brianmeechan.bsky.social Journalist, presenter, director, chair and non-executive director. Director @staygoldmediauk.
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Articles by Brian Meechan
Brexit: Trade changes 'challenging' for Welsh car industry
By Brian Meechan BBC Wales business correspondent media captionNicholas Brainsby says he believes there is more opportunity but it is "early days" Wales' automotive industry faces more challenges over future Brexit trade changes, according to experts. The Welsh Automotive Forum (WAF) said new checks on imports and new rules over where car parts can come from could add to customs disruption when they are introduced.
Brexit: Welsh exports to Irish Republic 'hindered by wrong ink'
By Brian Meechan BBC News image copyrightGetty Images image captionExports to Ireland are being blocked by extra paperwork and costs at customs, say CBI Wales Welsh exports to Ireland are being blocked by extra paperwork and costs at customs, says CBI Wales. Director Ian Price said the authorities in the Republic of Ireland are "zealous" when checking goods which is "causing some delays." He said documents had been rejected for being written in blue rather than black ink.
Wales' average house price tops £200k in 'race for space'
By Brian Meechan & Llyr Edwards BBC Wales News image copyrightLukassek | Getty Images image captionAnglesey saw a 16% increase in house prices in 2020, according to the Principality The average house price in Wales has gone over £200,000 for the first time, the country's biggest building society has said. The Principality said lockdown had encouraged a "race for space" with people buying larger properties with bigger gardens.
South Wales Metro rollout faces 'marginal' delay from Covid pandemic
By Brian Meechan BBC Wales business correspondent media captionThese are the trains you will soon be catching in Wales The rollout of a £750m integrated public transport network across south Wales faces a "marginal" delay due to the coronavirus crisis, its boss says. James Price of Transport for Wales (TfW) said the South Wales Metro project, set to be completed in 2023, will be delayed for "months not years".
Covid: Legal ruling 'saviour' for Wales' food, drink and leisure firms
Firms thought they had paid for insurance cover when lockdowns first hit last year A legal ruling on business insurance could be the "saviour" of Wales' food, drink and leisure industries, according to lawyers. Thousands of small firms had been told interruption of trade from Covid was not covered by policies. But Supreme Court judges ruled that most policyholders hit during the first coronavirus lockdown did have cover.
Covid: 'Opportunity as well as threat' from pandemic tech advances
By Brian Meechan BBC Wales business correspondent Published duration16 minutes ago image captionWith lockdowns keeping workers out of the office, new technology has been used in many industries Technological advances made during the pandemic are an "opportunity as well as a threat" to workers, an expert says. The use of automation, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) has grown by 30% since March 2020, according to industry body Technology Connected.
Covid: 'Opportunity as well as threat' from pandemic tech advances
By Brian Meechan BBC Wales business correspondent Published duration21 hours ago image captionWith lockdowns keeping workers out of the office, new technology has been used in many industries Technological advances made during the pandemic are an "opportunity as well as a threat" to workers, an expert says. The use of automation, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) has grown by 30% since March 2020, according to industry body Technology Connected.
Brexit: Firms stockpiling over Brexit border 'anxiety'
By Brian Meechan BBC Wales business correspondent Published duration25 minutes ago image copyrightPenderyn image captionPenderyn Whisky exports its end product, but is stockpiling the glass bottles it imports from France Companies are stockpiling goods because of "anxiety" over what will happen after the Brexit transition period, a business body has said. Ferry company Stena Lines said its route between Dublin and Holyhead has had its busiest three weeks on record as firms prepare for 1 January.
M4 congestion: Measures to tackle traffic jams to be published
By Brian Meechan BBC Wales business correspondent Published duration10 minutes ago image captionThe M4 relief road was proposed as a solution to tackling congestion on the M4 around Newport, but was scrapped Recommendations to ease traffic jams on one of the most congested roads in Wales will be published later. The M4 around Newport is the fourth most congested stretch of road in the UK.
Brexit: Hauliers fear 'mayhem' at Holyhead port Original
By Brian Meechan BBC Wales business correspondent Published 24 November 2020 Media caption, Testing is due to start in two weeks according to the port's owners Hauliers have claimed there will be "mayhem" at Holyhead port when the Brexit transition period ends. Holyhead is the second biggest "roll-on roll-off" port in the UK after Dover, carrying 1,200 lorries and trailers a day across the Irish Sea.
