The supply of commercial land and business premises for development is a vital part of the Mid Wales economic strategy according to the Growing Mid Wales Partnership.

Work is now underway to identify and assess employment sites and premises across Powys and Ceredigion to ensure that there is a supply of 21st century business infrastructure to support future economic growth.

The Partnership has now appointed consultants BE Group Ltd consisting of three separate entities – BE Group, Hatch Regeneris and Per Consulting to prepare a full Employment Sites and Premises Needs Assessment and Action Plan for the Mid Wales region which will run until the end of February 2020.

It aims to ensure the right supply and location of employment land allocations and commercial premises to facilitate economic growth in Mid Wales to 2040. It will provide a strategic approach over the short term, medium and long term and identify innovative solutions to help support the commercial property market and to stimulate private sector investment.

The study will also help develop a strategic business case for investment in the commercial sites and the property market as part of a broad vision for regional economic growth. Commissioned by Powys County Council on behalf of the Region, with a project Steering Group consisting of representatives from Powys and Ceredigion County Councils, Welsh Government and the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, the Partnership are eager to encourage active engagement between the local business community and the consultants to shape proposals for the future.

Welsh Government Minister for Economy and Transport Ken Skates said: “I’m pleased the Welsh Government is supporting this important piece of work which will ensure that a portfolio of modern sites and premises is available to support current and future business development. This will be vital to improving Mid Wales’ economic performance and I look forward to the results of the study which will be central to informing investment proposals over the coming years.”

The Leaders of the Growing Mid Wales Partnership and Ceredigion and Powys county councils, Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn and Councillor Rosemarie Harris jointly said: “The Mid Wales Partnership are delighted to be working together on this vital study for the region.

"Ensuring the right supply and location of employment land allocations and commercial premises is key to unlocking economic growth and stimulating private sector investment within Mid Wales.

"We look forward to the outcomes of the study which will provide the evidence needed to inform strategic regional investment proposals which best fit the region over the coming years.”