Growing opportunities in Mid Wales

Among the attendees were businesses across Ceredigion and Powys, senior political representatives and key stakeholders from a range of partner organisations.

The event heard of the progress being made since the Growing Mid Wales partnership was formed back in 2015, which included:

• The programmes and projects being supported across different funding streams - from EU funds, UK Government funding and the Mid Wales Growth Deal
• Skills requirements and opportunities in Mid Wales

There was a particular focus on the Mid Wales Regional Skills Partnership (RSP), with an update into the region's skills landscape and the current RSP 3-year Employment and Skills plan explored. Businesses and partners were able to discuss how the Plan can help leverage change in the region and what the future looks like for skills in different sectors. The Plan is available on the Growing Mid Wales website, www.growingmid.wales/midwalesskillspartnership.

Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council and Councillor James Gibson-Watt, Leader of Powys County Council, jointly said: "This has been a fantastic opportunity to engage with our partners and the region's businesses to gain an insight into what they're currently experiencing around upskilling, training, and recruitment. It is vital that we have these chances to talk and listen to each other to ensure that we have the right priorities in place to drive investment that meets the requirements of both the employers and the workforce.

It has also been fantastic to share with our partners the work that has been underway in the region across a number of funding streams. We are seeing the fruits of a few years' labour beginning to emerge now. It is imperative we continue to work alongside each other to deliver some real change to our region."

To follow further developments, Growing Mid Wales has a monthly newsletter. Previous editions are available to read on their 'News and Events' page, www.growingmid.wales/NewsandEvents.