Businesses and Council Officials from across Powys travelled through the winter weather on Thursday to attend an event to promote the Mid Wales Growth deal in the National Assembly.

Organised by the Growing Mid Wales Partnership, the event, on Thursday, January 31, showcased the region’s industries including Powys-built hydrogen powered cars, world class research facilities at Aberystwyth, and regionally important businesses for the rural economy and tourism. It also promoted the huge economic opportunities across the region and underline the need for public investment and a Growth Deal for Mid Wales.

The event was jointly sponsored by Ceredigion AM Elin Jones, Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon and Radnorshire and Montgomeryshire’s AM, Russell George, who said he was pleased to showcase produce and services from across the region.

“I was pleased to co-sponsor this event and welcome colleagues from both Powys and Ceredigion County Councils as well as businesses from across both counties which have successfully showcased the fantastic produce and services from businesses across Mid Wales.

"The event was a great opportunity for the Minister for Economy, Ken Skates, and decision makers from across Welsh Government to see the many outstanding businesses that operate in Mid Wales, and I hope that this event will help to progress the case for a Mid Wales Growth Deal with the Welsh and UK Governments."

The 'Growing Mid Wales Partnership' is a regional partnership comprising of representative bodies from across the private, public and voluntary sector in mid Wales, and was established early in 2015.

It includes significant membership drawn from the private sector including partners representing manufacturing, agricultural and tourism businesses, together with higher and further education, the voluntary sector, Welsh Government and local government representatives.

Plaid Cymru Mid and West AM Helen Mary Jones said:

“As someone who represents all of the mid Wales region I was pleased to meet with representatives from the area. We face a number of challenges in rural Wales including depopulation, a weak economy with many people in part-time employment and on low wages.

“One of the essential sectors for our rural communities is agriculture, but the sector has faced immense pressure in recent years, which will be further compounded post Brexit.

“As someone raised in Powys throughout my teenage years, I often feel the county’s potential has been held back. I know many people are concerned that, with all the talk of City Deals, Powys and Ceredigion are forgotten.

“It was pleasing, then, to see firms and public sector organisations, like Aberystwyth University, being able to take part in a showcase at the Senedd building in our National Parliament to promote the best of the region.”

Mid and WQest Wales AM Kirsty Williams said it was a 'really impressive display of what Mid Wales can offer.'

"It took over the Senedd for a day and left everyone there in no doubt of what our economy can contribute," she said.

“As proposals for a Mid Wales growth deal move forward it’s crucial that the potential of our economy is fully realised.”

Powys County Council Leader, Rosemarie Harris added:

“The event is a great opportunity for businesses to engage with key decision makers in Welsh Government and the Mid Wales economy, and to build links with businesses across Wales and the South. We will also have help and support available for people looking to live, work or even locate their business in Mid Wales.”