£13m steel aid package welcomed and ‘all systems go’ for the job creating Celtic Freeport – Herald.Wales

THE LEADER and Chief Executive of Neath Port Talbot Council have welcomed a multi-million aid package for those affected by the Tata Steel UK changes and a new "open for business" phase in the transformational Celtic Freeport project. Addressing a full meeting of Neath Port Talbot Council on Wednesday, November 27th, 2024, Leader Cllr Steve Hunt and Chief Executive Frances O'Brien said approval of freeport development sites offering tax incentives to inward investors would provide a huge boost to the economies of Neath Port Talbot and Wales. Frances O'Brien, who recently took up her role, said: "It has been a busy 10 days since I started here but I am proud to be able to share that this week we can announce the Celtic Freeport is open for business, and this is I believe to be, just the start of the shift in the fortunes for our area."

Neath Port Talbot Council Chief Executive Frances O'Brien at the Council's Civic Centre in Port Talbot

Speaking of the Celtic Freeport's ambitions to supply and support the floating offshore wind industry (FLOW), she added: "FLOW offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to create thousands of jobs and to expand our economy, I am pleased to say that our doors are now open for those who wish to join us on this journey.

It truly now is all systems go." Cllr Hunt said: "Regarding the Celtic Freeport news we are ready to revitalise the whole region - further information will be shared as and when we have it."

An official launch of the Celtic Freeport "Tax Sites" when more details will be released is due to be held next week involving Freeport partners and Welsh and UK Government officials. The Council Leader also updated the council on the latest announcement made at the last meeting of the Tata Steel UK Transition Board, established to support the people, businesses and communities affected by the Port Talbot steelworks blast furnace closures.

He said: "The Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, revealed a GBP13m Business Start-Up, Growth, and Resilience Fund.

This initiative assists former Tata Steel UK employees, contractors, and their close family members in starting their businesses, offering grants up to GBP10,000. "Additionally, the Business Growth Fund supports local business expansion with grants ranging from GBP25,000 to GBP250,000. The third component, the Business Resilience Fund, aids businesses indirectly affected by changes, like local shops and cafes, with grants available between GBP2,500 and GBP25,000.

"We're collaborating with Business Wales, Welsh Government, and UK Government to roll out these funds swiftly. More information on accessing these funds will be forthcoming.

"I enthusiastically support these funding packages, designed to bolster both new and existing businesses in our community. The steel plant has been integral to our economy for more than a century and changes affect not just Tata Steel UK workers but extend to other interconnected businesses.

"Since Neath Port Talbot Council pledged to interview former Tata Steel UK employees or those facing redundancy if they meet our criteria, we've received 87 applications - built in this figure is where one individual has applied for multiple positions - however this still demonstrates our commitment to facilitating workforce transitions in our community.

"And I can confirm 10 from this figure have been offered employment with our organisation here in NPTCBC."