Tata Steel bosses face grilling in the Senedd over plans to cut up to 2,800 jobs

Published

9 months ago

February 7, 2024

REPRESENTATIVES of Tata steel faced a grilling by MSs over plans to cut up to 2,800 jobs.

Paul Davies, who chairs the Senedd’s economy committee, asked whether the decision to close the two blast furnaces and build an electric arc furnace is purely a financial one.

Along with the jobs at Port Talbot, around 300 jobs at the company’s Llawern plant could also go.

Rajesh Nair, chief executive of Tata Steel UK, said finances have played an important part but the decision is not purely monetary.

He told the committee the company’s assets in Port Talbot are reaching their end of life, compromising reliability, safety and timeliness of delivery.

Mr Nair, who has worked for the company for 25 years, said the business has been losing a tremendous amount of money over the past few years.

He said: “Just for the last quarter, the business turned a loss of about £160 million and in the first nine months of this financial year it’s about £330 million.

“We are likely to turn up with a loss of nearly half a billion in just one year – this is just not sustainable nor viable for any company to handle.”

Mr Nair suggested the multi-union Syndex plan, which involves keeping at least one of the blast furnaces, would add nearly £200 million to the cost and delay the electric arc furnace (EAF).

“We will not be in a position to build the EAF in an existing steel shop,” he said. “And if you don’t have a steel shop operating, there is no way the blast furnaces can be kept going.”

Asked if Tata would look at alternatives if the UK Government offered more money, Mr Nair said the company would be more than happy to examine additional investments.

He told committee members: “On the other side of the transformation, we will have a viable business – which the UK steel business has not been for the past 15 years.”

Hefin David pointed out that a General Election is on the horizon – and an incoming Labour UK Government could offer a significantly different package of support.

The Labour MS, who represents Caerphilly, asked whether Tata would consider delaying decisions on the second blast furnace until after the state of political flux is resolved.

Mr Nair stressed that there is an imperative to “get going” with the EAF, saying the company has had conversations with UK Labour leader Keir Sir Starmer.

He told the committee: “Managing the business in the existing set up is going to be a huge burden on the company and on the shareholders.

“I don’t think any government, Dr David, with due respect, would be willing to fund losses.”

Vikki Howells, the Labour MS for Cynon Valley, asked how the company has sought to minimise potential job losses and the wider impact on Port Talbot.

Mr Nair told committee members that the company has carefully considered the impact – not only on staff, but also on contractors and the community.

He added that a large part of the £1.25 billion investment will go into the Port Talbot ecosystem.

Chris Jaques – Tata Steel UK’s chief HR officer – recognised it is a difficult time, saying a transition board has been set up to look at short-term support and long-term regeneration.

He told Ms Howells that the business decided to continue operating the hot strip mill in Port Talbot following talks with trade unions, securing 200 jobs.

Mr Jaques said the statutory consultation, which began on February 2, will be for a minimum of 45 days and the company will seek to maximise the number of voluntary redundancies.

Upgrades completed at Port of Milford Haven’s simulator suite

Published

12 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

UPGRADES have been completed to state-of-the-art equipment within the Port of Milford Haven’s navigation simulator suite at Milford Waterfront enabling marine professionals to receive bespoke specialist training. The virtual reality simulation system can safely replicate a range of scenarios that seafarers may experience in real world situations such as extreme weather conditions, emergency situations and escort tug work.

The upgrades provided by Netherlands-based company MARIN contain the latest hardware in terms of processing power and graphics, as well as upgrades to MARIN’s ‘Dolphin’ software, increasing the capability to create scenarios. These are complemented with new 4k visuals on 75” screens which increase the depth and field of vision, adding to the realism.

Recently, a training day was led by Training Pilot Captain Mark Johnson, assisted by ex-Pilot Andy Hillier, involving members of the Svitzer team as well as Pilots Matt Roberts and Ian Coombes. As part of the scenario, they were faced with a loss of engine power and steering along with worsening weather and sea conditions. The Pilots had to communicate with Svitzer in order to successfully instruct them on how to tow and direct a drifting tanker. While scenarios like these are uncommon within port operations, it is important to rehearse procedures that would be implemented if they are required and enhances participants’ skill sets.

Marine Pilot and Simulator Instructor, Captain Ewan McNicoll, said “This simulator suite has future proofed our training capabilities, both internally for Pilots and marine staff, but also externally for clients wishing to use the facility, be it for training purposes or research and development. We can create any type of scenario with any type of ship, ranging from practicing ship handling manoeuvres to emergency situations, it really is game changing! Working with our partners at MARIN has been a complete success and I am very proud of our new facility.”

