Welsh Economy Needs Competitive Firms Over Local Ownership
Frank Holmes argues Wales' economic growth depends on cultivating globally competitive firms with export ambition, not merely retaining local ownership through protectionist policies.
Category : Economic Growth
Energy Giants Unite for Humber Hydrogen Network
National Gas, Centrica, Equinor and SSE Thermal form consortium bidding for £500m government funding to develop UK's first integrated hydrogen network in Humber region, promising job creation and economic transformation.
West Midlands India Trade Mission Targets Economic Boost
A high-level West Midlands delegation led by Mayor Richard Parker is embarking on a six-day trade mission to India, aiming to strengthen economic ties, attract investment, and create jobs following the UK-India Free Trade Agreement.
Japanese Ambassador Excited for West Midlands Trade Prospects
Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki, accompanied by Paddington Bear, visited the West Midlands to explore trade and cultural links, meeting Mayor Richard Parker and touring key sites like Birmingham City FC and the Black Country Museum.
Mitsubishi Invests in Woodsmith Mine, Boosting Job Hopes
Mitsubishi Corporation has taken a stake in the Woodsmith Mine project near Whitby, raising hopes that the development can resume fully after Anglo American cut investment in 2024, potentially creating hundreds of jobs in North Yorkshire and Teesside.
Lloyds Commits £3.5bn to North West Business Growth
Lloyds Banking Group announces a £3.5 billion funding package for North West businesses, with R Tindall Fabricators in Oldham securing £1.8 million for robotics investment.
Lloyds Commits £1bn to Fuel Welsh Business Growth
Lloyds Banking Group pledges over £1bn in new finance for Welsh firms this year, part of a UK-wide £35bn initiative. Research shows 86% of Welsh businesses have clear growth plans.
£60m Investment for Regional SMEs via NorthEdge Fund
The British Business Bank commits £60 million to NorthEdge's Fund IV, targeting SMEs in technology, healthcare, and business services across UK nations and regions to drive growth and job creation.
£267K Rural Grants Support Newark and Sherwood Projects
Newark and Sherwood District Council has awarded over £267,000 to 12 rural organisations for projects enhancing community hubs, green spaces, and economic growth, with thousands of residents set to benefit.
West Midlands Towns Among UK's Most Efficient Economies
Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick have been recognized in a new UK-wide analysis for their high economic efficiency, based on productivity, employment rates, and business density indicators.
Wales Fund's Record £3.5m Deal with Advantiv
The £130m Investment Fund for Wales has completed its largest equity investment to date, injecting £3.5m into industrial services firm Advantiv to support expansion and job creation across South Wales.
Southport Business Park Revitalized by EFT Group
A vacant site in Southport is set for a major transformation as EFT Group plans to relocate, creating jobs and apprenticeships with council support.
Welsh Business Confidence Tops UK Average for 2026
Nearly 90% of Welsh business owners express optimism about growth this year, driven by demand, tech investment, and diversification plans, outpacing UK confidence levels.
Anglesey Freeport Project Gets £3.48m Growth Deal Backing
A major employment scheme at Anglesey Freeport has secured £3.48m from the North Wales Growth Deal. The £19.1m Freeport Gateway project will create 72,000 sq ft of new space, supporting 233 jobs and generating £65.4m in economic impact by 2036.
UK Economy Stagnates with 0.1% GDP Growth
Official data reveals UK GDP grew by just 0.1% in Q4 2025, below expectations. Experts warn the economy is 'stuck in a rut' with construction declining sharply.
UK Economy Grows 0.1% in Q4 2025, Services Sector Stalls
The UK economy expanded by just 0.1% in the final quarter of 2025, falling short of the 0.2% forecast as the services sector registered zero growth, highlighting ongoing economic challenges.
North East Economy Growth in Business Surveys
Two major reports from NatWest and KPMG reveal the North East as one of the UK's top-performing regions, with business confidence at multi-year highs and strong output expansion.
Yorkshire Business Optimism at 15-Month High
A NatWest survey reveals business optimism in Yorkshire and Humber has reached a 15-month peak as activity nears growth, though job numbers continue to decline in the private sector.
Newcastle Uses Music Success to Attract Investment at Mipim
Newcastle and Gateshead will leverage their success in hosting major music events like the Mobo Awards and Mercury Prize to attract global property investors at the Mipim conference in Cannes next month.
Green Book Reforms Unlock Billions for Northern Projects
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces major Treasury rule changes to ensure fairer funding for Northern infrastructure projects, ending London-centric bias.
Devon Tungsten Mine Raises £40m+ for Restart
Tungsten West has successfully raised more than £41 million through a share sale to fund the restart of production at the Hemerdon tungsten and tin mine near Plymouth, Devon.
North East Space Sector Delegation Visits Florida
A delegation from Space North East England has returned from Florida Commercial Space Week, where they showcased regional capabilities and built international partnerships to boost investment.
Welsh Hospitality Gets Business Rates Relief
Welsh Government announces 15% business rates relief for pubs, restaurants and music venues, while industry warns of systemic pressures threatening sector viability.
Welsh SME Finance: Beyond Cautious Caricatures
Giles Thorley, CEO of Development Bank of Wales, argues against simplistic views of Welsh business caution. He analyses SME finance barriers, confidence gaps, and collaborative solutions for growth.
£400m West Midlands Investment to Create Jobs in Birmingham
A £400 million investment in Birmingham's Knowledge Quarter is set to drive job creation and skills development across life sciences, manufacturing, and digital sectors.
Stoke Named Among UK's Best Cities in Surprise Ranking
Stoke-on-Trent has been ranked 13th best city in the UK and top in the Midlands, despite recent deprivation classifications, according to the latest Demos-PwC Good Growth Index.
UK Business Confidence Falls Ahead of May Elections
Lloyds Bank business barometer shows confidence in UK economy and own companies declined in January, despite rising hiring intentions, presenting challenge for government.
South West Business Confidence Dips, Firms Focus on Growth
Business confidence in the South West fell slightly in January according to Lloyds research, but firms remain focused on investing in teams, new products and technology for future growth.
Chery Chooses Liverpool for European HQ
Chery Commercial Vehicle establishes its first European headquarters in Liverpool, creating high-value jobs and boosting the North West's electric vehicle sector.
LanzaTech's £600m Humber SAF Plant Creates Jobs
US firm LanzaTech announces a £600m sustainable aviation fuel plant at Saltend Chemicals Park, creating 150 permanent and 300 construction jobs, boosting the Humber's green energy status.
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