21 August 2018
Residents and businesses in Pembrokeshire have expressed increased approval of the Port of Milford Haven’s performance over the last year, in the latest annual survey carried out on behalf of the Port.
When asked how the Port was performing against their overall expectations, 85% of respondents responded positively, which is a 3% increase from last year and 17% increase over 2 years.
The impact of port operations and their influence on Pembrokeshire appears to be felt deeper into the hinterland than in previous years with nearly a third of respondents motivated to take part coming from inland areas away from the traditional port communities.
Other shifts in public perception include a further swing behind the Port’s strategy to promote renewable energy industry in Pembrokeshire, with an 8% increase in support (to 83%).
The Port magazine Onboard, which goes out to homes and businesses along the Waterway has grown in influence over the three years since its launch. It is now cited as the second most useful form of communication coming from the Port.
A recurring theme, reflecting the economic uncertainty felt in Pembrokeshire at the moment, was a call for the Port to continue to play a leading role in promoting and supporting new business opportunities on the Waterway (90% in support). Respondents also put forward a broad range of suggestions for how the Port should be investing in a way that attracts new trade and investment and supports communities and local interest groups.
“The responses underline how important it is for us to remain a strong business so that we can fulfil the role of a Trust Port, nurturing economic activity and communities around the Waterway,” said Alec Don, Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven. “It’s clear a busy working port is good for the county and good for the nation too,” he added. “We take that responsibility very seriously and need to work with our partners to ensure we remain a principle agent for economic growth and prosperity in Pembrokeshire.”
The full Stakeholder Survey Report can be read on the Port’s website.
-ENDS-
The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It is widely recognised in the industry as the energy capital of the UK.
The Port, along with the cluster of energy-related businesses along the Waterway, is a key driver of economic activity in Pembrokeshire, attracting inward investment and supporting over 4,000 jobs.
The Port of Milford Haven also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Dock. Activities such as cargo handling, ferry operations, fish landing and cruise calls as well as a first class marina are spread across these two sites.
One of the most prominent on the West Coast, the Port is in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the only Coastal National Park in Great Britain. It is marked as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and has many areas designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The Port of Milford Haven is a trust port – an independent, commercially run organisation that has statutory responsibilities governed by its Acts, to maintain and improve navigation and the provision of Port and Harbour services and facilities. Additionally, the Port provides significant financial and in-kind support to a wide variety of local causes. All profits are retained within the business to fund these objectives.
For further information, visit www.mhpa.co.uk or contact:
Anna Malloy
Port of Milford Haven
01646 696100
anna.malloy@mhpa.co.uk
