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Business News Wales
22-07-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Leaders Reflect on Growth Deal and Wider Investment in Mid Wales
Senior representatives from the UK and Welsh Governments joined Growing Mid Wales (GMW) at the Royal Welsh Showground to reflect on the continued progress being made across the region – and to reaffirm their shared commitment to unlocking further investment and opportunity. With many initiatives gearing up to enter the delivery phase over the next 12–15 months, momentum is building across the Growth Deal as Mid Wales looks to the future and the discussion focused on how joint working continues to drive economic development in the region. The Mid Wales Growth Deal remains a cornerstone of regional investment, with over £110 million jointly committed by the UK and Welsh Governments. The investment is expected to unlock over £400 million in total investment, support between 1,000 and 1,400 jobs, and contribute to raising productivity and GDP across the region. Over the last 12 months, the Deal has continued to move forward, with key achievements including: The launch of the Mid Wales Commercial Property Investment Fund, providing targeted support to develop high-quality commercial space across the region. Full business case approval for projects through the Digital Programme, helping to improve broadband connectivity in rural and hard-to-reach areas. Progress within key areas such as tourism, fostering innovation and resilience in foundational sectors. The Growth Deal is part of a broader, integrated and complementary set of initiatives being driven by GMW – designed to tackle long-standing challenges while building on the region's unique strengths and assets. Together, these initiatives are helping to create the conditions for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Beyond the Growth Deal, the region has also made significant strides through other GMW activity: Investment from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is supporting place-based regeneration and local business growth. Energy projects are developing new models for clean, rural energy systems through innovation funding. The Mid Wales Regional Skills Partnership continues to align training with employer needs, and Work is underway on a new Regional Transport Plan to improve connectivity across Mid Wales. In a joint statement, Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council and Councillor Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council, joint Growing Mid Wales Board Chairs, said: 'We've reached important milestones through the Growth Deal, but that's just part of the story. By building on our strengths and working collaboratively, we're securing wider investment and laying the foundations for a more prosperous, better-connected Mid Wales. 'We're proud of the progress made not only through the Growth Deal, but across our broader regional work – from energy to skills and regeneration. We look forward to working with both governments to realise future opportunities as part of the new UK industrial strategy and any further investment to continue delivering our shared ambitions for Mid Wales.' Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith said: 'The UK Government is proud to invest in the future of Mid Wales through the Growth Deal, helping us achieve our mission of economic growth for every part of Wales. 'We are already seeing positive results, and by continuing to work closely with local partners, we can ensure the region thrives and there are good opportunities for generations to come.' Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'The £55 million Welsh Government contribution into the Mid Wales Growth Deal will foster the right conditions to promote economic prosperity and enable businesses to flourish in Mid Wales. 'It will unlock the region's significant potential, create quality jobs, and deliver lasting benefits for communities.' The visit formed part of Growing Mid Wales' presence at the Royal Welsh Showground, showcasing how investment and partnership are helping the region thrive.
Business News Wales
25-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Phase 1 Investment Approved for CAT's Transformational Cynefin Project
The Mid Wales Growth Deal has taken another major step forward with the approval of funding for the first phase of the Cynefin project, led by the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) near Machynlleth. Growing Mid Wales (GMW) Board has approved support for detailed design and specification work to bring key elements of the 'transformational' project to the point of delivery. This includes: Significant remodelling and future-proofing of the WISE (Wales Institute for Sustainable Education) building Renovating the Quarry Cottages Significant upgrades to the Straw Bale Theatre Each element plays a critical role in strengthening CAT's educational and visitor offer. This phase will also consider site-wide regenerative strategies for energy, water, waste and infrastructure improvements. These early works form part of a wider plan to reimagine CAT as a world-class hub for sustainability, learning and community – enhancing its role as a catalyst for climate action and green innovation. CAT's Cynefin development project is a major new initiative designed to enhance its site, facilities and impact, creating a vibrant hub for learning, innovation and community rooted in Welsh culture and landscape. The project aims to support a just transition to a zero-carbon future through expanded access, collaboration, and place-based sustainability education. This initial investment is not just about physical upgrades but also about enabling a sustainable future. Enhancing learning environments, increasing accommodation capacity, and futureproofing infrastructure will help CAT attract more postgraduate students, host a wider range of visitors, and demonstrate climate leadership through its operations. The Cynefin project reflects the Mid Wales region's ambition to lead in green innovation. By creating a more immersive, inspiring and accessible experience for learners, tourists and changemakers, it will drive footfall and economic growth in the area, while also supporting vital work to tackle climate change. Eileen Kinsman, Co-CEO of the Centre for Alternative Technology, said: 'We are delighted to receive this support through the Mid Wales Growth Deal. It brings renewed confidence in our vision and enables us to begin significant upgrades to our unique WISE building. Cynefin is about imagining a zero-carbon future and building the networks, skills and spaces to help make it happen. This is a crucial step in ensuring CAT continues to inspire, educate, and lead the way on climate solutions – regionally and beyond.' Joint Chairs of the GMW Board, Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council and Councillor Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council said: 'This marks an important moment for Mid Wales. The Cynefin project is not only preserving a key regional asset but also enhancing our capacity to lead in low-carbon innovation, education, and sustainable tourism. We're proud to support this first step in what promises to be an exciting journey.' Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'With Welsh Government support, the Mid Wales Growth Deal is leading the way in developing solutions that benefit both people and planet, creating a more resilient regional economy and tackling our most pressing environmental challenges. The Cynefin project will not only deliver real benefits for our communities but also strengthen the region's green economy.' Dame Nia Griffith DBE MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, said: 'The UK Government is proud of our investment in the Mid Wales Growth Deal and in projects like Cynefin that support local jobs, education, and innovation. 'Our number one mission is to kickstart economic growth in every corner of Wales. This is another great example of how the Mid Wales Growth Deal is helping to deliver that mission and contribute to a sustainable future.' A phased approach means the project is being delivered in manageable stages, unlocking funding at key stages of development. As the project progresses, future phases will further enhance CAT's capacity to deliver immersive learning, support green skills development and welcome a wider community of visitors and changemakers.
