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The Western Gateway Partnership’s chair, Sarah Williams-Gardener, this week took part in the first meeting of new Economic Advisory Group hosted by The Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, Secretary of State for Wales.

The new Economic Advisory Group was launched to bring ‘new era of prosperity and growth for Wales’.  The group will be the first time that representatives from Welsh business, education and industry groups will shape cross-government UK policy.

In her dual role as Chair of Fintech Wales, Sarah will leverage her extensive experience in the fintech sector and the cross-border approach of Western Gateway to foster innovation and collaboration across key industries.

Sarah Williams-Gardner, said:  “I am honoured to take on this role at such a pivotal time for the Western Gateway. Our region is uniquely positioned to lead the UK’s future economy through our strengths in green energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital innovation.

“However – both Governments must realise that we are stronger together.  Cross border collaboration on those issues where we have existing shared interests is essential to attract the investment we need to ensure we can be truly world leading.”

The Western Gateway’s launched its “Plan for Sustainable Growth” in October this year to show how the area can double the size of its economy by 2050 adding £250bn to the UK Economy.  This was underpinned by four key principals:

  1. Increase Investment: Bridging the £6-9m per business private sector investment gap when compared to other parts of the UK.
  2. Enhance Innovation: Supporting the development of world leading innovation across our geography.
  3. Improve Connections: Overcoming historic problems with cross border transport and digital connectivity to unlock productivity for businesses on both sides of the Severn.
  4. Boost Recognition: Increasing our cross-border region’s recognition on a national and international stage to help attract new opportunities to the area.

Despite supporting the Plan, the UK Government have begun a “Consultation on ending Pan-Regional Partnership core funding” on their website following the budget which mentioned their “minded to” decision to withdraw funding.

Having lead initiatives to drive investment into the area, attracting over £100m into low carbon energy parks and exploring the potential for a world leading tidal energy project, the Western Gateway’s board of Local Authorities, business and academics are continuing to make the case to both UK and Welsh Government that it is vital they support cross-border working in this area in order to deliver on economic growth.

Western Gateway, as the Pan-Regional Partnership for South Wales and Western England, will be included in this but, as the only partnership of its kind to bridge a national border, currently nothing has been proposed to take its place.

Support the Western Gateway by taking part in the consultation here. 

The Consultation closes at 12pm on 16th December 2024.  For advice on answering the consultation see our comms pack here or email secretariat@western-gateway.co.uk.

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