Welcome for Growth Deal plan

Proposals for a Mid Wales Growth Deal to help build a Welsh economy fit for the future have been welcomed by the chairman of an independent organisation that represents around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses in the region.

Chancellor Philip Hammond mentioned during his Autumn Budget statement that the UK government is open to proposals for a Mid Wales Growth Deal. 

Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru chairman, told the organisation’s annual meeting at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells that a Growth Mid Wales Partnership had been set up to take the proposal forward in Powys and Ceredigion. MWT Cymru would be represented on the partnership.

He said the growth deal was a fantastic opportunity for Mid Wales and he encouraged members to work together in collaboration to come up with exciting ideas for headline attractions to promote and drive forward the region’s economy.

“Ministers are talking about our region and there has now been the promise of money coming from Westminster,” he said “As we are four years behind the City Deals in Cardiff and Swansea, we must keep knocking at the door and talking to politicians.

“It’s the only way in the future that we will get things done because the money available in the public sector is decreasing. I feel positive about the proposal because, currently, Mid Wales has very little support.

“Over the next two years, we will hopefully have plans on the table and now is the time for growth. Tourism is an important part to the Mid Wales economy and we must drive this forward.”

One member suggested that Mid Wales should express an interest to house a proposed National Football Museum for Wales.

Picture caption:

Rowland Rees-Evans – Growth Deal a “fantastic opportunity” for Mid Wales.