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Business News Wales
7 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Anglesey Freeport Moves to Delivery Phase as Full Business Case is Approved
Anglesey Freeport is set to move into delivery phase as its full business case has been approved by the UK and Welsh Governments. The Freeport is a partnership between Stena Line and Isle of Anglesey County Council. The move follows the approval of the Freeport's Outline Business Case earlier in the year, which designated two major tax sites across the island. New businesses located within Anglesey Prosperity Zone and the Central Anglesey Tax Sites benefit from special tax reliefs and are designed to attract investment and boost economic growth across North Wales. With both business cases approved, all required approvals are now in place, with the Freeport able to transition to its delivery phase. The approval of the Full Business Case will shortly unlock £25 million in government seed capital, enabling the establishment of the Freeport as a business entity. Approval of the North Anglesey Tax Site is expected later this year. Anglesey Freeport will deliver upon the Welsh and UK Government's shared objectives around the broader Freeport Programme, including ensuring the Freeport operates as a hub for global trade, innovation and investment, supporting local talent and embracing new employment opportunities, particularly within low-carbon energy. Additionally, outline planning permission will shortly be determined for a proposed new technology park at Prosperity Parc, the former Anglesey Aluminium site which sits within the Anglesey Prosperity Zone. At its peak, the proposals are forecast to generate up to £578 million of growth in the local economy each year, the equivalent of a third of Anglesey's current economy, and create around 1,200 jobs. Ian Davies, Head of UK Port Authorities at Stena Line, said: 'We are delighted that Anglesey Freeport is now fully operational, following the approval of our full business case. This milestone is the culmination of all the work to date by Stena Line and the Isle of Anglesey County Council. We would like to thank UK and Welsh Government for their continued support in developing the Freeport and commitment to realising its vision. 'We will now deliver on the promise of the Freeport which is to attract investment, protect the Welsh language and culture, create thousands of new jobs and boost economic growth across North Wales.' Isle of Anglesey County Council Chief Executive, Dylan J. Williams added: 'The approval of the full business case is another significant step forward in delivering Anglesey Freeport and boosting the local economy. 'Together with Stena Line, we have invested a considerable amount of time and effort into this transformational opportunity. There are, we hope, exciting times ahead as our partnership creates a solid foundation to deliver significant investment and long-term economic benefits for the island and North Wales, helping address our local and regional needs. This investment will further help protect the Welsh language and maintain sustainable communities. 'Unlocking £25 million in government funding would allow us to make further progress in developing our three taxes sites – ensuring that Anglesey Freeport brings major new investment, jobs and supply chain opportunities.' Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'Anglesey Freeport has the potential to supercharge economic growth and high-quality jobs creation in North Wales and it has taken another significant step towards accessing £25 million in seed capital to capitalise on this transformational opportunity. 'We continue to work hand-in-hand with the UK Government to drive economic prosperity across the region.'
Wales Online
7 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Anglesey special tax zone plan could 'create thousands of new jobs'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Anglesey Freeport has been given the green light in a move that will open up the island as a 'hub for global trade'. The UK and Welsh Governments have approved a Full Business Case (FBC) for the Holyhead-based project, enabling it to unlock £25m in government seed capital. The FBC gives details of how Anglesey Freeport plans to operate. It follows the approval of the Freeport's Outline Business Case earlier in the year, which designated the 'Anglesey Prosperity Zone' and the 'Central Anglesey Tax Sites'. A third tax site, called 'North Anglesey', is expected to be approved later this year. New businesses located within these sites will benefit from special tax reliefs. It's hoped this will attract inward investment – Anglesey Council believes 'exciting times' lie ahead for the island's economy. With both business cases given the go-ahead, all required approvals are now in place and so the Freeport will move to its 'delivery phase'. On the horizon is a planned technology park in Holyhead which is expected to create around 1,200 jobs and generate up to £578m for the local economy. Outline planning permission for this is due to be determined shortly. The technology park is earmarked for Prosperity Parc, the former Anglesey Aluminium site which sits within the ' Anglesey Prosperity Zone'. Its backers believe that if the park's potential is realised, it will generate the equivalent of a third of Anglesey's current economy. Anglesey Freeport, a partnership between Stena Line and Anglesey Council. Ian Davies, head of UK Port Authorities at Stena Line, said FBC approval was a 'milestone' in the Freeport's development. