News

IoD Wales urges next Senedd to tackle skills shortages and back business growth

Published

5 months ago

January 12, 2026

Call for closer partnership with business ahead of May elections

WITH just over 100 days to go until the Senedd elections in May, Institute of Directors Wales has published a new manifesto urging the next Welsh Government to work more closely with business and create the conditions needed for long-term, sustainable economic growth across Wales.

The manifesto draws on IoD Wales’ latest State of the Nation survey, which highlights the key pressures facing firms. Skills shortages remain the biggest concern for businesses in Wales, cited by 39 per cent of respondents. This is followed by policy uncertainty at 36 per cent, and the rising cost of labour and materials at 29 per cent — challenges the organisation warns could constrain investment, productivity and growth if left unresolved.

To unlock Wales’ economic potential, IoD Wales is calling on the next administration at the Senedd to simplify access to business support by improving the visibility of advice and funding, while investing in infrastructure that directly supports economic development and connectivity across sectors.

The manifesto also urges ministers to embed skills development at every stage — from education and vocational routes through to lifelong learning and professional development for directors — in order to address both current and future skills gaps. In addition, it calls for greater long-term certainty by aligning investment with sectors where Wales has clear strengths and adopting a more place-based approach to economic development.

Cross-border collaboration, particularly with England, is also highlighted as a priority to make better use of shared resources, talent and market opportunities.

Commenting on the launch, Richard Selby MBE DL, co-founder of Pro Steel Engineering and national chair of IoD Wales, said the manifesto was being published at a “pivotal moment” for the country.

He said: “With major economic choices ahead, the next Welsh Government must focus on creating a genuinely pro-business environment that supports entrepreneurship, encourages innovation and attracts investment across all parts of Wales.

“This manifesto sets out a positive and practical vision for how collaboration, strong governance and responsible leadership can help unlock sustainable growth.”

Marc Strathie, senior policy adviser for devolved nations at the Institute of Directors, said the document reflected extensive engagement with members and the realities facing firms on the ground.

He added: “From persistent skills shortages to ongoing policy uncertainty, these are real challenges for Welsh businesses. The manifesto sets out practical, deliverable recommendations, and directors across Wales stand ready to play their part in building a more confident, enterprising and prosperous nation.”

The IoD Wales manifesto is available online and can be accessed in both English and Welsh.

Charity

Blood Bikes Wales volunteer finds new purpose after lifeboat career ends

Published

6 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FORMER lifeboat coxswain who was told he was too old to continue going to sea has found a new sense of purpose with Blood Bikes Wales.

Clive had spent decades serving his community, including almost 20 years as a First Responder with the Welsh Ambulance Service and 38 years with the lifeboat. He eventually became coxswain, but at the age of 65 was told he could no longer continue in the role.

Despite being fit and healthy, holding a Class 1 driving licence and a Private Pilot’s Licence, stepping away from something that had been such a major part of his life proved difficult. He said the loss of involvement, purpose and identity hit hard.

Determined to find a new volunteering challenge, Clive contacted Blood Bikes Wales. As an advanced driver, he hoped to take on a car-based role, but discovered the charity operated motorcycles. At that point, he did not even have a motorcycle licence.

Rather than give up, Clive decided to learn to ride, pass his motorcycle test and work towards the advanced qualification needed to apply as a Blood Bikes Wales rider.

“It was the best decision I ever made,” he said. “The challenge and freedom that motorcycling gave me was a real tonic.”

With determination and support from mentors, Clive achieved his RoSPA Gold qualification and passed the assessments to become a Blood Bikes Wales rider.

Now, just over 18 months into his Blood Bikes Wales journey and approaching his 70th birthday, he says the charity has given him back something he feared he had lost.

He said: “I am truly grateful that I committed to the challenge and extremely thankful to Blood Bikes Wales for giving me back the direction, involvement and identity I had lost a few years earlier.

“Blood Bikes Wales is a truly inspirational and inclusive charity, made even more remarkable by the fact that every member is a volunteer. I feel proud to wear my rider’s jacket and represent the charity.”

Crime

Man wanted in connection with rape investigation has Pembrokeshire links

Published

6 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police in Milford Haven and Neyland assisting Warwickshire officers in appeal to trace 23-year-old

MILFORD HAVEN and Neyland police have issued an appeal to help locate a man wanted in connection with a rape investigation.

Officers are assisting colleagues from Warwickshire Police, who are seeking information on the whereabouts of 23-year-old Rhys Trott in connection with a rape allegation in Nuneaton.

Police say Trott is believed to have links to the Milford Haven area of Pembrokeshire.

In a public appeal, Warwickshire Police said they are keen to trace Trott as part of ongoing enquiries.

Anyone who has seen him or has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Warwickshire Police through their website or by quoting the relevant incident details.

Milford Haven and Neyland Police shared the appeal on social media on Tuesday (June 3), asking local residents to come forward with any information that may assist officers.

Photo caption:

Rhys Trott, 23, is wanted by Warwickshire Police in connection with a rape investigation and is believed to have links to Milford Haven (Pic: Warwickshire Police).

Community

Youth centre given colourful new look thanks to local firm

Published

8 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG people at a Haverfordwest youth centre have helped transform one of its rooms into a bright and welcoming space.

The Edge Youth Centre, Haverfordwest, has thanked W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd for supporting the painting and decorating project, which saw young people work alongside Chris, a painter and decorator from the company.

The project has given the room a colourful refresh, creating a cheerful space for young people using the centre.

Rabart Decorators Merchants, Pembroke Dock, also supported the work by supplying the colourful paints.

A spokesperson for The Edge Youth Centre said: “We’d like to extend a huge thank you to W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd for supporting us with the painting and decorating of one of the rooms at our Youth Centre.

“The young people were fortunate enough to work alongside Chris, a painter and decorator from W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd, to transform the room.

“Thanks to Chris and the young people’s hard work and enthusiasm, the space is now looking bright, welcoming, and cheerful.

“We’d also like to thank Rabart Decorators Merchants, Pembroke Dock, for generously supplying the colourful paints. Your support has helped create a vibrant room that young people can enjoy for years to come.”

The centre added: “Thank you both for your generosity and for helping us create such a positive space for our young people.”

Photo caption: Bright new look: Young people worked alongside W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd to refresh a room at The Edge Youth Centre, Haverfordwest.