by 4theManagement | Jul 10, 2026 | News, Our Events, Past, Reports
South West Wales leaders call for ‘whole value’ procurement to keep wealth local
A coalition of regional businesses has identified practical steps to help major investment create local jobs and stronger supply chains.
Business leaders and anchor institutions across South West Wales are calling for urgent action to keep more economic value in the region.
They want organisations to use their spending power more strategically. As a result, regional investment could support more local jobs, businesses and communities.
Why local procurement matters
4theRegion convened a high-level roundtable at the Swansea offices of Redkite Solicitors. The discussion focused on the localisation of supply chains. In particular, attendees considered how local businesses could benefit from major regional investment. South West Wales is expecting significant investment through projects such as freeports and renewable energy. However, these projects will only benefit the wider region if local SMEs can compete for and win contracts.
Representatives from housing, finance, food, professional services and construction took part in the discussion. They warned that many public and private procurement systems continue to favour scale and the lowest price. Consequently, national suppliers can have an advantage over smaller regional businesses. This approach can overlook local knowledge, community benefits and the wider economic impact of keeping money within the region.
Keeping investment rooted in the region
As host of the roundtable, Redkite Solicitors highlighted the importance of creating lasting regional value. Katherine Simpson, Head of Residential Property at Redkite Solicitors and Regional Partner for its Swansea offices, said:
“As a firm rooted in communities across Wales, we see every day how local knowledge, local relationships, and accessible professional services make a real difference to people and businesses. South West Wales has enormous potential, and if we want major investment to translate into long-term prosperity, we must make it easier for regional suppliers and SMEs to be visible, prepared, and genuinely considered. Keeping more value within South West Wales is not only good procurement, it is good place-making.”
Moving from lowest price to whole value
The alliance is calling for a shift from “lowest price” to “whole value”. This approach would consider more than the initial cost of a contract. For example, it would recognise local employment, supply-chain resilience, carbon reduction and retained regional wealth. Zoe Antrobus, Director of 4theRegion, said:
“South West Wales has everything it needs to be a thriving, resilient region – talented people, ambitious businesses, strong communities, and huge opportunities on the horizon. But unless we are intentional about connecting investment to local suppliers, local jobs, and local young people, we risk watching the benefits pass us by.“This conversation was about moving from good intentions to practical action. How do we make sure a young person in our region can see a practical route into a good local job created by this investment?”
The role of anchor institutions
The discussion also highlighted the important role of anchor institutions. These are organisations with a long-term presence and significant spending power within a region. They include housing associations, food suppliers and financial institutions.
Organisations such as Tai Tarian, Caredig, Castell Howell and Swansea Building Society can therefore help strengthen regional supply chains through their everyday purchasing decisions. Simon Griffiths, Director of Commercial Supply Chain at Ethos Chain, offered to support local SMEs through free tender-readiness surgeries. He said:
“Procurement should not just be treated as a buying process. It is one of the most powerful economic development tools we have. If we want local supply chains to grow, businesses need visibility of what is coming, time to prepare, and procurement models that properly recognise whole value – not just lowest cost.”
Standing, from left: Jonathan Morris, Tai Tarian; Solitaire Pritchard, Codi Group; Simon Griffiths, Opus BS; Michael Jones, Bevan Buckland; Leon Jones, Green Light Technology Solutions; Paul James, Redkite Solicitors; Dan Thomas, Beacon; Jordan Thomas, Redkite Solicitors; Danni Watts-Jones, DWJ Wealth Management; Jo Vazquez, Quatro Gymnastics; Nathan Griffiths, Swansea Building Society; and Ed Morgan, Castell Howell.
Seated, from left: Lucy Roberts, Caredig; Zoe Antrobus, 4theRegion; and Katherine Simpson, Clare Tregoning and Rhian Davies of Redkite Solicitors.
Turning discussion into action
Moving quickly from discussion to immediate action, the leaders identified several critical steps to transform the regional economy:
- Supplier Spend Mapping: Piloting a postcode-level audit of where regional anchor institutions currently spend their money to identify “leakage” and shift spend locally.
- Pipeline Visibility: Campaigning for transparent, forward-looking procurement pipelines so local SMEs have the time to prepare, invest, and form consortia.
- Tender-Readiness Support: Launching practical surgeries and guidance to help small and medium-sized businesses compete for larger regional contracts.
- Youth Employment Links: Directly connecting regional supply chains to youth employment, using models like the Green Careers Pathway to ensure inclusive opportunities.
