Latest news with #MattHorwood
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Politics
- Wales Online
Angry farmers take over Welsh town with tractors to deliver Keir Starmer message
Angry farmers take over Welsh town with tractors to deliver Keir Starmer message The restrictions on animals travelling due to Bluetongue is the latest source of anger Tractors line the promenade in Llandudno to protest against UK and Welsh Governments (Image: Matt Horwood ) Farmers once again lined up along the promenade in Llandudno in the latest protest against UK and Welsh Government policies. Farm vehicles and tractors were lined up as Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave a speech to Welsh Labour members at the party's conference in Llandudno. It is the latest protest - the first was when then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited Llandudno. Keir Starmer has now faced two equivalent protests on visits to Llandudno and there have been events in Cardiff Bay, the largest of which took place at the Senedd. Food prices, as well as hcanges to inheritance tax rules prompted the latest protests (Image: Matt Horwood ) Alan Hughes farms on the Shropshire Powys border between England and Wales. He said the protest was farmers having to take extreme measures to keep their farms afloat. "At the moment we're being forced to take second jobs to stay afloat to afford to produce food for the public at a loss. We can't continue to do this. Supermarket prices are going through the roof but in the last month since the EU trade deal the price of beef has dropped by £1 a kilo, that's a sixth. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here "We're pretty much on break even now," he said. He is having to work two other jobs, in engineering, he said to cover the household bills. He said he blames both UK and Welsh Governments. "Both their policies are driving us bust," the beef and sheep farmer said. Article continues below Swansea farmer Liam Payne is one of the organisers of previous protests. The core issues haven't changed, he said, saying "there are new problems being added to it". "Sixteen months ago we organised the Senedd protest, that was about TB testing, NVZ zones and TB. They're all still here. Then the Westminster government came in and put the inheritance tax on us, and two weeks ago, Huw Irranca-Davies [the Welsh rural affairs minister] put bluetongue zone which is going to affect all breeding stock sales on the borders." The Welsh Government say its introduction of restrictions will keep the disease at bay for as long as possible, but it cannot keep the disease out forever. Article continues below Liam said: "We ourselves go to Scotland to buy rams every year and we won't be able to do that this year, and that means creating a smaller gene pool of breeding because we can only buy within Wales." There is no idea how long the restrictions will be in place, he said.
Scoop
24-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Wellington Scores 'A' In Global Index For Inclusive, Competitive Edge
Press Release – Wellington City Council The Open for Business City Ratings are determined by a combination of 27 metrics, including business environment accessibility, network readiness, corruption levels, innovation ecosystem health, quality of life standards, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity and … A coalition of global businesses has awarded Wellington an 'A' for its inclusive policies and economic competitiveness in an international index evaluating 149 cities. In its City Ratings 2025 Report, the global business coalition Open for Business rated Wellington 'fully open for business' and one of the top-performing cities in the Asia-Pacific. 'We remain impressed with how committed Wellington is to inclusion, not just for its LGBTQ+ community but for all residents and visitors,' says Matt Horwood, Director of Communications at Open for Business. 'A city described as 'Open for Business' has a hassle-free business environment, transparent governance, strong digital infrastructure, a skilled talent pool, a strong culture of innovation, and a high quality of life with a dynamic cultural environment. 'Essentially, it signifies that a city is not only an attractive and efficient location for businesses to thrive but also a good place for people to live,' explains Mr Horwood. Mayor Tory Whanau said the recognition from such a respected coalition of global businesses was a significant validation of Wellington's strategic focus. 'We have long believed that a truly competitive economy is one that embraces inclusivity, ensuring opportunity for all our residents and businesses. This achievement motivates us to further enhance our policies, making Wellington an even more attractive place to live, work, and invest,' says Mayor Whanau. The Open for Business City Ratings are determined by a combination of 27 metrics, including business environment accessibility, network readiness, corruption levels, innovation ecosystem health, quality of life standards, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity and legal protections. Each city receives a rating indicating whether it is open, progressive, and competitive. Latest Census data shows that more than 11 per cent of Wellingtonians identify as members of the rainbow community, making Wellington the country's rainbow capital. Mr Horwood says the City Ratings Report strengthens the economic case for LGBTQ+ inclusion, highlighting that open, inclusive, and diverse cities are more competitive because they encourage innovation, attract high-skilled workers, and are better at growing high-value businesses.
Scoop
24-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Wellington Scores 'A' In Global Index For Inclusive, Competitive Edge
A coalition of global businesses has awarded Wellington an 'A' for its inclusive policies and economic competitiveness in an international index evaluating 149 cities. In its City Ratings 2025 Report, the global business coalition Open for Business rated Wellington 'fully open for business' and one of the top-performing cities in the Asia-Pacific. 'We remain impressed with how committed Wellington is to inclusion, not just for its LGBTQ+ community but for all residents and visitors,' says Matt Horwood, Director of Communications at Open for Business. 'A city described as 'Open for Business' has a hassle-free business environment, transparent governance, strong digital infrastructure, a skilled talent pool, a strong culture of innovation, and a high quality of life with a dynamic cultural environment. 'Essentially, it signifies that a city is not only an attractive and efficient location for businesses to thrive but also a good place for people to live,' explains Mr Horwood. Mayor Tory Whanau said the recognition from such a respected coalition of global businesses was a significant validation of Wellington's strategic focus. 'We have long believed that a truly competitive economy is one that embraces inclusivity, ensuring opportunity for all our residents and businesses. This achievement motivates us to further enhance our policies, making Wellington an even more attractive place to live, work, and invest,' says Mayor Whanau. The Open for Business City Ratings are determined by a combination of 27 metrics, including business environment accessibility, network readiness, corruption levels, innovation ecosystem health, quality of life standards, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity and legal protections. Each city receives a rating indicating whether it is open, progressive, and competitive. Latest Census data shows that more than 11 per cent of Wellingtonians identify as members of the rainbow community, making Wellington the country's rainbow capital. Mr Horwood says the City Ratings Report strengthens the economic case for LGBTQ+ inclusion, highlighting that open, inclusive, and diverse cities are more competitive because they encourage innovation, attract high-skilled workers, and are better at growing high-value businesses. More information about Open for Business and its City Ratings 2025 Report is available on the coalition's website.
