The leader was joined by shadow secretary of state for Wales, Mims Davies, with the pair welcomed to Wedge Group Galvanizing’s Newport site by Conservative member of the Senedd for South Wales East, Natasha Asghar. 

Edward Saville, area manager at Newport Galvanizers led the visit, with a tour of the hot-dip galvanizing facility followed by discussions around the company’s operations, challenges facing the business including recruitment and tariffs, as well as opportunities for continued growth and investment. 

“We were really pleased to welcome Kemi, Mims and Natasha to our site. We held a roundtable with other regional business leaders including Chris Reeks of Fentrade, Laura Jones of Acrow Global, Ian Hoppe of Braithwaite, and businessman Tony Kear,” said Saville. 

“During the discussions, the Conservative representatives set out their business-focused policy priorities such as lowering energy costs, cutting tax, reducing red tape, and creating a more flexible labour market. It was a very interesting visit and we thank our fellow business community for joining us in welcoming them to Newport.” 

Policy plans around supporting and expanding apprenticeship opportunities in the manufacturing and engineering industries were also discussed alongside business rates and an M4 relief road. 

www.wedge-galv.co.uk