North Wales stands at a critical moment in time. From the upcoming £160m Advanced Manufacturing Investment Zone for Flintshire and Wrexham to the pipeline of industrial developments being brought forward and the jobs these schemes will create – the region is primed for considerable growth in 2025 and beyond.
Towards the end of last year, in partnership with Insider Wales, we hosted a roundtable discussion at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, bringing together influential voices – from business owners to public sector and education leaders – to examine the significant opportunities ahead.
Against the backdrop of increased national and international attention, the event shed light on how Wrexham is positioning itself as a crucial centre for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth, with bold vision and unwavering ambition now shaping its future.
Here are five key takeaways from the session, outlining some of the most pressing priorities we need to tackle to unlock opportunities for growth in Wrexham and North Wales.
- A region primed for investment
North Wales is on the cusp of real transformation, with key initiatives such as the upcoming Advanced Manufacturing Investment Zone and Anglesey Freeport presenting exciting growth opportunities. These efforts are set to stimulate the growth of advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and other key sectors integral to the region’s future.
Craig Weeks, director of operations at JCB, highlighted Wrexham's emergence as a leader in hydrogen energy, with upcoming projects poised to generate substantial economic and employment benefits. Meanwhile, David Fitzsimon, chief officer for economy and planning at Wrexham County Borough Council, emphasised the local authority’s commitment to creating business-friendly environments, with enquiries and funding opportunities already on the rise.
Neil Maguinness, director of risk, compliance and legal at the Development Bank of Wales, also noted the wider impact of the Investment Zone, with the eyes of international audiences now firmly on Wrexham, a place that most of them might otherwise have not heard of. Taking advantage of this moment will be crucial.
- Delivering talent for the future
One of the most pressing topics was the need to address skills shortages, while retaining local talent. Education institutions are already taking action, confirmed Nick Tyson, vice principal of Coleg Cambria, engaging students from primary age to university level in programmes that align with industry needs.
Rachel Clacher, co-founder of Moneypenny and chair of Wrexham City Board, noted the ongoing challenges in recruiting young talent, while Weeks (JCB) stressed the importance of clear communication with schools about future opportunities. By aligning curriculums with business requirements, the region can ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers for the jobs of tomorrow.
Josh Burbidge, managing director at Archwood Group, also stressed that we’re in the midst of a talent and skills shift – with many manufacturing businesses now seeking highly skilled workers trained in modern techniques. Recruiting locally isn’t easy at the moment and greater support is required to enable people to access the skills to fulfil these roles.
- Overcoming challenges, unlocking potential
Infrastructure challenges, particularly transport inefficiencies, were flagged as a barrier to growth – with further investment required to address these issues and create a more connected region. New developments and the upcoming Investment Zone were highlighted as critical opportunities to overcoming these challenges.
Radical collaboration emerged as a recurring theme, with participants agreeing that Wrexham’s strength lies in its community spirit. Alwen Williams, portfolio director at Ambition North Wales, encouraged businesses to leverage existing relationships and resources and take advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity the region has.
Shaun Harvey, director at Wrexham AFC, emphasised the role of the football club as a marketing platform for the city and wider region, but noted that this opportunity needs to be harnessed widely. We all need to work together to continue to raise Wrexham’s profile and deliver benefits for the community and local businesses.
- Innovation as a driver of transformation
Wrexham is positioning itself as a centre for innovation, particularly in advanced manufacturing and hydrogen technologies. SMEs are embracing R&D to boost productivity and drive competitiveness, with organisations like the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and BIC Innovation offering valuable support.
Bobby Manesh, head of research at AMRC Cymru, shared that over 100 companies across Wales have benefited from their initiatives and highlighted the importance of offering support for businesses to access all-important funding.
Huw Watkins, director at BIC Innovation, also commented that there is a confidence in Wrexham, among businesses of all sizes, and they’re now turning that into real vision. They’re working to improve productivity through innovation, showing leadership to unlock the benefits in the long term.
- Bringing a shared vision to life
As the session concluded, the focus shifted to the future. The room was filled with optimism, with all acknowledging a shared responsibility to capitalise on the opportunities at hand. Now there needs to be bold, strategic action to turn challenges into opportunities and elevate Wrexham's national and international profile.
James Wright, chief executive at Wrexham Lager and member of the Food & Drink Wales Industry Board, highlighted how brands like Wrexham Lager are leveraging the increased attention on the region to find new ways to grow domestically and internationally, but that communication is key to showcasing the opportunity and ambition that Wrexham has.
Tim Knowles, founder and managing director of FI Real Estate Management, summed up the need for continued investment and development to unlock opportunities, elevate Wrexham’s profile and attract ambitious businesses to the region: “Buy, build, and they will come – or buy, improve and they will come. It’s time to invest to enable businesses in Wrexham to flourish.”
It is this forward-thinking mindset, focused on how businesses like ours can continue to invest to create the right conditions for occupiers to thrive, that will propel Wrexham to new heights, ensuring long-term success for existing communities and future generations.
A bright future for North Wales
The roundtable painted an inspiring picture of what Wrexham, and the wider North Wales region, can achieve through continued, concerted efforts from partners spanning both the public and private sectors. With a collective commitment to collaboration, innovation, and investment in skills and infrastructure, the region is poised to secure its place as a powerhouse for growth and opportunity.
The question now is: How can your business play a role in this exciting journey?
Find out more about the investments we’re making in Wrexham, and learn more about our game-changing 1m sq ft logistics site Wrexham 1M, by visiting www.wrexham1m.co.uk
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