Covid and Brexit: Businesses facing 'curveballs'
By Brian Meechan BBC Wales business correspondent Published duration5 minutes ago image captionJulie-Ann Haines said companies were "surviving, not thriving" The UK government does not "fully comprehend how difficult it is for businesses to plan" for Brexit, the boss of Wales' largest building society has said. Principality CEO Julie-Ann Haines said businesses were "being thrown a huge number of curveballs day in, day out".
Anglesey has 'best site in UK for nuclear plant'
By Brian Meechan BBC Wales business correspondent Published duration14 minutes ago image copyrightGetty Images image captionThe new Wylfa power station would have been built next to the old power plant on Anglesey A leading American engineering firm has said Wylfa is considered by many as "the best site in the UK" to build a large new nuclear power plant. Bechtel has been reported to be leading a consortium of companies in a bid to restart the project on Anglesey.
Anglesey has 'best site in UK for nuclear plant'
By Brian Meechan BBC Wales business correspondent Published duration2 hours ago image copyrightGetty Images image captionThe new Wylfa power station would have been built next to the old power plant on Anglesey A leading American engineering firm has said Wylfa is considered by many as "the best site in the UK" to build a large new nuclear power plant. Bechtel has been reported to be leading a consortium of companies in a bid to restart the project on Anglesey.
Covid: Small towns 'set to benefit from pandemic recovery'
By Brian Meechan BBC Wales business correspondent image copyrightGetty Images image captionSmall towns are set to benefit from a post-Covid recovery, but middle-sized town could struggle, says academic Small towns are set to benefit from a post-pandemic recovery as more people work from home and support independent businesses, a retail expert has said. Prof Cathy Parker said larger cities in Wales such as Cardiff and Swansea could also recover well with the right planning and resources.
Ford Bridgend closure 'grieving process' for workforce
Media playback is unsupported on your device Media captionFour decades of manufacturing axed The closure of the Ford engine plant in Bridgend has been a "grieving process" for the workforce and is "devastating for the local community", says a worker and union official. The 1,700 highly-skilled, well-paid jobs "can't be replaced", said Andrew Pearson, Unite convener at the site. Ford in Bridgend had been a driving force in the Welsh automotive industry since it began operating 40 years ago.
Coronavirus: Furlough scheme must be replaced, says CBI
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Furlough is meant to help businesses who cannot survive during the pandemic The furlough jobs scheme needs to be replaced when it ends to support the hardest-hit businesses, an industry body has said. Tourism, hospitality, leisure and aviation are some of the sectors still looking to recover from the pandemic. CBI Wales director Ian Price said some firms may face paying a "larger chunk".
Coronavirus: Neets facing a 'ticking time bomb', says Colleges Wales
Image caption Caitlyn Morgan has been struggling to find a job since the Covid lockdown Wales faces a "ticking time bomb" over the number of young people not in education, employment or training (Neet), according to Colleges Wales. There are fears the Covid pandemic and recession will damage the prospects of a generation. The number of Neets has increased in the last two years. The Welsh Government said it will "tackle any increase in youth unemployment".
Coronavirus: Could e-scooters help solve transport problems?
Media playback is unsupported on your device Media captionWill e-scooters soon be on Welsh roads? Supporters of electric scooters say councils should allow people to hire them to deal with reduced public transport options due to coronavirus. E-scooters were made legal on roads this month by the UK government but are only for hire in certain areas. Charities warned any changes must not come at a cost to the safety and independence of disabled people.
Coronavirus: Job vacancies lowest since records began
Image copyright Reuters Image caption The number of people applying for each job in Cardiff has risen by 94%, a jobs website says The number of job vacancies in the UK is at its lowest since records began almost 20 years ago as coronavirus batters the economy, ONS figures show. In Wales, vacancies have fallen by 55% compared to the same time last year, according to jobs website CV-Library. The site also reported an increase of 94% in the number of people applying for each job in Cardiff.
Principality CEO Julia-Ann Haines: 'Improve diversity in financial services'
Image copyright Principality Image caption Julie-Ann Haines joined the Principality in 2007 before becoming boss in 2020 Diversity in financial services must be improved, the new boss of Wales' biggest building society has claimed. Julie-Ann Haines is the first woman chief executive of the Principality in its 160-year history. It has introduced blind shortlisting of candidates and ensured job adverts are inclusive. But Ms Haines wants more done by the industry.
