A long-term economic strategy aiming to transform growth and opportunity is set to go before Powys County Council’s Cabinet.
The proposed plan, titled the GROW Powys Economic Strategy 2026-2040, will be considered by the council’s cabinet on Tuesday, July 14, and sets out a vision to create a stronger, fairer, and greener economy across the county.
Councillor Glyn Preston, cabinet member for a more prosperous Powys, said: "This strategy sets out an ambitious vision for the future of Powys.
"It is about creating the conditions for sustainable economic growth while protecting the things that make our county such a special place to live, work and visit."
The strategy follows a county-wide consultation that gathered feedback from residents, businesses, partners, town and community councils, and young people.
It aims to deliver better-paid jobs, stronger business growth, improved productivity, increased investment, and opportunities for young people to build their futures in Powys.
The plan focuses on growth across seven key sectors: advanced manufacturing and engineering, energy, agriculture and rural resilience, defence, AI and cyber, construction and retrofit, tourism, culture and events, and the foundational economy.
The vision is built around principles of economic growth, environmental resilience, investment, innovation, and wellbeing through better pay and learning opportunities.
Feedback from the consultation showed broad support for the strategy’s goals, with particular emphasis on the importance of skills, infrastructure, environmental stewardship, tourism, and local economic development.
As a result, the strategy now places greater emphasis on culture and events, outlines clearer delivery phases, and acknowledges the role of planning through the Local Development Plan.
Councillor Preston said: "One of the strongest messages we hear from our communities is that young people should not have to leave Powys to fulfil their potential.
"This strategy is about creating the opportunities, skills pathways and careers that allow future generations to build their futures here."
He said the strategy builds on the county's established strengths.
Councillor Preston said: "The strategy recognises the enormous strengths we already have in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, renewable energy and emerging technologies.
"By working with our partners, businesses and communities, we can unlock that potential and build a more prosperous, resilient and sustainable Powys."
The council has also developed a programme of more than 50 potential strategic and community projects to drive economic growth.
If approved by Cabinet, the GROW Powys Economic Strategy will guide development, investment, and partnership working across the county until 2040.
Share