1. User Guide

1.1   Overview

1.1.1 Generally

To ensure the continued success of the Mid Wales Growth Deal (MWGD), the Growing Mid Wales Board must consider contingency planning in the event that some projects fail to progress or deliver their expected benefits. A comprehensive review of the current portfolio will help identify underperforming initiatives and determine whether certain projects should be discontinued early under a 'fail fast' approach.

At the same time, there is a valuable opportunity to introduce new projects into the MWGD portfolio. Any prospective project must clearly demonstrate strategic alignment with the Growth Deal's investment objectives and show readiness to mobilise at pace. A set of critical success factors will guide the consistent and transparent assessment of these candidate projects.

Building a robust pipeline of well-aligned, investment-ready projects will enable the Board to respond quickly to emerging opportunities. Supporting viable initiatives while preparing credible alternatives will provide assurance to both the Board and government partners that MWGD funding is being deployed with maximum impact, agility, and strategic intent.

1.1.2 Our Investment Objectives

Mid Wales Growth Deal will deliver the following outcomes by 2032:

• Broadening our Economy: Developing new opportunities from our assets - focusing on high value and growth supporting opportunities.

o   To create between 1,100 and 1,400 net new Full Time Equivalent (FTE) jobs in Mid Wales through the Growth Deal by 2032

o   To support a net additional Gross Value Added (GVA) uplift of between £570 million and £700 million for the Mid Wales Economy through the Growth Deal by 2032

o   To deliver a total investment of £280 million to £400 million in the Mid Wales Economy through the Growth Deal by 2032

• A minimum of £170 million in private sector investment
• Strengthening our Economy: Supporting our existing industries and workforce to become more resilient through capacity building and creating the right conditions for future growth.
• Connecting our Economy: Improving digital and connectivity within, across and outside the region to ensure the region is attractive to work, live and play.

1.1.3 Is this right for your organisation?

Is your project ready to help shape the future of mid Wales?  We're looking for ambitious, strategically aligned projects to join the Growing Mid Wales (GMW) Pipeline. Ask yourself:

• Is your organisation driving transformational change that will positively impact the regional economy?
• Does your project align with the Mid Wales Growth Deal's investment objectives?
• Can your project be developed and delivered within the Growth Deal's timeframe?
• Will MWGD support enable your project to be more ambitious and deliver greater benefits?

If you answered yes to any of the above, your project could be a strong candidate for inclusion in the GMW Pipeline.

By submitting your proposal, you'll help ensure Mid Wales is ready to act quickly when funding opportunities arise - strengthening our portfolio and accelerating regional growth.

The Formal Call Out is open to organisations operating within Growing Mid Wales priority sectors, including:

• Private enterprise
• The region's two Local Authorities
• Other public sector bodies
• Registered charities

Funding Parameters and Expectations

Projects supported through the Mid Wales Growth Deal (MWGD) are expected to have a total capital cost between £500k and £25 million.

The MWGD may offer viability gap funding—as a last resort—to help secure the overall deliverability of a project.

Applicants must:

• Clearly outline how they intend to finance the remainder of the project's total cost
• Include details of any revenue or development costs that fall outside the capital estimate
• Provide this financial information within the Strategic Application Form

Each project will be subject to an agreed intervention rate, which determines the proportion of funding provided by MWGD.

IMPORTANT: The MWGD contribution will not exceed 40% of the total capital cost.

1.3.1 Main Principles

Before submitting a proposal, we strongly recommend an initial conversation with our Portfolio Management Office (PMO). You can contact the team at: growingmidwales@ceredigion.gov.uk

To be considered for inclusion in the Mid Wales Growth Deal (MWGD) portfolio, projects must meet the following core principles:

