Advisers wanted to maximise impact of City Deal

SPECIALIST advisers are wanted to help maximise the impact of the £1.3bn Swansea Bay City Deal.

Subject to approval at a meeting of the City Deal’s Joint Committee yesterday, expressions of interest will soon be sought from experts in a number of sectors.

Representatives from sectors including digital innovation, skills, energy, manufacturing, young people, transport, local development, retail, food and beverages, tourism, heavy industry and micro business will be invited to apply.

When needed, successful candidates will advise City Deal leaders including a private sector Economic Strategy Board and the decision-making Joint Committee.

The appointment of the specialist advisers is among the recommendations of recent reviews into the Swansea Bay City Deal to help with its delivery.

Councillor Rob Stewart, Joint Committee chairman, said: “We have accepted all recommendations arising from the recent reviews, which shows the determination of City Deal partners to deliver as soon as possible.

“Worth over 9,000 well-paid jobs to the Swansea Bay City Region, the City Deal presents a once-in-a- generation opportunity to boost our economic prosperity.

“The Economic Strategy Board has given invaluable advice to Joint Committee since first being established, but the appointment of specialist advisers will bring even more expertise to the table. This will help maximise the City Deal’s impact for the benefit of residents and businesses in all parts of Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea.

“Specialist advisers are being sought in fields linked to City Deal themes, as well sectors including local development, transport and tourism, which have been identified as key areas for improvement or growth in South West Wales.”

Chaired by Ed Tomp, Valero UK vice-president and general manager, other Economic Strategy Board members include Pobl Group chief executive Amanda Davies, Scarlets chairman Nigel Short, Industry Wales executive chairman James Davies, Riversimple financial director Chris Foxall and retired consultant surgical oncologist Simon Holt.

The City Deal is being led by the four regional local authorities, the two regional health boards, Swansea University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.