10-year Development Programme Boosts Anglesey Economy

A 10-year programme to deliver modern business units has provided a significant boost to Anglesey's economy.

In total, the 2014-2024 Sites and Premises Programme, led by Isle of Anglesey Council’s Economic Development Team, has developed 44 new business units on various sites at Llangefni and Holyhead.

This has created 8000m² (or 86,000 square feet) of modern, high quality, energy efficient space being made available for local businesses.

34 local businesses currently occupy 42 out of 44 of the business units – with some businesses occupying more than one unit.

Over the past decade, the council has worked collaboratively with Welsh Government, bringing significant funding from the Welsh Government Enterprise Zone and European Regional Development Fund to the island.

The local authority also worked closely with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) who helped the development of the programme.

In total, the programme attracted over £19 million in funding to deliver modern, fit for purpose employment space on Anglesey.

Anglesey’s Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Councillor Gary Pritchard, said:

“The success of this programme speaks for itself; it has helped develop the Island’s economy, and given new and existing small to medium sized businesses the opportunity to grow.

 

“Promoting and developing the economy is one of the council’s six key strategic objectives. This programme has certainly supported this, whilst also creating good employment opportunities.”

He added:

“I would like to thank the Welsh Government and the NDA for their support to date. Small and medium-sized businesses are important to the Island’s economy, and the demand for more high-quality business units remains strong. We look forward to maintaining our close collaboration with the Government and other key partners to pursue funding to develop additional units, particularly in the north of Ynys Môn.”

The 44 business units can accommodate up to 248 jobs and the units currently occupied provide essential goods and services to Anglesey residents, communities, and businesses.

Anglesey’s Head of Regulation and Economic, Christian Branch added:

“This programme has created real economic growth and given local business the opportunity to develop and expand. We continue to be as committed as ever to explore opportunities and developments that will help improve Anglesey’s economic infrastructure.

 

“The majority of the construction work was carried out by contractors based in Anglesey or from the surrounding North Wales area, which has provided further economic benefits.”

The 10-year programme saw other positive community benefits, including skills and training opportunities, apprenticeships, and work experience in construction trades via Coleg Menai, which were sponsored by both main and sub-contractors.