Business
Lights, Cymru, action: Netflix brings £200 million boost to Wales
Major productions support 500 Welsh businesses and launch careers for local creatives
NETFLIX has revealed that its productions in Wales have generated more than £200 million for the UK economy since 2020, cementing Wales as a vital hub for the global streaming giant.
The announcement, made in partnership with Creative Wales, highlights the scale of Netflix’s investment in the region and celebrates the impact of its latest project — Havoc — the largest feature film ever shot entirely in Wales.

Directed by Welsh filmmaker Gareth Evans and starring Tom Hardy, Havoc was filmed across a range of Welsh locations. The action-thriller follows a bruised detective as he navigates a criminal underworld to rescue a politician’s estranged son following a botched drug deal.
Wales has steadily become a filming powerhouse for Netflix, with previous productions including Sex Education, The Crown and The Witcher. A newly published report showcases the scale of investment and its ripple effect across sectors. For every £1 spent by Netflix in Wales:
- 58p is spent in TV and film production
- 7p in rental and leasing
- 5p in the creative arts
- 3p in food and hospitality
- 27p across other sectors of the economy
In addition, each £1 spent has created an extra 80p in supply chain spending, boosting industries indirectly connected to filming.
Supporting local talent
Netflix has not only brought blockbuster productions to Wales, but also helped launch careers in the creative industries. Over 60 trainee and apprenticeship roles were created during the filming of Sex Education, many of which led to full-time work.
In another initiative, Netflix partnered with the National Youth Theatre to deliver its IGNITE Your Creativity programme, reaching over 350 young people in Newport, Cardiff, Port Talbot, Torfaen and Bridgend with workshops aimed at building skills and confidence.

Championing the Welsh language
As part of its ongoing commitment to Welsh culture, Havoc will be available with Welsh-language subtitles. Previous Netflix hits including The Adam Project and Red Notice also featured Welsh subtitles, and in 2023 the platform licensed Dal y Mellt, its first Welsh-language drama.
Praise from industry and government
Anna Mallett, Vice President of Production for Netflix UK, said: “From Sex Education to The Crown, and now Havoc, some of our most beloved titles were filmed or produced in Wales. Blessed with incredible creative talent and beautiful landscapes, Wales is an amazing place to make entertainment. We’re proud our productions here continue to offer enduring cultural and economic benefits.”
Welsh Culture Minister Jack Sargeant added: “We are immensely proud of our creative industries, which employ over 35,000 people and benefit from world-class infrastructure. As this report shows, welcoming high-profile Netflix productions has delivered significant economic and reputational gains for Wales.”
Joedi Langley, Interim Head of Creative Wales, said: “Collaborating with Netflix brings jobs, training, and major economic benefits to our communities. We look forward to continuing this relationship and building Wales’s profile as a go-to destination for major productions.”
Director Gareth Evans said: “Filming Havoc in Wales was a thrilling experience. The impact of a production of this scale on local businesses and creatives has been incredible. I hope this paves the way for even more filmmakers to choose Wales to tell their stories.”
Local voices: Training and trade
Johnny Gurnett, a former Netflix trainee, credited the company with launching his career: “Getting your foot in the door can be really tough, and this was my first job in the industry. Since then, I’ve worked on Disney’s Willow, BBC’s Lost Boys and Fairies, and HBO’s Rain Dogs. I wouldn’t be where I am now without the experience and connections I made on Sex Education.”
Adam Charles, Head Chef at The Healthy Hangout, shared his business’s role in the production: “We provided meals for some of the stars, which was brilliant for business. But beyond that, there’s a sense of pride in knowing our food was part of something this big.”
Business
205-unit storage site at Pembrokeshire farm submitted to planners
A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire farm to keep a storage facility for more than 200 caravans, boats, cars and farm machines as a form of diversification has been submitted to county planners.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr & Mrs Davies, through agent A.D Architectural Design Consultants Ltd, seek retrospective permission for a farm diversification scheme to accommodate the storage of caravans, boats, cars and farm machinery in four of eight agricultural sheds and on hard-standing concrete courtyards at Froghall Farm, Spittal.
The works were completed back in 2019.
A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “At present, four of the eight shed structures on the site form part of the caravan and boat storage scheme, with additional touring caravans stored externally on the concrete courtyards.”
It said the storage provision was split as follows: Shed 1 – farm workshop, and 30 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars; shed 2 – 16 caravans; shed 3 – 28 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars – 28; shed 8 – cubicle shed, 11 units of farm machines, motorhomes & caravans; courtyard storage of 120 touring caravans, for an overall storage of 205 units.
The statement added: “It would take place in an accessible location, would incorporate sustainable transport and accessibility principles and would not result in a detrimental impact on highway safety or in traffic exceeding the capacity of the highway network; access road is a no-through road with no increase in traffic due to the nature of development.
“There won’t be a constant stream/flow of traffic as the site’s used for storage. Our client offers a towing service to sites in and around Pembrokeshire, which is used by 45 per cent of their customers, who are unable or prefer not to tow themselves. This gives our client control over the flow of traffic.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
Business
Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition
WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.
The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.
The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.
The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.
Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.
Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.
“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”
The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.
Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.
For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.
The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.
Business
Pembroke South Quay boat shed expansion plans submitted
A PADDLEBOARDING and canoeing company’s call for an extension to a boat shed at Pembroke’s South Quay, below its historic castle, has been submitted to county planners.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, G Booth of Paddle West CIC, through agent James Dwyer Associates, seeks permission for an extension to the stone-built boathouse, adjacent to the cliff on South Quay fronting the Mill Pond, Pembroke.
A supporting statement says: “It is intended to erect a single storey ‘lean-to’ building, or ‘shed’ for the storage of boats, such as canoes and kayaks, and related equipment, on a vacant space adjacent to the existing stone-built boathouse.”
It adds: “The boathouse and the intended adjacent boat storage shed is located, as is to be expected, in close proximity to water, the Mill Pond. The Mill Pond is the main area of activity for Paddle West, a Community Interest Company, providing boating activities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, frequently for young people and families.”
It goes on to say: “It is intended that the structure would be lightweight, erected on the exiting hard standing. The ‘shed’ would be used for the storage of boats and related equipment.”
With regard to the historic setting, it adds: “Although the stone-built boathouse appears not to be listed, it is recognised that the walls above are listed and together they are a piece.
“Accordingly, through form and external materials proposed, timber cladding and profile sheet roofing, the aim is to ensure that the structure would be subservient and muted and not detract or compete with the visual aesthetic of the boathouse or historic walls. In effect the addition would blend into the background.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
The boathouse is sited near to the new Henry Tudor Centre in South Quay, which is due to open in Spring 2027.
The centre, expected to receive around 30,000 visitors a year, will tell the story of Henry Tudor, son of Pembroke, his Welsh ancestry and his impact on our national story, Welsh culture and our wider British heritage.
The restored derelict South Quay buildings will also house a new library and community café, and a healthcare, social services and supported employment facility in the adjoining premises.
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