Business
‘Team Wales’ approach needed to deliver green energy transformation
A “TEAM WALES” approach is needed to deliver the renewable energy advances promised by the Celtic Freeport, according to Tom Sawyer, CEO of Port of Milford Haven and Celtic Freeport executive member.
The Celtic Freeport, due to be formally designated by the Welsh and UK Governments in spring/summer 2024, will build on the strengths of two of the UK’s leading ports, Milford Haven and Port Talbot, to create a green investment corridor. This will enable Wales to capitalise on renewable energy technologies and to position itself as a leader in the field.
Sawyer is one of four speakers lined up to discuss renewable energy in the South West Wales region at the inaugural Green Economy Conference, which takes place in Swansea Arena on Tuesday November 22.
The discussion, chaired by Abigail Beck, communications manager for RenewableUK Cymru, will also feature Arwyn Williams, Head of Faculty Engineering, Computing and Strategic lead for Higher Education, Pembrokeshire College; Joseph Kidd, co-founder of renewable energy developer Hiraeth Energy and a partner in sustainability consultancy Afallen; and Andrew Harston, strategic adviser, Wales & Short Sea Ports, ABP and Celtic Freeport executive member.
A key topic of discussion will be the rollout of floating offshore wind, which is one of the key commitments of the Celtic Freeport, along with supporting 16,000 green jobs.
“We need to adopt a Team Wales approach to get this over the line,” said Sawyer. “The conference will provide a focal point for supply chain businesses, education providers, energy developers and politicians to coordinate efforts to accelerate our readiness for the floating offshore wind opportunity around the corner.”
Harston added: “This is Wales’ opportunity to create a new green industry. Floating offshore wind will play a central role in our green future and is essential to ensure we hit net zero targets. The opportunity from floating offshore wind is huge for new port infrastructure, factories and jobs.”
Williams will also be discussing offshore floating wind power, along with hydrogen developments, plus how the existing hydrocarbon sector views the energy transition.
“There are so many exciting and new opportunities emerging in the region, it is critical that these opportunities can be fully realised by the local communities,” he said. “This conference is an ideal platform for raising awareness and discussing the key topics. I am delighted to be given the opportunity to be involved and hope to further strengthen the region’s position in leading on the skills development in these areas.”
Kidd’s sustainability consultancy Afallen is working with Swansea Council on several decarbonisation initiatives and is at the forefront of delivering the Local Area Energy Plan for net zero across Wales. Kidd will be giving Afallen’s perspective in the panel discussion. He will also comment from the perspective of Hiraeth Energy, which is focussed on offshore wind development in the Celtic Sea.
“I will be talking about how the Celtic Sea developments have the potential to deliver significant benefits to Wales if the right foundations are put in place,” he said.
“The Green Economy Conference and Exhibition matters because it helps highlight a lot of the positive work being undertaken in the region. But perhaps more importantly it helps put a spotlight on the challenge that still faces us in getting to net zero, and ultimately trying to limit climate change.”
The Green Economy Conference and Exhibition is free to attend, with tickets available online now. It aims to unite businesses, indivisuals and organisations from Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot to share knowledge and create initiatives for a resilient future.
The conference is run by 4theRegion, a membership alliance working to bring about positive change in the region. It builds on the success of the annual Swansea Conference and Exhibition, which took place in March this year, and Swansea’s Green Recovery Conference, which was held by 4theRegion in June 2022.
Zoe Antrobus, managing director of 4theRegion, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting this important panel discussion on renewable energy in our region. It will highlight the important work that is already underway in the sector, the challenges faced by those working to effect change, and how to overcome these. Our panellists will also discuss the exciting opportunities that are on the horizon.
“Above all, the message is that when all the stakeholders pull together, transformation to a green economy is possible – and South West Wales can lead the way. The Green Economy Conference and Exhibition will help to make that happen. If you are a member of the public who wants to get involved, a business that wants to cut its carbon footprint, or an organisation working to make a greener South West Wales, this event is for you.”
More information about the conference and booking links can be found here: https://www.4theregion.org.uk/green-economy-conference/
Business
Haverfordwest cinema one of six council properties for sale
SIX COUNCIL-owned properties in Pembrokeshire, including Haverfordwest’s Palace Cinema, a boatyard, and a former social services premises in Tenby, are to be put up for sale following a decision by senior councillors.
At the March 16 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members were asked to back the disposal of six properties in the county’s portfolio as well the earmarking of four properties for other purposes.
A report for members said: “The Property Department has recently undertaken a review of the council’s estate to identify underused or vacant properties that are no longer required for service delivery and could be transferred internally or disposed of to generate capital receipts.”
The report listed six assets which members were asked to declare surplus for disposal by freehold sale.
