Business

£60m port revamp in Pembroke Dock set to create 1,800 jobs

Published

5 months ago

August 21, 2024

THE ONCE-THRIVING port town of Pembroke Dock is witnessing a significant transformation, as a £60 million redevelopment project breathes new life into the area, with the promise of up to 1,800 jobs. This ambitious project marks the beginning of a series of initiatives aimed at revitalising the local economy, which has been hit hard by the closure of oil refineries and the subsequent loss of jobs.

The historic dockyard has been upgraded into what has been hailed as a “world-class centre” for wind, wave, and tidal power projects. The revitalised Pembroke Port was officially opened on Wednesday by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, The Secretary of State of Wales Jo Stevens, and the First Minister Eluned Morgan, who all highlighted the significance of this development during what has been described as a pivotal year for marine energy in Wales.

***Eluned Morgan, Angela Rayner and Jo Stevens cutting the ribbon at the Port of Pembroke Dock (Pic: Herald)***

Key features of the upgrade include a new “supersized slipway” designed to attract renewable energy firms, with the ultimate goal of creating 1,800 new jobs in the region. However, industry experts have cautioned that additional government funding will be required to fully prepare Wales’ ports for the growing opportunities in offshore energy generation.

***Port Chief Executive Tow Sawyer shows the Deputy PM, Angela Rayner, the way to a reception in the Pembroke Port on Wednesday (Pic: Herald)***

Pembroke Dock, holds a significant place in British naval history. Established as a Royal Navy dockyard in 1814, the town saw the construction of five Royal Yachts and numerous other vessels. During World War II, it became the world’s largest military flying boat station. Now, the site is “on the threshold of a new epoch,” according to Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive of the Milford Haven Port Authority.

***From the air: Port of Pembroke (Pic: MHPA)***

Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council said : “What we are doing is playing our part in de-energising the UK energy industry in developing those new renewable technologies and deploying them.

“If we get this right there is really a chance for this to be transformational for the Pembrokeshire economy. I said in my speech just now that I am old enough to remember four refineries, and we are down to just one now. Never before have we been talking about something which could replace all that on that sort of scale. This genuinely could be transformational, like those days in the 1950’s when the oil industry came to Pembrokeshire.”

The Pembroke Dock Marine programme, supported by both UK and Welsh government funding as well as private investment, aims to transform the site into a “renewables port.” This development is part of the broader Swansea Bay City Deal, and Mr Sawyer described it as “the culmination of years of hard work to create a multi-purpose port” in Pembroke Dock.

In addition to the enlarged slipway, the redevelopment includes new workboat pontoons, office and workshop facilities, and expansive areas for companies to construct and store renewable energy devices and components. Mr Sawyer emphasised the importance of these upgrades, stating that “the size of the slipways and the access from quayside into deep water are fundamental requirements for many of the renewable technologies going out to sea.”

This work complements existing local initiatives, such as the Marine Energy Test Area (META) and the Pembrokeshire Demonstration Zone (PDZ), which provide firms with the opportunity to trial new technologies at sea. Planning permission for the project was granted in 2021, including the construction of the “supersized” slipway into the estuary, despite opposition from heritage organisations concerned about the impact on the port’s historic buildings and infrastructure. Ultimately, Pembrokeshire Council and the Welsh Government determined that the economic benefits of advancing the marine energy sector “far outweigh” those concerns.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “Today, Pembrokeshire’s long heritage of maritime excellence is leading the way for the future of the UK with the launch of this Pembroke Dock Marine programme.

“This is a major step towards us becoming a world leader in zero-carbon marine engineering and tackling climate change for a cleaner, greener, more ambitious future for us all.

“And a future where we see our bold ambitions on growth and jobs for and with every part of the UK go hand in hand with our ambitions on Net Zero and sustainable energy.”

Prif Weinidog, Eluned Morgan, said: “I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in delivering this important infrastructure project that will be transformative for the region as we grow Wales’ low carbon economy further. It is a real example of the benefits of partnership between private sector business and government at local, national and UK level.

“Supported by Welsh Government, it marks an important milestone in our journey towards realising the opportunities of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea – and has real potential to generate high quality jobs and support sustainable economic growth. It also allows us to continue on our journey of tackling climate change together for a green and prosperous Wales.”

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens highlighted the significance of this investment: ”For the UK to become a clean energy superpower, we need modernised ports just like this in Pembroke Dock, which will be the backbone of the energy hubs of the future.

