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40,000 jobs supported by £600m this government term

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DIRECT Welsh Government investment in businesses totalling in excess of £600m has seen more than 40,000 jobs created or safeguarded across Wales during this government term.

As part of the £600m, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans is today announcing close to £10m to support close to 700 jobs at three businesses across Wales.

Through investment made in loans, equity and grants, the Welsh Government is making significant progress delivering on its commitment to building a stronger, fairer, and greener economy.

Boccard UK Ltd, based in North Wales, is receiving Economy Futures Funding of £1.2m to secure a move to a substantial new unit and significantly increase its fully digitised manufacturing capacity.

This will help the company, which is headquartered in France, to retain its market leading position in the nuclear sector in Wales, safeguarding 59 jobs and creating in excess of 150 new positions.

An £8m Welsh Government investment is also contributing to safeguarding 325 jobs at WEPA, in Bridgend.

It is part of a significant investment by the company, which specialises in the production and distribution of sustainable hygiene paper and innovative hygiene solutions, to reduce energy consumption at its Maesteg site and boost production capacity.

Further funding of £540,000 is also helping bring an old factory, which closed in 2022 with the loss of 60 jobs, back into use in Clydach Vale, near Tonypandy.

Coppice, an international manufacturer and supplier of packaging to the food industry will create 83 jobs at the new operation, with this number potentially increasing to 150 in the next five years.

Speaking during a visit to Boccard’s new site in Deeside, Flintshire, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said:

“The Welsh Government is proud that we have supported over 40,000 jobs since the start of this Senedd term through our business support programmes. We have rolled our sleeves up to deliver for businesses, communities, and thousands of workers across Wales – like those here at Boccard, which is exactly the sort of overseas-owned company we are looking to attract at our Investment Summit later this year.

“From direct business support to property investment and long-term regional planning, we are not just supporting businesses and job creation but building the infrastructure and conditions that will enable Welsh businesses to grow, invest, and future-proof their operations.

“We will continue to make Wales a place where good jobs, strong businesses, and thriving communities are the foundation of a stronger, fairer, and greener economy.”

Douglas McQueen, Managing Director of Boccard UK, said: “Boccard is delighted with the support from the Welsh Government in securing the Economy Future Funding, which underpins our commitment to creating highly skilled jobs in Deeside. This is growing the UK’s nuclear and industrial supply chain which is key in our challenge to meet net zero targets.”

Leon Elston, Managing Director of Coppice/Sirane, said: “We are delighted to announce the establishment of our new manufacturing facility, following the recent acquisition of Sirane. This exciting expansion marks a significant milestone for the Coppice Group, further broadening our food packaging portfolio and reinforcing our position as a market leader in sustainable packaging solutions.

“Our continued success is rooted in strong employee engagement and meaningful collaboration with the communities in which we operate. The opportunity to invest in the Cambrian site and support employment regeneration in the Rhondda was a compelling factor in our decision. This new facility provides a strategic platform to scale operations and enhance our presence in both current and emerging markets, whilst making a positive contribution to the local economy.

“This project has been made possible through the invaluable support of the Welsh Government. Their funding played a pivotal role in our investment decision and enabled the development of this purpose-built manufacturing site.

“As we move forward, we extend our sincere thanks to the Welsh Government for their continued collaboration and commitment to Coppice’s ambitious growth plans. The integration of Sirane and the Cambrian facility will be instrumental in achieving our mission to be the global supplier of choice for sustainable packaging.”

WEPA Mill Manager Jordi Goma-Camps Trave said: “We highly appreciate that the Welsh Government supports this important project for WEPA. It will not only improve the sustainability of our manufacturing process, but also increases our production capacity and contributes to the future viability of the site.”

 

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Land Rover swallowed by tide at popular Welsh beach

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A LAND ROVER Discovery has been lost to the sea at Abersoch after becoming stranded on the resort’s Main Beach.

The vehicle, worth tens of thousands of pounds, was spotted by early morning dog walkers on the sand at the Gwynedd coastal village before being completely covered by the incoming tide at around 10:00am.

Stranded on sand

Images circulating on social media showed the 4×4 marooned on the beach, with some locals initially questioning whether the pictures were genuine.

However, witnesses later confirmed the incident, with one RIB owner reporting: “People are paddleboarding over its roof!”

