A bold blueprint that will guide economic development in Powys over the next 15 years has been approved by the county council’s Cabinet.
The GROW Powys Economic Strategy 2026–2040, sets out a long-term vision to create a stronger, fairer and greener economy by focusing on higher wages, better jobs, innovation, skills, sustainability and creating opportunities. Opportunities that will allow more young people to stay and build their futures in Powys.
The strategy has been shaped by extensive consultation with residents, businesses, partners, town and community councils, staff and young people. Feedback received during the consultation helped strengthen the final document, including greater emphasis on skills, culture, tourism, planning, environmental stewardship and clear phases for delivery.
The strategy identifies seven key growth sectors that will help drive economic growth across Powys:
- Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering
- Energy
- Agriculture and Rural Resilience
- Defence, AI and Cyber
- Construction and Retrofit
- Tourism, Culture and Events
- Foundational Economy
These priorities are supported by a range of enabling actions focused on skills, innovation, digital connectivity, housing, placemaking, investment and business growth.
Alongside the strategy sits the 50+ Big Ideas for Powys programme – a pipeline of strategic and community-led projects that will help turn the strategy’s ambitions into reality. The projects provide a strong platform for attracting future investment from government, private sector partners and funding bodies.
At the top of that list is CymruTech Park, identified as the number one strategic project for Powys and Mid Wales. The proposed development in Newtown would create a major hub for advanced manufacturing, research, innovation, skills and business growth, helping position Mid Wales at the forefront of future industries while providing opportunities for local people and businesses.
Councillor Glyn Preston, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: “This strategy sets out a clear and ambitious vision for the future of Powys. We want to create an economy that delivers better-paid jobs, supports local businesses, encourages innovation and helps our young people see a future for themselves here in Powys.
“The consultation showed strong support for our direction of travel, and we have listened carefully to the feedback received. The result is a stronger strategy that reflects the aspirations of our communities while recognising the importance of our environment, culture, rural economy and local identity.”
The council will now move into the next phase of delivery planning. This includes developing an accessible version of the strategy for wider public engagement, particularly with young people, as well as continuing work with key partners – such as Growing Mid Wales and the Marches Forward Partnership – to bring forward projects and investment opportunities that support the strategy’s ambitions.
