Our Sectors

A significant investment in the region is the £132 million Swansea Bay City Deal Campuses project, which aims to create state-of-the-art facilities for research and innovation in life sciences and sports technology. This project is expected to generate over 1,000 jobs and significantly boost the local economy. The region’s commitment to health and well-being is further demonstrated by initiatives focused on preventative healthcare and rehabilitation, ensuring a holistic approach to health.

The life sciences sector in Swansea Bay is supported by a robust network of healthcare providers, including the Swansea Bay University Health Board and Hywel Dda University Health Board. These organisations work closely with academic and private sector partners to translate research into practical healthcare solutions, improving the quality of life for residents and creating a thriving ecosystem for life sciences businesses.

One of the flagship projects in the region is the development of “mini power station” homes, where properties generate their own energy and send surplus to the National Grid. This innovative approach to energy generation and consumption is being piloted in Neath and has the potential to transform the region’s energy landscape. Additionally, the South West Wales Energy Strategy outlines plans to further reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy practices across the region.

The region’s commitment to energy innovation is also evident in its support for smart grid technologies and energy storage solutions. These advancements enable more efficient energy management and integration of renewable sources, positioning the South West Wales Region as a pioneer in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The Celtic Freeport will support new manufacturing facilities and major port infrastructure upgrades to support the roll-out of floating offshore wind (FLOW) in the Celtic Sea. It will also provide the backbone for a cleaner future based on the hydrogen economy, sustainable fuels, carbon capture and storage, cleaner steel and low-carbon logistics.

The region’s commitment to smart manufacturing is further demonstrated by its focus on advanced materials, robotics, and additive manufacturing. These technologies enable manufacturers to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and create high-value products, ensuring the region remains at the forefront of industrial innovation.

The Swansea City and Waterfront Digital District is a key initiative aimed at creating a digital village with incubation spaces and co-working areas for startups and small businesses. This project is part of the broader Swansea Bay City Deal, which includes significant investments in digital infrastructure, such as gigabit-capable broadband and 5G technology. These advancements provide a solid foundation for the region’s digital and creative sectors to flourish.

The region is also home to the Yr Egin project, a creative and digital hub that supports the development of a creative industry cluster. This hub fosters collaboration between businesses, academia, and the public sector, driving innovation and economic growth. The South West Wales Region’s commitment to the digital and creative industries ensures a dynamic and forward-thinking environment for businesses and entrepreneurs.

The region's diversity provides much of the region’s distinctiveness such as the proximity of the university city of Swansea to the beaches of the Gower and further west and the region’s range of landscape types (including the Pembrokeshire Coast and Brecon Beacons National Parks) and network of smaller rural towns. This also makes the region attractive as a place to live, and is a central part of the region’s investment proposition.