Business

‘We want to work’: Tata Steel workers protest over proposed cuts

Published

1 year ago

February 17, 2024

HUNDREDS of people have taken part demonstrations against the anticipated elimination of numerous positions within the steel sector.

Tata Steel has announced that 2,423 jobs throughout the United Kingdom are in jeopardy, with the largest impact felt in Port Talbot, where 1,929 jobs are threatened out of a workforce of 3,859.

A senior executive at Tata said that a significant portion of the operations at Port Talbot are nearing obsolescence, resulting in daily financial losses amounting to £1.7 million.

In anticipation of a rally in Port Talbot, employees from the Llanwern facility organised a march through the heart of Newport on Saturday (Feb 17).

Tata Steel’s Llanwern site employs 917 individuals, with 113 positions facing potential cuts. Approximately 500 participants joined the march, signaling widespread concern over the job losses.

Community General Secretary Roy Rickhuss said: “Today showed that Port Talbot, Newport and South Wales – steelworkers, politicians, local businesses and community groups – are united in opposing Tata’s bad deal for steel, which would be disastrous not just for communities here which have been built on steel, but for the UK as a whole. Make no mistake about it, what the company are proposing is bad for jobs, bad for our economy, bad for our environment and bad for national security. As the steelworkers’ union, we’ll do everything we can in our power to stand up against Tata and the UK Government’s plan, including the last resort of industrial action as we set out yesterday.

“This could all be avoided if the company showed some willingness to get back around the table, and to look again at the credible Multi Union Plan which is supported by industry experts, the Labour Party and MSs across the political divide in the Senedd. It sets out a pathway to decarbonise our industry in a just, sustainable way – not just opting for the cheapest option on the table and offshoring carbon emissions as the Tata plan does. It also avoids compulsory redundancies, and ensures the UK keeps its primary steelmaking capacity which, in an increasingly uncertain world, has never been more important.”

“Today’s rallies in Port Talbot and Newport showed that the people of South Wales value and support our steelworkers. Now we need the government and Tata to show the same commitment before it is too late. There is so much at stake here, and the weeks and months ahead are absolutely critical for our industry, our steel communities, and the country as a whole. We need our steel.”

Alan Coombs, Chair of the Multi-Union Committee at Port Talbot steelworks, said: “Steelworkers at Port Talbot are proud of our industry, and we are proud of our community which has come out in such a strong show of support for us today. These are uncertain times, and many of us are anxious about what lies ahead for Port Talbot. One thing is certain though – steelworkers will fight tooth and nail for the future of our industry and our livelihoods.

“And when we fight, it isn’t just for workers like myself who have enjoyed long careers at the works: we are thinking just as much about the many apprentices and young workers who are just starting out on their own path and learning a skilled trade in a sector which should be at the cutting edge of innovation. Tata’s half-baked plan is taking away their futures, and completely undermining the future of an industry which will be absolutely essential if we want to transition to a greener economy.

“Today was a reminder to the company that we won’t stand for it, and neither will our steel communities. This is just the beginning for us, and all options are on the table going forward as set out by Community steel reps yesterday. Tata need to change course now and get behind the Multi-Union Plan to save our industry before it is too late.”

Reg Gutteridge, Chair of the Multi-Union Committee at Llanwern steelworks, said: “Wherever you go in Gwent you will meet someone with a connection to the steel industry – from those who worked or had loved ones employed at sites like Pontymister, Ebbw Vale, Tredegar or Orb which are sadly no longer with us, or those with a connection to the proud workforce at Llanwern today. Llanwern has always been a hub for skilled and well-paid local employment in our area, and is still at the cutting edge of steel technology.

“For example our Zodiac line is one of the best processors of high-quality automotive steel anywhere in the world. Under Tata’s bad deal for steel, the Zodiac line – and ultimately, our entire steel industry – would be reliant on imports from heavy-polluting countries overseas. That shows clearly that the company aren’t thinking about the environment at all. This is all about cutting costs and opting for the cheapest possible option available to them, and it’s shameful that the Conservative Government are propping up this agenda with taxpayer money.

“Today’s march in Newport was our way of sending a message to Tata and the government – we won’t back down when it comes to protecting our jobs, our industry, and our steel communities. It was great to have so much support and encouragement from the public today, and we know that the people of South Wales will stand with us in these challenging times. We need our steel, and it’s high-time that Tata reconsidered their destructive, discredited plans and backed the Multi-Union Plan.”

A UK Government spokesperson said: “We recognise that this is a concerning time for Tata’s employees at Port Talbot and we will continue to support staff affected by the transition.

“The UK Government has put in place one of the biggest support packages in history, with a £500 million grant as part of the £1.25 billion commitment by Tata to secure the future of the Welsh steel industry.

“Additionally, £100 million has been put towards the creation of a Transition Board – £80 million from the UK government and £20 million from Tata Steel. The Board is chaired by the Secretary of State for Wales, to directly support those affected.

“This record level of support shows just how much the UK Government values the Welsh steel industry and the people and communities whose livelihoods depend on it.”

Business

Welsh businesses see AI as key driver of local growth

Published

1 hour ago

July 8, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Majority report increased productivity and profits from adopting new technologies

A MAJORITY of Welsh businesses believe that embracing artificial intelligence (AI) will play a major role in driving local economic growth, according to new figures from Lloyds Bank.

More than three in five firms (63%) say that greater AI adoption will be a key contributor to local economic performance in the years ahead.