Cambrian News
25-06-2025
- Business
- Cambrian News
Centre for Alternative Tech redevelopment set to begin as funding approved
The long-awaited redevelopment of the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is set to go ahead as funding has been approved. After years of jumping through funding hoops, CAT in Machynlleth has now been given the go-ahead for its first phase of redevelopment works to improve visitor services. The Mid Wales Growth Deal funding will enable the 'detailed design and specification work' for remodelling and future proofing the Wales Institute for Sustainable Education (WISE) building, renovating the Quarry Cottages and upgrading the Straw Bale Theatre. The WISE building is set to get significant remodelling and future-proofing ( Centre for Alternative Technology ) Eileen Kinsman, Co-CEO of the Centre for Alternative Technology, said: 'We are delighted to receive this support through the Mid Wales Growth Deal. 'It brings renewed confidence in our vision and enables us to begin significant upgrades to our unique WISE building. 'Cynefin [the name of the upgrade project] is about imagining a zero-carbon future and building the networks, skills and spaces to help make it happen. 'This is a crucial step in ensuring CAT continues to inspire, educate, and lead the way on climate solutions – regionally and beyond.' The Mid Wales Growth Deal funding has been discussed since 2019, however in late 2023, CAT, an environmental charity and learning institute, was forced to close to visitors due to financial constraints. The charity had originally estimated that Phase 1 of the works would start in spring 2023. This first phase is part of CAT's wider plans to reimagine the institution as a 'world-class hub for sustainability, learning and community, enhancing its role as a catalyst for climate action and green innovation'. CAT leaders have a vision to renew the look and feel of the learning centre to create fresh interest in the eco-centre ( Haworth Tompkins Ltd ) By enhancing its learning environments, expanding accommodation capacity and improving its site infrastructure, the charity aims to attract more postgraduate students, welcome a wider range of visitors and 'demonstrate climate leadership' through its operations. The end result is refurbished teaching and workshop spaces, new exhibition spaces, an expanded cafe, nature trails and a new welcome centre. Joint Chairs of the Growing Mid Wales Board, Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council and Councillor Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council, said: 'This marks an important moment for Mid Wales. 'The Cynefin project is not only preserving a key regional asset but enhancing our capacity to lead in low-carbon innovation, education, and sustainable tourism. 'We're proud to support this first step in what promises to be an exciting journey.' One of the only new buildings in the plans will be the Forum, which will encourage a new events programme to the centre ( Haworth Tompkins Ltd/ CAT ) This is just one of the Mid Wales Growth Deal funded projects with £110 million on offer, which aims to collectively create over 1,100 new jobs by 2032, increasing the value of goods and services of Wales by up to £700 million by 2032. Dame Nia Griffith DBE MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, said: 'The UK Government is proud of our investment in the Mid Wales Growth Deal and in projects like Cynefin that support local jobs, education, and innovation. 'Our number one mission is to kickstart economic growth in every corner of Wales.
