New industry report says county has received the second highest level of marine energy investment in Wales, supporting more than 500 jobs

PEMBROKESHIRE has emerged as one of Wales’ key marine energy hubs, with almost £98 million invested locally and more than 500 jobs supported, according to a new industry report.

Marine Energy Wales’ State of the Sector Report 2026 says £97.6 million has been invested in Pembrokeshire since 2015, the second highest figure of any Welsh local authority area after Anglesey.

The report says the county’s role is centred on port operations, marine services and the practical work needed to support renewable energy devices at sea.

It also highlights the Port of Milford Haven’s plans for a gigawatt-scale offshore wind operations and maintenance base at Pembroke Port, building on existing investment.

Across Wales, the marine energy and offshore wind sector has attracted an estimated £364.8 million since 2015, supporting 1,947 jobs.

Marine Energy Wales says much of the investment has gone into strengthening Wales’ supply chain, tidal stream projects, port infrastructure and manufacturing facilities.

Of the total invested, 40% relates to supply chain development, including port infrastructure and manufacturing facilities. Tidal stream technology and site development accounts for 33%, while research spending across Welsh universities, test facilities and collaborative programmes accounts for 12%.

Pembrokeshire forms part of the south west Wales cluster, alongside Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, which together recorded £98.9 million of investment and 511 jobs.

Anglesey recorded the highest level of investment, with £114.5 million, driven largely by the Morlais tidal demonstration zone.

South Wales currently accounts for more than half of the sector’s Welsh employment, with the largest concentration of jobs in Cardiff. However, Pembrokeshire remains one of the most significant local authority areas for both jobs and investment.

The report says Wales’ marine energy and offshore wind sector is now moving from early-stage innovation towards commercial-scale deployment.

It says future growth prospects remain substantial, with offshore wind projects progressing in both the Irish Sea and Celtic Sea, while the first commercial tidal stream deployments at Morlais in North Wales are expected in 2027.

The figures underline Pembrokeshire’s growing importance in the Celtic Sea floating offshore wind sector, but the report warns that future growth will depend on continued investment, grid upgrades, supportive policy and the ability of Welsh industry to secure work as projects move from planning to delivery.

Tam Bardell, Chair of Marine Energy Wales, said Wales was beginning to realise its potential.

He said: “Wales is proving to be a credible and competitive location for both tidal stream and offshore wind, and against a backdrop of continuing global energy shocks, the sector is moving towards delivery.

“Projects like Morlais tidal demonstration zone are moving toward first power, while offshore wind in North Wales is accelerating and the Celtic Sea is progressing from test and demonstration to gigawatt-scale development.

“These are not incremental steps; they represent a step change in ambition, scale and impact.

“At Marine Energy Wales, we act as both facilitator and advocate, bringing together the organisations that make this sector work, ensuring Welsh voices are heard in national decision-making, and helping translate opportunity into delivery.

“There is still much to do. But for the first time, Wales is not just discussing its marine energy potential; we are beginning to realise it.”

The report says the next few years will determine whether Wales can capture the full economic and industrial value of the transition.

It says success will depend on continued investment, timely grid upgrades, supportive policy frameworks and the ability of Welsh industry to deliver at scale.

PEOPLE in Wales are more likely than anywhere else in the UK to have witnessed family disputes over inheritance, according to new research.

A YouGov survey carried out for wealth management and employee benefits firm Mattioli Woods found that 77 per cent of over-55s in Wales had seen inheritance-related disputes among relatives or friends.

That was the highest figure recorded across the UK, ahead of London at 72 per cent, the South East at 71 per cent, the South West at 70 per cent, Scotland at 69 per cent and Yorkshire at 64 per cent.

Despite this, most over-55s still intend to pass on wealth through traditional inheritance after death, rather than gifting the majority of their assets during their lifetime.

The research found that 64 per cent of over-55s across the UK had witnessed family conflict over inheritance, with arguments and damaged relationships the most common outcomes. In some cases, disagreements had escalated into formal legal disputes.

However, the experience of seeing such disputes does not appear to be prompting a major shift towards lifetime gifting. Passing assets on through an estate remains the preferred option for most over-55s, while a combination of lifetime gifts and inheritance was the second most popular approach. Only a minority said they intended to transfer most of their wealth before they died.

The survey also suggests many families are still reluctant to talk openly about inheritance. One in four over-55s said they had never discussed inheritance with their family.

