Earlier this week I set out to the Senedd the Welsh Government’s ambitious plans to support economic development across mid Wales, writes Vaughan Gething MS.
To secure that future, the decisions we take, with our partners in mid Wales, are focused on creating an environment where more young people feel confident about planning ambitious futures closer to home. This is an objective that’s shared across all the signatories to the Mid Wales Growth Deal.
The Vision document for Growing Mid Wales points to the urgency of this task given the serious demographic challenges facing the region.
Mid Wales is a region of opportunity and potential. It’s a great place to live and work and offers an exceptional quality of life.
Mid Wales is also home to world-class academic and research capability and industrial clusters, including advanced and high value manufacturing.
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The Mid Wales Growth Deal is making real progress since the signing of the Final Deal Agreement by the Welsh and UK Governments and regional delivery partners in January 2022.
£110m has been committed by both Governments to enable the region to deliver a range of programmes and projects to lever investment of up to £400m and aim to create between 1,100 and 1,400 new jobs by 2032.
In line with our Manufacturing Action Plan, we have invested in automotive parts manufacturer Marrill Group in Llanfyllin, which will safeguard more than 100 well paid jobs and secure the company’s presence in Powys.
In Aberystwyth, Welsh Government support is enabling LEB Construction to develop a new HQ building and IT infrastructure, helping it realise its plan for further growth.
In Machynlleth, I have seen at first-hand how the young and innovative mountain bike business, Atherton Bikes, continues to grow rapidly thanks to Welsh Government support. I was delighted to hear the company now have customers in 16 countries worldwide!
And just last week, I announced support to Brecon-based Airflo Fishing Products Ltd, a global innovator in fly-fishing technology. Our investment will secure 44 jobs and create a further 21, paving the way for a quadrupling of exports to North America and help the firm expand into new markets, such as Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Over £7.8 million has been invested in the food sector in mid Wales, helping regional producers such as Hilltop Honey in Newtown and Radnor Hills in Knighton to partner with leading UK retailers.
Our investment in transport infrastructure in the region will also improve connectivity and resilience. The new A487 Dyfi Bridge scheme will reduce flooding risk and provide increased safe walking and cycling opportunities.
The new Bow Street Railway Station on the Cambrian Line has had a positive impact on the local community and the wider region. It will make it easier than ever for people to connect with employment, education, health and other vital services.
I believe mid Wales has a bright future. That’s why the Welsh Government will continue to invest as part of our ambitions for a fairer, greener economy.
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