Coronavirus: Businesses 'nervous' about antibody tests for employees
Media playback is unsupported on your device Media captionWorkplace antibody tests 'will reassure' staff Companies are "nervous" about testing employees for coronavirus antibodies, according to the director of CBI Wales. Ian Price said there were "legitimate" tests available that employers can use but it was important to get it right. Some businesses hope to benefit from workers being tested to see if they have already had coronavirus, so providing the assurances for more to get back to work.
Coronavirus: Retailers 'need to know when they can reopen'
Image caption Shops in England can reopen on 15 June Non-essential retailers are calling for a firm date for when they can reopen their stores in Wales. Shops in England can reopen on 15 June but the Welsh Government will not update its advice until 18 June. The Welsh Retail Consortium is calling for more certainty from ministers in Wales. The Welsh Government has urged businesses to prepare for reopening ahead of the update by putting the necessary safety measures in place.
Coronavirus: Suppliers 'at risk' without loans for big firms
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Tata Steel runs the UK's largest steelworks in Port Talbot Some smaller Welsh businesses have warned their future depends on larger companies, such as Tata and Jaguar Land Rover, securing UK government support. More than 90% of the work at Bartlett Engineering in Port Talbot comes from Tata, which has asked for a £500m loan from the Treasury. The firm said it may have to close its doors if that is not forthcoming.
Coronavirus: Social distancing grant needed for small firms
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption The Welsh Government said it was doing all it could to support businesses Small businesses need government cash to help staff to socially distance during the pandemic, an employers' group has said. By law, companies in Wales must make sure staff can follow the two-metre rule during the restrictions. But the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said cash was needed for changes to get staff back to work.
Coronavirus: Businesses urged to challenge insurers 'trying it on'
Media playback is unsupported on your device Media captionSome businesses have been refused insurance claims during the coronavirus pandemic A law firm says Welsh businesses affected by coronavirus could be able to legally challenge insurance companies that have rejected claims. Capital Law is dealing with dozens of new cases where it says claims have been refused by insurers who are "trying it on in the first instance".
Employers 'cannot ignore' mental health
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Employment charity Shaw Trust calculated Welsh employers lose £292m a year in lost work days Employers cannot afford to ignore the mental health of staff, according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission in Wales. It said it could reduce sick days and boost productivity. Andrew Tamplin, from Barry, who had a breakdown while working as a manager for a global bank, wants to see "parity between mental and physical health".
Coronavirus Wales: Tourism businesses fear for future
Image copyright oksanaphoto/Getty Images Image caption The seaside attracts a half of all holiday visitors to Wales Companies in the tourism industry are warning they could go out of business and jobs will be lost because of the coronavirus outbreak. Across Wales, the sector is estimated to be worth more than £3bn to the economy. A business rate cut has already been announced by Welsh Government.
Transport for Wales: First drop in rail journeys in 24 years
Image copyright TfW Image caption It is the largest drop seen by any train operator in the ORR's regional sector, which grew by 5% overall The number of rail journeys taken in Wales dropped in 2019 for the first time in 24 years. It is the first full year that the Welsh Government-owned Transport for Wales (TfW) has been operating rail services. There were 33.5 million trips on TfW compared with 33.6 million in 2018, according to the Office of Road and Rail (ORR).
Tata: Up to 500 jobs losses now expected at UK sites
Media playback is unsupported on your device Media captionWhat is the future for the UK steel industry? Fewer than 500 jobs are at risk at Tata's UK sites rather than the 1,000 previously feared, BBC Wales understands. Tata Steel Europe's chief executive Henrik Adam has told staff job losses across Europe would number 1,250 rather than the 3,000 that had been expected. Potential job losses were announced in November.
Llanelli engineering firm's £150m Red Sea deal creates jobs
Image copyright Hydro Industries Image caption Hydro Industries works with companies across the world on high-tech water treatment A Carmarthenshire engineering company is to create 50 jobs after securing a deal worth more than £150m to build a water treatment plant in Egypt. Hydro Industries in Llanelli expect to create another 50 jobs abroad and secure work for the firm for a decade. The plant will service an oil terminal on the Red Sea coast.
