Investing In

Swansea Bay – where investment comes to life!

The natural assets of Swansea Bay have long been recognised – in fact Gower was the first official designated area of outstanding natural beauty.

The benefits that the co-location of city, coast and countryside bring to the region have certainly been no secret to those who are fortunate enough to live, work and play here.

But the fact that Swansea Bay really is a great place to do business – whether as an independent trader, SME, or huge multinational – has only really been realised by many (some would say canny) business people in recent years.

Physical infrastructure opportunities are varied; whatever kind of premises you’re seeking. There is a strong, skilled workforce, keen to stay in the area and a wonderful quality of life offer to help attract those that you might require from outside the region. Add to that Universities of distinction, with a real track record of collaboration with the private sector and you’ll soon begin to see why Swansea Bay really is the business…and a whole lot more.

Swansea Bay is already home to a wide range of national and international companies, including HSBC, Amazon, Admiral, BT, Virgin media, International Rectifier, Pure Wafer and directory enquiries company 118UK.

Amazon chose Neath Port Talbot as the location for their 4th UK distribution centre in 2007, citing a pool of strong local talent, the cooperation and assistance of the Local Authority and the Welsh Assembly Government and the location’s proximity to London as their reasons for entrusting a vital part of their business to Swansea Bay.

Also in 2007, The Connaught Motor Company announced the establishment of its £12m global headquarters at the Technium Performance Engineering centre near Llanelli, Carmarthenshire. From this new HQ Connaught will mastermind the design and build of its Type D hybrid sports car.
Meanwhile in Swansea, Alliance Boots, the global High Street chemists, chose Swansea University’s newly opened £50million Institute for Life Science in which to locate its unique £3 million Boots Centre for Innovation. Representing a partnership between Alliance Boots, the Institute of Life Science at Swansea University and specialist venture capital company Longbow Capital LLP, the Centre, opened in 2007 is helping researchers and entrepreneurs from around the world to develop new products for Boots’ shelves. Launching the project Sir Nigel Rudd, Chairman of Alliance Boots plc, said: “The combination of Boots, Welsh Assembly Government and Swansea University make a fantastic opportunity for the Boots Centre for Innovation to be a real powerhouse in product development around the world.

Elsewhere in Swansea, many major schemes are underway, showing confidence in the City itself whilst still maintaining a strong sense of friendliness in the communities.
One of these schemes is Wales' first ever Business Improvement District (BID). Under this scheme over 700 city centre traders are actively involved in identifying, funding and managing projects that will improve the area's commercial heart. (For further information see the Swansea BID website below).

So if you’re thinking of investing, whether as a start up, expansion, re-location or supplementary business, Swansea Bay really should be on your consideration list. Explore the pages to the right for further information and links to key contact organisations who can assist you on your investment path, or simply give us a call and we’ll ensure you are put in touch with the right people for your business aspirations.