Industry Wales Group Responds to UK Government’s New Industrial Strategy
The Industry Wales Group has welcomed the UK Government’s refreshed Industrial Strategy as a step in the right direction for long-term economic growth — while calling for further clarity and close collaboration to ensure that the strategy delivers for Wales.
The Strategy sets out the UK Government’s long-term ambitions for eight key sectors — including Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy, Digital Technologies, Creative Industries and Life Sciences — all areas where Wales has an established footprint and significant future potential. It also includes commitments to boost innovation, reduce energy costs, strengthen regional clusters and support skills development.
Professor Keith Ridgway CBE, Chair of Industry Wales, said:
“Industry Wales welcomes the publication of the UK Government’s new Industrial Strategy. The long-term vision it sets out, along with its sectoral focus, is encouraging — particularly as it reflects many of the strengths and priorities already shaping Wales’ economic future.
“We’re pleased to see strong emphasis on advanced manufacturing and particularly the emphasis on frontier industries, clean energy, digital technologies and the creative industries — all areas where Wales has deep expertise and significant opportunity.
“The commitment to reduce electricity costs for energy-intensive industries is particularly welcome, with the potential to benefit major employers in Welsh steel, automotive and semiconductor sectors.
“We also support the clear focus on innovation, regional growth and skills — foundations that are essential to a thriving, inclusive economy.
“At the same time, we know from our members that industry will now be looking for further detail — not least on implementation, delivery timescales and regional allocation of funding. We would welcome clarity on how support will reach businesses in Wales, how infrastructure and grid capacity challenges will be addressed, and how the voice of devolved industry will be reflected throughout the strategy’s rollout.
“As a national organisation working closely with Welsh businesses, government and academia, Industry Wales stands ready to support the delivery of this strategy. We believe that by working together — through regular dialogue and genuine partnership — we can turn ambition into action, and ensure the benefits are felt across every part of the UK.
“We look forward to playing a full and active role in the months ahead.”
Strong Backing from Across the IW Group
Net Zero Industry Wales (NZIW), which represents Welsh businesses working to decarbonise heavy industry, also welcomed the strategy.
“We asked for a clear and decisive Industrial Strategy, with an explicit role for Welsh Industry,” said the organisation’s Chief Executive, Ben Burggraaf.
“This enables industry to move forward on its decarbonisation journey and support and retain well-paid jobs across Wales.
“Today’s announcement of support for the most energy-intensive firms in terms of the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, more funding for SMEs via the British Business Bank, a Global Talent Taskforce and more money for jobs and skills, is a great start.
“Sector plans for Advanced Manufacturing and Clean Energy Industries — two pillars of our own Industrial Strategy for Wales — also demonstrates a commitment and understanding of the cross-cutting work of industry.
“This work needs to begin straight away. We look forward to working with the UK and Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government, in close partnership with our industrial partners, in taking these ambitions forward, to make Wales a Clean Energy Transition Hub and remain a cornerstone of the UK industrial base.”
MediWales, which champions the life sciences and health technology sectors, also welcomed the strategy’s ambition and relevance to Wales.
CEO, Gwyn Tudor said:
“The UK’s refreshed Industrial Strategy is a clear and welcome recognition of the central role that life sciences will play in driving future economic growth, innovation and international trade,” said the MediWales CEO.
“It is particularly encouraging to see Wales acknowledged for its strengths in the sector. This reflects the significant progress Wales has made in building a collaborative and high-performing ecosystem of academic, clinical and industry partners.
“We particularly welcome the strategy’s cluster-based approach to regional growth, which recognises that life sciences strengths in Wales are central to the UK’s economic future. The inclusion of the £500 million Local Innovation Partnerships Fund offers a real opportunity to strengthen place-based collaboration between industry, academia and the NHS.
“Working in partnership with the Welsh Government and national stakeholders, we are determined to ensure that Wales plays a leading role in realising these ambitions, driving innovation, improving health outcomes, and securing high-value, high-skilled jobs across our nation.”
With substantial support for the aerospace sector, CEO of Aerospace Wales Forum, Rachael Blackburn, also welcomed the strategy, but raised some concerns:
“It’s encouraging to see aerospace and space – sectors in which Welsh companies play an increasingly vital role – given clear strategic attention. While broadly positive, we recognise that the true measure of success will lie in the details, and we look forward to engaging closely as the proposals are refined and implemented.
“That said, much of the strategy’s emphasis appears directed toward major players. Yet it is the small and medium‑sized enterprises that form the backbone of innovation, growth and supply‑chain resilience in Wales and beyond. We urge Government to ensure that SME needs and capacity building are fully addressed.
“Also, notably absent is any targeted support for the Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul sector, a vital and high‑potential area for the UK and especially for aerospace hubs in Wales. The MRO cluster offers significant export opportunities, job creation and the chance to build further on our global reputation. We strongly urge the inclusion of dedicated MRO measures in forthcoming policy and funding frameworks.
“In the coming weeks and months, Aerospace Wales Forum and Space Wales intend to work constructively with Government, regional partners and industry peers to ensure this strategy delivers real impact — for both the large OEMs and the vibrant network of Welsh SMEs and MRO specialists that sustain our competitive edge.”
With substantial commitments to R and D, as well as a future action plan to invest in artificial intelligence, Technology Wales CEO, Avril Lewis MBE, said:
“The UK Government's Industrial Strategy marks an important step forward for Wales and our digital economy. The recognition of digital and technology as one of eight alongside advanced manufacturing, defence, and other critical industries signals a fundamental shift in how we approach industrial growth. Technology will serve as a critical enabler that transforms all eight sectors - from evolving manufacturing through automation and AI, to advancing defence capabilities through cyber innovation for example.
“The strategy's £22.6 billion annual R&D commitment by 2030 and £2 billion AI Action Plan are promising, but success demands urgency and collaboration, with Wales at the table.
“Crucially, we must also invest in the skills required to support these growth drivers. With skills devolved in Wales, we call on the Welsh Government to match this ambition by investing in the digital, data, and AI capabilities essential for future success.
“As the leading voice for the digital technology industry in Wales, we welcome this Industrial Strategy and look forward to working with the UK Government, Welsh Government, and partners across industry and academia to execute it effectively.”
What the Strategy Means for Wales
Among the measures with the most direct potential impact on Welsh industry are:
A new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme aimed at reducing energy costs for energy-intensive businesses.
The launch of sector-specific plans for Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy, Digital Technologies, and Life Sciences — all aligned with Industry Wales’ strategic focus areas.
New funding through the British Business Bank to support SME growth, particularly outside London and the South East.
A Global Talent Taskforce and expanded technical education programmes to support future workforce needs.
The creation of Local Innovation Partnerships backed by a £500 million fund to drive regional R&D and cluster development.
What Happens Next
Industry Wales has pledged to work with both UK and Welsh Governments to help shape delivery on the ground. A detailed review of the strategy and sector plans is now underway to assess the implications for supply chains, infrastructure, workforce and innovation across the country.
📌 For more information or to read the full strategy, visit:
👉 UK Industrial Strategy – GOV.UK
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