711,000
population
285,000
jobs
28,080
businesses
£6bn+
opportunity pipeline
South West Wales: A Region Ready for Growth
With its ongoing economic regeneration programme well underway, amazing quality of life, and abundant investment opportunities, this region is poised for tremendous growth.
At the heart of our economic delivery plan are three key priorities: establishing the region as a UK leader in renewable energy, building a strong, resilient and embedded business base, growing and sustaining the 'experience' offer. By pursuing these priorities we are creating a sustainable and resilient economy that will thrive for years to come
Where are we?
Located in the dynamic and vibrant area of South West Wales, encompassing the local authorities of Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea. This region is strategically positioned with excellent connectivity to major UK cities and international markets, thanks to its robust transport infrastructure, including road, rail, and sea links.
The region boasts a stunning natural landscape, from the picturesque coastline of the Gower Peninsula to the rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons, making it an attractive destination for both business and leisure. With a rich cultural heritage, a thriving business community, and a commitment to innovation and sustainable growth, the South West Wales region offers unparalleled opportunities for inward investment.
Talent & Skills
The South West Wales region is home to a highly skilled and diverse workforce, driven by a strong educational foundation and a culture of innovation.
The region boasts several renowned universities and colleges, including Swansea University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, which produce a steady stream of graduates in key sectors such as engineering, energy, life sciences, digital technology, and creative industries.
Our workforce is characterized by its adaptability, technical expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit, making it well-equipped to meet the demands of modern businesses.
Additionally, the region offers numerous training and development programs to ensure continuous skill enhancement and professional growth. The Skills and Talent programme delivers a regional solution for the identification and delivery of the skills and training requirements for investment projects, specifically focusing on existing needs and future requirements in priority sectors including Health and Wellbeing, Smart Manufacturing, Green Construction, Energy and Digital.
With a commitment to fostering talent and supporting lifelong learning, the South West Wales Region is an ideal location for businesses seeking a competitive edge through a talented and motivated workforce.
Connectivity
The South West Wales region offers exceptional connectivity, making it an ideal location for businesses looking to access both national and international markets. The region is well-served by a comprehensive transport network, including major roadways such as the M4 motorway, which provides direct links to London and other key UK cities.
Rail services connect the region to major hubs, with regular trains to Cardiff, Bristol, and beyond. For international travel, Cardiff Airport is within easy reach, offering flights to numerous destinations across Europe and further afield. Additionally, the region’s ports, including Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, Swansea and Port Talbot, facilitate efficient maritime trade.
With advanced digital infrastructure, including widespread high-speed broadband and ongoing investments in 5G technology, the South West Wales Region ensures businesses stay connected in today’s digital economy. This robust connectivity supports seamless operations and opens up a world of opportunities for growth and expansion.
Our goals
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1
AttractTo attract and secure funding from local and international investors to promote economic growth and development in the region.
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2
IdentifyTo identify and fund innovative and impactful projects that align with the region's economic and social goals.
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3
GenerateTo generate attractive returns for investors while also creating positive economic and social impact for the region and its residents.
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4
SupportTo provide support and resources to project owners and entrepreneurs to help them achieve their goals and grow their businesses.
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5
EstablishTo establish partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure the success of projects.
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ContributeTo contribute to the region's reputation as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
Driving Momentum Through Major Investment
The momentum has already been set in motion by the £1.2 billion Swansea Bay City Deal, a transformative initiative driving innovation and collaboration across the region. With new funding opportunities from the Shared Prosperity Fund, along with the Local Growth Fund, the stage is set for long-term growth and prosperity.
The Celtic Freeport Advantage
The recently designated Celtic Freeport in Milford Haven and Port Talbot provides a unique advantage for businesses, offering tax benefits and enhanced trade opportunities. This freeport will act as a catalyst for economic activity and attract investment, bolstering the region’s growing reputation as a prime business destination.
An Exceptional Quality of Life
But life’s not all about work. The South West Wales Region offers an exceptional quality of life. Picture yourself enjoying stunning beaches such as Three Cliffs, Barafundle, or Rhossili Bay, engaging in exciting outdoor activities, and exploring the breath-taking landscapes that surround us.
Home to the Swans, the Scarlets, and the Ospreys, there are plenty of ways to cheer the region on with friends and family. And while living costs are likely to remain high for the foreseeable future, the South West Wales Region is better value for money than many other parts of the UK.
A Fantastic Place to Invest, Work and Live
So, whether you’re an investor seeking long-term returns, a business searching for growth opportunities, or an individual looking for a great next career or life move, the South West Wales Region is a fantastic choice and is ready to welcome you with open arms.
Featured Opportunities
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Pembrokeshire Food Park Agriculture and high-value food productionThese ambitious proposals aim to create a high-quality hub in Withybush near Haverfordwest and will become home to a number of food producers.
