Member Article

North Wales MP praises region’s growing economy at IoD lunch

The parliamentary under secretary of state for Wales has praised North Wales’ growing economy at an Institute of Directors (IoD) North Wales business lunch.

Guto Bebb MP was invited to deliver the keynote speech at the organisation’s autumn business lunch at The Management Centre, Bangor, where business figures gathered to hear Bebb’s assessment of the Welsh economy.

The minister, who represents the constituency of Aberconwy, spoke of the region’s high employment rate, infrastructure investment and plans for growth deals to benefit businesses.

He also discussed the fact that since 2010, 31,000 companies have started up in Wales, something the business community should be “genuinely proud of”.

The MP also said that Welsh exports were up, with Wales currently exporting 18 per cent more goods in 2017 compared to 2016.

He also urged the private sector to get involved in growth deals to boost North Wales, calling on businesses to collaborate with the public sector and government.

Bebb said: “The economy in Wales is better than it has been for a while, and North Wales’ businesses should be proud of their contributions.

“Infrastructure improvements are already underway with £43m signalling works on the North Wales train line and projects approved for the A55, A494 and A548.

“We are also fighting to ensure the Crewe hub, to be built as part of HS2, is constructed north of the current Crewe station, which will provide better benefits for North Wales.

“The economy in Wales is better than it has been for a while. One of the biggest concerns for business now is finding staff, which is a remarkable turnaround.”

Helen Watson, chair of IoD North Wales said: “Guto’s speech showed the many successes of the economy in North Wales along with the challenges it faces in the future.

“The IoD has called for infrastructure improvements in Wales for some time, so it’s encouraging to see work underway to create better transport links.

“The lunch was a brilliant event as delegates were able to voice their concerns to a local MP, as well as network with valuable contacts.”

The IoD is the longest-standing organisation to serve and support business leaders, with more than 100 years of service in raising professional standards.

You don’t need to be a company director to join the IoD. Senior managers are welcome from large public organisations to small family firms.

For more information about the IoD visit www.iod.com, or follow it on Twitter @IoD_NorthWales.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .