Latest news with #RebeccaEvans
Rhyl Journal
a day ago
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
New plan could power Wales to top of offshore wind industry
The action plan, developed by a dedicated task group, aims to unlock long-term economic and environmental benefits by building on Wales' growing pipeline of more than 15GW of offshore wind projects in surrounding waters. The sector could deliver up to £4.8 billion for Welsh businesses and create more than 3,000 jobs. Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, said: "Last week, we welcomed the announcement that offshore wind in the Celtic Sea was moving from planning into development and delivery. "With two successful bidders announced to develop three gigawatts of clean energy, and a clear commitment from the Crown Estate to deliver the full 4.5GW, we see the start of billions of pounds of investment and thousands of jobs. "This truly is a once in a generation opportunity for our ports and will be a catalyst for economic regeneration in our coastal communities." The group recommendations include establishing a stakeholder forum by autumn 2025 to improve coordination between developers, government, and other key partners. Other proposals focus on streamlining planning and consent processes to speed up project delivery, supporting Welsh businesses to join the offshore wind supply chain, and addressing sector-specific skills gaps. Ajai Ahluwalia, head of supply chain at RenewableUK, said: "We are pleased to see clear, practical actions that respond directly to industry calls for greater certainty, stronger collaboration, and urgent delivery. "Offshore wind is one of the UK's greatest industrial opportunities — with the potential to transform Wales' heartland sectors, like steel and advanced manufacturing. "Over the next decade alone, £32 billion in economic value is at stake, including a £4.8 billion opportunity for Welsh businesses and 3,370 well-paid jobs. "To unlock that value, we must now move swiftly from planning to implementation — and industry stands ready to work with government to make it happen." The plan also emphasises the importance of skills development, calling for coordinated educational initiatives to prepare the workforce for emerging roles in wind turbine technology and high-voltage engineering. It highlights the need to integrate the Welsh steel and concrete industries into offshore wind supply chains, especially for floating wind foundations. Wales has led the way in offshore wind, hosting the UK's first fixed offshore wind projects in North Wales.
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Foreign investment drives job growth and confidence in Wales
Wales secured 65 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in 2024-25, according to new data from the Department for Business and Trade. That is up 23 per cent on the previous year and the second highest rise of any UK nation or region. The investments have created 2,470 new jobs, marking a 30 per cent increase from 2023-24. Halton Flamgard, which is part of the Finish Halton Group, has relocated to the recently completed RYB1 unit in Ebbw Vale following an £8.9 million investment by Welsh Government in the low carbon facility. Part of a planned expansion, it will see employee numbers at the company go from 70 to 168 by 2028. Rebecca Evans, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, said: "Despite political and economic factors impacting growth globally, Wales has again seen a significant increase in foreign investment. "There has been a large increase in jobs created through FDI in 2024-25 and the continuing growth of 'new' investment into Wales has reached a nine-year high. "This is proof that our proactive approach to promoting Wales globally as a great place to do business is delivering. "From Delhi to San Diego we have further raised the profile of Wales as an outstanding investment destination with key sectors that boast world-class capabilities." A total of 1,652 jobs were also safeguarded through foreign investment—the highest number recorded across the UK. The Welsh Government supports investors by promoting the country's core strengths at industry events and providing guidance on locations, workforce, business networks, and academic links. First Minister Eluned Morgan said: "Creating high quality jobs in key sectors is a priority for this government, and attracting overseas investment is a key part of our economic strategy. "We are focused as a government on economic growth, and these figures highlight the confidence investors are showing in the Welsh economy. "Our International Investment Summit later this year will provide a further opportunity to showcase Wales to the world and attract even more investment into Wales."
