Skates reveals future of Wales’ enterprise zones

A MAJOR overhaul of the governance arrangements for Wales’ eight enterprise zones has been confirmed by Business Secretary Ken Skates. This will see: The Port Talbot waterfront and Haven Waterway continuing for a further three years to July 2021.

The Anglesey and Snowdonia boards will also continue beyond this July, but will then merge into a single board.

The Central Cardiff and Cardiff Airport and St Athan boards will cease, with the Welsh Government saying they have effectively accomplished their prime objectives. The governance for the zone will transfer to other suitable advisory structures.

The Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone Board will cease to exist as the Tech Valleys governance bodies are rolled out, including a strategic advisory group.

Mr Skates also confirmed that the Deeside board will cease, but that there will be a need in due course for an advisory body to oversee the development of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Institute on Deesside,

Mr Skates said: “I am very proud of the achievements and success of our enterprise zones and grateful for the hard work and commitment of the chairs and advisory boards in driving their success.

“All eight enterprise zones have made significant progress, and are continuing to deliver value for money by laying the foundation for future prosperity and creating the right environment to support the development of sustainable job opportunities in communities right across Wales...

“The changes are about streamlining bureaucracy and utilising other governance structures where I believe that represents the most sensible way forward. They have also been made as part of a wider review of advisory architecture across my portfolio.

“The views of the chairs of the enterprise zones have been invaluable in shaping my decisions and I am pleased to have their broad support for the changes.”