Business

Wales investment summit spotlights £16bn pipeline amid economic challenges

Published

1 week ago

December 1, 2025

HUNDREDS of global business leaders gathered today (Dec 1) at the International Convention Centre Wales and Celtic Manor Resort for the inaugural Wales Investment Summit – the largest event of its kind in Wales since the 2014 NATO Summit.

First Minister Eluned Morgan described the summit as a “pivotal moment” to showcase Wales’ economic potential, with more than 300 delegates from twenty-seven countries hearing pitches on high-growth sectors including AI, semiconductors and clean energy. Around one hundred and fifty of the attending firms are new to Wales.

Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas and broadcaster Alex Jones appeared at sessions throughout the day, adding a distinctly Welsh touch to a high-profile programme led by Morgan and UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

£16bn pipeline and major job pledges

Since announcing the summit in August 2024, Morgan said Wales has secured investment commitments worth £16 billion. The largest is a £10 billion programme from Vantage Data Centers, which plans AI-driven data campuses across south Wales, including at the former Ford engine plant in Bridgend. The project is expected to create several thousand jobs over the next decade.

A further £4.6 billion in pledges was unveiled last week, including:

£2.5 billion for the Wylfa nuclear project
New investments from Rolls-Royce, Vishay, Stena Line, Boccard and Bute Energy

Today’s discussions also followed the UK Government’s recent confirmation that Wylfa will host Britain’s first small modular reactors (SMRs). Construction and operational phases are forecast to support up to 3,000 jobs.

Two “AI Growth Zones” – one across Anglesey and Gwynedd, and a second in south Wales – are projected to generate more than 8,000 jobs combined. The north Wales zone alone is expected to deliver over 3,400 jobs in research, data centres and training, leveraging power output from the Wylfa site.

Reeves confirmed a £10 million UK budget allocation to boost Newport’s semiconductor cluster, emphasising cross-government cooperation.

The summit also highlighted a milestone for the Development Bank of Wales, which has now invested over £1 billion since 2017, supporting 50,000 jobs and nearly 5,000 businesses.

Wales has delivered a 23% rise in foreign direct investment projects in 2024/25 – reaching sixty-five deals – alongside a 30% rise in inward-investment jobs. Wales retains the highest manufacturing share of GDP in the UK at 15.6%, compared to the national average of under ten per cent.

A tough international landscape

The upbeat messaging comes against a difficult global backdrop. UK-wide foreign investment fell to 853 projects in 2024, a thirteen per cent drop. Across Europe, FDI fell by five per cent – the lowest level for almost a decade – amid geopolitical instability, supply-chain pressures and falling manufacturing investment.

Although Wales’ twenty-three per cent rise in project numbers mirrors UK-wide trends, much of the headline £16bn relates to long-term pipelines rather than near-term spending. Several flagship schemes, including Wylfa and the AI zones, rely heavily on public subsidy, with hundreds of millions committed by both the Welsh and UK Governments.

Structural challenges persist

Despite strong announcements, Wales continues to face stubborn economic gaps. Gross value added per head stood at £29,316 in 2023 – around 85% of the UK average. Total Welsh GVA reached £81.5 billion, showing little real-terms growth.

Economic inactivity remains the highest in Great Britain at 24.1% of working-age adults, driven largely by long-term sickness. Average full-time weekly earnings in Wales are £634, compared to the UK figure of £682.

There are also concerns over regional imbalance. South-east Wales continues to attract the majority of major investments, leaving parts of north and west Wales – including Anglesey – vulnerable without wider rail, digital and skills upgrades.

Opposition: ‘Late in the day’

Opposition parties welcomed new jobs but criticised Labour’s economic record.

Plaid Cymru’s Heledd Fychan said many announcements were “late in the day” after “over two decades” of Labour governance, and called for a streamlined “one-stop shop” for business support. The party previously dismissed the summit as a “gimmick”.

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar said the focus should be on “lower taxes and less bureaucracy”, accusing Labour of “hamstringing” the Welsh economy with regulation since 1999. Shadow economy secretary Samuel Kurtz urged investment in “world-class skills” and real support for small firms.

With Senedd elections set for May 2026 – and Labour still absorbing the shock of losing the Caerphilly by-election to Plaid – political scrutiny of the summit has intensified.

Looking ahead

Morgan told delegates: “This summit is the culmination of months of work. Welsh Labour means business and is investing in our economy and jobs for the future.” She said Wales must focus on “growth with purpose”, ensuring high-skilled roles spread opportunity across every region.

Economy Secretary Rebecca Evans added: “Wales is at the forefront of industries that will define the next decade. We’re ready to turn conversations into commitments.”

As delegations continue discussions, the long-term test will be delivery. With £16 billion in pledges and thousands of jobs at stake, Wales faces a decisive question:
Will this investment help close long-standing economic divides – or deepen them in an already fragile global economy?

