Latest news with #RhunapIorwerth
North Wales Live
15 hours ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
The £50m Brexit Border Post on Anglesey that could end up being a massive white elephant
A facility built to deal with extra red tape caused by Brexit could end up being redundant before it even opens. Leaving the EU in 2020 added bureaucracy on the border between the UK and the European Union. This included sanitary and phytosanitary checks on fresh produce from the EU. The last UK Government delayed implementing the checks over concerns that it would lead to price rises for businesses and consumers. But they did not scrap the checks and work continued on developing the border facilities to carry out the work. In North Wales, the UK Government allocated £47.8m to build the border control post at Holyhead. This would be operated by Welsh Government, as they are responsible for biosecurity, food safety and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls in Wales. Kier Group were handed a £41m build contract last summer and work got underway on the development at Parc Cybi, just outside Holyhead. Work is due to be completed by the autumn. But the site could now turn into an expensive white elephant before it even becomes operational. In May, the UK and EU reached a new SPS agreement as part of efforts to reset their post-Brexit relationship. This agreement aims to reduce trade barriers for food, plants, and animal products by streamlining processes and reducing checks, making trade between the UK and EU cheaper and easier. It should be good news for businesses and shoppers and Holyhead port overall. But it could mean the new facility will not be required as most of the planned checks will not be required. The Welsh Government said: 'We are considering the implications of a potential SPS agreement with the EU on the future implementation of the Border Target Operating Model in Wales. The Deputy First Minister will make a statement to the Senedd in the coming weeks." Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, MS for Ynys Mon, said 'The chaotic situation regarding the need – or not – for border control posts is symptomatic of the chaos and costs surrounding Brexit as a whole. "Large sums of public money have been spent, Anglesey Council has faced significant pressures, and we even lost the very important truck stop that went to make way for post-Brexit border infrastructure.
ITV News
03-06-2025
- Business
- ITV News
Anger as Oxford-Cambridge railway line classified as England and Wales project
Politicians have expressed frustration as upgrades to a railway line between Oxford and Cambridge have been classified by the Treasury as an England and Wales project, despite no work taking place in Wales. The £6.6billion project will connect communities between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge. Usually, under the Barnett Formula - the system used to fund the devolved nations - Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland get extra money when more cash is spent on devolved issues like education in England. But because the railways are not fully devolved to Wales, the Welsh Government doesn't receive this money when it comes to rail infrastructure, unlike Scotland and Northern Ireland. The issue hit the headlines when HS2 was also classified as an England and Wales project. This has left some MPs feeling Wales is being shortchanged. David Chadwick, Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, said on X: "There can be no justification for this whatsoever. The UK government has decided to deliberately shortchange Wales." Speaking to BBC Radio Wales, he said: "I don't think anybody seriously believes that a railway from Oxford to Cambridge benefits rail users in Swansea or Bangor. "The Treasury is just using these classifications to avoid paying Wales what it's owed, and that's the real point - somebody in the UK Government has decided to shortchange Wales again by deliberately labelling this as an England and Wales project to avoid giving Wales any money, and that's why I'm calling for this to be re-classified as an England-only project." In the Senedd, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth challenged First Minister Eluned Morgan on the issue, saying it was "confirmation that we have another HS2 on our hands. You could not make this up." The first minister responded: "Rail infrastructure is not devolved to Wales, you might want it to be, but that is the situation it is in. "There is a pipeline of projects for England and Wales. Are we getting our fair share? Absolutely not. Am I making the case? Absolutely. And I'm hoping we'll see some acknowledgment of that through the spending review. "The Oxford- Cambridge line is part of that broader rail infrastructure, HS2 is an exception to that which is why we're making the case in a separate way. " In a written answer to David Chadwick MP, the Department for Transport said: "East West Rail is set to cover the route from Oxford to Cambridge and is therefore part of the RNEP portfolio which covers funding for projects in England and Wales. The RNEP portfolio can be distributed to any scheme across England and Wales."
