Solvent wind-down will end nearly 11 years of light aircraft engineering and support, with hangar operations stopping in August

A SPECIALIST Pembrokeshire aviation company has announced that it is to close its Haverfordwest Airport operation after directors concluded that it was no longer commercially viable.

Metal Seagulls Ltd confirmed on Monday (July 13) that it will begin a voluntary and solvent wind-down, bringing nearly 11 years of light aircraft engineering, fabrication and builder support to an end.

The company expects to suspend operations from its airport hangar at the end of August, with its machinery, tooling and production equipment now being offered for sale.

Metal Seagulls stressed that the decision was not the result of insolvency and that the business would be closed in an orderly manner over the coming months.

Directors said the decision followed a detailed examination of operating costs, together with personal challenges which had affected the company’s ability to continue running its workshops in their current form.

Jonathan Porter, director of Metal Seagulls Ltd, said: “We are sad to see Metal Seagulls close its hangar doors after nearly eleven years of service, but it is the right decision with the economic and personal challenges faced by the company and its directors at this time.”

Mr Porter suffered a leg injury in 2025 and continues to experience mobility problems. The company said this had prevented him from providing significant physical support to the workshops during the past nine months.

Fellow director Patricia Porter said the decision had not been taken lightly.

“This has not been an easy decision, but after a thorough review of our cost base, the directors believe it is the right one for the business,” she said.

“We are grateful to our customers, suppliers and the wider light aviation community for their support over the years, and we intend to work closely with clients during the wind-down to keep disruption to a minimum, ensuring where possible ongoing support as applicable.”

Founded in 2016, Metal Seagulls has operated from Haverfordwest Airport since 2021.

The family-run company has supplied parts, engineering services, CNC production, custom fabrication and practical support to aircraft builders, manufacturers and specialist operators.

Its customers and programmes have extended far beyond Pembrokeshire, reaching across the UK, Ireland, Iceland, the Falkland Islands and parts of Africa.

The company has also worked to encourage young people and under-represented groups to consider careers in aviation and engineering. It previously hosted public events and educational visits at its Haverfordwest workshops.

Its closure will therefore represent the loss of a distinctive specialist engineering and aviation presence at the airport.

A substantial collection of manufacturing machinery is now available for sale, including a Kimla CNC routing, milling and cutting system and a 120-tonne Morgan Rushworth CNC press brake used to produce specialist light aircraft components.

The production equipment can be sold separately or as an established light aviation fabrication cell, potentially accompanied by introductions to existing customers and production programmes.

Other assets being offered include aircraft engine cowling moulds, an electric forklift, a box pan folder, an English wheel, a manual beading machine, an industrial guillotine, a plasma cutter and table, workshop racking, a drill press, a band saw and a media blasting cabinet.

The equipment is being offered on an as-seen and where-is basis, subject to contract.

The directors said they would do everything reasonably possible to support customers and partners during the transition.

Details have not yet been released about the number of jobs or contractors affected by the closure.

Asset enquiries can be directed to Jonathan Porter, with contact details on the Metal Seagulls Facebook page.

WELSH financial, legal and technology businesses could gain improved access to the Swiss market under a major new trade agreement announced by the UK and Switzerland.

The UK Government estimates the agreement could increase British services exports to Switzerland by £5.2 billion a year in the long term, although no separate estimate has been published for the potential benefit to Wales.

However, Wales already has an established services trading relationship with Switzerland.

UK Government analysis found that Welsh businesses exported £175 million of services to Switzerland in 2020, with financial and insurance services making up the largest category.

The new Free Trade Agreement is intended to make it easier for lawyers, accountants, architects, consultants and digital businesses to sell their expertise in Switzerland.

It will also reduce barriers for businesses transferring employees between the two countries and provide greater certainty for firms considering investment or expansion.

Cardiff-based Capital Law, which already works in Switzerland and advises Swiss clients, said the agreement could strengthen the Welsh capital’s position as a growing professional services centre.

Christopher Nott, senior partner at Capital Law, said: “This FTA is a terrific result for Capital Law, our clients and Cardiff’s growing reputation as a leading professional services hub.

“The agreement locks in legal market access, reduces unnecessary barriers and provides the certainty we need to pursue opportunities in Switzerland.

“As a firm that already works in Switzerland and advises Swiss clients, with one of our partners based there, we understand the value of a strong and predictable trading relationship.

“It’s exactly the kind of practical, modern trade deal that helps UK businesses compete and succeed internationally.”

The agreement could also create opportunities for Welsh businesses operating in life sciences, financial technology, cyber security, digital services and the creative industries.