Llanelli engineering firm's £150m Red Sea deal creates jobs
Image copyright Hydro Industries Image caption Hydro Industries works with companies across the world on hi-tech water treatment A Carmarthenshire engineering company is to create 50 jobs after securing a deal worth more than £150m to build a water treatment plant in Egypt. Hydro Industries in Llanelli expect to create another 50 jobs abroad and secure work for the firm for a decade. The plant will service an oil terminal on the Red Sea coast.
City high street investment 'won't trickle out' to towns
Image copyright Graeme Walker/Geograph Image caption Rhyl's beach helped make the town popular with tourists, but its fortunes were hit by the advent of foreign holidays Too much emphasis has been placed on investment in cities rather than towns, a leading expert in the regeneration of high streets has said. Prof Cathy Parker said successive governments prioritised funding for places such as Cardiff in the hope it would "trickle out" to surrounding towns, which "just won't happen".
Nuclear: Trawsfynydd site could pioneer Rolls-Royce mini reactor
Media playback is unsupported on your device Media captionCould a new nuclear power site come to Wales? There is a "pretty high probability" that Trawsfynydd could be the site of the UK's first small nuclear power station, says the company hoping to build it. Engineering giant Rolls-Royce wants to build a network of mini-reactors, a third of the size of current stations. It hopes to strike a deal with the UK government within the next year.
Nuclear: Trawsfynydd site could pioneer Rolls-Royce mini reactor
Media playback is unsupported on your device Media captionCould a new nuclear power site come to Wales? There is a "pretty high probability" that Trawsfynydd could be the site of the UK's first small nuclear power station, says the company hoping to build it. Engineering giant Rolls-Royce wants to build a network of mini-reactors, a third of the size of current stations. It hopes to strike a deal with the UK government within the next year.
Tata's Orb steel plant in Newport has two potential buyers
Image caption There have been protests against the proposed closure of the plant Two companies have expressed an interest in Tata's Orb steelworks in Newport. Tata is "mothballing" rather than closing the plant as it searches for a new buyer. BBC Wales understands that Liberty Steel, which has a base in Newport, has been looking at taking over the plant. US company, Big River Steel, would like to use the site but only with another company operating it.
Zip wire company threatens hotel with legal action
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption St David's Hotel, in the foreground, said it had reviewed the potential impact of the zip line and decided "not to progress with it" The company behind plans for a zip wire in Cardiff Bay has threatened legal action against a hotel, claiming it has breached a "binding contract" to allow it to use its roof. St David's Hotel told local people it never agreed to host the zip line start point, in a letter seen by the BBC.
British Steel Pension Scandal: Grant details to be released
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Celtic Wealth Management was one of the firms accused of acting like "vultures" with pension funds Details of a £118,000 grant given to a company implicated in the British Steel pensions scandal must be released by the Welsh Government. The Information Commissioner rejected claims this would damage the commercial interests of Celtic Wealth Management.
Rail boss urges patience after Transport for Wales' first year
Image copyright Richard Jones/MLA Photography/TfW Image caption New trains like these are expected to run between Cheltenham, Cardiff and Maesteg from December The boss of Transport for Wales has admitted he understands passengers' frustration as TfW marks the first year of running the nation's rail services. Overall, 82% of passengers are satisfied, the same as 2018, according to the latest official survey.
Trains: Extra 6,500 passenger spaces a week on Valley lines
Image copyright TfW Image caption Last year the operator said 95% of journeys would be on new trains by 2023 Space on trains for up to 6,500 more commuters a week on Valley lines has been announced by Transport for Wales (TfW) from December. But the Welsh Government is to request a delay in introducing new regulations to make trains accessible for people with disabilities. This is due to a backlog in train orders that has an impact throughout the UK.
Ineos set to choose Bridgend Ford site to build new 4x4
Image copyright Reuters Image caption Ford opened in Bridgend in 1980 but is due to close the plant in 2020 Ineos Automotive has chosen the Ford Bridgend site for the production of its new 4x4 vehicle, according to mounting speculation. Ford will close its plant in 2020 with the loss of 1,700 jobs, but it is understood 500 new jobs could be created through Ineos. The firm has been looking at the site and an unknown location in Portugal.
Brexit no deal: Is the glass half full?
