Business

New resource as part of a recruitment drive for the food and drink sector

Published

7 months ago

May 13, 2025

A CAMPAIGN to raise awareness of the career opportunities within the food and drink industry in Wales, and challenge perceptions of careers in this field has been launched.

The Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme is a Welsh Government funded programme committed to working with the food and drink industry to develop a skilled and capable workforce. It supports food and drink businesses with a focus on the Welsh food and drink processing and manufacturing industry to ensure employees have the right skills and training for their business.

Working across all sectors within the Welsh food and drink industry, it encourages employees to share knowledge and experience with fellow peers whilst also increasing confidence and flexibility in the workplace in order to make employees feel valued. It also aims to prepare employees to adapt to changes and opportunities in food production and manufacturing including technical, business and environmental challenges.

As part of the campaign, a new online Jobs Noticeboard is live with a number of vacancies available across the sector.

Kate Rees, Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme Manager said: “The programme offers support for food and drink businesses with a focus on the Welsh food and drink processing and manufacturing industry. This is to ensure employees have the right skills and training for their business and the wider industry.

“The Jobs Noticeboard is filled with opportunities for those seeking a new or different career in the industry, while offering a wealth of support, advice and guidance to help navigate the different career opportunities and business areas that may be of interest to those wishing to explore further.”

Wales’ food and drink industry is booming and not only putting food on the nation’s table, but also firmly placing Wales on the global stage with its world leading produce. The Welsh Government aims to grow the sector’s value to £8.5bn as well as increase the number of employees in the sector who receive the Welsh Living Wage to 80%, both by 2025.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS said: “There are so many diverse, exciting and rewarding roles and opportunities in our food and drinks industry. It’s important that people’s skillsets match those opportunities and this new service will provide the industry with the personnel required to see the sector grow further.”

With the pursuit to create one of the most environmentally and socially responsible supply chains in the world, there’s been a huge uptake in Welsh food and drink in both the UK and further afield, with manufacturers and businesses across Wales quickly responding to the increasing demand.

There are a number of ways to join this ambitious and rewarding industry; from apprenticeships and learning programmes to operational and customer facing roles as well as leadership and management opportunities.

Blas ar Fwyd, a renowned family-owned business in north Wales is excited to support the launch of the new website as part of a broader recruitment drive aimed at attracting passionate individuals to join the thriving sector. Osian Deiniol of Blas ar Fwyd, shares his enthusiasm,

“We are thrilled to back this initiative and support the launch of this new website. The food and drink industry in Wales is thriving, and there are countless opportunities for those looking to start a new career, transfer skills, or upskill and progress.

“At Blas ar Fwyd, we believe in the power of passion and community, and we are committed to providing a supportive environment where individuals can grow and thrive. We encourage anyone interested in joining this dynamic industry to explore the opportunities available.”

The Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme Jobs Noticeboard can be found at: fooddrinkjobs.wales

For more information about Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme, please go to: http://www.fooddrinkskills.wales/

Pictured above:

Osian Deiniol: Blas-ar-Fwyd

Business

Holiday lets allowed to stay at Narberth dairy farm

Published

22 hours 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

1 day 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

2 days 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):