The data, published in Lloyds’ long-running Business Barometer, shows that 61% of companies in Wales are already using AI tools—and the impact has been largely positive. Of those using the technology, 81% say it has boosted productivity, while 80% report increased profitability.

Companies are primarily using AI to improve efficiency (71%) and to analyse data for better decision-making (36%).

Looking ahead, nearly a quarter (24%) of Welsh businesses plan to increase their AI investment in the next 12 months. More than one in five (22%) also expect to create new roles focused specifically on AI development and implementation.

When asked about their motivations for future investment, 39% of firms said they hoped AI would help expand their customer base, while 36% cited the potential for further productivity gains.

However, businesses also highlighted the need for better understanding of the technology’s benefits (41%) and growing competitive pressure (18%) as factors influencing their investment decisions.

The Lloyds Business Barometer surveys 1,200 businesses each month and has been tracking economic sentiment since 2002.

Samantha Noble, area director for Wales at Lloyds Bank, said: “Welsh businesses identify AI as an avenue for local growth, which perhaps reflects their own success with it – the overwhelming majority of firms already using the technology have seen higher productivity and profitability.

“Sharing knowledge and experience will be critical to helping more firms start applying it, and ultimately ensuring the full potential of the technology is realised.”

Business

Pembrokeshire glamping firm reaches new green heights

Published

10 hours ago

July 7, 2025

Staff Writer

Damaged airbeds transformed into washbags and wallets through eco-partnership

AN AWARD-WINNING glamping company based in Pembrokeshire is taking bold steps to become more sustainable—thanks to support from Business Wales.

Nights Under Canvas, a family-run business specialising in luxury tent hire for weddings, festivals, corporate events and staycations, has introduced a range of eco-friendly initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and environmental impact.

The company signed up to Business Wales’ Green Growth Pledge, a Welsh Government-backed scheme that helps businesses adopt more sustainable practices. With guidance from Business Wales Decarbonisation Adviser Sarah Gore, the company has implemented greener transport methods, improved waste management, and prioritised local sourcing.

One of its latest sustainability initiatives involves repurposing damaged airbeds into unique merchandise. The project sees Nights Under Canvas partner with Ecoast, a Saundersfoot-based retailer of recycled goods, and British upcycling brand Recycling Rachel. The result is a new range of washbags, wallets, purses and bumbags—made from salvaged materials and sold in-store.

Owner Steven Bradley said: “I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the environment, so improving our sustainability efforts was a key priority. Sarah’s support has been invaluable—we’re thrilled to be reducing waste and giving old materials a new life for our customers.”

Business Wales also helped Steven enhance the company’s online presence, offering digital support and training in website design, SEO, and social media strategy to help the business reach new audiences.

Sarah Gore praised the business’ efforts: “Steven’s passion for sustainability has been evident from day one. He’s constantly looking for new ways to reduce environmental impact, and Nights Under Canvas is a shining example of green growth in action.”

Business Wales is funded by the Welsh Government. For free support and advice, visit www.businesswales.gov.wales or call 03000 6 03000. Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg – we welcome calls in Welsh.

Business

Two Pembrokeshire beaches named among best in Wales

Published

14 hours ago

July 7, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Whitesands and Saundersfoot praised in The Times Best Beaches Guide 2025

TWO Pembrokeshire beaches have been named among the very best in the UK, with The Times praising their natural beauty, tourist appeal and unique history in its much-anticipated Best Beaches Guide 2025.

The guide, now in its 17th year, saw travel experts cover over 5,800 miles of coastline and assess more than 750 beaches across the UK to find the nation’s top coastal spots. Eight Welsh beaches made the final cut — with Whitesands and Saundersfoot flying the flag for Pembrokeshire.

Whitesands: Steeped in legend

Whitesands, near St Davids, was described as a “timeless, spiritual location” with fine golden sand, great surf, and sweeping views of Ramsey Island. The Times noted the beach’s historical significance, claiming that this may have been the very place where Saint Patrick departed for Ireland in AD432 to begin his missionary work.

A hotspot for surfers, families, and walkers alike, Whitesands offers both natural beauty and strong amenities. With a nearby café, seasonal lifeguards, and walking trails linking to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, it remains one of the region’s most treasured coastal gems.

Saundersfoot: A harbour village favourite

Also featured was Saundersfoot, a bustling harbour village popular with tourists year-round. The Times praised its “seaside charm and easy-going atmosphere,” as well as its accessibility for families, wide sandy beach, and thriving food scene.

Boat trips, dolphin-spotting excursions, and fresh seafood on the seafront were all noted as standout attractions — while the proximity to Tenby and the village’s ongoing regeneration projects helped cement its place on the list.

Celebrating Welsh coastal excellence
The Times guide was topped overall by Portstewart Strand in Northern Ireland, but Wales had a strong showing with eight beaches recognised, including:

Shell Island, Gwynedd (regional winner)
Three Cliffs Bay, Swansea
Dunraven Bay, Vale of Glamorgan
Mwnt, Ceredigion
Aberdaron, Gwynedd
Llanddwyn, Anglesey

Pembrokeshire’s inclusion reflects the county’s enduring reputation as one of the UK’s top holiday destinations, particularly for lovers of the sea, sand, and rugged coastline.

A boost for tourism
Tourism operators in Pembrokeshire have welcomed the news. One local business owner told The Herald: “We know how special these places are, but national recognition like this really helps encourage visitors to explore more of what Pembrokeshire has to offer.”

With summer well underway, the timing of the list provides a timely boost to local tourism — and a reminder to residents and visitors alike of the natural treasures right on their doorstep.