“The UK Government is proud to invest in this project. Wales is at the forefront of our ambitions for GB Energy and facilities like Pembroke Dock Marine will contribute to our net zero goals, bringing down energy bills and creating skilled jobs for the people of Pembrokeshire.”

Tom Sawyer, CEO of the Port of Milford Haven, commented: “Today is the culmination of years of hard work to create a multi-purpose, future energy ready Port in Pembroke Dock. This vital, enabling infrastructure, made possible by public and private collaboration, will provide the base for a green cyclical economy, rich in local supply chain opportunities, to flourish in south west Wales. As industry is increasingly attracted to these new facilities and services, this hub is expected to generate over 1,800 jobs. But our ambition doesn’t stop here; we stand ready to make further investments to cater for the rapidly evolving demands of the green energy sector so that Wales reaps the benefits of this fledgling industry.“

Henry Tufnell MP, Member of Parliament for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, told The Herald: “It was great to welcome Angela Rayner, Eluned Morgan and Jo Steven’s to Pembroke Dock to open the new world-class centre for wind, wave and tidal power projects at Pembroke Port.

“We are in a new era of collaboration between Welsh and UK Government, which will directly benefit Pembrokeshire, placing us at the forefront of the Green Energy Revolution.

“Labour’s Green Prosperity Plan will ensure that we cut energy bills, deliver energy security and create good well paid jobs in the county – today is the first step on this exciting journey.”

Councillor Rob Stewart, Chairman of the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Joint Committee, said “The City Deal is making significant progress with all projects on the delivery phase. The City deal Pembroke Dock Marine project,is growing the economy and creating employment opportunities with a particular focus on the energy sector and renewable technologies. This investment in Pembroke Port will regenerate Pembroke Dock and the wider region by providing a base for the green energy economy, which is fundamental for the future of South West Wales. Coupled with the recent success of the Celtic Freeport bid, it strengthens our ambitions to create a prosperous region for businesses to thrive and residents to access well-paid jobs, both now and in the future.”

As Wales positions itself to capitalise on these opportunities, Pembroke Dock stands as a symbol of the region’s resilience and its commitment to a sustainable, prosperous future.

Business

UK Government Invests in Gigabit Broadband for South West Wales

Published

10 hours ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE UK GOVERNMENT has announced a further investment in Project Gigabit, aiming to deliver high-speed broadband to hard-to-reach areas across Britain. Rural towns and villages in South West Wales are among the latest to benefit, as part of a wider effort to achieve near-total gigabit coverage by 2030.

The programme, a key pillar of the Government’s Plan for Change, is designed to stimulate economic growth and remove barriers to opportunity. The latest rollout will bring some of the fastest broadband speeds available to remote communities, enhancing access to essential services such as healthcare, remote education, and video communication. It is also expected to support business growth and improve job opportunities for young people.

Welsh leaders welcome investment

Cllr Hazel Evans, of Carmarthenshire County Council, welcomed the announcement, saying: “This is a much-needed boost as we strive to improve digital connectivity across Carmarthenshire. Further investment will help ensure our rural communities continue to prosper as we transition towards a more digital society.”

Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council and Chair of the Swansea Bay City Deal’s joint committee, also praised the initiative:

“This is fantastic news for the rural communities in our region. The Swansea Bay City Deal fully supports initiatives that improve the lives of people and businesses. This investment in digital infrastructure will create social and economic opportunities for communities that would otherwise be left behind.”

£289 million boost for broadband expansion

The announcement forms part of four new contracts worth over £289 million, aimed at delivering gigabit-capable broadband to approximately 131,000 homes and businesses across England and Wales.

Unlike traditional copper-based networks, gigabit connections provide faster and more reliable service, even during peak times. Households and businesses will no longer need to compete for bandwidth, as these high-speed networks allow multiple devices to operate seamlessly.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens highlighted the significance of the investment: “Powered by this UK Government funding, thousands more people and businesses across Wales will gain access to ultra-fast broadband. Our priority is to drive sustained economic growth, and to achieve this, we must ensure every part of Wales has full digital coverage as quickly as possible.”

Implementation and next steps

The Digital Infrastructure Programme is working closely with Building Digital UK (BDUK) and Openreach to deliver Project Gigabit. Further regional updates are expected in the coming months, outlining timeframes and specific locations set to benefit.

Upgrading and expanding existing networks is a complex process, requiring technical surveys and coordination between commercial providers and local authorities, including planning and highways departments. As a result, implementing gigabit-capable broadband can take time.

For further details about broadband plans in your area, residents are encouraged to contact their Digital Champion for more information.