It is believed the vehicle may have become stuck while being used to recover a boat trailer or jet ski.

‘Not the first’

Locals said the incident was a familiar sight at the popular seaside resort, where vehicles have previously become trapped by soft sand and fast-moving tides.

One man wrote: “Not the first and it won’t be the last.”

Another joked: “The tide comes in. Who knew?”

Others described it as the start of the “silly season”, when coastal mishaps increase as visitor numbers rise.

Expensive mistake

New Land Rover Discovery models can cost around £80,000, while Discovery Sport models start from about £55,000.

Commenters suggested the vehicle’s off-road reputation may have given the driver false confidence.

One wrote: “It probably gave him a sense of security that it can go anywhere — we all know it can’t.”

Recovery expected

As the tide began to recede, boat owners reported the outline of the vehicle starting to reappear beneath the water.

Recovery was expected to require a beach tractor, but seawater damage means the Land Rover is likely to be written off.

One local said: “Very sad to see that something went wrong. You see many cars go into the sea to retrieve boat trailers, and you know that car will be rotten very soon afterwards.

“There’s a reason why old tractors are used.”

Despite the flood of “can’t park there” jokes and “Chelsea tractor” comments online, many said they felt sorry for the owner, who now faces what one person called a “very expensive weekend.”

 

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Cllr marks 10th blood donation and urges others to give blood

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A PEMBROKESHIRE councillor has urged more people to become blood donors after receiving his 10-unit donation badge from the Welsh Blood Service.

Cllr Thomas Tudor said he was pleased to receive the recognition and encouraged anyone who is able to donate to come forward.

He said: “If you can give blood, please do so.”

The Welsh Blood Service says hospitals in Wales need around 350 blood donations every day to support patients in need.

A single donation can help up to three patients, as blood can be separated into different components and used in different ways to help people recover.

The service is calling for donors from all backgrounds, including first-time donors and those who have given blood before, to help maintain supplies for hospitals across Wales.

Giving blood is described as quick, simple and safe, and remains one of the most important ways members of the public can help save lives.

Anyone wishing to find out more can contact the Welsh Blood Service on 0800 252 266, Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 7:00pm, or Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm. They can also email [email protected].

Caption:

Cllr Thomas Tudor giving blood after receiving his 10-unit donation badge from the Welsh Blood Service.

 

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Welsh Labour manifesto pledge: Direct London train for Milford Haven

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WELSH LABOUR has unveiled a pledge to deliver a direct rail service between Milford Haven and London – a move that would transform connectivity for communities across Pembrokeshire.

This commitment builds on £50 million of UK Labour investment to upgrade rail services to Milford Haven.

Work is already underway, in partnership between the Welsh Labour Government and Pembrokeshire County Council, led by Council Labour Leader Paul Miller, to transform Milford Haven railway station into a modern Public Transport Interchange – delivering smoother, better connected and more accessible journeys.

Together, these upgrades will pave the way for direct London services to call at Milford Haven, alongside an hourly service and vital level crossing safety improvements delivered by the UK Labour Government.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “This pledge sits alongside a record commitment to rail in Wales – up to £14 billion of investment, new stations and a transformed Metro. But this is about more than just a rail line.

It’s about opening Pembrokeshire up – bringing more people to one of the most beautiful parts of Wales, strengthening our tourism sector and creating new opportunities for local businesses to grow.

“And as we do that, we’re doing it the right way – backing a greener economy, making it easier for people to travel sustainably, and ensuring that growth benefits our communities. This is how we build a stronger future for West Wales – with better connections, more opportunity and an economy that works with our environment, not against it.”

Welsh Labour candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, Marc Tierney added: “A direct train to London from Milford would be a game changer for our communities – boosting tourism, supporting local businesses and making it easier for people to live and work here.

“The work underway to transform Milford Haven station into a modern transport hub, alongside plans for an hourly service, shows what Welsh Labour can deliver when we work in partnership with local authorities – investing in the infrastructure our communities deserve. With new funding from the UK Labour Government and a strong partnership in place, we can now go further.

“Welsh Labour is delivering the investment and the ambition needed to ensure West Wales is at the forefront of modern, connected and accessible transport.”

The pledge forms part of Welsh Labour’s wider plan to modernise public transport, strengthen regional connectivity and ensure no part of Wales is left behind.

 

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