Plans for city revealed at Swansea conference

The event brought together Swansea-based businesses, organisations and individuals for a day of insightful panel discussions with key Swansea figures, networking with fellow exhibitors and attendees, and a busy programme of workshops in sectors such as: local food partnerships, sustainability, creative industries and leadership strategies.

Cllr. Rob Stewart, the leader of Swansea Council, opened the day with a keynote session providing an insight into local investment, upcoming developments and other projects in the pipeline for Swansea.

Stewart shared updates on city developments and plans including: redevelopment of Castle Gardens with work beginning in March, Y Storfa – a project developing the old BHS store into the new city library, £2.8 million Church of Wales investment for St. Mary’s Church, development of a 200-bed conference hotel next to Swansea Building Society Arena, £5 million investment for the Ospreys’ move back to the historic St Helens ground, redevelopment of the Civic Centre site with the potential for a saltwater lido and national aquarium, planning approval for Skyline’s adventure park, and more.

During his keynote speech, Cllr. Rob Stewart said: “This is a historic year for us. Swansea is expected to be the seventh fastest growing city in the UK this year. That is because of all the work that you are doing, and the work that we’re doing together to make sure that we get investment, regeneration, prosperity, opportunity, jobs, into Swansea.”

Attendees from across the region attended panel discussions covering topics including the city’s vibrant music, culture and night-time economy, the collaboration of city stakeholders in the promotion of Swansea’s retail and leisure offering, innovation in sport and wellbeing throughout the city, and Swansea’s role on the silver screen.

Zoe Antrobus, Managing Director of 4theRegion, said: “We’re proud to have welcomed over 1200 attendees and over 90 exhibitors to undoubtedly our biggest event of the year, for the fifth year running. People and businesses of Swansea heard exclusive updates of the upcoming plans and exciting developments re-shaping the city, with fantastic insight from our wide range of panellists on the day.

“Our key theme for this year is ‘connection’ and that’s exactly what this year’s event achieved. 4theRegion’s overall mission is to facilitate connections between people and businesses across South West Wales, to address challenges and create positive change for the region. We hope that lots of connections were made, and lots taken away to inspire our residents and businesspeople of Swansea to work together for a better future for our city.”

(Lead image: Innovation Photography)

#4theRegion #Aquarium #CastleSquareGardens #CllrRobStewart #hotel #Skyline #StHelensStadium #StMarySChurch #Swansea #SwanseaArena #YStorfa

Looking forward to #4theRegion’s It’s Your Swansea Conference today at Swansea Building Society Arena #ItsYourSwansea2025

Speaker line-up for Swansea conference revealed

Swansea-based businesses, organisations and individuals are being encouraged to book their free place at 4theRegion’s It’s Your Swansea event, which boasts an impressive line-up of speakers.

Cllr Rob Stewart, the leader of Swansea Council, will deliver a keynote speech to give an update on local investments. From the redevelopment of the Civic Centre site and other central projects through to wider retail, leisure and housing schemes throughout the city, Cllr Rob Stewart will cover the ambitious developments planned for Swansea now and in the future.

Throughout the day, a series of panel discussions will cover topics including Swansea’s vibrant music, culture and night-time economy, the promotion of Swansea’s retail and leisure offering, and innovation in sport and wellbeing throughout the city. Speakers include Lisa Mart, venue director of the Swansea Building Society Arena, Jane White, operations director of Centurion, the new owners of Swansea’s Quadrant Shopping Centre, and Alun Wyn Jones, former Wales rugby captain and strategic advisor for the National Network for Innovation in Sport and Health.

There will also be a discussion around how Swansea’s economic development funding has enabled local, cross-sector partnerships to form. Julie James MS, Minister for Delivery at Welsh Government, and David Warburton from regeneration specialists, Urban Splash, will be part of this conversation.

Dawn Lyle, Director of 4theRegion, the organisers of It’s Your Swansea, comments: “It’s Your Swansea has become an important event in Swansea’s calendar. As we move into our fifth year, we’re excited to welcome people and businesses as they learn more about what’s happening in the city and take the opportunity to make meaningful connections. 4theRegion’s mission is to facilitate collaborations that address issues facing south west Wales and we’ve built a programme of discussions and workshops that look at everything from local food partnerships, sustainability, creative industries and leadership strategies. The varied line-up has been designed to appeal to a broad audience, whether you’re new to the city and looking for ways to connect with others or you’re in need of some inspiration and advice, there’s something for everyone at It’s Your Swansea.”

