Tag Archives: north wales economic ambition board

Business News

Broadcaster to bring Growth Deal team under the spotlight at virtual forum for Wales Week London

THE team behind the £1bn North Wales Growth Deal will come under the spotlight at a special virtual event this week.

To mark Wales Week London, ITV broadcaster Carole Green is to join Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn, chair of North Wales Economic Ambition Board, and Portfolio Director Alwen Williams to discuss the Deal’s prospective impact on the region.

Taking place this Friday, the online session will also feature Askar Sheibani, interim chair of the Ambition Board’s Business Delivery Group, and programme managers Henry Aron (Energy), David Mathews (Land and Property), Stuart Whitfield (Digital) and Robyn Lovelock (Innovation in High Value Manufacturing, Agrifood and Tourism).

Carole, who was raised in Rhyl and now lives in Tremeirchion, looks forward to exploring the issues facing each member of the Portfolio Management Office, what their key priorities are and the effect the Deal will have on generations to come, socially, economically and culturally.

“As a proud North Walian I am delighted to have the opportunity to discover more about the programmes and what difference they will make to all of our lives,” said Carole.

“Having been a part of the team at ITV Wales for more than 20 years, as a news and business correspondent, these are issues that matter to me, and to many tens of thousands of people in the region.

“It’s an exciting time for the Ambition Board and vital the foundations are laid for future growth, especially given everything that’s happened over the course of the last year.

“They are determined to deliver, for communities, industry and businesses who share in their vision, so I look forward to finding out more.”

Alwen added: “We are pleased Carole is able to join us for this session, which aims to dig deeper into the progress made so far and our next steps.

“A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes and our programme managers will be on hand to share latest information, as well as their thoughts and ideas on the road ahead.

“The Growth Deal is going to play a pivotal role in the region’s fight back against Covid and the challenges so many individuals and businesses have been through – we hope you can join us.”

Held over the period of St David’s Day each year since 2017, this is the fifth successive annual Wales Week London programme and includes events covering business and technology, the arts, music and concerts, film and the media, politics, sport and more.

Co-founder and chair of the Wales Week initiative Dan Langford plans to tune in to the Ambition Board event, and said: “Working again with both the Welsh and UK Governments, and with the amazing support of our partners, sponsors and event organisers, there are 60 events taking place, commemorating our national day, celebrating our culture and promoting a modern Wales to the rest of the world.”

He added: “The Growth Deal is an economic driver for jobs, skills and infrastructure in North Wales and neighbouring regions at a crucial time – I look forward to finding out more.”

The free event runs from 11.30am-12.45pm this Friday (March 5).

To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cynllun-twf-gogledd-cymru-north-wales-growth-deal-tickets-142245109953

For more on North Wales Economic Ambition Board, visit www.northwaleseab.co.uk or follow them on social media @buegogleddcymru and @northwaleseab.

Visit www.walesweek.london for the full Wales Week London programme.

Broadband, Digital Transformation, Investment, IT Support

Hundreds of North Wales public services to benefit from faster internet speeds as part of £8m project

VITAL public services including GP surgeries, libraries and hospitals are benefiting from ultrafast internet speeds and better connectivity.

The Coronavirus pandemic has not stopped major progress being made on the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and North Wales Economic Ambition Board £8m roll-out of the highest quality gigabit capable broadband to 350 sites across Denbighshire, Anglesey, Conwy, Gwynedd, Flintshire and Wrexham.

The switch from copper-based provision – as part of its Local Full Fibre Network (LFFN) Programme – has seen the DCMS work in partnership with the Ambition Board since the initial bid for funding was made in 2018.

Cllr Mark Pritchard, vice-chair of the Ambition Board and leader of Wrexham council, said the scheme will complement the digital programme which forms part of the £1bn North Wales Growth Deal.

“This project is future-proofing hundreds of public sector sites in North Wales,” said Cllr Pritchard.

“They will have access to the highest quality gigabit capability and connectivity as their demands increase and grow, with organisations continuing to adopt new technologies and improve how services are delivered.

“Primary care is one of the main areas in the project, and GP surgeries in every county in this region will benefit from significantly better connectivity to support new ways of communicating with patients and hospitals.”

He added: “The Coronavirus has greatly increased the need for better digital connectivity between residents and public services, and the LFFN will put councils and health boards in a stronger, more versatile position to manage future challenges.

“There has never been a better time to make these improvements and I am delighted with the progress made so far.”

Cadwgan Surgery in Old Colwyn is an example of a site to have benefited from the LFFN.

