Bridgend kitchen firm expands production after securing council-backed funding

Sigma 3 Kitchens, which has been designing and manufacturing bespoke kitchens for more than 50 years, has invested in new machinery at its Bridgend Industrial Estate site after receiving a Business Development Grant. The funding helped the company purchase a CNC drilling machine, allowing it to bring work previously outsourced to third parties back in‑house.

The firm employs 220 full‑time and eight part‑time staff, and says the new equipment will support a fresh manufacturing line and help safeguard jobs at the site.

Senior councillors, including Mayor Cllr Huw David, council leader Cllr John Spanswick and cabinet member for regeneration Cllr Neelo Farr, visited the factory to see the new investment in action.

Brian Lakin, chairman of Sigma 3 Kitchens, said the support had accelerated plans that would otherwise have been delayed for more than a year. “The funding has been a huge boost to our business and productivity,” he said. “Without the grant, the purchase would have been postponed for at least 12 to 18 months due to financial constraints. The support ensured we could move ahead without compromising growth.

“As a result of the new investment, we’ve been able to create new jobs at our Bridgend facility, making it a more capable and competitive site. Despite the challenging economic climate, we’ve had a strong year and have big plans for the coming years.”

Cllr Farr said the company’s progress was “a massive boost for the local economy”, adding that it was “remarkable to see the new machinery in action”.

Council leader Cllr Spanswick said the visit showed how grant support could help businesses grow. “This machinery is cutting edge, and they are so passionate about the products they deliver,” he said. “I would highly recommend any businesses in the county borough to get in touch about the grants we have to offer.”

The project was funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

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Sarah Murphy tops Labour’s Senedd candidate list for Pen‑y‑Bont Bro Morgannwg

Latest polling suggests Labour are likely to secure two of the six seats in this constituency at the 2026 Senedd election.

Sitting Bridgend MS heads the slate

First on the list is Sarah Murphy, who has represented Bridgend in the Senedd since 2021. She previously worked as Head of Events for Welsh Labour, Research Analyst for Lee Waters AM, and Communications Manager for Anna McMorrin MP. Before her election she chaired Sustainable Wales, a Porthcawl‑based charity supporting community‑led sustainable development.

Former council leader takes second place

Second is Huw David OBE, the former leader of Bridgend County Borough Council between 2016 and 2024. He was awarded an OBE for public service and his contribution to local government in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2022.

Vale deputy mayor ranked third

Third on the list is Carys Stallard, a former BBC journalist who now serves as Labour councillor for St Brides Major on the Vale of Glamorgan Council. She is currently Deputy Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan, chairs the Glamorgan Heritage Coast Advisory Group, and sits on the Place Scrutiny and Planning Committees.

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Trade union organiser joins the slate

Fourth is Jonathan Cox, a trade unionist and community organiser who founded Citizens Cymru Wales. A former adviser to David Miliband MP, he says he has worked with Mark Drakeford MS on the Real Living Wage in social care, with Jane Hutt MS to welcome Syrian refugees to the Vale, and with Carwyn Jones MS to introduce the Real Living Wage in Welsh Government.

Bridgend councillor takes fifth spot

Fifth is Jon‑Paul Blundell, a Bridgend councillor for the Cefn‑Glas ward. He chairs the Communities, Environment and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee and was previously Cabinet Member for Education.

Barry councillor and wellbeing champion ranked sixth

Sixth on the list is Helen Payne, a Vale of Glamorgan councillor for the Cadoc ward in Barry. She was previously Projects Manager for Llamau, supporting vulnerable young people. Payne is the council’s Mental Wellbeing Champion, chairs the Investigating Committee, and serves as Vice Chair of the Start Well Scrutiny Committee.

Former cabinet member joins at seven

Seventh is Rhys Goode, a councillor for the Nant‑y‑moel ward on Bridgend Council. He has served as Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning & Regeneration (2023–24) and Cabinet Member for Wellbeing & Future Generations (2022–23). Goode was Head of Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru from 2022 to 2024, and has held senior communications roles at Klana and JustGiving.

Porthcawl councillor completes the list

Eighth is Neelo Farr, a trade unionist and councillor for Porthcawl on Bridgend Council. She is Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, with a professional background as a mental health social worker.

Constituency boundaries

Pen‑y‑Bont Bro Morgannwg is one of 16 new Senedd “super constituencies” created for the 2026 election. It combines the Bridgend and Vale of Glamorgan parliamentary areas, covering major towns including Bridgend, Barry, Cowbridge, Llantwit Major, Pencoed and Porthcawl. The constituency will elect six Members of the Senedd under the new proportional voting system.

Electoral outlook

While Murphy heads the slate, Labour’s prospects in Pen‑y‑Bont Bro Morgannwg are limited. Polling suggests the party is in line for just two seats in this constituency, with Plaid Cymru and Reform UK also competing strongly as Labour’s support edges back.

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