Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens has revealed a new economic advisory group whose remit will include supporting her in helping to shape the 海角视频 Government’s new industrial strategy with a focus on clean energy.
The Welsh Economic Growth Advisory Group includes chair of CBI Wales and chief executive of Neath-based The Safety Letterbox Company, Alison Orrells, lead for professional advisory firm PwC in Wales and the west of England, John-Paul Barker, chair of Chepstow-based medtech company Creo Medical, Kevin Crofton, and general secretary of TUC Wales, Shavanah Taj.
The group, chaired by the Welsh Secretary, will also play a role in identifying Welsh priorities for the next 海角视频 Government Spending Review, which alongside the industrial strategy, is expected next spring. It will meet for the first time in Cardiff next week.
Ms Stevens said: “My new Economic Advisory Group will harness Welsh talent, ambition and creativity to usher in a new era of prosperity and growth for our nation.
“We are forging a new partnership with businesses, workers and unions to drive growth and put more money in people’s pockets. This is about jobs for you, investment in where you live, opportunities for your children.
“Working alongside the Welsh Government and our industry leaders we will rekindle Wales’s proud industrial roots with the jobs and industries of the future.”
Ms Orrells said: “I welcome the opportunity to share our members’ insights on the actions needed to unlock and drive sustainable economic growth and build prosperity in communities across Wales.
“From regional investments and green growth projects, such as the freeports, to semi-conductor clusters, manufacturing and technology, service sector employers to a skilled workforce, Welsh businesses of all sizes and sectors are represented by the CBI and can play an essential role in enabling the government to deliver on its growth mission.”
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Ms Taj said: “I welcome the opportunity to participate in this advisory group to shape the vision for economic growth, industrial strategy and clean energy. Many parts of Wales have been scarred by deindustrialisation and underinvestment, which must be addressed.
“These plans will shape workers’ futures throughout Wales, and we will be championing investment in manufacturing, decent work and a transition to net zero that leaves no community behind.”
The group also includes former Welsh Government permanent secretary Sir Derek Jones, whose current roles includes being chair of transport company Keolis 海角视频 and an independent adviser to Cardiff University.
Sir Derek said:“There is now a clear consensus that economic growth must be the top priority for the 海角视频, and that is certainly true for Wales. So I welcome the Secretary of State’s initiative in establishing the Group and look forward to making my own contribution to this vitally important work.”
The advisory body’s other members are: Dr Jenifer Baxter of Industry Wales, Ben Francis, Wales policy chair of the FSB, Jessica Hooper, director of Renewables 海角视频 Cymru, Oriel Petry, senior vice president and head of 海角视频 public affairs with Airbus, Vice chancellor of Swansea University Professor Paul Boyle and Sarah Williams-Gardner, chair of Fintech Wales.