The Western Powerhouse

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

The removal of tolls on the Severn crossings in 2018 brought south Wales and south west England psychologically closer. Making it easier to commute, shop and trade between these two areas a real barrier to both business and community connection has been eliminated.

The metropolitan areas of the cities of Newport, Cardiff and Bristol are now easily and more cheaply commutable meaning the 2,500 current commuters (1,700+ to Bristol from Cardiff/Newport; and 700+ to Cardiff/Newport from Bristol) are likely to be joined by many more over the coming years.

These Great Western Cities have a skilled workforce, including a higher number of working-age graduates than any other UK urban area.

The region’s Science and Innovation Audit found that South West England and South East Wales region can lead the UK and compete with the world in advanced engineering and digital innovation, driving growth of its’ large-scale aerospace, microelectronics, high tech marine engineering and energy sectors, while creating new industries across environmental technologies, digital health, and the creative sector. Strong integration of scientific excellence within its universities and institutes, with an innovative industrial sector with a thriving SME population, will lead to substantial job creation and sustained economic growth.

The report found that the region is home to:

  • The strongest aerospace sector in the UK
  • The second most productive digital economy in the UK, providing over 67,000 jobs
  • The world’s first Compound Semiconductor cluster
  • More climate expertise than any other area worldwide
  • The UK’s first nuclear power station in a generation

The sister sites GradWales.com and Gradsouthwest.com now enable students and graduates easy access to graduate roles throughout this Western economic powerhouse.