Milford Haven Port Authority took centre stage at this year’s Arts & Business Cymru Awards, as their partnerships with two local arts charities were honoured for their creativity, impact, and commitment to the community. The award ceremony took place at the ICC in Newport South last week and hosted business and arts organisations from across Wales. The evening was presided over by many famous faces from stage, screen and sports, including BAFTA Cymru winner Mark Lewis Jones, Olympic silver medal winner Colin Jackson and BBC Radio Wales presenter Huw Stephens.

A standout moment of the evening was the win for Johnathan Chitty, Chief Financial Officer at Milford Haven Port Authority and Treasurer of SPAN Arts, who was named Adviser of the Year. Chitty played a key role in shaping SPAN’s five-year strategy, which led to the organisation achieving Portfolio status with the Arts Council of Wales for the first time in its 30-year history. Chitty moved to Pembrokeshire during the pandemic with his young family to take up the role with the Port and has thrown himself into the local community.

In response to the award, Johnathan Chitty said:

“I was truly humbled to win this award, as the real winner of the award is not me but the whole team at SPAN.  The staff team at SPAN have truly inspired me through the impact they have in our communities, along with the brilliant creative collaborators and wonderful volunteers. And of course the Trustee Board itself are equally inspiring for the long-term commitment they have shown to the organisation.  I’ve learned a lot about the challenges that third sector organisations face and been pleased that I’ve been able to adapt my experience from corporate business environments to suit a more focussed creative enterprise.”

Milford Haven Port Authority were also recognised for their work with the Torch Theatre, winning the Arts, Business and Community category for their support encouraging arts participation across West Wales. Together, they focus on wellbeing and long-term aspirations for young people, delivering arts opportunities to over 5,000 pupils across the region. Their collaboration showcases Pembrokeshire as a vibrant, creative, and culturally rich part of Wales.

The awards celebrate the vital role partnerships play in sustaining Wales’s cultural landscape—proving that when the arts and business unite, rural communities thrive.