Senior partner Dr Dylan Parry has worked at the surgery for more than 20 years and says the investment has transformed their daily lives.

“We have 12,000 patients, so trying to work digitally with such a volume of work was difficult,” said Dr Parry.

“We had issues with software, a poor browsing experience and other problems that wasted clinical and administrative time, as well as decreasing productivity and leading to frustrations with remote working.

“Following the installation of faster broadband, we saw a huge improvement – there were immediate benefits.”

Other sites to have experienced a positive impact as part of the rollout were the Caia Park Estate Office in Wrexham, the Mental Health Support Service Team at Flint Castle Park, and the Muriau building in Conwy, home of a Tourist Information Centre and gift shop and a landmark in the World Heritage Site since the 1880s.

Conwy’s Cabinet Member for Modernisation, Cllr Emma Leighton-Jones, said: “We’ve committed to a series of digital programmes aimed at enhancing services, as well as extending fast connectivity solutions to areas where it is currently not available.

“We’re grateful for the North Wales Economic Ambition Board’s support, and for the support of UK and Welsh Government in these programmes.”

LFFN is a flagship initiative from the UK Government to stimulate network operators to extend the reach of gigabit capable broadband across the country.

Minister for Digital Infrastructure at the DCMS, Matt Warman, congratulated the local authorities in North Wales for collaborating with partners to drive the scheme forward.

“From Anglesey to Wrexham, to see the local authorities working together on this project is fantastic,” he said.

“That in turn will stimulate broader take-up amongst businesses and see the public and private sectors link up in a tangible way.

“Good progress has been made and it gives us an indication of how the digital landscape in Wales is changing, and what benefits faster broadband can bring.

“We are keen to go even further in partnership with the Welsh and UK Governments to make sure we roll out gigabit connections right across the region.”

The upgrades to end sites is being undertaken by the Welsh Government’s Wales-wide Public Sector Broadband Aggregation (PSBA) contract, delivered by BT. PSBA provides connectivity services to nearly 5,000 public sector sites across Wales.

Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport Lee Waters said: “I’m pleased to see this development in North Wales and that the public sector is already benefiting from the improvements made.

“The PSBA contract offered an instant solution to the North Wales Economic Ambition Board by providing an existing network for the whole of the public sector in Wales to use.

“The infrastructure being installed in this project also allows some homes and businesses near a public sector building to benefit from full fibre broadband.  Now more than ever we appreciate the importance of a fast, reliable broadband connection and it’s good to see this work underway in North Wales.”

Visit www.gov.wales/broadband for more information on availability of superfast broadband in Wales.

For more on North Wales Economic Ambition Board, email info@buegogleddcymru.co.uk or follow @BUEGogleddCymru (Welsh) or @NorthWalesEAB (English) on social media.

Construction, Coronavirus, Innovation, Local Government, Property

Ambition Board awaits final decision on future of billion-pound North Wales Growth Deal

THE transformational North Wales Growth Deal that will create thousands of jobs and boost the economy for generations to come is one step closer.

North Wales Economic Ambition Board (NWEAB) met last week and gave its support to move forward with the five programmes that make up the £1bn Deal, underpinned by £240million investment from both the Welsh and UK Governments.

These programmes cover low carbon energy, innovation in high-value manufacturing, agri-food and tourism, digital connectivity and land and property.

Progress is reflective of how the region worked together with UK and Welsh Governments to define a portfolio of investments, which once fully approved, will see work begin in 2021.

The Deal has now been submitted to both the UK and Welsh Governments for consideration, with a final decision expected before the end of the year.

Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn, Ambition Board chair and leader of Gwynedd County Council, said this was a “major milestone” after years of hard work and collaboration between the region’s local authorities, colleges, universities and private sector representatives, with support from both governments and national stakeholders.

“The Growth Deal has been developed to deliver long-lasting positive investment and change that will enable economic and employment growth for the long-term,” he said.

“Over the next 15 years it will empower us to work together and take control of how we invest in our future. It is a unique opportunity to make investment decisions locally and demonstrate the value this brings.

“Ultimately, as part of a broader programme of investment, the Growth Deal will enable us to build a more vibrant, sustainable and inclusive economy for us all in North Wales.”

Driven by the Ambition Board’s Portfolio Management Office, based at Conwy Business Centre in Llandudno Junction, the three main objectives of the wider Growth Vision for North Wales are to create up to 4,200 new jobs by 2036, support an uplift of £2bn-2.4bn for the economy over that same period, and deliver total investment of up to £1.1bn.