Business News Wales
28-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Flagship Trailer Firm Launches Paid Internship Scheme with More than 50 Jobs Up for Grabs
(L/R) Rhun ap Iorwerth, party leader, Gerallt Parry – Ty'n Llidiart Nights Site Leader, Owain Wilkinson – Sandycroft Livestock Production, Joseph Smith – Design, John Williams – Managing Director, Jac Awbury and Bedwyr Pritchard – both from Ty'n Llidiart, Jak Tyrer – Sandycroft Production Site Leader and Llyr Gruffydd, North Wales MS. More than 50 jobs are up for grabs at a flagship trailer company that's running a paid internship scheme over the summer. The positive employment news was revealed during a visit to Ifor Wiliams Trailers by Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS who described the company as a role model for other Welsh businesses. Up to 30 candidates chosen to take part in the Summer Programme at the family-owned firm – which has five sites in Deeside and Denbighshire – will be paid £380 a week. According to the company, the eight to 12-week programme would be ideal for students, graduates and people looking for work experience, either on the production line or in office based roles. Participants who achieve 100 per cent attendance and work to a high standard throughout the programme will receive a £250 bonus. Mr ap Iorwerth was accompanied on the tour of the company's Sandycroft factory, which makes livestock trailers, by Plaid's North Wales MS, Llyr Gruffydd. During the visit, they met several graduates of previous Summer Programmes who have since secured permanent jobs with the company. They also heard the company is looking to recruit between 50 and 60 people for a variety of jobs across its five sites as a result of its bulging order book. The factories manufacture and supply a wide range of trailers and genuine parts to a network of 50 UK outlets and more than 60 international distributors as far afield as Australia and New Zealand. Mr ap Iorwerth said: 'It's always a company I've admired because it's grown so much over the years but I have to say that coming here today I have learned more about them, how they've developed and their ambition to continue growing. 'What I've discovered today is that it is an even more important company than I realised. The company's story has a real wow factor about it. 'It's competing on the highest level right across the world and it's recognised as a best-in-class brand while their original values remain as important as ever, their Welsh roots, their support for local communities while making these incredible products, creating prosperity in the Welsh economy at the same time. 'It is an example of a company that's providing career opportunities for young people, some of whom we've met today. 'It's one of our most famous companies and it's the type of company we want to see more of in Wales.' It was a point echoed by Mr Gruffydd who added: 'It's our ambition as a party to encourage indigenous companies to grow and Ifor Williams Trailers is a perfect example of the type of economy we want to develop, where Welsh companies expand while they continue to have deep roots here. 'They are flying the flag for Wales right across the world and it was an eye-opener to learn they have a network of around 60 international distributors. 'Wherever they go, they are linked to Wales, whether that's through their products or Wrexham football club which they sponsor. 'At the same time, they're providing young people opportunities in terms of training and careers which are second to none and creating prosperity in the communities in which they are based. 'The Summer Programme is a great way of attracting young people who might not otherwise realise career opportunities like this existed. 'It's a story of success for both the company and the employees who've made the most of the opportunities they've been given.' Among the Summer Programme graduates the pair met was Bedwyr Pritchard, 17, who operates a robot welder at their Ty'n Llidiart factory in Corwen. He said: 'I was really pleased that I was accepted to take part in the Summer Programme and I learned a lot. 'It was great and I was very happy when I was offered a job at the end of it. I'm really enjoying my job. Everybody there is nice and very kind. I live across the road to the factory so I can even go home for dinner.' Design engineer Joe Smith, 21, from Chester, also landed a permanent job after taking part in the Summer Progamme while he was studying automotive engineering at Bristol University. He said: 'During the Summer Programme I was working making axles and once we'd made enough axles for the day I would work on the production line assembling the trailers. 'The fact that I took part in the programme has definitely helped me in what I'm doing now, knowing how things are put together on the production line. 'I am really enjoying it and I think I have integrated well, I get along with everybody here. It's interesting work and there's a good career path for me here. They do look after you.' According to Ifor Williams Trailers managing director, John Williams, he was delighted to host the visit by Mr ap Iorwerth and Mr Gruffydd. He said: 'I am grateful to them for taking time out of their busy schedules to come on the visit to find out more about the company. 'They were particularly interested to hear about our Summer Programme that's been designed to bring young people into the business. 'The scheme is an opportunity to give them a great career path working for a successful indigenous Welsh company. 'We're looking for suitable candidates who have a great work ethic and a real desire to learn. 'Having the right attitude is the most important thing because we train people to make sure they have the right skills.'
