Expert panel meets to design Wales economic development agency

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

An independent expert panel of 11 business leaders has met for the first time in Cardiff to shape a new Welsh economic development agency.

An independent expert advisory panel of 11 business experts, chaired by Jonathan Lewis, met in Cardiff to begin work on designing a new economic development agency for Wales. The panel is expected to sit for approximately six months before producing a report with recommendations.

Their first meeting focused on understanding Wales' current economic landscape and identifying emerging issues. The panel will also conduct outreach to organisations including the Confederation of British Industry, the Federation of Small Businesses, and Make UK to gather input from businesses and stakeholders across Wales.

Cabinet Minister Adam Price said the new agency represents 'a generational opportunity to reshape how economic development is delivered here in Wales, with a modern institution designed around the needs of today's businesses and the future Welsh economy'. He outlined an ambition to 'halve the productivity gap between Wales and the rest of the UK within ten years' through an agency that 'builds sustainable strength in the Welsh economy'.

Panel chair Jonathan Lewis said the panel would advise government on the agency's focus, with experienced senior businesspeople having 'volunteered their time and expertise to feed a strong business voice into this process'.

How it is being reported

• Expert panel meets for first time to shape new economic development agency in WalesAn expert panel has met for the first time to shape a new economic development agency in Wales.North Wales Chronicle · 23 Oct, 05:00
• Expert panel meets for first time to shape new economic development agency in WalesAn expert panel has met for the first time to shape a new economic development agency in Wales.North Wales Pioneer · 23 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Wales · Jonathan Lewis · Adam Price · Confederation of British Industry · Federation of Small Businesses · Make UK · Welsh Government

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