Portfolio Director Alwen Williams is confident the business cases put forward to both governments will meet these targets and spark a sustainable economic and social resurgence when the country needs it most.

“Our Investment in low-carbon energy projects enable us to contribute directly to the climate change emergency, not only helping to make North Wales a cleaner, greener environment, but also positioning ourselves as one of the leading UK locations within the low carbon energy sector,” said Alwen.

“Not forgetting our foundation economies in agriculture and tourism, we will help to enable and encourage diversification to improve the long-term future of these key industries, ensuring they have opportunity to thrive.

“We recognise and value our obligation to deliver the Growth Deal in a way that improves and enhances our social, cultural, environmental and economic well-being and look forward to leading this important investment in our home and our region – North Wales.”

Askar Sheibani, chair of the Ambition Board’s Business Delivery Group, believes connectivity between communities is going to be key as momentum grows.

“The Growth Deal will invest in the region’s digital infrastructure,” he said.

“This is essential and underpins economic growth. Accessible and reliable high-speed fibre broadband and 5G capability throughout the whole of North Wales is essential.”

Jim Jones, chair of North Wales Mersey Dee Business Council, added: “A Deal that delivers on supporting business and productivity growth for both our home grown SMEs and the international businesses based in North Wales – in our key sectors of manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, agriculture and energy – has the potential to make a once in a lifetime positive impact for us all.”

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart welcomed the positive steps made in past weeks, and said: “The UK Government is working to bring greater investment and job opportunities to communities across Wales and the latest steps in the North Wales Growth Deal represent real progress in achieving those aims.

“It is a huge opportunity to transform the region and help rebalance the Welsh economy and that is why UK Government is committing £120million to the deal. Working hand in hand with local government and business, we will continue to develop the Growth Deal and ensure it unleashes the full potential of North Wales.”

Minister for Economy and North Wales Ken Skates added: “I’m pleased to see the progress made on the North Wales Growth Deal, which has the potential to transform the region’s economy.

“This is now more important than ever in these very challenging times. I’d like to thank all the partners for their hard work in reaching this stage.  We’ll now work with the UK Government so we can progress the next steps as quickly as possible.”

For more information on the Growth Deal, follow @northwaleseab (English) and @buegogleddcymru (Welsh) on social media.

Coronavirus, Jobs, North Wales, Training News

Skills partnership and Welsh colleges unite to promote scheme for at-risk workers

LEADING colleges joined forces to provide furloughed, at risk and low-paid workers with an opportunity for change.

Coleg Cambria and Grwp Llandrillo Menai have united with North Wales Regional Skills Partnership to promote the Personal Learning Account (PLA) scheme.

PLAs give anyone over the age of 19 and living in Wales, in employment earning less than £26,000 or on  a zero hours contract, furloughed or at risk of redundancy, access to part-time courses that will enable them to find employment or switch careers.

Both FE institutions offer a range of qualifications in myriad sectors including engineering, construction, IT, financial services, digital, and tourism and hospitality.

Aimed at individuals wanting to study Level 3 and above, gaining higher skills online and – when it is safe to do so – in the classroom, it has already proven popular via a pilot project launched last year by Grwp Llandrillo Menai and Coleg Gwent.

David Roberts, chair of the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership, said: “It is fantastic to see two of the UK’s leading colleges come together to encourage career progression and support at-risk workers when they need it most.

“This is a time of great uncertainty for so many people across the region; the PLA scheme gives them a platform to learn new skills and access first-class training and support.

“Working together is the only way we are going to overcome the challenges of this year, and this is a free, alternative pathway that will provide an opportunity for change.”

For those not eligible for a PLA, both colleges also support the Skills for Employers and Employees (SEE) project which provides businesses across North Wales with financial backing to raise employee skills and knowledge in a range of arenas from advanced manufacturing to energy and professional services.

Vicky Barwis, Vice Principal for Work-based Learning and Employer Engagement at Coleg Cambria, said:

“Ultimately, this partnership is about identifying opportunities, plugging the skills gap in North Wales and being there to support the many people who are at risk of losing their jobs.

“Whether that be because of the pandemic or other economic and personal factors, there are options available to help and support you in finding and achieving your chosen career.”

James Nelson, Executive Director of Academic Services at Grwp Llandrillo Menai, added: “By coming together we have made PLAs more accessible to people across the whole of North Wales.

“We hope those affected will capitalise on the funding available and it gives them some peace of mind at this challenging time for all industries.”