Those assets were: Iveston Farm, Maidenwells; land east of Cleddau Reach School, Llangwm; Palace Cinema, Haverfordwest; St Asaph, Trafalgar Road, Tenby – social services premises; land at East Llanion Marine, Pembroke Dock – boat yard area; and land at Maidenwells – development plot.
For those six properties, it said of Iveston Farm: “Farm homestead in need of extensive renovation. An approach to local agents will begin to market the homestead and surrounding land. The remainder of the land areas are to be re-let as part of the County Farm Estate.”
For the land east of Cleddau Reach School, it said: “Areas of land parcels that no longer form part of the school demise and offer no opportunity to the authority and is therefore to be declared surplus for disposal.”
For Palace Cinema, it said: “Freehold of property to be sold. The property is listed and requires significant investment.”
For St Asaph, Trafalgar Road, Tenby, it said: “The property is not required or suitable for other internal services and is therefore to be declared surplus for disposal.”
For East Llanion Marine, it said: “Freehold of the property to be sold. This is an area of land (0.29 acres) adjacent to Port owned land. Both parcels are leased to East Llanion Marine. The property is not required or suitable for other internal services and is therefore to be declared surplus for disposal.”
For the land at Maidenwells, it said: “The property is not required or suitable for other internal services and is therefore to be declared surplus for disposal.”
It also listed three assets in which cabinet was asked to declared surplus to the requirements of one council department and appropriated to another use within the council.
Those were: Portfield Social Activity Centre, Haverfordwest – for future education project; Eastgate Centre, Pembroke – for future re-development project; and land west of Cleddau Reach School, Llangwm – for future education project.
Members were also asked to remove one property declared surplus to council requirements, appropriated for a particular use within the council: Pembroke Dock Watersports Centre – Watersports centre in occupation.
Members backed the 10 recommendations.
Business
Kurtz’s best local pub competition nears 1,000 nominations
Community-backed contest highlights vital role of Pembrokeshire pubs
THE BEST Local Pub Competition is closing in on a major milestone, with nearly 1,000 nominations submitted by residents across Pembrokeshire celebrating their favourite local venues.
The competition, launched last year by Member of the Senedd Samuel Kurtz, aims to recognise the importance of local pubs and support them during the quieter winter months.
Now in its second year, the initiative continues to shine a spotlight on the vital role pubs play in bringing communities together.
The competition is sponsored by Templeton Beer, Wine & Spirit Co., a well-known local supplier supporting hospitality businesses across the region.
Last year, The Ivybush in Narberth was crowned the inaugural winner after receiving strong backing from the local community. The award recognised the pub’s welcoming atmosphere and its role as a hub for both residents and visitors.
Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Local pubs are at the heart of our communities, providing places for people to meet, celebrate and support one another. I launched this competition to give something back to these fantastic businesses, particularly during the quieter months when trade can be more challenging.
“Changes to Business Rates have had a real impact on the sector, alongside rising costs such as staffing and electricity, which are threatening the survival of many pubs. That is why this competition is such an important reminder of how much we value them.
“It’s brilliant to see nearly 1,000 nominations, with a few days still to go before the competition closes on Friday (Mar 20).”
Residents are invited to nominate pubs that stand out for their community spirit, service, and contribution to local life. The winning venue will receive a free barrel of standard beer and be crowned Best Local Pub 2026.
Samuel added: “If you haven’t nominated your local yet, there is still time.”
To take part, visit www.samuelkurtz.wales and search ‘campaigns’ to nominate your Best Local Pub.
Business
Jewellery roadshow in Lamphey today with cash offers for valuables
A TRAVELLING jewellery and antiques roadshow is in Pembrokeshire today (Tuesday, Mar 17), offering free valuations and on-the-spot cash offers for a wide range of items.
The event is being held at the Best Western Lamphey Court Hotel & Spa and is open until 6:00pm this evening.
Organisers say they are looking to buy “all items of interest”, including gold, silver, rings, watches, coins, military memorabilia and diamond jewellery. Broken jewellery is also accepted, along with items in any condition.
The promotional material states there are no fees, no commissions and no obligation to sell, with free appraisals available to anyone who brings items along.
They are also advertising interest in vintage items such as old watches, scientific instruments, medal groups and even classic cars and motorbikes.
A follow-up event will take place tomorrow (Wednesday, Mar 18) at Hotel Mariners in Haverfordwest, running from 10:00am until 9:00pm, with late appointments available.
A third and final stop is scheduled for Thursday (Mar 19) at Wolfscastle Country Hotel, open from 10:00am until 6:00pm.
Organisers can be contacted on 07544 074 549, and also invite people to send photos via WhatsApp for a preliminary valuation.

Top prices paid: The jewellery and antiques roadshow is in Lamphey today before moving on to Haverfordwest and Wolfscastle (Pic: supplied).
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