News
Port of Milford Haven continues to invest with £40m funding from HSBC
THE Port of Milford Haven is making a series of strategic investments to strengthen its position as the UK’s largest energy port and further expand its diversification across hospitality and tourism and renewable energy thanks to a £40m finance package from HSBC UK.
The Port, which is an independent trust port with no shareholders, is using the funds to expand its world class pilotage capability through investment in a new world class pilot transfer vessel as well as in additional highly skilled staff and modernised assets and infrastructure.
Forming part of the Port’s long-term diversification strategy, the funds have also enabled the redevelopment of a vacant retail unit which is now occupied by McDonald’s as well as the refinancing of Ty Milford Waterfront Hotel – a 100-bedroom hotel in Milford Haven operated by Celtic Collection. With around 100,000 visitors a year already visiting the cafes, restaurants and array of independent retailers, the new, award-winning four-star hotel, is supporting the Port’s ambition to develop the town as a leading destination to live, visit, play and enjoy.
At the Port’s Pembroke Port facility, the funding is being utilised to modernise the historic dockyard to attract developers of marine renewable technologies and their supply chains. The current ambition of 16.5GW of installed floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea with potential of up to 24GW by 2050 will require over 1,000 turbines to be built, deployed, operated and maintained. With 10 new turbines a month needing to be built for the next 20 years, there is a huge opportunity to anchor the supply chain in Pembrokeshire and create productive, well-paid jobs.
Across the business, the Port has also invested in a number of sustainability initiatives including expanding its electric van fleet and installing LED lighting, further driving the business to become Net-Zero ahead of the Government’s target of 2050.
Jonathan Chitty, Chief Financial Officer at the Port of Milford Haven, commented: “It’s an exciting time for the business as we firm up growth plans for the future, all of which are creating and enabling well-paid jobs across the region. We’re really pleased that our investments in Milford Haven have already created over 180 jobs. As proud custodians of the Milford Haven Waterway, we’re investing to improve safety, resilience and sustainability, not just for our own business, but for the coastal communities we support and for our future generations.
“HSBC UK has been imperative in making this happen by understanding our business needs both now and into the future and working tirelessly to provide the optimum financing package for us.”
Simon Williams, Relationship Director at HSBC UK, said: “Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven play a very important role in the economic stability of the region, with the Waterway supporting over 5,000 jobs in Wales. It’s great to see the Trust Port’s diversification into renewables and leisure, creating even more jobs that support the local economy.”
News
UK government to appoint first Wales Crown Estate Commissioner
FOR the first time, the UK government will appoint a Crown Estate Commissioner dedicated to advising on matters in Wales, further integrating Welsh interests in board-level decisions. This move supports existing efforts to ensure that Wales benefits from the push for clean energy, following an agreement facilitated by the Welsh Secretary.
An amendment to the Crown Estate Bill, with cross-party backing from Labour, Plaid Cymru, Liberal Democrats, and crossbenchers, will be accepted at today’s Lords Report Stage (Nov 5). This change mandates the appointment of a Wales-specific Commissioner through the Public Appointments process, with input from the Welsh Government. The appointee will bear “an additional responsibility” to represent Welsh conditions and interests, amplifying Wales’s voice within the Crown Estate.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens has collaborated with the Treasury, The Crown Estate, House of Lords members, and the Welsh Government to secure this legislative advancement. The Crown Estate, instrumental in drawing international investment to Wales, supports projects like Floating Offshore Wind in the Celtic Sea, which promises cleaner energy and job creation.
The introduction of a Wales-specific Commissioner strengthens The Crown Estate’s mission to serve the entire UK while averting potential market fragmentation and protecting international investor confidence critical to the net-zero transition.
In a related effort, Great British Energy, the government’s new public energy firm, recently partnered with The Crown Estate to expedite renewable energy advancements. This initiative could attract up to £60bn in private investment, boosting the UK’s journey toward energy independence.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens stated: “This is a landmark step toward ensuring that Welsh prosperity is at the heart of the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower. Our nation stands to benefit hugely from investment in floating offshore wind, and we now have the representation we need to help seize that moment. This demonstrates how Wales benefits directly from its two governments working together, and I’m grateful to Lord Livermore, The Crown Estate, and others for helping to make this happen.”
Sir Robin Budenberg CBE, Chair of The Crown Estate, said: “In seeking to increase the number of Commissioners from eight to twelve, The Crown Estate welcomes the opportunity now presented by this amendment to bring even more direct knowledge and understanding of the areas in which we operate and further strengthen our ability to deliver benefit to the whole of the UK.”
Crime
Arrests made after large-scale cannabis operation raided in Pembroke Dock
POLICE in Pembroke Dock have uncovered yet another large-scale cannabis operation, as part of an ongoing clampdown on illegal farms in the area. On Monday (Nov 4), Dyfed-Powys Police executed a search warrant at a property on Dimond Street, where officers found over 500 cannabis plants in a sophisticated cultivation setup.
Two men, aged 26 and 34, have been arrested in connection with the investigation and are currently in police custody. The raid follows a series of similar operations in Pembrokeshire, targeting properties used for illegal drug cultivation.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Health
Rising trend of private healthcare use among friends and family in Wales
MORE than half of UK residents report having close family or friends who have used private healthcare services, according to the latest data from the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN). In Wales, this figure is 58%, slightly above the UK-wide average of 55%. Meanwhile, 32% of Britons have used private healthcare themselves, with regions such as the East Midlands (64%) and Northern Ireland (59%) showing even higher familiarity with private healthcare options.
David Hare, Chief Executive of IHPN, said: “Private healthcare is becoming more mainstream, with people increasingly opting for private services to access healthcare more easily and quickly. Our findings highlight that most people in the UK know someone close who has used private healthcare, whether through insurance or self-pay. This demonstrates a shift toward private healthcare as a convenient and accessible option.”
The survey found that 45% of those choosing private healthcare did so because of long NHS waiting times, while 27% preferred the ease of booking private appointments. Around 20% receive private healthcare through work, and 17% believe private services offer higher-quality care. Accessibility is another key factor, with half of respondents agreeing that private healthcare is more accessible than NHS options.
Top Treatments Accessed Privately:
- Doctor consultation: 45%
- Diagnostic treatment (e.g., scans): 45%
- Other healthcare professional consultations: 35%
- GP appointments: 34%
- Minor operations (same-day discharge): 25%
- Major operations (overnight stay): 16%
- Ongoing serious condition treatment (e.g., cancer): 5%
IHPN’s Five Steps to Choosing Private Healthcare
If you’re considering private healthcare, IHPN suggests these key steps:
- Do Your Research: Consult inspection reports from national care regulators like the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England and the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN). Scotland and Wales have independent inspectorates, available at hiw.org.uk and healthcareimprovementscotland.scot.
- Explore Payment Plans: Many providers offer flexible payment options, making private care more affordable.
- Find Local Options: Use resources such as ihpn.org.uk or phin.org.uk to locate private providers nearby.
- Take Control: It’s your choice; seek recommendations from friends and family or consult online ratings to find the right clinician or clinic. Your GP can also offer support.
- Book a Consultation: Before committing, schedule a consultation with a private provider to discuss treatment options and ask questions. Bring someone you trust if you wish, and take notes.
For more information on private healthcare options in the UK, visit ihpn.org.uk. For additional information, interviews, or case studies, contact Helen Trevorrow at 0794 000 9138 or [email protected].
Source: Statistics are from the “Going Private 2024” report by IHPN and Public First, based on a survey of 2,004 respondents across the UK.
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