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Mr Davies said: 'We will now deliver on the promise of the Freeport, which is to attract investment, protect the Welsh language and culture, create thousands of new jobs and boost economic growth across North Wales.' Rebecca Evans, the Welsh Government's cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, said the Freeport could 'supercharge' economic growth and high-quality jobs in North Wales. Dylan J Williams, Anglesey Council's chief executive, said FBC approval was a 'significant step forward' in delivering Anglesey Freeport. He said: 'Together with Stena Line, we have invested a considerable amount of time and effort into this transformational opportunity. 'There are, we hope, exciting times ahead as our partnership creates a solid foundation to deliver significant investment and long-term economic benefits for the island and North Wales. 'This investment will further help protect the Welsh language and maintain sustainable communities.' Anglesey Freeport was conceived as part of the the broader Freeport programme supported by the Welsh and UK Governments. The goal is to use tax incentives to stimulate global trade, innovation and investment, with an emphasis on low-carbon energy. This week the Anglesey Freeport team are at the Anglesey Show speaking with politicians, businesses and residents about its work and ambitions.
North Wales Live
7 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Anglesey special tax zone plan could 'create thousands of new jobs'
Anglesey Freeport has been given the green light in a move that will open up the island as a 'hub for global trade'. The UK and Welsh Governments have approved a Full Business Case (FBC) for the Holyhead -based project, enabling it to unlock £25m in government seed capital. The FBC gives details of how Anglesey Freeport plans to operate. It follows the approval of the Freeport's Outline Business Case earlier in the year, which designated the 'Anglesey Prosperity Zone' and the 'Central Anglesey Tax Sites'. A third tax site, called 'North Anglesey', is expected to be approved later this year. New businesses located within these sites will benefit from special tax reliefs. It's hoped this will attract inward investment – Anglesey Council believes 'exciting times' lie ahead for the island's economy. With both business cases given the go-ahead, all required approvals are now in place and so the Freeport will move to its 'delivery phase'. On the horizon is a planned technology park in Holyhead which is expected to create around 1,200 jobs and generate up to £578m for the local economy. Outline planning permission for this is due to be determined shortly. The technology park is earmarked for Prosperity Parc, the former Anglesey Aluminium site which sits within the ' Anglesey Prosperity Zone'. Its backers believe that if the park's potential is realised, it will generate the equivalent of a third of Anglesey's current economy. Anglesey Freeport, a partnership between Stena Line and Anglesey Council. Ian Davies, head of UK Port Authorities at Stena Line, said FBC approval was a 'milestone' in the Freeport's development. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Mr Davies said: 'We will now deliver on the promise of the Freeport, which is to attract investment, protect the Welsh language and culture, create thousands of new jobs and boost economic growth across North Wales.' Rebecca Evans, the Welsh Government's cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, said the Freeport could 'supercharge' economic growth and high-quality jobs in North Wales. Dylan J Williams, Anglesey Council's chief executive, said FBC approval was a 'significant step forward' in delivering Anglesey Freeport. He said: 'Together with Stena Line, we have invested a considerable amount of time and effort into this transformational opportunity. 'There are, we hope, exciting times ahead as our partnership creates a solid foundation to deliver significant investment and long-term economic benefits for the island and North Wales. 'This investment will further help protect the Welsh language and maintain sustainable communities.' Anglesey Freeport was conceived as part of the the broader Freeport programme supported by the Welsh and UK Governments. The goal is to use tax incentives to stimulate global trade, innovation and investment, with an emphasis on low-carbon energy.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Yahoo
Metrolink disruption with tram 'stuck' after overhead cables 'snap'
Commuters are facing rush hour disruption after overhead power lines 'snapped' causing trams to be halted on a busy Metrolink line. An eyewitness said a stretch of cable 'snapped' near Weaste tram stop in Salford this afternoon. It has left a tram 'stuck' in the road heading towards Media City, they said. READ MORE: M602 traffic LIVE as motorway shut after crash with long delays - updates READ MORE: M6 traffic LIVE with motorway shut after 'really serious' crash and huge delays - updates There are currently no trams running between MediaCityUK and Eccles and they are likely to remain suspended for the rest of the day, Metrolink say. Never miss a story with the MEN's daily Catch Up newsletter - get it in your inbox by signing up here Ian Davies, Interim Network Director for Metrolink, said: 'Due to a tram pantograph getting tangled in the overhead line at Weaste, there is currently no tram service between MediaCityUk and Eccles. 'Engineers are on site and working to resolve the fault as soon as possible. 'Services between MediaCityUK and Eccles are likely to be suspended for the rest of the day. "We're sorry for any disruption this causes to people's journeys.' The Bee Network say on their website: "There is ticket acceptance in place on the 10, 33, 50, 52, 53, 67, 79, 100, 248 and 249 bus services. "Simply show the driver your Metrolink ticket or pass when boarding. "To continue your journey by bus, please visit our journey planner. "Please select 'options' and check only the bus icon is highlighted. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE "This feature is also available on the Bee Network app where you can also find bus tracking information."
