Tag Archives: CCR

Business, Events

Cardiff Capital Region at UKREiiF 2024

Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) is attending UKREiiF in Leeds from 21 to 23 May to showcase £15 billion of investment opportunities and spotlight the Region as one of 12 Investment Zones selected by UK and Welsh Government last year.

UKREiiF, the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum, is a three-day conference that aims to connect people, places and businesses including the key players and decision makers within the public sector, built environment, investment and real estate markets to drive significant sustainable investment.

This year Cardiff Capital Region will be attending as one of the two sponsors of exhibitor Western Gateway, the pan-regional partnership for South Wales and Western England. The other sponsor attending is Bristol and Bath. CCR will use Western Gateway’s pavilion as a base for meetings and networking.

Attending the event for CCR is Anthony Hunt, Leader of Torfaen County Borough Council and Chair of CCR’s Committee and he said: “UKREiiF is an excellent opportunity for us to sell our Region’s competitive strengths, ambitious investment and development opportunities to key decision makers, future investors and partners. This annual event is now firmly on the calendar for investment opportunities within the UK and complements our international activities at expos such as MIPIM.”

CCR Chief Executive Kellie Beirne is speaking at several events during UKREiiF and is very positive about CCR’s participation: “Our proposition is strong and compelling with unique offers such as Aberthaw Power Station attracting more interest, I’m confident that our economic potential will continue to grow.”

Find out more about UKREiiF: https://www.ukreiif.com/

Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Education

Cardiff Capital Region joins forces with local universities and colleges for future collaboration

Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) has signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Higher and Further Education (HE & FE) institutions from South East Wales, forming a framework for future collaboration based on key objectives for economic wellbeing in the Region.

The agreement is a first of its kind in Wales, with Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, and the University of South Wales (USW) being joined by the Region’s Further Education colleges, including Merthyr Tydfil, Coleg Gwent, Cardiff and Vale College, Coleg Y Cymoedd and Bridgend College.

Given the concentration of academic and research excellence in South East Wales, this will ensure the wider region realises the benefits of cooperative working. Each of the institutions has a significant role to play in embracing the regional growth agenda and ensuring civic commitments to inclusivity and sustainability are at the heart of new and emerging initiatives.

Since 2017 CCR has worked successfully with regional HE & FE on transformative projects, leveraging significant research and innovation funding for the Region. This includes being the only UK Region to land two UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) Strength In Places Fund initiatives (CSConnected & Media Cymru) with a combined value of almost £100m.

This further commitment will ensure alignment on regional ambitions and create further opportunities for business engagement, collaborative learning, teaching and R&D, allowing CCR to gather the expertise that these institutions can deliver together.

Speaking at the launch, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, said:

“I am delighted that Higher and Further Education partners are uniting in their support of our regional ambitions. This builds on CCR’s endeavours to form a coalition of the willing, bringing together the people and organisations who can contribute to our mission for a bigger, greener and fairer region.”

Kellie Beirne, CEO, Cardiff Capital Region, said:

“This partnership demonstrates a significant coming together of educational and research institutions and a newly established regional public body, allowing us to align our efforts to advance our civic missions together. Innovation stands as the cornerstone of our future, and our joint commitment to collaborate and forge a new path provides the best chance of building sustainability and resilience in the face of ongoing change and challenge. By formalising our relationships, we lay the groundwork for regional impact and future sustainable growth and a recognition that together, we can achieve more.”

Cardiff News, Investment, Investment News

£50 million investment programme launched to help transform the Northern Valleys of South East Wales

A new investment programme aimed at catalysing economic growth and social impact in the Northern Valleys was unveiled today (11 April 2024). The Northern Valleys Initiative aims to play a long-term levelling-up role in tackling some of the intra-regional disparities that exist within the Cardiff Capital Region.

 

The Initiative, totalling £50m, has been set up by Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) and supported by Local Authority Delivery Teams from Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Torfaen. This will support businesses and projects that have the ability to increase prosperity in the region.

 

Investments will be focused on businesses that offer high-growth potential and the ability to help transform the regional economy.

 

Operating over a five-year period, the programme will act as a financial catalyst to support businesses that are either based in the Region or that wish to relocate for the long term. Typical grants and investments available for successful applicants will range from (but are not limited to), £100k to £2m.

 

The programme will concentrate on infrastructure, digital connectivity and tourism sectors delivering a wide range of outcomes including jobs, ecological regeneration and decarbonisation.

 

The Northern Valleys Initiative aligns with CCR’s strategic ambitions to:

 

–  tackle economic disparities and boost growth

–  enhance innovation capability and capacity

–  decarbonise our environment by 2050

–  improve our physical and digital infrastructure

 

Cllr Anthony Hunt, Chair of CCR Committee, said:

“Building on previous work in the region, the Northern Valleys Initiative will deliver an exciting opportunity to stimulate both the private and public sector investment required to generate additional jobs, boost prosperity, foster community resilience and help drive the circular economy in six local authority areas: Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Torfaen”.

 

Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said:

“It’s fantastic news that this fund, backed by the UK Government, is going to help transform businesses in this area.

 

“We are focused on growing the economy of Wales, creating jobs and spreading prosperity, and investments like this are invaluable in making this aim a reality.”