• Strategic Alignment
  Projects must align with the vision of Growing Mid Wales and contribute to the MWGD's investment objectives—such as job creation, increased GVA, and attracting additional investment.
• Business Case Development
  All selected projects must follow the HM Treasury's 5-Case Business Model. The PMO will provide guidance and support throughout this process.
• Project Management Standards
  Projects must demonstrate robust arrangements for:
  • Delivery planning
  • RAID (Risks, Assumptions, Issues, Dependencies) management
  • Benefits realisation
  • Monitoring and evaluation
  • Governance and reporting
• Central Reporting System
  MWGD operates a centralised reporting platform. All projects are required to use this system for project management and to provide regular progress updates.
• Funding Requirements
  • Sponsoring organisations must secure at least 60% of total capital costs, as well as the necessary revenue to support project development and business case preparation.
  • MWGD funding is only awarded upon approval of a Full Business Case (FBC).
  • Eligible capital development costs can be claimed in arrears from the point of Outline Business Case (OBC) approval.
  • The default process for claiming capital costs is via quarterly defrayed payments.
  • No advance funding is available for project development. However, once a grant is awarded, eligible costs can be reclaimed in arrears.
  • All eligible delivery costs are also claimed quarterly in arrears.

IMPORTANT: Careful planning is essential. Ensure your project has a clear timeline, realistic cost estimates, and access to the professional expertise needed to develop a strong business case.

1.3.2 What we fund

Each project supported through the Mid Wales Growth Deal will be subject to an agreed intervention rate. In all cases, the MWGD contribution will not exceed 40% of the total capital cost of the project.  We fund projects that:

• Align with at least one of the Growing Mid Wales strategic priorities:

o   Agriculture, Food and Drink- Building on a vibrant agricultural base and innovation potential to lead in high-value food development

o   Applied Research and Innovation- Leveraging internationally recognised R&D assets to boost productivity and competitiveness

o   Strengthened Tourism Offer- Capitalising on natural and cultural assets to grow a resilient and high-value visitor economy

o   Energy - Positioning Mid Wales as a leader in renewable energy generation and future energy systems

o   Supporting Enterprise- Creating the conditions for businesses to start, grow, and thrive with the right infrastructure and support

o   Digital - Investing in digital infrastructure to unlock economic potential and improve service access

o   Transport - Enhancing connectivity to support business growth, labour mobility, and regional integration

o   Skills and Employment - Ensuring a skilled workforce that meets industry needs and supports inclusive economic participation

• Take account of all three investment objectives:

o   Total capital investment of £280-400 million

o   1,100 to 1,400 net additional FTE jobs  

o   £570-700 million in net additional Gross Value Added

• Have a clear and structured delivery plan, with defined start, middle, and end phases.
• Demonstrate a clear need for MWGD investment, showing how the funding will unlock or accelerate delivery and impact.

The Mid Wales Growth Deal can support a wide range of direct capital costs, including:

• Capital works - such as new builds, extensions, modernisation, and conservation projects.
• Professional fees and services - including design, planning, and technical consultancy.
• Promotional and event costs - directly related to project delivery.
• Project-related insurance - where required for capital delivery.
• Land acquisition - and associated legal or transactional costs.

Note: Detailed guidance on eligible capital costs is available. Please contact the Portfolio Management Office for further information.

1.3.3 Your contribution to project costs

The Mid Wales Growth Deal (MWGD) is designed to leverage co-funding from project partners across the entire portfolio.

To be eligible for MWGD support:

• Lead organisations must secure a minimum of 60% of the total capital cost of the project.
• This contribution can include:
  • Cash and non-cash contributions
  • Site or land value
  • Funding from other sources, including grants from other public or private funders

MWGD funding is intended to complement—not replace—other sources of investment. Demonstrating strong co-funding arrangements will strengthen your project's case for support.

1.3.4 Promoting and Supporting the Welsh Language

All projects supported through the Mid Wales Growth Deal must actively promote and reflect the bilingual nature of Wales. This includes ensuring that the Welsh language is treated no less favourably than English in all aspects of project delivery.

Applicants must:

• Demonstrate how they will promote and support the Welsh language throughout the lifecycle of the project.
• Reflect the bilingual identity of the region in communications, signage, events, and public engagement.
• Comply with the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011, which provides the legal framework for the use of Welsh in public life.

In addition, projects must adhere to:

• The Welsh Language Standards set out by the Welsh Language Commissioner and adopted by Ceredigion County Council. [ceredigion.gov.uk]
• The principles outlined in Ceredigion County Council's Welsh Language Policy for Contracts, which is used during the assessment of applications to ensure compliance with language obligations.