For more information about training at the navigation simulation suite please contact the Port of Milford Haven at [email protected] or 01646 696100.

Business

Thousands of homes in rural Wales gain from faster 4G boost

Published

18 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RURAL Wales is seeing a major upgrade in mobile connectivity, with faster 4G now live in several areas. Seven locations across North, South West, and West Wales are benefitting from new 4G mast upgrades funded by the UK Government’s Shared Rural Network (SRN), aimed at closing the digital gap between rural and urban areas.

The upgrades, which went live on Thursday (Nov 14), bring improved 4G coverage to communities including Bontddu, Llanelltyd, Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, Penmaenpool, Tabor, Snowdonia National Park, and Bontgoch. Local businesses, emergency services, and residents are expected to benefit from faster internet access, which supports daily communication, business opportunities, and economic growth.

***There is a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties***

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Fast, reliable connectivity is essential for modern life and should be available from Cardiff to the remotest parts of Wales. Today’s upgrades bring us closer to making this a reality.”

SUPPORTING DIGITAL INCLUSION

As part of the rollout, Peter Kyle and Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant visited Ebbw Vale to discuss digital inclusion with charity and industry leaders. They met with representatives at BGfm, a digital inclusion hub in Blaenau Gwent, to learn about how connectivity impacts daily life in Welsh communities.

Telecoms Minister Bryant said: “We are working tirelessly to make sure rural communities aren’t left behind online.

“These upgrades mean businesses can now operate without connectivity limitations, 999 services are better equipped to respond, and residents and tourists can stay connected across the Welsh countryside.”

ADDRESSING CONNECTIVITY GAPS

An estimated 1.5 million homes across the UK remain without internet access, limiting people’s ability to access essential services such as banking and healthcare. In addition to the SRN upgrades, the Chancellor has allocated over £500 million in next year’s budget for digital infrastructure expansion, targeting these underserved areas.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens highlighted the importance of this investment, particularly for rural Wales, where fast, reliable internet can be transformative.

“Connectivity is critical for day-to-day life in rural areas – from supporting local businesses to ensuring emergency services are just a call away,” Stevens said.

The upgraded masts, previously limited to EE customers and emergency 999 calls, now serve a wider user base, bringing essential internet access to more people without requiring new infrastructure.

Ben Roome, CEO of Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited, said: “With the activation of five new SRN sites, Wales is seeing the tangible benefits of the Shared Rural Network, bringing crucial connectivity to rural communities.”

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT IN REMOTE WALES

The improvements come alongside a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties, helping future-proof digital access in even the most isolated locations.

The latest upgrades mark another step in the Government’s mission to improve mobile coverage and close the connectivity gap across Wales, creating opportunities and supporting economic growth across rural communities.

Business

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority invites businesses to advertise in mag

Published

21 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As 2024 comes to a close, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is encouraging local businesses to prepare for the year ahead by reserving advertising space in Coast to Coast, Pembrokeshire’s highly regarded, award-winning visitor magazine.

Launching its 43rd edition in Easter 2025, Coast to Coast provides a prime opportunity for businesses to reach a wide audience, with a readership exceeding one million people.

The bilingual publication, distributed across Pembrokeshire’s busiest locations and parts of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion during peak tourism months, is a valuable resource for both visitors and residents. From unique products and delicious offerings to exciting experiences, businesses of all types can benefit from the exposure Coast to Coast offers. The magazine is available in hundreds of outlets countywide and has become an essential guide for anyone looking to explore the best of Pembrokeshire.

“Over the years, Coast to Coast has established itself as the must-have summer guide, packed with inspiration for exploring the Park,” said Marie Parkin, Head of Marketing and Communications for the Authority. “In addition to showcasing our visitor attractions such as Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, Castell Henllys Iron Age Village and Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre, the magazine includes practical information like maps, bus schedules and tide tables.”

“From scenic walks and beach days to rich insights into the Park’s heritage, culture, and wildlife, Coast to Coast offers something for everyone. Our Activities and Events listings ensure families can enjoy a full calendar of experiences,” Marie Parkin added.

With advertising deadlines set for early January 2025, businesses are encouraged to act swiftly to secure their spot and avoid disappointment.

For more information about advertising in Coast to Coast, please contact [email protected] or call 01646 624895.