Powys County Council's ambitious approach to economic development and investment is delivering positive results for businesses, communities and residents across the county, according to two independent reviews.
Assessments by Audit Wales and the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) Panel Performance Assessment have highlighted the council's growing role in supporting economic growth, attracting investment and creating opportunities for future generations.
The Audit Wales review found that the council has a strong understanding of the economic challenges facing Powys and has developed a clear and ambitious vision to create a more prosperous, sustainable and inclusive economy. The report recognises the council's focus on improving pay, strengthening skills, supporting thriving communities and increasing environmental resilience.
The Panel Performance Assessment concluded that Powys has made notable progress in a relatively short period of time in developing a more coherent and evidence-based set of economic ambitions and plans. The panel highlighted the council's new economic development strategy, known as GROW, as a long-term, place-based approach to delivering inclusive and sustainable growth and commended the council's growing recognition of its role in facilitating economic development across the county.
The Panel Performance Assessment also highlighted the council's growing impact through business support programmes, which have supported 555 businesses since 2022, helped create or relocate 26 business start-ups in Powys and provided capital grant support to 16 businesses. The council reported that the programme generates an estimated £2.70 return to the Powys economy for every £1 invested.
Both reports recognise the council's commitment to delivering long-term economic opportunities through major projects and partnerships, including CymruTech Park, the Global Centre for Rail Excellence, renewable energy initiatives and the Marches Forward partnership. These investments are helping to create the conditions for business growth, job creation, innovation and increased investment across the county.
The reviews also note the importance of this work in addressing some of Powys' biggest long-term challenges, including supporting local businesses, attracting and retaining young people, developing skills, strengthening communities and creating a more resilient economy.
The Panel Performance Assessment described Powys as a trusted and constructive partner and recognised the council's ability to bring together organisations, investment and local ambition to support economic growth. It also praised innovative initiatives such as the proposed Environmental Investment Zone through the Marches Forward partnership.
Cllr Glyn Preston, Powys County Council's Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said:
“These independent reports recognise the strong progress we have made in developing a clear vision for Powys' economy and turning that ambition into action.
“We are already seeing real benefits through support for local businesses, investment in key sectors and major projects that will create jobs, develop skills and encourage further investment in our county.
“This work is helping us build a stronger, fairer, greener Powys by creating opportunities for residents, supporting communities to thrive and ensuring businesses have the confidence to invest and grow here. We remain committed to working with our partners to deliver sustainable economic growth and lasting benefits for future generations.”
While both reports identify areas for continued development as the strategy is implemented, they acknowledge the significant progress made in establishing a clear, evidence-based approach to economic growth and creating the foundations for long-term prosperity across Powys.
