Business

£13.5m allocated to safeguard steel supply chain and support workers

Published

1 year ago

August 14, 2024

THE UK Government has unveiled a £13.5 million funding package aimed at bolstering businesses and workers impacted by Tata Steel’s shift towards greener steelmaking practices at its Port Talbot facility.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens is set to announce the funding during her second meeting as chair of the Tata Steel/Port Talbot Transition Board today (15 August). This financial support marks the first allocation from the Transition Board’s fund, designed to assist local businesses that rely heavily on Tata Steel as their primary client. The funding will enable these businesses to explore new markets and secure alternative customers.

In addition to supporting businesses, the fund will provide vital assistance to workers affected by the transition, offering them opportunities to retrain, acquire new skills, and secure employment in sectors with current vacancies.

In a show of solidarity, over 50 businesses have already pledged their support to workers potentially facing redundancy at the steelworks. Among the companies offering practical assistance are Fintech Wales, The Royal Mint, Cardiff Metropolitan University, RWE Energy, Ledwood Mechanical Engineering, and Pro Steel Engineering. Their commitments range from guaranteed job interviews to providing training and coaching.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens will provide further details of this business pledge during a visit to Rototherm in Port Talbot on Thursday. Rototherm, a global leader in manufacturing measurement devices for temperature and pressure, is one of the firms within Tata’s supply chain that could be impacted by the transition to electric arc steelmaking.

The UK Government has also reset its relationship with the Welsh Government, unions, and other local partners to ensure a coordinated effort to support the affected workforce.

Negotiations between the UK Government and Tata Steel regarding the future of the Port Talbot works continue independently.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens stated:

“Under this government, the Transition Board has moved from discussion to delivery. Today’s release of an initial £13.5 million in funding demonstrates that we will act decisively to support workers and businesses in Port Talbot, working with the Welsh Government, unions, and the wider community.

“Negotiations with Tata Steel on the future of the site will continue separately. But this government will not wait for a crisis to overtake us before acting. We are putting a safety net in place now to ensure we can back workers and businesses, whatever happens.

“We are also harnessing the generosity of the local community, with dozens of employers pledging practical support for workers. Steelmaking is the lifeblood of communities in Wales, but so too is the support of local businesses. What they are offering will make a real difference to suppliers and staff.”

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds echoed this sentiment, stating:

“This funding is an important step towards supporting workers affected by Tata Steel’s transition and businesses in the wider supply chain.

“We’re working in partnership with trade unions and industry to secure a green steel transition that’s right for the economy, our talented workforce, and local communities for generations to come, and our negotiations with Tata remain ongoing.”

Oliver Conger, Managing Director of Rototherm, added:

“We are part of a really supportive community in Port Talbot, and we are delighted to offer help to any affected workers at Tata Steel and any suppliers affected.

“I believe that if businesses like ours from across the area can come together, we can offer a lot of practical support that will make a big difference to people and the impacted supply chain.”

Further details on how local businesses and affected workers can access the initial £13.5 million Transition Board funding are expected to be released shortly.

The Secretary of State for Wales also emphasised that the Transition Board will now operate as an equal partnership between political representatives, businesses, and unions.

Business

Holiday lets allowed to stay at Narberth dairy farm

Published

20 minutes ago

December 5, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for a Pembrokeshire dairy farm to keep two “alternative” holiday pods sited without permission as a way of diversifying in an uncertain industry has been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Vaynor Farm Ltd sought retrospective permission for the siting of two self-catering holiday accommodation pods at The Cart House, Vaynor Farm, Bethesda, near Narberth as part of a farm diversification enterprise.

It was before committee members as it was recommended for delegated conditional approval by senior officers despite being against the development plan.

Previous retrospective schemes, for two self-catering pods along with an application to retain a shepherd hut accommodation pod at another farm, a part of the Vaynor Farm farm enterprise, were refused in 2023 and 2025, the latter due to “an unjustified and harmful impact on the character and appearance of the open countryside”.

Detailing the current application, an officer report for members said the pods: Vaynor Farm Pod within the garden of The Cart House, and The Paddock Pod, on the edge of a small paddock, were constructed off-site and have been transported to their current locations, with external decking, hot tubs, a barbecue area and car parking provided for each pod.

It added: “A business plan has been submitted with the application, which explains that due to uncertainties associated with dairy farming, the applicant has sought to diversify the farm enterprise to incorporate tourism accommodation.

“The application makes the case that the proposed development represents farm diversification. It is acknowledged that the development has resulted in the provision of an alternative type of holiday accommodation for which it has been demonstrated there is a demand, contributing to the diversity and quality of accommodation available within the county and supporting an existing farm business, with consequent economic and social benefits.

“Evidence has been provided that demonstrates the extent to which the pods have provided income which has been used to support the farm business.

“However, officers consider that should planning permission be granted, a [planning obligation] will be necessary to ensure that the accommodation pods continue to support the farm business and are not separated from it at some future point in time.”

Delegated conditional approval limiting the use and occupation of the self-catering accommodation pods to short term holiday use only was moved by Cllr Brian Hall and unanimously backed by committee members.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

11 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

15 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):