Latest news with #GaryPritchard
North Wales Chronicle
6 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
North Wales Clean Energy Fund will power sector progress
The North Wales Clean Energy Fund, worth £24.6 million, has been launched by Ambition North Wales to help drive the region's shift to a low-carbon economy. Part of the North Wales Growth Deal, the fund will support clean energy and decarbonisation projects for businesses and voluntary sector organisations. Cllr Gary Pritchard, lead member for the Low Carbon Energy Programme at Ambition North Wales and leader of Isle of Anglesey Council, said: "I was immensely proud to be part of the launch, and now to see the fund up and running. "It will mean that green energy projects based in North Wales can begin and progress more quickly. "By supporting innovative businesses and community-driven projects, we are fostering a more sustainable, prosperous future for the region." The fund will run for an initial five-year period and includes two dedicated sub-funds. The first, led by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), targets charities, social enterprises, and community-led projects. The second, delivered by UMi, is aimed at private sector businesses. A third reserve fund will consider applications from other organisations and funding models. The fund will support a variety of clean energy solutions, including storage, energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and renewable energy generation. It is expected to deliver £100 million of investment in the region, create 150 jobs, and cut up to 125,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The launch event was held at Coleg Llandrillo's Engineering Centre in Rhyl, which houses a renewable energy technology training facility. Rebecca Evans, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, welcomed the scheme. She said: "The launch of the Clean Energy Fund is fantastic news for North Wales, opening the door to more opportunities for the region's thriving clean energy sector. "With its abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and commitment to sustainability, North Wales is uniquely positioned to lead the way in harnessing renewable energy. "I look forward to seeing innovative developments that will drive economic growth while advancing our transition to a greener future." Dame Nia Griffith, Wales Office minister, shared her support in a video message during the event. She said: "The Clean Energy Fund helps to cement North Wales's growing reputation in the clean energy sector. "This fund, supported by investment from the UK Government, will ensure the sector continues to flourish and create new well-paid jobs." The fund supports the North Wales Regional Energy Strategy, which aims to increase renewable energy use and promote local ownership of clean energy assets. Further details and application information are available at
Leader Live
6 days ago
- Business
- Leader Live
North Wales Clean Energy Fund will power sector progress
The North Wales Clean Energy Fund, worth £24.6 million, has been launched by Ambition North Wales to help drive the region's shift to a low-carbon economy. Part of the North Wales Growth Deal, the fund will support clean energy and decarbonisation projects for businesses and voluntary sector organisations. Cllr Gary Pritchard, lead member for the Low Carbon Energy Programme at Ambition North Wales and leader of Isle of Anglesey Council, said: "I was immensely proud to be part of the launch, and now to see the fund up and running. "It will mean that green energy projects based in North Wales can begin and progress more quickly. "By supporting innovative businesses and community-driven projects, we are fostering a more sustainable, prosperous future for the region." The fund will run for an initial five-year period and includes two dedicated sub-funds. The first, led by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), targets charities, social enterprises, and community-led projects. The second, delivered by UMi, is aimed at private sector businesses. A third reserve fund will consider applications from other organisations and funding models. The fund will support a variety of clean energy solutions, including storage, energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and renewable energy generation. It is expected to deliver £100 million of investment in the region, create 150 jobs, and cut up to 125,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The launch event was held at Coleg Llandrillo's Engineering Centre in Rhyl, which houses a renewable energy technology training facility. Rebecca Evans, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, welcomed the scheme. She said: "The launch of the Clean Energy Fund is fantastic news for North Wales, opening the door to more opportunities for the region's thriving clean energy sector. "With its abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and commitment to sustainability, North Wales is uniquely positioned to lead the way in harnessing renewable energy. "I look forward to seeing innovative developments that will drive economic growth while advancing our transition to a greener future." Dame Nia Griffith, Wales Office minister, shared her support in a video message during the event. She said: "The Clean Energy Fund helps to cement North Wales's growing reputation in the clean energy sector. "This fund, supported by investment from the UK Government, will ensure the sector continues to flourish and create new well-paid jobs." The fund supports the North Wales Regional Energy Strategy, which aims to increase renewable energy use and promote local ownership of clean energy assets. Further details and application information are available at
Rhyl Journal
6 days ago
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
North Wales Clean Energy Fund will power sector progress
The North Wales Clean Energy Fund, worth £24.6 million, has been launched by Ambition North Wales to help drive the region's shift to a low-carbon economy. Part of the North Wales Growth Deal, the fund will support clean energy and decarbonisation projects for businesses and voluntary sector organisations. Cllr Gary Pritchard, lead member for the Low Carbon Energy Programme at Ambition North Wales and leader of Isle of Anglesey Council, said: "I was immensely proud to be part of the launch, and now to see the fund up and running. "It will mean that green energy projects based in North Wales can begin and progress more quickly. "By supporting innovative businesses and community-driven projects, we are fostering a more sustainable, prosperous future for the region." The fund will run for an initial five-year period and includes two dedicated sub-funds. The first, led by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), targets charities, social enterprises, and community-led projects. The second, delivered by UMi, is aimed at private sector businesses. A third reserve fund will consider applications from other organisations and funding models. The fund will support a variety of clean energy solutions, including storage, energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and renewable energy generation. It is expected to deliver £100 million of investment in the region, create 150 jobs, and cut up to 125,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The launch event was held at Coleg Llandrillo's Engineering Centre in Rhyl, which houses a renewable energy