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About us

We are the pan-regional partnership for South Wales and Western England. Stretching from St Davids in Pembrokeshire to Swindon we bring together business, local leaders and academia to grow the UK’s future economy.

The Western Gateway is the place to drive the UK’s future economy. We have highly-skilled people, natural resources, innovative sectors and a committed partnership focussed on making the most of our assets.

Learn about us
  • Icon of a bar graph
    £129 billion Economy
  • Icon of an eco city
    9 cities 3 City Regions and 2 economic partnerships
  • Icon of people
    4.8 million People
  • Lighbulb Icon
    2.6 million Jobs

Our Area

Illustration map of Wales Illustration map of England

St Davids Tyddewi

Pembrokeshire is positioned to become the green energy capital of the UK, securing the next generation of green industrial jobs for the Haven waterway.  Home to Britain’s only coastal National Park and smallest city, the county boasts a colourful coastline with heaps of history that has made the area a cultural hotspot for thousands of years.

Camarthen Caerfyrddin

Stretching from the south coast just past Swansea up to the fringes of the Brecon Beacons, Carmarthenshire is an area of history and natural beauty. The county is packed with pretty towns and villages, sandy beaches, ancient castles, wild spaces and vast open skies.

Swansea Abertawe

Swansea has a huge amount to offer – with rich heritage, passion for innovation, a changing city centre, unprecedented levels of investment and unique quality of life. Sitting right on the coast, the city has been described as one of the UK’s top green cities to invest in.  With huge amounts of investment going into Swansea, the city is changing and it is an exciting place to be doing business.

Cardiff Caerdydd

The Welsh capital city and a centre for culture and innovation. Cardiff is one of the UK’s most sought-after locations for business and investment. As the fastest growing city in the UK, Cardiff boasts a plethora of opportunities benefits to locating in the city. With a highly skilled workforce, unrivalled quality of life, pioneering sector strengths, the city is bustling with exciting new events and attractions suitable for all ages and budgets.

Newport Casnewydd

Newport is a city with a rich heritage and a clear vision for growth and development. As one of the UK’s major cities, it boasts a strategic location on the M4, direct rail links to major cities and Wales’ leading general cargo port. Newport is nestled in beautiful countryside with  walking, cycling and wellbeing.

Cheltenham

With hugely ambitious plans to make Cheltenham the UK’s cyber capital things are changing in Cheltenham. With a population of around 120,000, the area is already one of the largest urban centres in the South West. Cheltenham’s economy is forecast to almost double in value over the next decade, driven in part by the continued growth in cyber-tech and digital industries together with continued investment in housing across the borough.

Gloucester

Gloucester’s status as an attractive business destination draws national attention. Gloucester is home to a mix of new and established successful firms that offer quality jobs at the forefront of innovation. Its rich history, excellent transport and communication links, and its location all combine to create a great value destination for business and investment.

Swindon

Swindon continues to have one of the best-performing economies in the country, according to the latest Centre for Cities Outlook report. Swindon is ranked seventh in Britain when it comes to the rate of productivity per worker – up three places from a year ago. Swindon has a proud tradition of innovation and re-invention, so is ideally placed to exploit its competitive advantages and respond to the opportunities that a changing economy presents.

Bristol

One of the UK’s Core Cities and set to become one of the UK’s fastest economically growing cities outside London over the next four years. If ever there was a city with a story to tell, it’s Bristol. Enveloped in the hills of South West England, Bristol has developed an inimitable identity and fiercely independent spirit, crafted by its passionate locals.

Bath

An elegant city full of traditional heritage, contemporary culture, green spaces and a few surprises. Built for pleasure and relaxation, beautiful Bath has been a wellbeing destination since Roman times. The waters are still a big draw today, both at the ancient Roman Baths and the thoroughly modern Thermae Bath Spa, which houses the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain you can bathe in.

Weston-super-Mare

If you’re drawn to beachside living with convenient access to both Bristol and Bath, consider exploring Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon, and Portishead in North Somerset. These charming locales offer a peaceful atmosphere, scenic waterside walks, a wealth of cafes, restaurants, and pubs, and opportunities for windsurfing and enjoying family-friendly beaches. It’s the perfect blend of tranquillity and coastal leisure.

Salisbury

Salisbury is a cathedral city of ageless beauty and captivating history. Traditionally English with an independent spirit, Salisbury is home to a wide range of quirky, independent shops offering products designed and crafted locally. Arts and culture, events and entertainment ensure visitors keep coming back to the city time and time again.

Our Area

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What we do

We’re making the case that the Western Gateway is an ideal place to invest and do business. We’re working to better connect communities through public transport and digital channels. The Western Gateway has a long and proud history of innovation. We’re ready to take this to the next level.

Stay updated on our latest events and activities from across the region.

Publications

Our work is backed by a robust evidence-base and the focussed approach needed to unleash the full potential of the region.

From mapping the Cyber Super Cluster to an ambitious Rail Vision, we are striving for a greener, fairer future for all.

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