The partnership is supported by North Wales Economic Ambition Board.

For more information, visit www.gllm.ac.uk/adult-and-community/personal-learning-account (GLLM) or www.cambria.ac.uk/personal-learning-account (Coleg Cambria).

Visit www.northwaleseab.co.uk/jobs-and-skills/regional-skills-partnership for more on North Wales Regional Skills Partnership.

Digital Transformation, E-Commerce, Economy & Jobs News, Energy, Local Government

Growth Vision for North Wales and economic investment the subject of virtual conference

PROGRESS on the Growth Vision for North Wales and major investment in the region will be the focus of a virtual conference.

Organised by North Wales Mersey Dee Business Council, in partnership with North Wales Economic Ambition Board (NWEAB), the online event takes place on Wednesday November 4.

Presented by Business Council chair and North Wales Tourism CEO Jim Jones, the event will feature updates from the NWEAB Programme Office on transformative projects set to begin in 2021.

Among the speakers are Programme Director Alwen Williams, Digital Programme Manager Stuart Whitfield, Energy Programme Manager Henry Aron, Land and Property Manager David Matthews and Operations Manager Hedd Vaughan-Evans. There will also be a question and answer session.

Programmes to be discussed include Digital Connectivity, Regional Transport Decarbonisation, Regional Land and Property – including commercial property and housing schemes – and the Smart Local Energy Network, encouraging more local renewable energy generation.

The Holyhead Gateway project is also on the agenda, targeting infrastructure improvements and investment that will create jobs and enhance transport links between Wales and Ireland.

Ashley Rogers, Commercial Director of the Business Council, said this is an opportunity to gain further information on where things stand in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic and following the £240m commitment towards the North Wales Growth Deal from the Welsh and UK Governments last year.

Heads of Terms on the Deal were signed last autumn, and strides have been made over the last 12 months, in the face of Covid-19 and economic pressures.

“This is the right time to come together with businesses in the region to showcase what has been going on behind the scenes, what is to come, and how the Growth Vision will impact upon North Wales,” said Ashley.

“This has been a year of unprecedented challenges, but the Programme Office has been working closely with stakeholders in education and the private and public sectors.

“We have already had a great response to the session and hope to see a wide range of companies join us on the day, to feed back their thoughts and ensure they are fully aware of progress made and how they can benefit and contribute to our economic recovery – that collaboration and communication is going to be vital.”

In past months, the Programme Office – based at Conwy Business Centre in Llandudno Junction – has been busy shaping business cases, engaging with stakeholders and exploring private sector investment opportunities, while holding virtual meetings and conferences in lockdown.

“Together with the Welsh and UK Governments and our partners in this region we have been driving the programmes forward,” said Alwen.

“It has, of course, been a challenge laying these foundations while unable to hold meetings face to face or with the ease of travel and access to different areas that was there before the pandemic took hold in the UK.

“But we have met those challenges head-on and look forward to sharing with those who join the conference the advances we have made.”

She added: “The Growth Vision for North Wales is a long-term masterplan to create jobs and grow our economy, and we realise that is more important than ever in the light of past months.

“By working together with businesses, we can respond to these pressures and start to build positive momentum, so we are ready to deliver from 2021 onwards.”

As well as creating thousands of new jobs, the Growth Vision is targeting a £10bn increase in the value of the North Wales economy by 2035.

The free private sector stakeholder sessions runs from 1pm-4pm. Companies and organisations can register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/north-wales-growth-deal-private-sector-stakeholder-session-tickets-124549409637

For more information on North Wales Economic Ambition Board, visit www.northwaleseab.co.uk.

Alternatively, email info@buegogleddcymru.co.uk or follow @BUEGogleddCymru (Welsh) or @NorthWalesEAB (English) on social media.

Jobs, Local Councils, North Wales

Virtual conference to seek solutions for Covid-hit North Wales industries

AN ONLINE conference will aim to meet economic challenges facing the public and private sector in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Targeting frontline staff working in the fields of skills and employability – including Careers Wales, Working Wales and further and higher education representatives – the virtual event takes place from 9.30am on Thursday October 22.

The free forum has been organised by North Wales Regional Skills Partnership, supported by North Wales Economic Ambition Board, and will include an address by Ken Skates MS, Minister for the Economy and North Wales.

David Roberts, chair of the Regional Skills Partnership, will open proceedings and believes the continued spirit of collaboration across the region is vital.