technology training facility. Rebecca Evans, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, welcomed the scheme. She said: "The launch of the Clean Energy Fund is fantastic news for North Wales, opening the door to more opportunities for the region's thriving clean energy sector. "With its abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and commitment to sustainability, North Wales is uniquely positioned to lead the way in harnessing renewable energy. "I look forward to seeing innovative developments that will drive economic growth while advancing our transition to a greener future." Dame Nia Griffith, Wales Office minister, shared her support in a video message during the event. She said: "The Clean Energy Fund helps to cement North Wales's growing reputation in the clean energy sector. "This fund, supported by investment from the UK Government, will ensure the sector continues to flourish and create new well-paid jobs." The fund supports the North Wales Regional Energy Strategy, which aims to increase renewable energy use and promote local ownership of clean energy assets. Further details and application information are available at
North Wales Chronicle
01-07-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Work gets underway to revitalise Holyhead's main street
As part of the Holyhead Townscape Heritage Initiative, funded by UK Government and the National Lottery Heritage Fund through the Isle of Anglesey County Council, six shopfronts including a well-known local pub will be restored to their original authentic appearance. The initiative is designed to improve the town centre, attract more visitors, and encourage further private investment in the area. Gleeson's pub in Holyhead. (Image: GoogleMaps) It is part of a wider programme of investment in Holyhead with has already seen substantial work to restore several properties in and around the town centre. Among one of the first business set to get a makeover as part of the scheme is Gleeson's pub on Stanley Street. Landlady Sandra Hiddleston looks forward to seeing the transformation take shape. She said: 'I'm excited to see the pub given a new lease of life. It has been part of the community for many generations, and it deserves to look its best again. "The investment means we can preserve its history and character as well as giving it a refresh, and I hope it encourages more people to visit and support local businesses.' READ MORE: Anglesey pub set for grand re-opening after £280k makeover Re-opening date for Holyhead Port terminal pushed back Cllr Gary Pritchard, Leader of the Isle of Anglesey County Council, added: 'This project is a key part of the Council's ongoing efforts to support Holyhead's regeneration, and we're proud to be driving it forward. We're confident it will have a lasting impact, boost the local economy and strengthen the community. 'Having grown up in the town, I know just how special its history and culture are. "We want to build on that unique identity in a way that benefits both residents and local businesses. "Our goal is to help create a vibrant, welcoming town centre that truly reflects Holyhead's potential and opens the door to new opportunities.' As work gets underway, the council said it is keen to let people know that Stanley Street remains very much open and that it is business as usual as the work gets underway. There may be some disruption during the work for safety and practical reasons but arrangements will be put in place so that business are supported and can remain open for as long as possible during the work.
Business News Wales
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Clean Energy Fund Gets Ambition North Wales Green Light
North Wales is set to build on its strength as a leader in low-carbon energy with the approval of the Full Business Case for the region's £24.6 million Clean Energy Fund. The fund, part of the North Wales Growth Deal's Low Carbon Energy programme, will primarily offer capital debt funding to private sector projects with grant/debt capital funding available to voluntary sector projects which focus on clean energy. There will also be the flexibility to consider investments in other sectors and via other funding mechanisms where projects clearly align to the objectives of the fund. It is expected that the fund will generate £100 million in regional investment, create more than 150 new jobs, reduce carbon dioxide equivalent by up to 125,000 tonnes, and support local ownership. The investment will support a range of technologies and activities, including renewable energy generation, energy efficiency and retrofit projects, smart energy systems, and clean energy manufacturing. Cllr. Gary Pritchard, Leader, Isle of Anglesey County Council and Lead Member for the Ambition North Wales Low Carbon Energy Programme, said: 'The approval of the Full Business Case marks a major step forward for our Low Carbon Energy programme. The Clean Energy Fund has been designed to respond to the needs of our region, providing the right support to organisations that want to drive innovation and help meet our climate goals. 'We're proud to be taking a collaborative approach, working with partners across the public, private, and voluntary sectors to promote new opportunities and ensure that our communities can benefit from the transition to a net zero economy.' Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans said: 'The approval of the Clean Energy Fund is fantastic news for North Wales, opening the door to more opportunities for the region's thriving clean energy sector. With its abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and commitment to sustainability, North Wales is uniquely positioned to lead the way in harnessing renewable energy. I look forward to seeing innovative developments that will drive economic growth while advancing our transition to a greener future.' Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith said: 'The green light for the Clean Energy Fund is fantastic news for North Wales. Part funded by the UK Government, via the North Wales Growth Deal, it will power economic growth and create new jobs which will put more money into people's pockets. 'I'm looking forward to seeing innovative projects come forward for support, cementing North Wales's growing reputation in the clean energy sector and contributing to the UK Government's economic growth and clean energy missions.' The fund, set for launch in July, will be open for applications over an initial five-year period, with the potential to extend to 2035 depending on uptake and performance. Projects must be up and running within 36 months of receiving investment, and applicants will need to provide match funding. Ambition North Wales says that by unlocking investment, the fund will accelerate progress towards net zero targets for Wales and the UK. Advisors UMi (in partnership with Optimum Elite and Auditel), along with Wales Council for Voluntary Action (working with Community Energy Wales and Mantell Gwynedd) were appointed in late 2024 to help shape and deliver the fund. Together, they combine commercial expertise alongside an in-depth understanding of the voluntary sector, which will ensure effective design and delivery of the fund, said Ambition North Wales. By supporting clean energy innovation and infrastructure, the fund aims to make North Wales a key player in the UK's energy transition, while delivering lasting economic, environmental, and social benefits for the region.