Leader Live
28-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Paid internships and jobs at Deeside and Denbighshire sites
The positive employment news was revealed during a visit to Ifor Williams Trailers by Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS who described the company as a role model for other Welsh businesses. Up to 30 candidates chosen to take part in the Summer Programme at the family-owned firm - which has five sites in Deeside and Denbighshire - will be paid £380 a week. According to the company, the eight to 12-week programme would be ideal for students, graduates and people looking for work experience, either on the production line or in office based roles. Llyr Gruffydd, North Wales MS and Rhun ap Iorwerth, Plaid Cymru party leader. Photo: Mandy Jones Participants who achieve 100 per cent attendance and work to a high standard throughout the programme will receive a £250 bonus. Mr ap Iorwerth was accompanied on the tour of the company's Sandycroft factory, which makes livestock trailers, by North Wales MS, Llyr Gruffydd. During the visit, they met several graduates of previous Summer Programmes who have since secured permanent jobs with the company. Read more: "Major milestone" as new store set to open at Eagles Meadow in Wrexham They also heard the company is looking to recruit between 50 and 60 people for a variety of jobs across its five sites as a result of its bulging order book. The factories manufacture and supply a wide range of trailers and genuine parts to a network of 50 UK outlets and more than 60 international distributors as far afield as Australia and New Zealand. Mr ap Iorwerth said: "It's always a company I've admired because it's grown so much over the years but I have to say that coming here today I have learned more about them, how they've developed and their ambition to continue growing. Ifor Williams Trailers Plaid Cymru visit to the Sandycroft Site: Centre John Williams - managing director IWT with (L/R) Rhun ap Iorwerth, party leader and Llyr Gruffydd, North Wales MS. Photo: Mandy Jones "What I've discovered today is that it is an even more important company than I realised. The company's story has a real wow factor about it. "It's competing on the highest level right across the world and it's recognised as a best-in-class brand while their original values remain as important as ever, their Welsh roots, their support for local communities while making these incredible products, creating prosperity in the Welsh economy at the same time. Read more: North Wales riding centre 'overwhelmed' as pledge saves them from closure "It is an example of a company that's providing career opportunities for young people, some of whom we've met today. "It's one of our most famous companies and it's the type of company we want to see more of in Wales." It was a point echoed by Mr Gruffydd who added: "It's our ambition as a party to encourage indigenous companies to grow and Ifor Williams Trailers is a perfect example of the type of economy we want to develop, where Welsh companies expand while they continue to have deep roots here. Read more: Flintshire businesswomen recognised by the King for services to education "They are flying the flag for Wales right across the world and it was an eye-opener to learn they have a network of around 60 international distributors. "Wherever they go, they are linked to Wales, whether that's through their products or Wrexham football club which they sponsor. "At the same time, they're providing young people opportunities in terms of training and careers which are second to none and creating prosperity in the communities in which they are based. Read more: North Wales estate agent writes best-selling property book "The Summer Programme is a great way of attracting young people who might not otherwise realise career opportunities like this existed. "It's a story of success for both the company and the employees who've made the most of the opportunities they've been given." Among the Summer Programme graduates the pair met was Bedwyr Pritchard, 17, who operates a robot welder at their Ty'n Llidiart factory in Corwen. He said: "I was really pleased that I was accepted to take part in the Summer Programme and I learned a lot. Read more: Firm's joint heads of crime awarded coveted Higher Rights "It was great and I was very happy when I was offered a job at the end of it. I'm really enjoying my job. Everybody there is nice and very kind. I live across the road to the factory so I can even go home for dinner." Design engineer Joe Smith, 21, from Chester, also landed a permanent job after taking part in the Summer Progamme while he was studying automotive engineering at Bristol University. He said: "During the Summer Programme I was working making axles and once we'd made enough axles for the day I would work on the production line assembling the trailers. Read more: Consultation open over plans to turn former Saltney pub into nine HMO bedsits "The fact that I took part in the programme has definitely helped me in what I'm doing now, knowing how things are put together on the production line. "I am really enjoying it and I think I have integrated well, I get along with everybody here. It's interesting work and there's a good career path for me here. They do look after you." According to Ifor Williams Trailers managing director, John Williams, he was delighted to host the visit by Mr ap Iorwerth and Mr Gruffydd. Read more: Local businesses 'never imagined' being featured on hit show Welcome to Wrexham He said: "I am grateful to them for taking time out of their busy schedules to come on the visit to find out more about the company. "They were particularly interested to hear about our Summer Programme that's been designed to bring young people into the business. "The scheme is an opportunity to give them a great career path working for a successful indigenous Welsh company. Read more: It's A Knockout at Mold Carnival - are you up for the challenge? "We're looking for suitable candidates who have a great work ethic and a real desire to learn. "Having the right attitude is the most important thing because we train people to make sure they have the right skills." • Anybody wanting to take part in the Summer Programme or apply for a permanent job should call the company's recruitment team on 01490 412626, or email applications@ or apply via the Indeed website.
