokeshire has been compromised over the last few years and we are concerned that the rise in the popularity of school-owned or teacher-owned dogs is an animal welfare issue.

“I can think of several school dogs in Pembrokeshire where it has gone wrong for the animal.”

He cites examples of ‘school dogs’ the county, where he says they have had to be removed, with the animals being unsettled, barking and even nipping on occasions, showing “a lack of understanding of animal welfare”.

His submission adds: “We have done some work with the Animal Welfare team at the Welsh Government around licensing this field, a consultation was completed in March 2023, currently awaiting the outcome.

“It has become a fad across the country and many dogs spend all day in schools supported by staff members who have another job to do. It feels like PCC does not have a policy overarching animal welfare policy in schools to protect dogs from being seen as staff members and there purely for human benefit, not the dogs.

“Dogs need to rest and sleep during the day and not in school. The visiting therapy dog model works best as the impact is greatest and the welfare of the dog is managed externally. If the dog is there all the time that can diminish the impact, and the novelty can wear off for the pupils.

“In my experience schools should concentrate on teaching and leave the therapy dog introduction to those that have the expertise in animal welfare.”

The submission will be considered by committee members at the November 28 meeting.

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Specsavers relocates to landmark new store following £1.2 million investment

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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.

New Specsavers store under constructions (Image: Specsavers)

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.’

Andy Britton and Wayne Jones inspect progress of construction (Image: Specsavers)

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.

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