1 min read

Paving the way for a new economic powerhouse

Author: Forth

November 4, 2019

Last week, our CEO and founder, Sarah Bolt was invited to Engine Shed in Bristol to meet the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP for the launch of The Western Gateway.

The meeting signified the launch of a strategic partnership promoting and maximising economic growth across south Wales and the west of England to create jobs, boost prosperity and support the world-renowned universities and businesses of the region. Called The Western Gateway, it is set to be the new economic powerhouse for the UK. The Minister/SoS has committed to providing £400,000 from existing budgets for start-up funding to kick-start the partnership.

As SETsquared Bristol members, based in Wales and funded by the Development Bank of Wales, our business spans across the Bristol/Wales divide, setting an excellent example of how a collaboration under the new Western Gateway could work. We were thrilled to be able to showcase this on a public platform.

Commenting on the partnership, Rt Hon Mr Jenrick MP said:

“The Western Gateway will draw on the diverse talents of both sides of the Severn to deliver an economic powerhouse that will drive growth throughout the region. Already a major centre for cyber and tech, research, manufacturing and the creative industries – there’s clearly huge potential for them to achieve even greater things together. And we are pleased to be right at the heart of the Powerhouse growth.”

Here at Forth, we’re excited for the innovative opportunities that will come as a result from this new partnership. Last week, we won Welsh Innovation of the Year at the Welsh SME Business Awards 2019, this week we’re paving the way for a new economic powerhouse. Bring it on!

< Back to news

This article was written by Forth