North Wales Live
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
Menai Suspension Bridge roadworks to drag on as Welsh Government issue update
Major works on the Menai Suspension Bridge are set to drag on, the Welsh Government announced today. On October 1, 2022, the bridge linking Anglesey and Gwynedd was shut abruptly following the discovery of structural issues. Phase one works to replace the bridge hangers began on September 4, 2023, and were completed in October 2024. Welsh Government then delayed the start of Phase two - with that work starting in March, with a planned completion by the end of the year. But today they revealed the work will not be finished until spring 2026. This means roadworks and traffic lights will remain in place for months longer, with just one lane open. Ynys Môn MS Rhun ap Iorwerth said: 'This is a huge blow for the local community, its economy and Ynys Môn more widely." Welsh Government's transport secretary Ken Skates said: "The iconic Menai Suspension Bridge is a historical and significantly important structure for the people of North Wales, as it provides a vital crossing point between Ynys Mon and the mainland. The bridge forms part of the A55 Privately Financed Initiative (PFI) across Anglesey, which UK Highways A55 Ltd. manage through a Design, Build, Finance & Operate (DBFO) contract. "The bridge is coming up to its 200th anniversary in 2026 and requires significant maintenance to ensure it continues operating safely for many years to come. These maintenance works (Phase 2), which entail full repainting and other preservation activities, were planned to begin 2 years ago but a potential defect with the hangers was discovered which forced their immediate replacement (Phase 1) and subsequently postponed the Phase 2 works until after the hangers were replaced. "The phase 1 works were successfully completed last October and permitted the bridge to re-open to all traffic over the winter period; giving much needed resilience to the area, especially during the numerous storms which impacted Wales last year, by allowing traffic to continue to cross while the Britannia Bridge was affected by high winds. "Unfortunately, and extremely disappointingly, due to procurement issues, additional requirements and issues in gaining necessary licenses, UK Highways A55 DBFO Ltd have made Welsh Government aware that the phase 2 works are now not likely to be completed until Spring 2026. "This will result in the works continuing during the bridge's actual 200th anniversary date of 30 January 2026, which is not what we would have wanted. However, UK Highways A55 Ltd have committed to us that they will ensure they are completed for the summer period to ensure the celebrations, which are currently planned to coincide with Thomas Telford's Birthday on 9 August 2026 at the height of the tourist season, can go ahead without restrictions and the bridge will be returned to its full former glory. "My officials will be monitoring the work closely, through frequent site visits and regular meetings with the site team, and if there is any scope for the work to be finished earlier, then it will be done. "I am extremely disappointed that the original programme from UK Highways A55 DBFO Ltd is now delayed. We were given assurances at the time that the Phase 2 works would be completed by December 2025, and I know this news will be very disappointing for the community and others. The age of the bridge and the fact it's a critical asset to the area means that it is imperative that works are completed to the highest of standards to ensure it continues to operate for the next 200 years." Rhun ap Iorwerth said the maintenance project was originally due to finish by summer 2025 but that deadline was later pushed to December 2025 after a decision was made to pause work over the winter months. He said this latest announcement means the completion date has now slipped by almost a full year from the original schedule. The Plaid Cymru leader said: 'This is a huge blow for the local community, its economy and Ynys Môn more widely. 'The Welsh Government promised that the work would be complete before the 200th anniversary of the bridge in January 2026, but now the planned celebrations by local community groups will have to be put on hold. Businesses will be counting the cost, commuters will suffer yet more delays for longer, and there's also the prolonging of safety concerns regarding access on and off the island in emergency situations. 'I have raised concerns with UK Highways that seemingly little maintenance work was actually being carried out on the bridge. Regrettably, they have kept residents in the dark and the fact that Welsh Government has announced this news on a Friday afternoon means there is no opportunity to ask the many questions residents will have. 'This announcement, coupled with the difficulties many on Ynys Môn faced over the Christmas period with the temporary closure of Holyhead Port, is further proof that the Labour Welsh Government is not serious about making sure our island infrastructure is fit for the twenty-first century. 'I will be raising this matter on the floor of the Senedd at the earliest possible opportunity, and will continue to make urgent enquiries.'
