Our Economy

The Mid Wales economy is often characterised as a large and predominantly rural region, comprising of 34% of the land mass of Wales. It is known for its natural beauty, strong cultural identities and heritage.

It is less well-known as a land of untapped economic opportunity - where business survival rates outclass the Welsh average; where our natural and academic assets offer an obvious choice for cutting-edge research providing strong opportunities to create new industrial clusters; where there is a strong yet diverse labour market - with strategic commuter links within and outside the region to other parts of Wales and cross-border into England.

The geography of the Mid Wales economy is a critical component in driving and supporting intra-regional growth across Wales and the UK, where the sum total of its economic impact is larger than the sum of its individual parts. The region borders north and south Wales as well as the English Counties of Shropshire and Herefordshire. The impact of other regions on the Mid Wales economy is critical and plans need to reflect this interdependence.

While our region does face some legacy constraints, these do not overshadow the exciting possibilities ahead. Challenges such as gaps in connectivity, modest GVA per head, limitations in skills infrastructure, grid capacity, and business support systems are already being addressed through strategic investment and innovation. Rather than barriers, these are catalysts for growth — prompting us to build a more resilient, modern, and interconnected Mid Wales. By tackling these areas head-on, we can unlock the full potential of our people, empower local businesses, and ensure the region is ready to seize emerging opportunities with confidence.

Mid Wales economy at a glance