Rural Business Growth summit with the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Energy.

This week, CLA Cymru attended the Mid Wales Business Engagement Event at AberInnovation, Aberystwyth University, at the invitation of Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy & Planning Rebecca Evans MS. The Cabinet Minister, alongside the Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies MS led roundtable discussions on the future of economic development in the region, alongside barriers that needed to be addressed with attendees which included leaders of local authorities, key bodies, businesses and Government departments.

This event was part of the Welsh Government’s engagement programme, bringing together businesses, industry leaders, and policymakers to shape economic priorities.

Aligning Rural Growth with National Policy

Representing CLA Cymru, External Affairs and Communications Manager Jacqui Pearce, highlighted to the Ministers and delegates, the findings from the Rural Growth Cross-Party Group's report, "Generating Growth in the Rural Economy: an inquiry into rural productivity in Wales". The report outlines 19 key recommendations aimed at enhancing rural productivity. Taking the time to discuss this at length with the Cabinet Minister.

These themes resonated across the entire spectrum of attendees, reinforcing the need for targeted policy interventions to unlock rural Wales’ full economic potential. In particular:

Housing and Planning: Addressing the need for a more flexible planning system to support rural development and housing affordability. Also attending to the skills gap in the sector.

Tourism: Recognising tourism's vital role in the rural economy and advocating for policies that promote sustainable growth in this sector.

Productivity and Skills: Identifying barriers to productivity and emphasising the importance of developing skills tailored to rural industries, including green technologies.

Infrastructure and Connectivity: Highlighting the necessity for improved infrastructure, particularly in enhancing connectivity to the electrical and service grids and broadband access, to support rural businesses.

Engagement with Welsh Government Leaders

CLA Cymru took the opportunity to engage directly with both the Deputy First Minister and Rebecca Evans MS, ensuring that rural business challenges were at the forefront of discussions. We reiterated the importance of a place-based approach to economic development, where rural areas receive tailored support rather than a one-size-fits-all strategy.

Delivering Rural Economic Growth

The event reinforced the role of collaboration between government and businesses in driving rural prosperity. CLA Cymru will continue to advocate for policies that support planning reform, workforce development, and investment in rural industries.

We look forward to continuing to work with the Minister’s and their teams on all these key issues.

For more updates and to get involved in future discussions, follow @CLACymru on Facebook, X and Instagram.