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
£20m investment to secure Fishguard port's future
A ferry company says it plans to invest up to £20m to upgrade Fishguard port. Stena Line's investment will pay for a new linkspan, a type of drawbridge which allows vessels to move on and off a ferry. It is hoped building work will begin in 2026, and that the new bridge will be ready in 2027. A spokesperson for the company said the announcement signalled a firm commitment to the port for the "next 30 to 40 years". Ferry terminal 'losing out' to rival Ferry company 'fully committed' to port Welsh ports had 30% less traffic 'due to Brexit' A previous project to build a new linkspan was cancelled in 2018 which caused concern locally about the future of the port. The company had already invited tenders for the construction project when it made the announcement. At the time it was said the current single lane linkspan, installed in the early 1970s, was approaching the end of its life. Stena line operates a twice daily roll-on roll-off ferry service between Fishguard and Rosslare in the Republic of Ireland. Fishguard port saw an increase in sailings after Holyhead was closed after berthing terminals were damaged there during Storm Darragh in December 2024. The Pembrokeshire port was used to provide relief freight sailings to Dublin and to help clear a backlog of traffic caused by the closure of the berths at Holyhead. The largest ever ferry to visit Fishguard, the Stena Adventurer, docked at the port during the disruption caused by Storm Darragh. Ian Davies from Stena Line admitted the investment was "overdue" but the new linkspan will provide far more flexibility. He said: "It'll offer many things. Because the structure is a lot bigger, in essence it means that in future we can fit any size of ferry on to this berth which we don't have that flexibility at the moment. "As was shown during Storm Darragh, and the issues up at Holyhead, we were able to bring some other ships in to Fishguard but it was quite a struggle to do that. This really adds to the resilience that Stena Line ports have. We can bring vessels in, change vessels around, if and when the circumstances arise. "It brings us right up to date. It's a commitment really for the next 30-40 years that we have the infrastructure now to take this port to wherever the business takes us." Haulier Peter Harding, who has been operating from his base in Pembrokeshire for more than 34 years and uses Fishguard regularly, said the news was "very welcome". "It will make the loading and unloading a lot more efficient and quicker," he said. "And not only that, it won't limit it to certain ships that can dock. Now, other ships can dock as well. Going back six months ago when Holyhead was closed, the staff and Fishguard as a whole really upped their game to the amount of freight that was coming through there - it was unbelievable. "I just think that this is a fantastic thing to be happening for north Pembrokeshire. South Pembrokeshire seems to get the spotlight on lots of things and it's good for the local community. It's good for jobs. It's a win-win situation." Building work is likely to begin in 2026, and the port will have to close for six to eight weeks during that time. The new linkspan should be completed in 2027. About 100 people from Pembrokeshire work on the shoreside operations and on the route between Fishguard and Rosslare. Ferry route suspended after ship plugs P&O gap Ferry company scraps port upgrade Stena Line Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data
