The 2026 UK’s Best Workplaces for Women™ has officially recognised the Port of Milford Haven within the top 100 workplaces among the Large business category of certified organisations.
Flexibility, including being able to take time off when needed, the range of benefits and its strong safety and sustainability culture are just some of the reasons why women at the Port of Milford Haven believe it’s a great place to work.
The 2026 UK’s Best Workplaces for Women List is made up of employers whose people have told Great Place To Work® UK they work for a place that is inclusive and equitable for all. The 350 companies on the List are committed to ensuring a reasonable balance of women and men across the organisation; removing barriers to women’s career advancement; and creating workplaces where all employees, regardless of gender, can flourish. Compared with last year, the Port of Milford Haven’s ranking in the list has improved by 45%.
One employee commented “The flexibility I’m given and the freedom to bring my own ideas make me feel valued and trusted. Being part of the Port is something I’m genuinely proud of, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead to grow and build my career here.”
Another employee said “The support for work-life balance and mental health make this a great place to work.”
HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven, Vidette Swales, is thrilled that the organisation has retained the title for a second year, commenting:
“We are incredibly proud to be a workplace where women can thrive, develop their careers and bring their whole selves to work. Creating an inclusive culture is not just the right thing to do – it strengthens our organisation by ensuring diverse perspectives are heard, valued and reflected in everything we do. We are committed to providing opportunities for growth, supporting work-life balance, and fostering an environment where women feel empowered to succeed at every stage of their careers.”
Vidette added:
“Our staff are also proud to be involved in Pembrokeshire’s SPARC initiative which was established in 2023 and which engages with females in secondary school through a range of activities to raise awareness and promote the career opportunities that exist in industries including maritime and the energy sector where females are typically underrepresented.”
Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place To Work UK says:
“This year’s UK Best Workplaces for Women List celebrates businesses making a genuine difference day to day, not just in what they say, but in how people experience work. What matters most is that this recognition comes directly from women working in these organisations, who tell us they feel supported, valued, and able to grow.
“Our research demonstrates that these organisations creating high-trust environments are delivering stronger results, whether in financial outcomes, impact, or service delivery, alongside greater agility and resilience in the face of change.
“Congratulations to the Port of Milford Haven for creating an environment where inclusion is clearly felt in practice.”
The Port retained its official accreditation as a Great Place to Work Certified™ organisation for the third year at the end of 2025. Currently 31% of the Port’s workforce is female, increasing to 42% in a management role, which compares favourably to the overall ports sector where the average number of females is 19% with 23% working in a managerial role.