Leader Live
2 days ago
- Business
- Leader Live
The Welsh Government unveils major planning reforms
Rebecca Evans today (Thursday, June 26) outlined how the Welsh Government is taking decisive action to streamline the planning process, address resource challenges, and build a "modern, efficient" planning system "fit for the future". The Cabinet Secretary said an efficient planning system is essential for creating the homes, jobs and infrastructure Wales needs, while also enhancing our environment and strengthening our communities. She said: 'I am determined to make Wales the fastest country in the UK to determine infrastructure applications. This ambition extends to all planning applications, recognising that this will drive economic growth across our nation.' The announcement includes several key measures to accelerate decision-making and boost the planning profession: The Cabinet Secretary has also commissioned RTPI Cymru to undertake comprehensive workforce planning research to develop a clear picture of capacity, resource and skills needs across the public planning sector. This research will inform a long-term strategy to increase the capacity and resilience of planning services throughout Wales, the Welsh Government said. MORE NEWS: Digital transformation forms another key part of the reforms, with the Centre for Digital Public Services developing projects to enhance communication between planning departments and the public, improve user experiences, and establish digital standards for sharing planning information. The Cabinet Secretary added 'These reforms represent a step change in how planning works in Wales. "By investing in our planning services, developing digital solutions, and growing the planning profession, we are creating a planning system that will drive sustainable economic growth, deliver the infrastructure Wales needs, and create good jobs across the country.'
Business News Wales
2 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Offshore Wind Task and Finish Group Unveils Action Plan
A new comprehensive action plan has been published which aims to maximise Wales' offshore wind potential and secure long-term economic benefits. A task and finish group, established earlier this year, brought together the collective effort of sector leads across Wales, covering developers, ports, manufacturing and skills. Their aim was to identify what needs to be done in partnership with the Crown Estate, industry and social partners to secure lasting economic and social value to Wales. Wales has been at the forefront of offshore wind projects, hosting the first fixed offshore wind developments in North Wales. Currently Wales has a pipeline of more than 15 GW of offshore wind projects around its coastline, in Welsh, English and Irish waters. The Welsh Government said the sector represents a significant opportunity with the prospect of £4.8 billion for Welsh businesses and over 3,000 jobs. Announcing the new action plan during Wind Week, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said she wanted to 'drive forward the renewable energy revolution, ensuring that Wales remains at the forefront'. She said: 'Last week, we welcomed the announcement that offshore wind in the Celtic Sea was moving from planning into development and delivery. 'With two successful bidders announced to develop three gigawatts of clean energy, and a clear commitment from the Crown Estate to deliver the full 4.5GW, we see the start of billions of pounds of investment and thousands of jobs. 'All the evidence shows the strategic importance of local ports to the developers of offshore wind projects, and I am delighted the UK Government confirmed up to £80 million in the Spending Review to kickstart the investment in the port at Port Talbot. 'This truly is a once in a generation opportunity for our ports and will be a catalyst for economic regeneration in our coastal communities.' Coordinated by Tim Pick, former UK Offshore Wind Champion, the task and finish group has now set out key recommendations, including: Establishing a forum by autumn 2025 with project developers, government, and other key partners to enable better coordination between stakeholders, helping to maximise local benefits from new wind farms in the Celtic Sea. Streamlining the planning and consent process, reducing delays and providing developers with a clear roadmap of requirements through improved coordination between parties to significantly accelerate project timelines and reduce costs. Implementing targeted support for Welsh businesses to enter the offshore wind supply chain, with particular focus on connecting SMEs with larger companies to transform this untapped potential into actual business opportunities, particularly in areas of existing strength like project management and engineering. Coordinating skills development initiatives across educational institutions to address the sector-specific skills gap in areas like wind turbine technology and high-voltage electrical engineering so local communities can access the high-quality jobs created. Integrating the Welsh steel and concrete sectors with offshore wind development, particularly for floating offshore wind foundations and substructures Ajai Ahluwalia, Head of Supply Chain for RenewableUK, said: 'We are pleased to see clear, practical actions that respond directly to industry calls for greater certainty, stronger collaboration, and urgent delivery. 'Offshore wind is one of the UK's greatest industrial opportunities — with the potential to transform Wales' heartland sectors, like steel and advanced manufacturing. 'Over the next decade alone, £32 billion in economic value is at stake, including a £4.8 billion opportunity for Welsh businesses and 3,370 well-paid jobs. 'To unlock that value, we must now move swiftly from planning to implementation — and industry stands ready to work with government to make it happen.'
