The Welsh Economic Growth Advisory Group has been launched to drive economic growth, influence UK industrial strategy, and position Britain as a global leader in clean energy.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens chaired the inaugural meeting of the new advisory group, which unites representatives from government, business, education, industry organizations, and unions. This marks the first time such a diverse coalition has come together to inform UK-wide policy and enhance prosperity in Wales.
The group convened for the first time on Monday, December 2nd, with a clear mission: to stimulate economic growth and improve livelihoods across Wales. As part of this initiative, Jo Stevens engaged directly with leaders from Wales’s digital and technology sectors to explore opportunities for expansion and innovation.
Last week, she also led a discussion with creative industry representatives and toured Wolf Studios in Cardiff Bay, home to productions like Doctor Who, A Discovery of Witches, and Industry.
The group will play a critical role in shaping the UK Government’s upcoming Industrial Strategy, aimed at revitalizing Welsh industries. Their insights will also help define Wales’ priorities for the 2025 Spending Review.
Economic growth remains a top priority for the UK Government. Since July, over £1 billion in funding has been directed toward initiatives like North Wales Growth Deals, Investment Zones, and a historic steel agreement safeguarding the industry’s future in Wales. Additionally, the Welsh Government has received record funding for public services.
Over the next six months, the Economic Growth Advisory Group will hold a series of meetings to refine priorities for economic development and clean energy. These efforts aim to drive tangible progress in transforming Wales into a hub of innovation and opportunity.
Speaking after the Welsh Economic Growth Advisory Group meeting, Jo Stevens said:
“I was thrilled to meet with some of Wales’s most talented and ambitious minds and hear their ideas on how we usher in a new era of prosperity.
This new partnership has hit the ground running and will work at pace to ensure we get the growth we need to put more money in people’s pockets.
There is so much energy and passion to work together, alongside Welsh Government, to rekindle Wales’s proud industrial roots with the jobs and industries of the future”.
Alison Orrells, Chair, CBI Wales, said:
“I welcome the opportunity to share our members’ insights on the actions needed to unlock and drive sustainable economic growth and build prosperity in communities across Wales.
From regional investments and green growth projects, such as the freeports, to semi-conductor clusters, manufacturing and technology, service sector employers to a skilled workforce, Welsh businesses of all sizes and sectors are represented by the CBI and can play an essential role in enabling the government to deliver on its growth mission”.
Shavanah Taj, TUC Cymru General Secretary, said:
“We welcome the opportunity to participate in this advisory group to shape the vision for economic growth, industrial strategy and clean energy. Many parts of Wales have been scarred by deindustrialisation and underinvestment, which must be addressed.
These plans will shape workers’ futures throughout Wales, and we will be championing investment in manufacturing, decent work and a transition to net zero that leaves no community behind”.
Oriel Petry, Senior Vice President, Head of Airbus Group UK Public Affairs
“I am very pleased to join the Welsh Economic Advisory Growth Group at a time when unlocking the potential of the Nations and Regions sits at the heart of the government’s mission to secure the highest sustained growth in the G7.
I look forward to providing strong advocacy on the drivers for economic growth and how Wales can capitalise on its sectoral strengths whilst taking advantage of the industries of the future”.
Dr Jenifer Baxter, CEO at Industry Wales, said:
“Industry Wales looks forward to collaborating on shaping an industrial strategy that harnesses Wales’ strengths in high value manufacturing, clean energy, medical technologies and transport systems to drive innovation, digital connectivity and economic growth across Wales and The UK”.
Sir Derek Jones, Independent Adviser at Cardiff University and Chair of Keolis UK, said:
“There is now a clear consensus that economic growth must be the top priority for the UK, and that is certainly true for Wales. So I welcome the Secretary of State’s initiative in establishing the Group and look forward to making my own contribution to this vitally important work”. Photo by Roger Harris, Wikimedia commons.