Image caption Glass half full or beyond the pale? Boss Brewing in Swansea is looking to expand its exports How are small businesses in Wales gearing up for the potential of a no-deal Brexit? On a visit to south Wales on Wednesday, International Trade Minister Conor Burns MP said he was "very confident" the UK and the EU would strike a trade deal either before or after the latest Brexit deadline on 31 October. The EU is still Wales' biggest export market by far, followed by the United States.
Retailers 'frustrated' over progress to help struggling shops
Image caption Retailers want to see the "substance" of an action plan to address challenges in Wales Retailers have criticised ministers for a lack of action in support for the struggling High Street. The Welsh Retail Consortium (WRC) wants more apprenticeships to make careers in shops more attractive to young people and recognise their economic importance. It is 18 months since a promise retail would be made a priority, but there is frustration at a lack of progress.
Hinkley Point C: 1,000 Welsh workers at English nuclear plant
Image caption Apprentice Jessica Williams planned a career at Wylfa Newydd on Anglesey, but is now moving 280 miles south A quarter of the 4,000 construction workers at the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant in Somerset are from Wales, the BBC has been told. It comes after several large infrastructure projects in Wales were either cancelled or suspended. These include rail electrification from Cardiff to Swansea, Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon, Wylfa Newydd nuclear power plant and the M4 relief road.
China opens beef market to offer export hope to Wales
Image copyright silkwayrain/Getty Images Image caption Wales exported £379m worth of goods to China last year A UK-China deal which opens up beef markets for Welsh farmers for the first time in 23 years has been welcomed as an "exciting" opportunity. It comes ahead of a two-day visit to Wales by Chinese vice premier Hu Chunhua. China accounts for 2.2% of all Welsh exports but experts believe there is a potential for more.
Ford Bridgend: No decision yet on Ineos 4x4 location
Image copyright Reuters Image caption Ford opened in Bridgend in 1980 - but is due to close the plant in 2020 No final decision has been made by Ineos Automotive on whether to build its new 4x4 in Bridgend. The company has been deciding between the Ford site and another in Portugal for months. Ford announced last week it would close its Bridgend plant in 2020 with the loss of 1,700 jobs.
Coeliac disease: Welsh gluten-free product market expands
Image caption Sisters Cerys, 17, and Cadi, 15, were both diagnosed with coeliac disease as children At the age of four, Cerys stopped growing properly. She had thin arms and legs, and other children made fun of her for "looking pregnant". Her abdomen was bloated by what turned out to be coeliac disease, an adverse reaction to gluten in food. Now 17, she has avoided gluten since her diagnosis at eight years old.
Dawnus: Collapsed construction firm owed debts of £50m
Image caption The Swansea firm went into administration in March Construction company Dawnus collapsed owing almost £50m which is "highly unlikely" to be repaid, according to administrators Grant Thornton. The Swansea-based firm owed unsecured debts of £40.5m to other businesses, £5m to its employees, and £3m in taxes. A secured loan of £1.5m made by the Welsh Government may be paid back, but potentially with some shortfall.
New business: Welsh universities' high start-up rate
Image copyright Jenny Kate Image caption "It's absolutely terrifying but at the same time it's incredibly rewarding," says 24-year-old business owner Jenny Evans Textile designer Jenny Evans graduated from Cardiff Metropolitan University last June and now has eight employees. She set up her company, Jenny Kate, while still a student and is now selling her designs on chairs, lampshades, cushions and notebooks.
Entrepreneurship: Welsh universities' high start-up rate
Image copyright Jenny Kate Image caption "It's absolutely terrifying but at the same time it's incredibly rewarding," says 24-year-old business owner Jenny Evans Textile designer Jenny Evans graduated from Cardiff Metropolitan University last June and now has eight employees. She set up her company, Jenny Kate, while still a student and is now selling her designs on chairs, lampshades, cushions and notebooks.
Dawnus collapse: Plea to protect smaller firms in supply chain
Image copyright Getty Images Ministers should do more to protect small firms from losing money when big construction companies collapse, an industry body has said. Late payments are also called "rife" and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) said it wanted a scheme to protect small suppliers to be extended. One Caerphilly firm spoke of losing £30,000 after Swansea-based Dawnus collapsed in March. The creditors' list has yet to be revealed by the administrators.
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