Business News Wales
4 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
£600m Welsh Government Investment Supports More Than 40,000 Jobs
Direct Welsh Government investment in businesses totalling more than £600 million has seen more than 40,000 jobs created or safeguarded across Wales. As part of the £600 million, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans has announced close to £10 million to support nearly 700 jobs at three businesses across Wales. Through investment made in loans, equity and grants, the Welsh Government said it was making 'significant progress' delivering on its commitment to building a stronger, fairer, and greener economy. Boccard UK Ltd, based in North Wales, is receiving Economy Futures Funding of £1.2 million to secure a move to a substantial new unit and significantly increase its fully digitised manufacturing capacity. This will help the company, which is headquartered in France, to retain its market leading position in the nuclear sector in Wales, safeguarding 59 jobs and creating more than 150 new positions. An £8 million Welsh Government investment is also contributing to safeguarding 325 jobs at WEPA in Bridgend. It is part of a significant investment by the company, which specialises in the production and distribution of sustainable hygiene paper and innovative hygiene solutions, to reduce energy consumption at its Maesteg site and boost production capacity. Further funding of £540,000 is also helping bring an old factory, which closed in 2022 with the loss of 60 jobs, back into use in Clydach Vale, near Tonypandy. Coppice, an international manufacturer and supplier of packaging to the food industry will create 83 jobs at the new operation, with this number potentially increasing to 150 in the next five years. Speaking during a visit to Boccard's new site in Deeside, Flintshire, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'The Welsh Government is proud that we have supported over 40,000 jobs since the start of this Senedd term through our business support programmes. We have rolled our sleeves up to deliver for businesses, communities, and thousands of workers across Wales – like those here at Boccard, which is exactly the sort of overseas-owned company we are looking to attract at our Investment Summit later this year. 'From direct business support to property investment and long-term regional planning, we are not just supporting businesses and job creation but building the infrastructure and conditions that will enable Welsh businesses to grow, invest, and future-proof their operations. 'We will continue to make Wales a place where good jobs, strong businesses, and thriving communities are the foundation of a stronger, fairer, and greener economy.' Douglas McQueen, Managing Director of Boccard UK, said: 'Boccard is delighted with the support from the Welsh Government in securing the Economy Future Funding, which underpins our commitment to creating highly skilled jobs in Deeside. This is growing the UK's nuclear and industrial supply chain which is key in our challenge to meet net zero targets.' Leon Elston, Managing Director of Coppice/Sirane, said: 'We are delighted to announce the establishment of our new manufacturing facility, following the recent acquisition of Sirane. This exciting expansion marks a significant milestone for the Coppice Group, further broadening our food packaging portfolio and reinforcing our position as a market leader in sustainable packaging solutions. 'Our continued success is rooted in strong employee engagement and meaningful collaboration with the communities in which we operate. The opportunity to invest in the Cambrian site and support employment regeneration in the Rhondda was a compelling factor in our decision. This new facility provides a strategic platform to scale operations and enhance our presence in both current and emerging markets, whilst making a positive contribution to the local economy. 'This project has been made possible through the invaluable support of the Welsh Government. Their funding played a pivotal role in our investment decision and enabled the development of this purpose-built manufacturing site. 'As we move forward, we extend our sincere thanks to the Welsh Government for their continued collaboration and commitment to Coppice's ambitious growth plans. The integration of Sirane and the Cambrian facility will be instrumental in achieving our mission to be the global supplier of choice for sustainable packaging.' WEPA Mill Manager Jordi Goma-Camps Trave said: 'We highly appreciate that the Welsh Government supports this important project for WEPA. It will not only improve the sustainability of our manufacturing process, but also increases our production capacity and contributes to the future viability of the site.'
