Celtic Freeport which could create thousands of jobs now open for business

Neath Port Talbot Council has said that the area's new multi-million pound Celtic Freeport which could create thousands of jobs is now open for business. The announcement came at a full council meeting held on November 27, where members heard how the site could provide a huge boost to the economy of Neath [1]Port Talbot[2] in the future as well as to the whole of Wales. The multi-million pound project is part of a bid that was first approved in March 2023 between the Associated British Ports, Neath Port Talbot[3] Council, Pembrokeshire[4] County Council, and the Port of Milford Haven.

A council spokesperson said more details will soon be released at an official launch of the Celtic Freeport "tax sites" next week involving freeport partners and Welsh and UK Government officials. Freeports are described as being special areas within the UK's borders where different economic regulations apply, such as tax incentives for eligible businesses within them. They also offer simplified customs procedures and streamlined planning processes to boost redevelopment in the areas close to them, with other UK freeports including the Thames, Teesside, and Liverpool City Freeports.

READ MORE: A new transport hub could be built in Neath town centre[5] READ MORE: Welsh village revealed as UK hotspot for Japanese Knotweed[6] It will come as welcome news to residents in the Port Talbot area, after the closure of two of the blast furnaces at the town's steelworks site led to the loss of thousands of jobs earlier this year.

You can read more about that here[7]. Frances O'Brien recently took up the role of chief executive of Neath Port Talbot Council and 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 I believe that this is just the start of the shift in the fortunes for our area. "The floating offshore wind industry offers us 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." Council leader Steve Hunt added: "Today does mark a pivotal moment of Neath Port Talbot with the opportunities the Celtic Freeport offers. We are entering a new era ready to revitalise the region - further information will be shared with all members as and when we have it."

Speaking at the meeting the leader also updated the council on the latest decisions made at the last meeting of the Tata Steel UK Transition Board, where Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens revealed a GBP13 million Business Start-Up, Growth, and Resilience Fund for former Tata Steel employees and contractors for starting businesses. For the latest Neath Port Talbot news sign up to our newsletter here[8].

References

1. ^ Neath (www.walesonline.co.uk)
2. ^ Port Talbot (www.walesonline.co.uk)
3. ^ Neath Port Talbot (www.walesonline.co.uk)
4. ^ Pembrokeshire (www.walesonline.co.uk)
5. ^ A new transport hub could be built in Neath town centre (www.walesonline.co.uk)
6. ^ Welsh village revealed as UK hotspot for Japanese Knotweed (www.walesonline.co.uk)
7. ^ here (www.walesonline.co.uk)
8. ^ For the latest Neath Port Talbot news sign up to our newsletter here (www.walesonline.co.uk)