Switzerland is the UK’s sixth-largest services export market, with bilateral services trade worth more than £30 billion during 2025.

Services account for around 81 per cent of UK economic output and 83 per cent of employment, making improved access particularly significant for regions seeking to grow professional and technology-based businesses.

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said the agreement would open new doors for businesses across Wales.

She said: “The UK-Switzerland trade deal shows how the UK Government is delivering real results for businesses in Wales and across the UK.

“Wales already has a thriving services sector. This landmark agreement supports further economic growth and encourages job creation by opening new doors for businesses and enhancing Wales’s reputation on the world stage.”

Under the agreement, UK services professionals will be able to travel visa-free to Switzerland for up to 90 days a year.

British businesses will also be able to transfer employees to work in Switzerland for periods of up to five years without being subjected to some of the economic needs tests currently applied to work permit applications.

The Government said this would make it easier for British professionals and graduates working in areas including finance, insurance and consultancy to obtain Swiss work permits.

The deal also aims to reduce paperwork, support digital payments and remove requirements for certain back-office functions to be physically based in Switzerland.

Provisions will lock in future liberalisation of Swiss services markets, meaning British companies would automatically benefit from further easing of trading rules.

British travellers are also expected to receive practical benefits.

Under a separate initiative announced alongside the agreement, UK passport holders will soon be able to use electronic passport gates at Swiss airports.

The UK and Switzerland also intend to remove international mobile roaming surcharges, allowing tourists and business travellers to use their phones as part of their normal contracts without additional charges.

Around 800,000 visits are made to Switzerland by UK residents each year.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Whether you’re growing a business or travelling for work, this agreement is about making life easier and creating more opportunity for people across the UK.

“It means British firms will find it easier to sell their expertise in one of our most important markets in Europe, supporting jobs and investment here at home.

“British people will also be able to enjoy using their mobile in Switzerland without extra roaming charges and, alongside the FTA, they will soon also have quicker trips through Swiss airports.”

Trade Secretary Peter Kyle described it as the most significant services trade agreement negotiated by the UK.

He said: “This deal will mean faster journeys through the border, cheaper phone use for families and business travellers to Switzerland, and new opportunities for British firms selling their world-class services overseas.”

Government figures estimate that exports to Switzerland supported 171,400 UK jobs in 2022, including 144,800 linked to services exports.

Those employment figures are based on economic modelling and include people employed directly by exporters and those working for businesses within their supply chains.

While ministers have presented the agreement as a major opportunity for Welsh businesses, its precise economic value to Wales remains uncertain.

The £5.2 billion estimate applies to the whole of the UK and the Government has not yet published a Wales-specific assessment of the expected increase in trade, investment or employment.

The agreement will now move towards formal signature and implementation, subject to the usual parliamentary scrutiny.

A CALL for Pembrokeshire to again push Welsh Government for a review of the contentious 182-day rule for self-catering holiday properties in order to avoid paying second homes tax is to be heard next week.

Self-catering businesses not meeting the 182-day criteria end up paying the second homes council tax premium, currently 125 per cent on top of the general rate, in the county, along with similar premiums for the other elements of the overall bill such as the police precept.

In a submitted question to be heard at the July 16 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Huw Murphy asks: “Most councillors are aware that much of Pembrokeshire relies on tourism and hospitality for its economic success. A key element of a successful Pembrokeshire tourism industry is the self-catering sector.

“Plaid Cymru in its manifesto made several pledges for its first 100 days in office, one under the headline of ‘Unleashing Wales Economic Potential’ which made no specific mention of the 182 letting day rule that was introduced by the previous Labour Government under their co-operation agreement with Plaid Cymru.

“However, Plaid Cymru prior to Senedd elections in May 2026, stated that they would review the 182-day threshold which has been a disaster for many self-catering businesses, many of whom are in rural and coastal communities. I have raised this matter on several occasions since being elected.

“Through speaking to those operating in the self-catering sector there is a clear need to reduce the 182-day threshold. I should point out that in the past I have suggested it be reduced to 140 days and still hold that view.

“Over 50 days have now passed since the Senedd Elections, but we have not heard any details of a review of the 182-day letting rule. Therefore, will the Leader write off to the First Minister outlining the concerns of many Pembrokeshire county councillors with regards to the 182 days letting rule and ask for a reply setting out when Welsh Government intend to commence a review of this policy, which is much needed?”

Back in 2023, Cllr Murphy submitted an unsuccessful notice of motion to full council calling for the 182-day rule in Pembrokeshire to be lowered, proposing a figure of 140 days.

At the time of the 2023 call it was instead agreed to review the situation and for the council to raise its concerns to Welsh Government.