Pembrokeshire -
Bremenda Isaf Agriculture and high-value food productionBremenda Isaf is a £5m proposal to turn a County Farm into a flagship, low carbon Food Innovation Centre of Excellence for South West Wales, combining regenerative farming, local food processing and aggregation, supply-chain growth and a Skills Academy.
Carmarthenshire -
Carmarthenshire Campus Redevelopment, University of Wales Trinity St.David Cross SectorReimagining the University Wales Trinity St David Carmarthen Campus in order to ensure world class educational facilities that are fit for the future.
Carmarthenshire -
Porth Copr Cross SectorPorth Copr is a £150M regeneration creating a vibrant mixed-use quarter beside Swansea Arena, delivering up to 400,000 sq ft of Grade A offices and flexible workspace, plus learning, leisure, retail and homes around new landscaped public spaces in the city centre.
Swansea -
Parc Felindre Cross SectorParc Felindre presents an exciting development opportunity for industries involved in hightech manufacturing and R&D to grow and develop whilst benefitting from proximity to a vibrant city, skilled labour force and connectivity.
Swansea -
Cross Hands East Strategic Employment Site Cross SectorGrowing from the success of investment at both the Food and Business Zones, Cross Hands East extends to around 10 hectares of development-ready plots.
Carmarthenshire -
Beechwood Industrial Estate Cross SectorThe proposal features a highly sustainable single terrace of five industrial units each containing their own work area, office accommodation and staff facilities which delivers on the de-carbonisation agenda and achieves net zero carbon in operation.
Carmarthenshire -
Cwm Gwyrdd Nantycaws EnergyCwm Gwyrdd Nantycaws is a flagship green economy enterprise building on existing strengths in resource efficiency, renewable energy and biodiversity whilst creating new space for low carbon enterprises.
Carmarthenshire -
Celtic Freeport EnergyThe Celtic Freeport is open for business and will deliver an accelerated pathway for Wales’ net zero economy generating over 16,000 new, green jobs and up to £5.5 billion of new investment.
Pembrokeshire -
Milford Haven CO2 Project EnergyThe Milford Haven CO2 project is a carbon capture and shipping project for Wales and the United Kingdom.
Pembrokeshire -
Pembroke Dock Marine EnergyThe Pembroke Dock Marine initiative is a transformational project for Wales and the rest of the UK creating clear opportunities for industry on the west coast of Wales.
Pembrokeshire -
Swansea Energy & Transport Hub and Port Development EnergyAn early-stage investment at Prince of Wales Dock and Fabian Way to deliver a clean‑energy, low‑carbon transport hub and unlock port-led industrial growth aligned to net zero.
Swansea -
Waterfront Strategic Sites - Port Talbot & Swansea Bay Investment Zone EnergyThe Waterfront Strategic Sites offer a major private‑capital opportunity in clean energy and industrial growth, enabled by Celtic Freeport incentives and deep‑water port assets
Neath Port Talbot -
Oriel y Parc Flagship Discovery Centre Experience Economy: Culture, Leisure & HospitalityOriel y Parc is being reimagined as a low-carbon gateway to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park—bringing people, culture and nature together.
Pembrokeshire -
City Waterfront Experience Economy: Culture, Leisure & HospitalityA new waterfront district at the end of Ffordd I’r Môr will extend Swansea city centre to the beach, anchored by a reimagined mixed‑use Civic Centre, delivering new commercial space, homes and leisure attractions as an inclusive, year‑round destination.
Swansea -
Wildfox Resorts – Afan Valley Experience Economy: Culture, Leisure & HospitalityWildfox Resorts is a £174m adventure-and-wellness resort planned for 1,300+ acres in the Afan Valley, delivering 300 lodges plus adventure and wellness facilities, with planning secured and enabling works underway.
Neath Port Talbot -
Pentre Awel Life Sciences & Well-beingPentre Awel is a ground-breaking development located on an 83-acre site in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire.
Carmarthenshire -
Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials Smart ManufacturingA £55m UK / Welsh Government and industry investment: an industrial-scale pilot foundry bridging research and manufacturing in Europe’s first compound semiconductor cluster.
Swansea -
Haverfordwest Airport TransportHaverfordwest Airport is located adjacent to the A40 trunk road just two miles north of Haverfordwest.
Pembrokeshire -
Trecwn TransportTrecwn, located in North Pembrokeshire, is about 3 miles south of Fishguard. The site, a former Royal Navy Armaments Depot, spans 1000 acres and is accessible via a private road off the A40.
Pembrokeshire -
Global Centre of Rail Excellence TransportGCRE is a rail and energy innovation facility in the Dulais Valley, providing Europe-unique testing and R&D on a 700-hectare site, including the UK’s first net-zero-in-operation railway with two 7km electrified test loops.
Neath Port Talbot