Organisers say that alongside the speakers and workshops will be a dedicated exhibition and networking area with more that 100 businesses already signed up to exhibit. The event is being run in partnership with Swansea Council and Circular Economy Innovation Communities (CEIC) and being sponsored by Gower College Swansea, Urban Foundry, Creative Swansea, Swansea Building Society Arena and Swansea Public Services Board.

(Lead image: Adam Davies)

#4theRegion #Business #CllrRobStewart #conference #DawnLyle #Swansea #SwanseaArena #SwanseaConference

Here's just a taste of South West Wales' positive news stories this month! 📣

Each month, 4theRegion collect all the positive news about what's happening in South West Wales, and pull them all together into their regional roundup

Read the February roundup here 👉 https://www.4theregion.org.uk/february-regional-round-up-2025/

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#4theRegion #InTheKnow #SouthWestWales

Here's just a taste of South West Wales' positive news stories this month! 📣

Each month, 4theRegion collect all the positive news, and pull them all together into their regional roundup

Read the January roundup here 👉 https://lnkd.in/erz-WKh4

📧 Sign up to receive the roundup EVERY month, direct to your inbox: https://www.4theregion.org.uk/tribe/

#4theRegion #InTheKnow #SouthWestWales

Swansea event maps the way for working together For a greener future

The second annual Green Economy Conference & Exhibition, organised by 4theRegion in partnership with Consumer Energy Solutions, Swansea Council and Natural Products BioHUB took place in Swansea Arena in November.

The event brought businesses, organisations and individuals from South West Wales together to highlight positive change already happening across the region, and share knowledge to help co-create a resilient future. The day encouraged the adoption of circular economy principles, sustainable growth and taking steps towards decarbonisation.

Aimed at residents of Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot but open to all, the free conference saw a broad spectrum of attendees from schoolchildren right up to business leaders.

Dawn Lyle, Co-Director of 4theRegion and organiser of the conference, said:

“We all know there are huge opportunities in the Green Economy. But it’s only by talking to each other that we can understand these opportunities and figure out how to amplify them, spread the message, and make sure no one is left behind.”

Key themes that emerged from the day were: resilience, green skills, a local workforce, circular economy and community action. Talks explored how South West Wales is already a key green economy hub for the UK thanks to regional developments including a new Green Economy Centre of Excellence and major offshore wind developments in the Celtic Sea.

Holly Skyrme of Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum said:

“Marine renewables are no longer science fiction. They can bring substantial benefits to Wales, a place with offshore wind, huge tides and lots of waves. They have the potential to provide long term, skilled employment and economic growth to our region, making us more self-sufficient and more attractive to young talent.”

A panel discussion chaired by Luciana Ciubotariu, CEO of Celtic Freeport, explored why community ownership of renewable energy assets is important for future resilience and reducing deprivation.

Panel member Emily Hindlewood of Awel Aman Tawe made the point that:

“It’s great to see the explosion of renewable energy, but we’ve got to bring communities with us right from the start, make renewable assets relevant to them, and bring energy and money into local places.”

Dr Andy Rees, Head of Waste Strategy at Welsh Government, chaired a discussion about the circular economy and business support networks, saying:

“The Government recognises that it’s more important than ever to collaborate and seek out good practice.

“Business communities and supporting networks such as 4theRegion have a huge part to play in normalising circular economy thinking and how to live alongside the transformation of the business, public and third sectors.”

Other activities included a discussion with Dr Andy Rees, Head of Waste Strategy at Welsh Government about the circular economy, and a Decarbonisation Workshop led by Jack O’Shea of Milford Haven Port Authority and Marten Lewis of Bluestone.

These stimulated conversations about electric vehicles and how collecting data from supply chains can improve carbon footprint calculations for businesses.

A Sustainable Construction Zone showcased regional innovations and a panel discussion on skills and training, which underlined support opportunities and how to ensure resilience through new technologies, materials, and embracing change in the sector.

Stephen Williams, Director of Consumer Energy Solutions, said:

“We were proud to support this vital initiative to build a resilient, sustainable future across South West Wales. Collaboration is key to driving impactful change, and this event was a fantastic opportunity for businesses and organisations to come together, share ideas, and take collective action towards a greener economy.”

The response to the Green Economy Conference was hugely positive, with attendees appreciating the opportunity to network with over 80 regional exhibitors providing a range of sustainable products and services. It was also noted by many that an event bringing the industry together is very important for moving forwards.

[Lead image: 4theRegion]

#4theRegion #BioHUB #ConsumerEnergySolutions