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Author Archives: HM Government

Press release: UK Government in Wales Minister in export push at global Welsh whisky firm

Minister for the UK Government in Wales, Guto Bebb MP is today (9 October) visiting Welsh whisky distillery, Penderyn to highlight the vast opportunities that await companies with the drive to get out into the wider world, to trade and do business right around the globe.

Penderyn, based near the Brecon Beacons National Park, has rapidly grown its brand since its creation in 2000. The company now exports to international markets in 25 countries including China, Russia, Australia and, more recently, Japan as the appetite for the locally produced single malt whiskies and spirits spreads worldwide.

The visit comes following the Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns recent trade mission to Japan where he met leading international companies to discuss the great potential for further inward investment in the United Kingdom. The UK Government in Wales will also aim to introduce other Welsh businesses to Japanese investors this week at a reception in Gwydyr House in London on Wednesday evening.

Minister for the UK Government in Wales, Guto Bebb MP said:

Penderyn is a fantastic example of a local Welsh business with a world-wide reputation. The company is showcasing the very best of Wales on the international stage and paving the way for other Welsh businesses to become export success stories too.

Penderyn is a business that adds real value to the regional economy in the Welsh Valleys – both in manufacturing and also more recently in the tourism business. It is no surprise that thousands of people visit the distillery every year to see the quality of Welsh whisky and the strength of our food and drink industry.

As Britain prepares to leave the European Union, now is the time to explore new opportunities for trade and export further afield. The UK Government will fully support all Welsh businesses who are eager to seek out new markets overseas.

Wales is already an exporting nation. In 2016 there were more than 3,800 businesses exporting in Wales with an annual combined value of £12.4bn exports. Now, Ministers are urging other business to take up the support on offer including financial incentives and online matching services.

The Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns has recently written to over 26,000 Welsh businesses identified as potential exporters including a copy to the Wales Export Guide. The Wales specific guide sets out the full range of support available to Welsh businesses from the UK Government and contains inspiring stories of companies based in Wales that are successfully exporting.

Notes to editors

  • Penderyn is a Welsh whisky distillery and brand, producing the first whisky made in Wales since the 19th century. Before this whisky was produced in Wales since the 4th century.

  • Penderyn is distilled and produced at the Penderyn Distillery is situated in the southern tip of the Brecon Beacons National Park, in the village of Penderyn, Rhondda Cynon Taf, in the Cynon Valley, from which the brand takes its name. The site was chosen because of its own supply of natural spring water.

  • The company initially began in 2000 as the Welsh Whisky Company. Whisky had previously been distilled in Wales for centuries, but ceased in 1894.

  • Penderyn became the first whisky to be manufactured in Wales for over a century when sales started on St David’s Day in 2004 at a launch with HRH Prince Charles. It remains the only whisky currently produced in Wales.

  • The company opened up a visitors centre in June 2008, with Prince Charles, Prince of Wales leading the proceedings. The visitors centre now sees more than 35,000 visitors per annum.

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HM Government

News story: Find out how you can join the commemorations on Sunday 12 November

On Sunday 12 November 2017, the National Service of Remembrance will be held at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London.

Starting at 11am, the service will commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women involved in the two World Wars and later conflicts.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) is the co­ordinator of the event, alongside colleagues from across government, the Armed Forces and veterans’ organisations.

No tickets or passes are needed for the event and the public are welcome to watch the ceremony from the pavements along Whitehall and Parliament Street. There will be video screens north of the Cenotaph, near the green outside the main Ministry of Defence building and mounted outside the Scotland Office and south of the Cenotaph on the corner of King Charles Street. If you are thinking of attending the commemorations in London, please note the schedule of the event below:

Attending and taking part

  • 08:00: Whitehall opens to the public. The public are advised to arrive early to secure a good view, as space is limited. Please allow time to clear the police security procedures and you are advised not to bring suitcases or large bags.
  • 09:00: Royal British Legion (RBL) detachments form up on Horse Guards Parade and in Whitehall.
  • 10:00: All detachments march out from Wellington Barracks.
  • 11:00: Two minutes silence marked by the firing of guns from King’s Troop on Horse Guards Parade. Cenotaph Service commences.
  • 11:25: Cenotaph Service concludes and Royal British Legion detachments disperse past the Cenotaph.

Security Information

Extensive police security procedures will be in place on the day. Please allow plenty of time for clearance through security. We advise against bringing large bags or cases as these could delay your entrance into the public viewing areas. Please note that the unauthorised use of any drones (including quadcopters/helicopters) in this area and the roads surrounding Whitehall is strictly prohibited at all times.

Further information

  • Queries about the march past should contact the Royal British Legion at cenotaph@britishlegion.org.uk.
  • Photography is permitted, but the Metropolitan Police have powers to remove obstacles (such as camera tripods) where they obstruct public access or views. We ask spectators not to take photographs during the 2­ minute silence when shutter noises can offend.
  • A space will be available for wheelchair users and other spectators who might find it difficult to view from the general public areas. This area is located on the west side of Parliament Street, close to the junction with King Charles Street. Space in this enclosure will be offered on a first come, first served, basis only. One carer or guest per person will also be admitted and a toilet for the use of disabled people will be available nearby.
  • Temporary public toilets will be located in Whitehall Place. First aid facilities, provided by St John’s Ambulance, will be available at various locations along Whitehall, whilst their personnel will also be patrolling the area.
  • Please note that due to the number of people likely to attend, it may be difficult for you to leave Whitehall before the end of the RBL march past. If you do not wish to stay for the march past, we recommend that you position yourself close to an exit point.
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HM Government