Business

Welsh Govt-backed SME exports surpass £320m since Export Action Plan launch

Published

18 hours ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SMALL and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Wales have secured over £320 million in export deals directly supported by the Welsh Government since the introduction of its Export Action Plan in December 2020.

The government’s tailored export assistance includes comprehensive market research, strategies to identify new customers, and hands-on support to help businesses enter international markets and forge lasting partnerships.

This milestone follows a series of successful 2024 trade missions, which introduced 150+ Welsh businesses to key global markets. Highlights included enabling life sciences firms to exhibit at Medica in Düsseldorf and supporting fintech companies at Money 20/20 in Amsterdam.

Case Study: Brainbox Ltd
Cardiff-based Brainbox Ltd, a leader in non-invasive brain stimulation and imaging technology for neuroscience research, has achieved £5 million in new international contracts with Welsh Government backing.

Dan Phillips, Commercial Director at Brainbox, said: “Exporting has been pivotal to our growth, enabling us to showcase cutting-edge neuroscience solutions worldwide. The Welsh Government’s support has been instrumental in launching new products, building global relationships, and driving our expansion over the past five years. Their tailored approach exemplifies how strategic trade guidance can propel businesses onto the international stage.”

2025: A Year of Global Ambitions
The Welsh Government has announced seven international trade missions scheduled by March 2025, including:

Arab Health Expo in Dubai (January 2025)
Trade delegations to Singapore and Malaysia (February)
Participation in Gulfood Dubai, Foodex Tokyo, and the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco (March).

Additionally, the Explore Export Wales 2025 conferences in March will unite Wales’ “export ecosystem” of support services under one roof, offering SMEs expert advice on navigating global markets.

Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Planning, commented: “Exporting empowers SMEs to scale up, create jobs, and bolster resilience in a competitive global economy. Despite recent challenges, our Export Action Plan has delivered undeniable value to Wales. We remain committed to ensuring businesses across the nation continue to thrive internationally in 2025 and beyond.”

Business

Harlech Foodservice steps in after Pembrokeshire Foods owners retire

Published

2 days ago

January 28, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A FAST-GROWING food wholesale company has stepped in to support customers after the retirement of a couple who ran a rival business for more than 30 years.

Josiah and Steffi George, who operated Pembrokeshire Foods at Hasguard Cross, near Haverfordwest, decided to retire and ensure their loyal customers would be well cared for. The couple approached Harlech Foodservice, which will now supply more than 100 businesses across Pembrokeshire and into Ceredigion.

Last year, Harlech Foodservice expanded significantly, establishing offices and a distribution centre in Carmarthen as part of a £6 million investment. This growth has already created 70 new jobs, 15 of which are in South West Wales.

This isn’t Harlech’s first move into the area; the company previously acquired Celtic Foodservices in Pembroke Dock, describing the acquisition as a “perfect fit.”

In a letter to customers, Mr. and Mrs. George explained their decision:
“To ensure our customers have a supplier who cares about you and your business, we have approached Harlech Foodservice, who recently opened a site in Carmarthen, and asked them to provide ongoing service to your business.

“Harlech have a core customer base in the tourism and hospitality sectors, aligning perfectly with Pembrokeshire Foods. They offer a large range of around 5,000 lines across frozen foods, butchery, groceries, soft drinks, snacks, hygiene products, and disposables, all at genuinely competitive prices.

“Once again, thank you for supporting us over many years, and we wish you every success in the future.”

Harlech Managing Director David Cattrall called the partnership with Pembrokeshire Foods a significant step in the company’s ongoing expansion.

Since last April, Harlech has gained 943 new independent customers and 243 new contract customers across Wales and the English border counties. The company’s clients range from individual businesses to large local authorities, including a contract to supply Shropshire Council’s Shire Services.

Harlech’s expansion into South and West Wales has also been fruitful, with the Carmarthen and Merthyr Tydfil depots winning contracts worth nearly £500,000.

Mr. Cattrall commented:
“Steffi and Josiah can be rightly proud of what they have achieved over the past three decades, building a successful company that has played a key role in the local business community.

“We are grateful for their trust in Harlech Foodservice to look after their customers and to ‘deliver’ for them in every sense of the word. We wish them all the best for their well-deserved retirement.”

Steffi George added:
“Harlech Foodservice are a fantastic company with a huge range of excellent products and first-class customer service, so we are confident that our beloved customers will be in very good hands in the future.”

Caption:
Stepping into the breach: Harlech Foodservice Managing Director David Cattrall.