July 2024
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This conference assessed latest developments and next steps for the South Wales and Western England region.
It was an opportunity to discuss key issues both with current plans, and the future direction of policy in a new parliament.
Delegates considered progress so far and priorities moving forward if the aims of the region’s pan-regional partnership are to be achieved, including attracting further private investment into Western England and South Wales, delivering sustainable economic growth, and improving co-ordination and collaboration between local authorities within the region.
There was also discussion on how innovation in the area can be moved forward, and next steps for positioning the region as a leader in meeting net zero ambitions and low carbon energy.
The agenda looked at what will be needed from policy and the roles of key stakeholders moving forward to unlock increased financial investment into the area. The conference took place as new research is conducted by EY to understand what the region can be doing to attract private sector investment to fund businesses, innovation and infrastructure.
Delegates discussed models to leverage investment from both the private and public sectors, and what can be learnt from the place-based investment model which has already been introduced in the region.
We also expected discussion on increasing sustainable development and cross-border connectivity, maximising impact on regional and national economic growth, and addressing social inequalities in the region.
Priorities for meeting net zero ambitions were also considered, including latest thinking on developing hydrogen energy, decarbonisation initiatives and multilateral cooperation following the publication of the Western Gateway Delivery Pathway 2023, which aims to support 100,000 jobs across the region through investment in hydrogen.
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues in the presence of key policy officials who attended from Defra; DBT; DESNZ; DLUHC; DSIT; DfT; IPO; Innovate UK; and the Welsh Government.
