Swansea’s economy will return to growth in the final three months of 2023 at a slightly faster rate than Cardiff, according to a new study by law firm Irwin Mitchell.

The Irwin Mitchell City Tracker has been produced by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) and examines 50 locations across the UK, forecasting future growth in terms of GVA* and employment.

The report, which estimates that the UK entered into a recession in the second half of 2022, expects economic growth to resume in the second half of 2023.

According to the research, Swansea’s economy is predicted to be 0.5% larger in Q4 2023 than it was in the final quarter of 2022. Cardiff is slightly behind with 0.4% growth over the same period which takes the total size of its economy £14.6bn.

The report predicts better news on the jobs front for Cardiff. In the last quarter of 2023, Cardiff is expected to increase employment levels by 1.5% annually, taking total headcount in the city to 235,200.

Swansea’s job figures are less impressive with a 0.2% year-on-year reduction, placing it in the bottom five of the league table for employment growth.

Josie Dent, managing economist at Cebr, said:

“2023 will be a difficult year for consumers and businesses across Wales, with the cost-of-living crisis expected to lead to falling economic activity. However, Cebr forecasts that economic growth will resume in the second half of 2023, with most cities expected to see an annual expansion in GVA by Q4 2023.”

Charlotte Rees-John, partner and head of Irwin Mitchell’s consumer sector, said:

“Last year presented numerous challenges and the downward pressure on spending activity, which continues to be concentrated in the consumer sector, looks set to continue throughout the first half of 2023.

“The consumer sector has however been one of the most resilient, agile and innovative sectors in recent times and those businesses that succeed during 2023 will be in a very strong position to take advantage of a more stable economic environment in 2024.”

Charlotte added:

“Considering longer-term aspirations, such as the transition to carbon net zero, is something all businesses, irrespective of the sector they are in and the pressures that they are facing, need to do. ESG is fast becoming a priority for the majority, particularly at a time when there is huge pressure and scrutiny from consumers and investors who are increasingly making their decisions based on ethical as well as financial factors.”