BBC News
12-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Lampeter campus plan at University of Wales Trinity St David site
Plans are being explored to develop post-16 vocational training at the University of Wales Trinity St protests in Lampeter and at the Senedd, the university confirmed in January that 200 years of undergraduate teaching would end in the Ceredigion town, with humanities courses being transferred to Carmarthen in September university previously said it was "not viable" to maintain the infrastructure of the campus with just 92 undergraduate plans for skills training at the site have been described as "very, very exciting" by the leader of Ceredigion council. Both University of Wales Trinity St David (UWTSD) and the council have confirmed they are in the "early stages of scoping opportunities" to develop skills and vocational provision at said in November 2024 that the Lampeter campus costs £2.7m a year to run and the backlog maintenance and compliance costs for the campus were estimated at £33.5m. Almost 6,000 people signed a petition calling on the university to provide a "sustainable future for the historic campus" after it announced plans to move undergraduate March it has been meeting with stakeholders, including the council, to discuss "viable proposals" for the future of the details have been revealed about what kind of vocational training could be offered. In a joint statement, Bryan Davies, leader of the council, and Emlyn Dole, chairman of UWTSD council, said the work to develop the project was "ongoing"."This represents an exciting opportunity to explore how the university's Lampeter campus can continue to make a significant contribution to the regional economy and to the wider Lampeter community," they said. Mr Dole confirmed the university would retain ownership of the Lampeter said: "Regionally, it is vital, and it's important that we're front and centre."Mr Davies said the proposed centre was not designed to provide academic courses."If you're going to draw students in to here it's going to be good for the local economy and for the young people who are perhaps going out of county for their vocational training," he added. The local authority and UWTSD have not revealed any further details about the project, but council cabinet members were asked on 3 June to back the purchase of a "strategic asset" funded through a loan from the Welsh details of the asset have been kept secret and it is not clear whether this relates to the announcement about proposed vocational provision at Lampeter.A report presented at the meeting by Clive Davies, cabinet member for economy, regeneration and carbon management, said "the asset would form part of a wider development, for which a full integrated impact assessment will be produced and considered".Members authorised the purchase of the asset and agreed a further report be received following completion of the legal agreement to purchase it, to provide the public with more detail.
Wales Online
11-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
What a Welsh council is doing to tackle mental health issues in the area
What a Welsh council is doing to tackle mental health issues in the area Cllr Bryan Davies started a sobering discussion at a council meeting and spoke further afterwards Carmarthenshire county hall (Image: Copyright Unknown ) A councillor who said he was aware of four suspected deaths by suicide is urging people who are in distress or suffering with depression to seek help. Cllr Bryan Davies said he would like more prominent messaging and advice about mental health. "We cannot be holding back," he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Cllr Davies said he has attended the funerals of two people in Carmarthenshire that he said were suspected of death by suicide. He said he'd been made aware more recently of two further suspected deaths by suicide. The charity Samaritans said suicide was complex, rarely caused by one thing, and that it could be prevented. Cllr Davies said in the past there used to be a "pull yourself together" attitude towards mental health which dissuaded people from seeking help. "I am concerned that even these days that people are not prepared to share their worries," he said. "My concern is that people feel they're letting friends and members of their family down." The Plaid Cymru councillor had raised the issue at a council committee meeting on June 9 and asked what the suicide rate statistics showed and what the authority could offer vulnerable people suffering with depression. "Are they aware that there is support available, and how do they ask for that support, or is it all in the hands of their GP?" he asked at the health and social services scrutiny meeting. The council has employed a suicide prevention officer until March 2027 having secured grant funding for the role. A draft annual social services report before the committee said the officer would identify barriers to those seeking help and help colleagues on a suicide prevention group draw up and publish a prevention strategy and action plan. Article continues below The council has also established a rapid response capability in 2023 to offer immediate support to people affected by suspected death by suicide. There were 30 deaths by suicide registered in Carmarthenshire in 2023 compared to 14 in 2022, although not all the deaths would have taken place in the two calendar years. The figures for 2024 are due to be published later this summer. Statistics by Samaritans show there were 6,069 suicides in England and Wales in 2023 - the highest rate since 1999 and a 7.5% rise on the figure of 5,642 in 2022. Three-quarters of deaths were male. Public Health Wales said rates of suspected death by suicide within Wales' health board areas were not statistically significantly different to the all-Wales rate, according to the latest data, but that rates within Hywel Dda University Health Board in south-west Wales were statistically significantly higher than in Swansea Bay and Cardiff and Vale to the east. Rates in Betsi Cadwaladr, north Wales, were also statistically significantly higher than Swansea Bay's. Kate Burton, Carmarthenshire's head of adult social care, said a large amount of work about suicide and prevention went on at a national level, and that people in distress could get support 24/7 by phoning 111 and pressing option two. Jan Coles, head of children and families, said she was really sorry to hear about the suspected deaths by suicide referred to by Cllr Davies. She said work needed to be done with community organisations such as rugby clubs and barber shops to raise awareness of the issue and direct those in need to support services. The draft social services report said one in four adults would experience mental health problems or illness at some point in their lives, equating to approximately 45,000 people in Carmarthenshire. Demand for mental health support has been steadily increasing, it said, with people aged 16-24 experiencing the largest deterioration in mental health. The Welsh Government published a 10-year strategy this year seeking to reduce the numbers and rates of suicide deaths in Wales. It also aims to improve support for those bereaved by suicide and help people who self-harmed. Further information and support: Mind Cymru infoline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm. To contact them call 0300 123 3393. Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (in the UK and Republic of Ireland this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill). C.A.L.L (Community Advice & Listening Line) offers emotional support and information/literature on mental health and related matters to the people of Wales and can be contacted on 0800 132 737 or through the website. Article continues below The NHS offers help and advice through its 111 service, option 2.
