Business Sectors
Our aim is to ensure we nurture the key industries with a wide range of support to maximise their prospects for market success.
This includes systematic and tailored support through sector development strategies. These strategies cover key growth drivers such as:
- Ensuring a ready supply of specific skills, by working with the relevant Sector Skills Councils
- Encouraging the continued development of a strong supply chains for individual sectors within Wales
- Promoting positive collaboration within and between various sectors
- Assisting the evolution of supportive sector fora
- Aiding the developing of an academic support network for these sectors
- Helping boost the visibility of these sectors in export markets
Because of Wales’ history and track record in manufacturing, several branches of this sector have been identified for support in our overall economy strategy.
The relative importance of manufacturing is underlined by the fact that it accounts for 24% of gross value added to the Welsh economy. This compares with 18% in the UK economy as a whole. This sector provides around 179,000 direct jobs in Wales and supports many others.
To reflect this strategic position, the Assembly Government is setting up a special employers Manufacturing Forum. It will take actions to assist the sector in key areas such as training, infrastructure and public sector support.
We aim to support all sectors identified in our economic development strategy – Wales a Vibrant Economy. Other sectors will be added to this list as we research and identify their needs.