Business

Tenby Museum and Art Gallery works approved by planners

Published

13 minutes ago

December 11, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for works at what is said to be one of the oldest independent museums in Wales has been approved by Pembrokeshire’s national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Rob Davies sought permission for the replacement of existing single-glazed timber sash to windows to south and east elevations with replica double glazed units at Grade-II-listed Tenby Museum & Art Gallery, Castle Hill, Tenby.

A supporting statement said: “The museum building is in the former National School, built into a medieval domestic building, possibly the hall, depicted as roofless and gable ended in early views. The school was founded in 1832 and enlarged in 1842. The girl’s schoolroom was above, the boys below. It remained in use until the Parochial School was opened in 1874, and the building became the museum in 1878.

“A mural mosaic depicting the history of Tenby was located on the east elevation in 1991. The 1977 listing refers to two round chimneys to the rear, however, only one was located in 2001. Two ranges exist, the original museum adapted from a medieval building used as the National School until 1874 and the former Museum Cottage to the west, now also part of the museum.”

Heritage service Cadw, in its response, lists the museum as “among the early museums in Wales,” while a Wikipedia entry says it is “the oldest independent museum in Wales”.

The application was supported by Tenby Town Council and Tenby Civic Society.

An officer report recommending approval said: “No adverse comments have been received from consultees towards the current proposal, and no third-party representations raising issues relating to listed building matters have been received.

“The proposed scheme is in keeping with the character of the listed building, and its setting in terms of design and form. As such, the application can be supported subject to conditions.”

Business

How ecommerce businesses are adapting to modern day shopping habits

Published

19 hours ago

December 10, 2025

Staff Writer

What was once a time-consuming task that involved hours of walking around different shops is now an effortless pastime that can be done in the comfort of your own home.

In the last decade or so, online shopping has evolved significantly. From personalised experiences to an abundance of choice, making a purchase has never been so quick and easy. Of course, businesses have had to adapt to these growing expectations from consumers, who are no longer willing to spend more than a few minutes at checkout or wait more than a few days for their delivery.

So, how are businesses adapting to these modern day shopping habits? Let’s take a look.

Focusing on customer-centric marketing

In a day and age where people are being constantly bombarded with adverts, it’s not enough to stick a product in someone’s face and tell them how great it is. Instead, businesses need a more strategic approach. They must show the customer that they care about their needs and are there to solve a problem, not make a sale.

Offering flexible payment options

The speed of modern day shopping is undeniable. People don’t want to spend ages inputting their personal information and filling out card details. From PayPal to Apple Pay, more and more businesses are providing alternative payment methods to ensure a seamless checkout experience.

One notable trend at the moment is cryptocurrency, thanks to its quick, secure, and efficient transactions. As this has become a popular option, many businesses are now adopting a corporate crypto wallet to facilitate faster payments, giving them an edge over their competitors.

Providing 24/7 customer service (with the help of AI)

Websites don’t close like a traditional shop, meaning anyone can shop day or night. Because of this, people expect help with their orders or an answer to their question straight away, no matter what time of day it is. Of course, many online retailers can’t afford, or don’t have the manpower, to ensure staff are available 24/7, so instead they’re using AI-powered chatbots, which can answer common questions in an instant.

What does the future of online shopping look like?

Retailers are having to adapt constantly to changes in demand and expectations, and it’s unlikely that this will slow down anytime soon. With technology constantly advancing, it’s hard to say what the future of online shopping will look like, but it’s fair to say that it will only get faster, more efficient, and more competitive.

Business

RM Training and Security recognised for work creating opportunities for local people

Published

2 days ago

December 8, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Certificate from PeoplePlus highlights growing role of Milford Haven firm

RM TRAINING and Security has been recognised for its contribution to helping people into work, after receiving a Certificate of Achievement from PeoplePlus Cymru.

The award was presented on Wednesday (Dec 3). It acknowledges RM’s “valuable support and commitment to creating local opportunities for local people” and its role in helping individuals build brighter futures through meaningful employment.

PeoplePlus is a national organisation working with jobseekers, employers and training providers. Its recognition is typically reserved for businesses that consistently demonstrate community impact and a strong commitment to employability.

A spokesperson for RM Training and Security said the team was proud to be acknowledged for the work it does with learners across Pembrokeshire and Wales.

“We are passionate about giving people the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the workplace. To be recognised for that work means a great deal to the whole team,” the spokesperson said.

RM delivers a range of accredited courses including door supervision, security training, conflict management and emergency first aid. The company has expanded significantly in recent years, supporting both new entrants to the sector and those looking to progress in their careers.

The award was presented on site, where representatives from PeoplePlus met the RM team and congratulated them on their contribution to the local skills agenda.

The company said it will continue to work with partners to strengthen opportunities for those seeking employment in the security industry and beyond.

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