1.3.5 Subsidy Control

All funding awarded through the Mid Wales Growth Deal (MWGD) is subject to the requirements of the Subsidy Control Act 2022. This legislation governs how public authorities provide financial assistance to organisations engaged in economic activity, ensuring that such support does not distort competition or trade.

A subsidy is defined as financial assistance from public funds that provides an economic advantage to an enterprise engaged in commercial activities. This includes grants, loans, guarantees, and other forms of support.

Key Points for Applicants:

• Familiarise yourself with the UK Subsidy Control Statutory Guidance to understand how the rules may apply to your project.
• The Growing Mid Wales team is responsible for determining whether a proposed grant complies with the Subsidy Control Act.
• We may request additional information to complete our assessment and reserve the right to impose further requirements to ensure compliance.
• All approved awards will be published on the UK Government's Subsidy Transparency Database, as required by law.

Note: Individual projects receiving MWGD funding do not need to submit their own subsidy control assessments. This will be managed centrally as part of the programme's governance process.

This process consists of four stages, enabling the Growing Mid Wales (GMW) Board to identify projects that are viable candidates for inclusion in the Mid Wales Growth Deal (MWGD) portfolio or for registration on the GMW strategic pipeline.

1.4.1 Formal Call Out

A Formal Call Out will be issued to invite organisations to submit initiatives and project ideas for consideration under the Mid Wales Growth Deal (MWGD). This call will be widely promoted across multiple communication channels to ensure maximum reach and engagement.

Whether you become aware of the opportunity through the formal call or by other means, you are strongly encouraged to have an initial discussion with the Portfolio Management Office (PMO). The PMO will help you understand the parameters of the MWGD and assess whether your proposal aligns with the strategic aspirations of the pipeline.

If your idea is considered to have potential, you will be formally invited to submit a Strategic Application Form, which must be completed and submitted no later than 31 January 2026.

All applications will be reviewed. The strongest proposals - those demonstrating clear strategic alignment, deliverability, and impact - will be considered for inclusion in the MWGD Portfolio. Other proposals that show promise but are not yet ready may be added to the GMW Pipeline Register for future consideration.

1.4.2 Strategic Assessment Form

Organisations are invited to complete a Strategic Application Form, which focuses on two critical assessment areas:

• Strategic Value:  How well the project aligns with the objectives of the Mid Wales Growth Deal and regional priorities.
• Mobilisation:  The project's readiness to proceed, including planning, resources, and delivery capability.

The completed application must be submitted no later than 31 January 2026.

1.4.3 Independent Assessment

All submitted applications will undergo an independent verification process carried out by external advisors appointed on behalf of the Mid Wales Growth Deal (MWGD).

As part of this process, there will be targeted engagement with selected proposals to explore feasibility, strategic alignment, and delivery potential in greater depth.

The independent assessment process will be completed by 28 February 2026.

1.4.4 Selection and Agreement

Recommendations for project inclusion in the Mid Wales Growth Deal (MWGD) Portfolio will be presented to the Growing Mid Wales Board in March 2026.

All initiatives that have been independently verified through the assessment process will be recorded on the GMW Pipeline Register.

Projects demonstrating strong strategic alignment and readiness may be selected for inclusion in the MWGD Portfolio, subject to Board approval.

To support your Strategic Application, you must provide the following key documents. Additional materials may be requested if relevant to your project. Please only submit documents listed below, as any unrequested materials will not be considered during the assessment process.

However, you may include a summary list of other available documents, along with a brief explanation of their relevance to your proposal.

Required Documents:

• Latest Published Accounts.

o   Submit your organisation's most recently audited accounts. Please note that a credit referencing agency may be used to conduct financial due diligence

• Project Delivery Plan (Timetable or Gantt Chart).

o   Provide a clear delivery plan outlining key milestones and timelines for both the development and implementation phases of your project. This should include the timeline for preparing your business case

o   Projects must demonstrate that delivery can be completed no later than 2032

• Project RAID Register.
  All projects must maintain a live RAID Register (Risks, Assumptions, Issues, Dependencies). This should:
  • Identify key risks and mitigation strategies
  • Document any assumptions made during the application process
  • Highlight dependencies and potential issues that could impact delivery