Business
Port of Milford Haven welcomes three new Non-Executive Directors
THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has announced the appointment of three highly experienced professionals to its Board as Non-Executive Directors.
Starting in post on 1 February 2024, David Martin, James Higham and Gareth Powell will bring invaluable expertise and experience at a crucial time for the Port as it undergoes a just transition to a net zero future bringing with it a very real opportunity to reindustrialise south west Wales.
The delivery of the Port’s vision as the UK’s leading energy port includes the development of a new dedicated renewables terminal at Pembroke Port and the next phase of the Milford Waterfront development. The Port will also play a pivotal role in supporting new major infrastructure projects from Floating Offshore Wind in the Celtic Sea and hydrogen production plants on land, to RWE and Dragon LNG’s Multi-Utility Service Transit (MUST) scheme.



Milford Haven is a major trust port, the largest port in Wales and the third biggest port in the UK. Today, it plays a critical strategic role in supplying the country with fuel, gas and electricity, with major multi-million investments underway to create a green future. The Port also plays a fundamental role in attracting tourists to Pembrokeshire, while promoting enduring partnerships with many youth, community and environmental groups.
With expertise in commercial, marine, safety, and finance, these additions to the Board reinforce the Port of Milford Haven’s commitment to excellence:
David Martin is a Corporate Partner at law firm Linklaters, specialising in infrastructure and with experience in the digital, freeports / ports, shipping and airports sectors.
James Higham is leaving the Royal Navy after 35 years Service. In his most recent role, he was Director Strategy and Corporate Ops at Defence Equipment and Support where he is responsible for supporting and acquiring UK military systems.
Gareth Powell is a Chartered Accountant and was Chief Operating Officer of BBC Cymru Wales and a Member of the BBC Cymru Wales Board from 2008 until earlier this year. He has held roles in the private, public and voluntary sectors.
Dr Chris Martin DL, Chair of the Port of Milford Haven, welcomed the appointments: “David, James and Gareth bring a wealth of experience from their respective fields, enhancing the Port’s capabilities in legal affairs, logistics and financial strategies. Their perspectives and proven track records will contribute to the continued success and growth of the Port of Milford Haven. As we face new challenges and pursue fresh opportunities, their guidance will be instrumental to the success of our organisation.”
David Martin, said: “Having grown up in Pembrokeshire and spent my career working with some of the world’s leading infrastructure businesses, I am looking forward to joining the board and supporting the Port and its management team at an exciting stage of its evolution and the opportunities this could bring for the local community”.
James Higham, said: “The opportunity to serve the region of West Wales, and contribute tangibly to the opportunities that the Port of Milford Haven are pursuing now and in support of a more sustainable future for Wales and the UK, is something I’m incredibly excited by.”
Gareth Powell, said: “I am delighted and it is a privilege to have been appointed as NED to the Board of PMH. I am relishing the opportunity to play my part in continuing the impressive strides the Port has made under Chris Martin’s chairmanship and supporting the Board’s strategic ambition in the years ahead.”
Business
205-unit storage site at Pembrokeshire farm submitted to planners
A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire farm to keep a storage facility for more than 200 caravans, boats, cars and farm machines as a form of diversification has been submitted to county planners.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr & Mrs Davies, through agent A.D Architectural Design Consultants Ltd, seek retrospective permission for a farm diversification scheme to accommodate the storage of caravans, boats, cars and farm machinery in four of eight agricultural sheds and on hard-standing concrete courtyards at Froghall Farm, Spittal.
The works were completed back in 2019.
A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “At present, four of the eight shed structures on the site form part of the caravan and boat storage scheme, with additional touring caravans stored externally on the concrete courtyards.”
It said the storage provision was split as follows: Shed 1 – farm workshop, and 30 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars; shed 2 – 16 caravans; shed 3 – 28 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars – 28; shed 8 – cubicle shed, 11 units of farm machines, motorhomes & caravans; courtyard storage of 120 touring caravans, for an overall storage of 205 units.
The statement added: “It would take place in an accessible location, would incorporate sustainable transport and accessibility principles and would not result in a detrimental impact on highway safety or in traffic exceeding the capacity of the highway network; access road is a no-through road with no increase in traffic due to the nature of development.
“There won’t be a constant stream/flow of traffic as the site’s used for storage. Our client offers a towing service to sites in and around Pembrokeshire, which is used by 45 per cent of their customers, who are unable or prefer not to tow themselves. This gives our client control over the flow of traffic.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
Business
Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition
WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.
The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.
The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.
The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.
Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.
Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.
“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”
The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.
Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.
For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.
The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.
Business
Pembroke South Quay boat shed expansion plans submitted
A PADDLEBOARDING and canoeing company’s call for an extension to a boat shed at Pembroke’s South Quay, below its historic castle, has been submitted to county planners.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, G Booth of Paddle West CIC, through agent James Dwyer Associates, seeks permission for an extension to the stone-built boathouse, adjacent to the cliff on South Quay fronting the Mill Pond, Pembroke.
A supporting statement says: “It is intended to erect a single storey ‘lean-to’ building, or ‘shed’ for the storage of boats, such as canoes and kayaks, and related equipment, on a vacant space adjacent to the existing stone-built boathouse.”
It adds: “The boathouse and the intended adjacent boat storage shed is located, as is to be expected, in close proximity to water, the Mill Pond. The Mill Pond is the main area of activity for Paddle West, a Community Interest Company, providing boating activities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, frequently for young people and families.”
It goes on to say: “It is intended that the structure would be lightweight, erected on the exiting hard standing. The ‘shed’ would be used for the storage of boats and related equipment.”
With regard to the historic setting, it adds: “Although the stone-built boathouse appears not to be listed, it is recognised that the walls above are listed and together they are a piece.
“Accordingly, through form and external materials proposed, timber cladding and profile sheet roofing, the aim is to ensure that the structure would be subservient and muted and not detract or compete with the visual aesthetic of the boathouse or historic walls. In effect the addition would blend into the background.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
The boathouse is sited near to the new Henry Tudor Centre in South Quay, which is due to open in Spring 2027.
The centre, expected to receive around 30,000 visitors a year, will tell the story of Henry Tudor, son of Pembroke, his Welsh ancestry and his impact on our national story, Welsh culture and our wider British heritage.
The restored derelict South Quay buildings will also house a new library and community café, and a healthcare, social services and supported employment facility in the adjoining premises.
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