A NEW economic mission has been launched aimed at boosting pay and halving the productivity gap between Wales and the rest of the UK within ten years.

Adam Price, the Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, said the Welsh Government wanted to make Wales the easiest place in the UK to start, grow and invest in a business.

Welsh productivity currently stands around 15% below the UK average, a long-standing gap which ministers say has held back wages, business growth and living standards.

Delivering his first oral statement to the Senedd, Mr Price said the new approach would focus on supporting firms to expand, compete in high-value markets and create better-paid jobs.

The plan will be developed with businesses, trade unions, regional partners and the UK Government. It will also include reforms to the skills system, with a greater focus on helping workers progress rather than simply enter employment.

Mr Price said: “Today we announce a National Productivity Goal to close the gap with the rest of the UK and help unlock the full potential of the Welsh economy.

“For too long, Wales has struggled to close the gap with the rest of the UK when it comes to productivity. Announcing this target today shows our clear commitment to improving the lives of people living in Wales.

“By focusing on productivity, we will deliver higher pay, stronger businesses and thriving communities.

“This goal will give direction to our new Welsh innovation and development agency, shaping how we support businesses, develop skills and invest in the foundations of a stronger, more competitive Welsh economy.

“We are determined to turn ambition into action, creating a stronger, more productive economy that delivers for people in every part of Wales.”

Further details on how the productivity target will be measured and monitored are expected later this year.

THE BANK OF ENGLAND’S plan to put wildlife on future banknotes has been welcomed by the RSPCA — but the charity says some of Britain’s most overlooked animals should not be forgotten.

The Bank has launched an 18-animal shortlist, covering mammals, birds, amphibians, insects and fish, with the public invited to help choose which species should appear on future £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes.

The RSPCA said the move could become a “celebration of wildlife” and a chance to remind people of the need to protect nature.

Dr Ros Clubb, Head of Wild Animals at the RSPCA, said: “Banknotes featuring our native wildlife will be a real cause for celebration.

“It is a great opportunity to not only showcase Britain’s amazing wildlife, but — in carrying pictures of wild animals in our wallets and purses every day — to remind us all of our own responsibilities to nature and the world around us.”

The charity said its 2025 Animal Kindness Index found that 73% of people were worried about the future of UK wildlife, with protecting wildlife emerging as the top priority for the RSPCA to address.

But the RSPCA has also urged the Bank of England to think again about some of the animals that did not make the shortlist.

The charity has released mock-up examples showing how banknotes could look if they featured gulls, rats, pigeons and badgers — species it describes as under-appreciated but important parts of British wildlife.

Dr Clubb added: “It’s great that the Bank of England has pulled together a diverse shortlist — from hedgehogs to foxes, frogs to kingfishers, and dragonflies to salmon — although we would love to see more animal underdogs make the cut.

“Gulls, badgers, rats and pigeons all divide opinion — but this would have been a great opportunity to discuss these fantastic animals.

“They’re all amazing in their own right. Pigeons, with their war hero history; gulls, who are dedicated to their families and their co-parenting responsibilities; rats, who are incredibly empathetic and intelligent; and the badger, the master architect of a network of underground cities.”

The charity also said it would have liked to see one of the UK’s six native reptile species included, saying many people remain unaware of the snakes and lizards found across the country.

The RSPCA plans to respond formally to the Bank of England consultation as part of its wider Summer of Kindness campaign, which encourages small actions to help animals and wildlife.

AN ANNUAL Rotary duck race and pig roast brought crowds to Cresswell Quay on Friday (May 29), with organisers hailing the evening a success.

The event, organised by Narberth and Whitland Rotary, saw yellow ducks released onto the water as spectators gathered along the quay to watch the race unfold.

Perfect conditions

ORGANISERS said the tide and weather “could not have been better” for the popular community event.

Families enjoyed a relaxed evening of entertainment, food and fundraising, with Bat-A-Rat proving popular with youngsters while adults enjoyed a pig roast, with pork provided by Tom at Andrew Rees Butchers.

Live music from Jack Castle added to the atmosphere as people gathered at the riverside venue.

Thanks to supporters

JOHN Sleigh, of Narberth and Whitland Rotary, thanked everyone who attended and helped make the evening such a success.

He said: “What a fantastic evening. The tide and weather could not have been better for the annual Rotary Duck Race and Pig Roast at Cresswell Quay.

“We thank you all for being there and making the event such a success.”