Businesses and residents in Pembrokeshire welcome the Port of Milford Haven’s role as a driver of the local economy, according to the latest stakeholder feedback. Nearly all respondents valued a busy port’s ability to create opportunities for local businesses to emerge and grow.
In a wide-ranging survey that gauged views of all Port stakeholders, including residents, there was also very strong approval for the Port’s performance in its core operations of safely handling ships and pollution control, as well as for its support of the local community.
“We’ve had some extremely positive feedback on marine operations, a central part of our business,” said Alec Don, Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven. “Our performance in shipping operations is critical, of course, as it delivers most of our revenue. However, our diversification into sectors unconnected to oil and gas is now significantly increasing stable, predictable earnings and our stakeholders clearly see the strong knock-on effect a well-run port can have on the rest of the local economy,” he continued.
“The port invests its profits back into its own operations and that in turn benefits local business. A clear majority (94%) of our stakeholders value this catalytic role we can play,” Alec said.
“A great example of this in action is our investment in Milford Waterfront, which is already attracting increasing numbers as a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Great local businesses have based themselves at the Waterfront, including Coco’s, Foam, The Lounge Cafe and Gordon Bennett’s. They bring fantastic quality offerings to Milford Haven, have bought into a shared vision for the future and are going from strength to strength.
Another key indicator of the Port’s bottom line performance, customer satisfaction, showed significant improvement from 2016. 80% of customers described the service they received as good or very good compared with 69% the year before.
“There is some very positive feedback in the survey, which is great news of course,” said Alec. “And the survey also underlines our message about the important role a commercially successful port can play in building the Haven’s prosperity. Working with key partners, including Pembrokeshire County Council and the Welsh Government, we will build on recent successes and ensure the Port of Milford Haven continues to support a thriving, prosperous regional economy.”
The survey results can be viewed online at www.mhpa.co.uk/stakeholder-survey
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Photo caption: Image by Vanessa has recently expanded at Milford Waterfront
Notes to Editors
Port of Milford Haven
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