“This year has brought unprecedented challenges, the like of which we have never seen before,” said Mr Roberts.

“From an economic perspective we are going to feel this for months or even years, so coming together and shaping a plan of action is pivotal for all sectors.

“At this very challenging time there is a need for total unity and a clear path for anyone who has been made redundant or looking for a change of career because of the current financial climate.”

He added: “While this is a tough time there are opportunities for development and change, and we will explore these during the conference and as we move forward.”

Those joining the Resilient North Wales event can take part in a Q&A session, share best practice with other delegates and will be updated on latest news and information from the Welsh Government.

Other bodies represented and delivering presentations include the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), Coleg Cambria, Grwp Llandrillo Menai, Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service), Citizens Advice Denbighshire, and Niall Waller from Flintshire County Council, chair of the Employability Working Group.

Earlier this year – following the COVID-19 outbreak – the Ambition Board, the Welsh Government’s Working Wales Programme, delivered by Careers Wales, the Regional Skills Partnership and the DWP united to provide job seekers with an Opportunity for Change.

With thousands of people across the country facing uncertainty or struggling to find a role in the wake of the global crisis, their aim is to help match them with essential job vacancies in alternative sectors, as well as offering online training.

Minister for the Economy and North Wales Ken Skates said: “These are exceptionally challenging times, and the Welsh Government has taken action on a number of fronts to provide assistance for businesses and individuals.

“This has included a £40m skills and jobs fund which includes the pledge that everyone over 16 will receive the assistance they need to access advice and support to find work, to pursue self-employment or to find a place in education and training.

“I congratulate the Regional Skills Partnership for bringing all the key partners together in North Wales for this event.  There is a strong spirit of collaboration in the region, which I fully endorse as we work together to support those hardest hit by the pandemic.”

To join the conference and for more information, visit: shorturl.at/dgj34

Follow the hashtags #opportunitynorthwales, #changeyourstory #northwalesjobs #walesjobslive and #teamnorthwales on social media.

Coronavirus, Economy & Jobs News, Jobs

Survey results will shape North Wales public sector response to damage caused by Coronavirus pandemic

THE results of a far-reaching survey launched this week will be the catalyst for plans to spearhead a business resurgence in North Wales.

Delivered by the North Wales Economic Ambition Board’s Programme Office – on behalf of the six local authorities – the study focuses on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and how it has affected regional businesses and their industries, with a view to understanding what needs to be done to spark and support a revival when lockdown restrictions are lifted.

The data will help to inform the councils, and the region, of the emerging situation and guide planning already underway to kick-start and renew the economy in the short and medium term.

It will also feed into the long-term Growth Vision and long-term strategy to improve infrastructure, create jobs, and generate investment when companies need it most.

The North Wales Growth Deal is a key part of that Vision, and Programme Director Alwen Williams is encouraging people in all sectors to take the survey and make a difference for those businesses affected by Coronavirus, and future generations.

Representatives working on behalf of the local authorities will also be picking up the phone to owners and managers to capture their responses and use them to shape proposals and priorities.

“The evidence gathered will be pivotal in helping us to fully understand the most pressing issues facing all sectors in North Wales, and the best ways to move forward,” said Alwen.

“Then we will know where we are, what the priority areas are, what needs to be done, and how we can help these companies to navigate their way through this.

“There are many challenges and the first we need to overcome is finding out exactly what we are up against, which areas are in the most urgent need of support – hospitality and tourism, for example – and what can realistically be achieved in the short term to generate renewed optimism.”

The Programme Office will be looking to discover the effect across different counties and sectors, the size of businesses and with what force they were hit by the Covid-19 crisis.

There will also be examples of best practice and positive outcomes as some firms were able to adapt to the situation and use their machinery and technology to manufacture PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), hand sanitiser or medical products.

However, the picture has been largely bleak, with firms encountering a wide range of issues, namely loss of revenue and staff, reduced productivity and sales, a disruption to the health and wellbeing of employees and temporary closure.

Alwen added: “This isn’t a box ticking exercise, the information and insight from businesses will form the understanding we have and help to shape the way forward. We would welcome the opportunity to maintain communication with those surveyed so we can see if progress is being made, and if not, how we can build momentum.

“We urge people to please take part, have your say and provide as much information as possible so we have a detailed report on what happens next. Every person who answers the questions will have played their part in helping to get the region back on its feet.”

To fill out the survey, please visit https://arolwg.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/index.php/547464?lang=cy (Welsh) or https://arolwg.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/index.php/547464?lang=en (English).