The South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (SWWCJC) met to discuss the development of a regional investment strategy for South West Wales, and to review the forward work programme. The meeting was scheduled to be recorded for broadcast via the council's internet site.

Regional Investment Strategy

The committee was asked to consider a report on the development of a Regional Investment Strategy for South West Wales. The report recommended that the SWWCJC commission the development of a Regional Investment Strategy for South West Wales.

The report noted that the South West Wales region is at a critical point in its economic development, and that it is imperative that the region develops a coherent, data-driven investment strategy in order to remain competitive. It also noted that recent developments, such as the £30 million devolved Local Innovation Partnerships funding awarded to the Cardiff Capital Region¹ (CCR), Glasgow, and Belfast, underscore the urgency for South West Wales to position itself strategically to attract similar investment. The report stated that the strategy would identify and articulate the region's growth opportunities, align public sector funding with private sector investment, and position the region to attract substantial external investment. The strategy would be underpinned by rigorous data analysis, and would include the creation of a comprehensive evidence base to assess current economic conditions, regional assets, sectoral strengths, and growth trends. It would also identify opportunities for regional cluster development, including specific projects and organisations, and would map investment sources across the funding lifecycle. The strategy would also explore opportunities for collaboration with higher and further education institutions, particularly around innovation, research and development, and intellectual property development.

Stakeholder engagement would be critical to the success of this initiative, and input would be sought from the Private Sector Advisory Board, as well as from each constituent local authority and national park authority within the region. This would include engagement with leaders, chief executives, economic development and regeneration leads, and subject matter experts. The strategy would be co-created with these stakeholders to ensure alignment with regional priorities and to maximise impact.

The estimated cost of commissioning the strategy is anticipated to be up to £75,000. It was proposed that funding be allocated from the Economic Development Sub Committee Funds to the value of £40,000, and a further £35,000 is vired from the consultancy specialist advisers fees budget which currently stands at £54,000.

The report stated that the procurement of a chosen provider would be undertaken by Carmarthenshire County Council.

Forward Work Programme

The committee was also scheduled to review the forward work programme for 2025-2026.

Items listed for discussion at the meeting on 23 September 2025 included:

• Regional Economic Delivery Plan Review
• South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee Annual Return 2024/25
• Quarter 1 Financial Monitoring 2025/26
• Sub-Committee Highlight Report

Items listed for discussion at the meeting on 21 October 2025 included:

• South West Wales Regional Transport Plan
• Quarter 2 Financial Monitoring 2025/26
• Strategic Development Plan – Progress on Delivery Agreement
• Chief Operating Officer Appointment – Update
• General Progress of the SWWCJC 2024/25
• Private Sector Advisory Board – Chairperson Update

Items listed for discussion at the meeting on 27 November 2025 included:

• South West Wales Regional Transport Plan
• Draft Budget Options for 2026/27
• Sub-Committee Highlight Report

Items listed for discussion at the meeting on 27 January 2026 included:

• Quarter 3 Financial Monitoring 2025/26
• Budget for financial year 2026/27
• Corporate Plan 2023/2028 – Priorities for 2026/27

Items listed for discussion at the meeting on 24 March 2026 included:

• South West Wales Regional Transport Plan
• Corporate Plan 2023/2028 – Version 4 – 2026/27 Priorities
• Sub-Committee Highlight Report