Business

New legislation in Wales has top hospitality operators talking net zero

Published

1 year ago

June 26, 2024

SOME of Wales’ top hospitality operators shared insights into their net zero journeys, with a particular focus on the impact of new legislation rolled out in April.

The likes of hotels, restaurants, pubs, and bars have had to separate out their recycling, including food waste of more than 5kg per week, under Welsh Government regulations.

And less than two months on, the Institute of Hospitality hosted an event in Cardiff to discover the impact on organisations.

Keenan Recycling, the UK’s largest food waste recycler, which went from servicing 300 sites in Wales to 1,500 in the first few weeks after the latest regulations came into play, sponsored the seminar at The Parkgate Hotel.

Grant Keenan, co-founder and managing director of Keenan Recycling, chaired a panel discussion.

He said: “It was fascinating to hear directly from those responsible for ensuring the new laws were adhered to and how vital environmental sustainability is to their growth and business success.

“We have increased our collections by five-fold and have been able to support our customers every step of the way, leaning on our experience of Scotland going through the same legislation changes in 2017.

“For us, it’s understanding what’s important to our clients. As well as the logistics of ideal collection location and times, it’s assisting them with their own journey to net zero.

“For example, we fall under Scope 3 data for many organisations, and being able to offer a service that sees the trucks fuelled by the waste they collect is hugely beneficial to users.”

The panel included industry professionals who have been involved in implementing the new laws. They offered insight into the challenges faced and the impact of sustainability on the sector.

Lucy Wonnacott, marketing manager at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Educating our staff and customers was a critical success factor. We have a wide range of commercial tenants, from small retail units to communal office buildings and industrial properties.

“The education piece was a big undertaking, but it ensured the roll out was communicated and managed responsibly.

“Speaking to fellow businesses, while they knew of the regulations, they hadn’t grasped the complexities of the logistical elements of the changes.

“People are definitely on board with separating their recycling. Sustainability means a lot to consumers. It’s part of the decision-making process for buying a product or service, which means brands must be genuine and not greenwash.”

Fitzroy Hutchinson, energy and sustainability manager for The Celtic Collection, which includes the Celtic Manor Resort in its portfolio, said: “We have 1,400 members of staff, and our environmental efforts are central to all activities, as we want to build on the longstanding legacies we have created.

“Adhering to the latest regulations was a challenge with elements including financing the new bins, education of staff and guests, and managing site audits.

“There is a clear interest from our guests and event clients in our environmental credentials. A decade ago, we might answer sustainability questions from event clients in a single page, but now those questions are much more numerous and technically rigorous. We also have a detailed section of sustainability content on our website.”

Another member of the panel was Will Sowerby, content and communications lead at Pact Coffee, a speciality-grade coffee subscription, who said: “Our customers are constantly asking questions regarding all things environmental, social, and governance (ESG).

“That’s where ESG reports and being a B-Corp comes in handy. It’s a clear and obvious signal you genuinely care about your operations beyond price.”

The Institute of Hospitality’s CEO Robert Richardson FIH MI commented: “Environmental issues remain a hot topic for the hospitality industry. Wales has an outstanding reputation for achieving success on ‘green’ outcomes, so it was really appropriate to host our latest Above & Beyond event in Cardiff and tap into that expertise.

“Wales has the best recycling rate in the world, with 65 per cent of waste diverted from landfill. This is an incredible achievement.

“Listening to our panel members today, it’s clear that while there were challenges with the initial rollout of the new laws in Wales, there is passion in ensuring sustainability is at the heart of all operations.”

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

10 hours 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

14 hours 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):

13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)
14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)
15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)
16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)

Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):

13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)
14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)
15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)
16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

22 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CALLS to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire which had been recommended for refusal has been given a breathing space by planners.

In an application recommended for refusal at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the redundant former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the open countryside location being contrary to planning policy and there was no evidence submitted that the application would not increase foul flows and that nutrient neutrality in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC would be achieved within this catchment.

An officer report said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.

Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, after the committee had enjoyed a seasonal break for mince pies, said of the recommendation for refusal: “I’m a bit grumpy over this one; the client has done everything right, he has talked with the authority and it’s not in retrospect but has had a negative report from your officers.”

He said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant catering for ‘100 covers’ before it closed two three years ago when the original owner relocated to Carmarthenshire.

He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming over 36 acres and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing the “beautiful kitchen” and facilities would easily convert to holiday let use.

He said a “common sense approach” showed a septic tank that could cope with a restaurant of “100 covers” could cope with three holiday lets, describing the nitrates issue as “a red herring”.

He suggested a deferral for further information to be provided by the applicant, adding: “This is a big, missed opportunity if we just kick this out today, there’s a building sitting there not creating any jobs.”

On the ‘open countryside’ argument, he said that while many viewed Martletwy as “a little bit in the sticks” there was already permission for the campsite, and the restaurant, and the Bluestone holiday park and the Wild Lakes water park were roughly a mile or so away.

He said converting the former restaurant would “be an asset to bring it over to tourism,” adding: “We don’t all want to stay in Tenby or the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven.”

While Cllr Nick Neuman felt the nutrients issue could be overcome, Cllr Michael Williams warned the application was “clearly outside policy,” recommending it be refused.

A counter-proposal, by Cllr Tony Wilcox, called for a site visit before any decision was made, the application returning to a future committee; members voting seven to three in favour of that.