Researchers said this may reflect discomfort around the subject, concerns over privacy, or a belief that it is simply too early to have the conversation.

The findings also show that worries about later-life care are now outweighing concerns about Inheritance Tax. When asked about the biggest challenges in passing on wealth, over-55s ranked paying for care or other later-life costs ahead of Inheritance Tax, the risk of running out of money in retirement, treating beneficiaries fairly and the possibility of family disputes.

Adeline Christy, Wealth Management Director at Mattioli Woods, said: “Although inheritance disputes are remarkably common, they are not fundamentally changing how most people want to pass on their wealth.

“Leaving assets through an estate remains the preferred approach for many families, even among those who have seen first-hand the tensions inheritance can create.

“What the findings do highlight is the need for earlier planning and better communication. Many inheritance disputes arise not because of the value of an estate, but because expectations have never been discussed.

“Open conversations, supported by professional financial advice, can help families understand the reasoning behind decisions and significantly reduce the likelihood of conflict later on.”

Mattioli Woods recently integrated Kingswood Group under a unified brand, following its October 2025 merger.

The combined business now oversees more than 30,000 clients and is responsible for assets under management exceeding £32 billion.

With more than 200 financial advisers across more than 40 UK offices, the group says the integration strengthens its position as a national wealth manager and enhances its ability to deliver joined-up wealth planning, investment management and employee benefits services.

Ms Christy added: “There is no single right way to pass on wealth. Lifetime gifting can be an effective strategy for some families, helping to support the next generation while potentially improving tax efficiency.

“For others, retaining control of assets throughout later life will be entirely appropriate. The most important thing is that any approach forms part of a long-term financial plan that reflects personal circumstances, family dynamics and future objectives.”

FAMILIES across Wales are being invited to step back in time this summer as Cadw launches a packed programme of more than 70 events at castles, abbeys and historic landmarks during the school holidays.

The programme, running throughout July and August, includes medieval festivals, living history weekends, archaeology sessions, storytelling, craft workshops and hands-on activities designed to bring Welsh history to life for visitors of all ages.

Several events are taking place in West Wales, including living history demonstrations at Laugharne Castle, medieval knight activities at Kidwelly Castle, and archaeology experiences for young historians at Strata Florida Abbey.

Dr Kate Roberts, Chief Executive of Cadw, said: “Summer is the perfect time for families to step outside and explore Wales’ incredible heritage, and our events programme makes those visits even more memorable.

“Whether it’s stepping into the shoes of medieval characters, discovering ancient traditions or simply spending time together in remarkable settings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, with free child entry for adult members, it’s a fantastic way to make lasting memories over the school holidays.”

At Laugharne Castle, Historic Echoes will take place on Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2, from 11am to 4pm. Visitors will be able to step into the early 15th century, discover how castles were attacked and defended, handle replica weapons and armour, and learn about medieval medicine through expert demonstrations.

Kidwelly Castle will host Hysterical History on Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2, from 11am to 4pm. The interactive event will give visitors the chance to explore the skills, training and traditions of medieval knighthood through hands-on activities with Sir Roland De Preaux.

At Strata Florida Abbey, a Children’s Activity Day will be held on Thursday, August 13, from 10am to noon. Online pre-booking is essential. Young historians will be able to take part in hands-on archaeology experiences while learning about the lives of the Cistercian monks and the medieval abbey’s wider landscape.

Other Welsh highlights include the Medieval Festival at Beaumaris Castle over the August bank holiday weekend, featuring knights, lords and ladies, musicians, jesters, combat demonstrations and family entertainment.

Caerphilly Castle will host Go Wild from Saturday, August 29 to Monday, August 31, with nature-themed quests and craft activities inspired by the natural world.

At Castell Coch, visitors can take part in A Victorian Excavation on Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30, where families can uncover medieval artefacts and learn about archaeological techniques.

Conwy Castle will host Conwy Medieval Magic every Wednesday between July 22 and August 19, with live performances, Welsh myth-inspired storytelling, crafts and interactive workshops.

Cadw is also offering guided tours at a number of sites throughout the summer, including Castell Oxwich, Castell Cilgerran, Bryn Celli Ddu, Segontium Roman Fort, Rug Chapel, Castell Cricieth and Hafoty Medieval House. Pre-booking is required for these tours.

Cadw membership offers free entry to events and unlimited access to more than 130 historic places across Wales. Children go free with adult memberships.

More information and tickets are available from the Cadw website.