- A ‘Front Door’ for Business: Establishing 4theRegion as a central gateway for business-to-business connections, helping local firms find trusted suppliers and collaborate.
The summit forms part of 4theRegion’s ongoing mission to unite people, businesses, and organizations around the shared goal of cultivating a happier, healthier, and economically thriving South West Wales.
Get involved
Contact 4theRegion to learn more or to get involved in future events and regional conversations.
4theRegion is an independent, not-for-profit alliance working to co-create a happier, healthier South West Wales with a thriving economy.
Join us and help shape the future of the region.
by 4theManagement | Jun 15, 2026 | News, Our Events, Past, Reports
EVENTS > ITS YOUR PEMBROKESHIRE 2026
It’s Your Pembrokeshire 2026
Tuesday 19th May 2026
It’s Your Pembrokeshire 2026 brought together businesses, community groups, social enterprises, public bodies, young people, educators, volunteers and local organisations from across the county, for a day of discussion at The Queen’s Hall in Narberth. The purpose of the day was to create space for people to connect, share what they are seeing on the ground, and identify the issues and opportunities that matter most for Pembrokeshire’s future.
PEMBROKESHIRE EVENT REPORT 2026
Around 200 people from across Pembrokeshire came together at The Queens Hall in Narberth on Tuesday 19th May 2026 for It’s Your Pembrokeshire 2026, a county-wide forum hosted by 4theRegion to explore the future of the county and the practical action needed to strengthen local communities, businesses and places.
The event took place shortly after the election of a new Welsh Government, giving added relevance to discussions about how economic development should work in practice. Across the day, participants called for greater attention to local supply chains, town centre renewal, youth opportunities, community-led action, and better ways for local people and organisations to influence decisions affecting Pembrokeshire.
The forum brought together people from business, community organisations, public services, social enterprises, education, the voluntary sector and local government for a day of presentations, panel discussions, networking and open conversations. It was supported by a wide range of local organisations and partners, including PAVS, PLANED, North Pembrokeshire Trade and Tourism, PACTO, Pembrokeshire College, Grŵp Resilience, Bluestone, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum and Pure West Radio, and sponsored by Redkite Solicitors alongside local businesses and regional initiatives who contributed to the event.
Opening the event, Pembrokeshire County Council Chief Executive Will Bramble welcomed the opportunity for people from across the county to come together, share perspectives and consider how Pembrokeshire can respond to current challenges and future opportunities, including demographic change, the need to strengthen local communities, support town centres and make the most of the county’s economic, social and natural assets.
A key insight from the day was that Pembrokeshire is not short of ideas, commitment or local initiative. The issue raised repeatedly was how to connect this energy more effectively, make local activity more visible, and ensure that community and business voices are heard in the places where priorities, policies and investments are shaped.
We have captured the key perspectives and priorities emerging from the open discussions.
An 8-page summary report of the discussions and the key themes emerging.
The transcript of the speech given by Will Bramble, Chief Executive, PCC
The Pembrokeshire Choose Local Directory
4theRegion’s new printed book for Pembrokeshire was launched at the event. 2000 printed booklets are to be distributed across the county, shining a light on the businesses, organisations and projects that are active and engaged in co-creating a happier, healthier Pembrokeshire, with a thriving economy. Click here to find out more about this brilliant local publication.
Contact 4theRegion for further information and to get involved in our future events. 4theRegion is an independent not-for-profit alliance “co-creating a happier, healthier South West Wales with a thriving economy”. Join us!
by 4theManagement | Apr 17, 2026 | News, Our Events, Past, Reports
EVENTS > ITS YOUR SWANSEA 2026
Around 1,000 people attended It’s Your Swansea 2026, 4theRegion’s annual conference and exhibition for Swansea, held at Swansea Building Society Arena. The event brought together local businesses, community organisations, public sector partners, educators, students, start-ups and residents for a full day of presentations, exhibition stands, networking and open conversations about Swansea’s future.
This year’s theme was Choose Local, with 4theRegion launching the new Choose Local directory for Swansea and encouraging people to connect with local organisations, businesses and community initiatives across the city.
SWANSEA EVENT REPORT 2026
Thursday 12th March 2026
It’s Your Swansea 2026 filled Swansea Building Society Arena with a lively mix of exhibitors, speakers, community groups, businesses, students and local residents, all taking part in one of 4theRegion’s flagship local events.
The event combined a busy exhibition hall with a main stage programme, Start-Up Expo and Open Agenda discussions, creating plenty of opportunities for people to meet, share ideas and find out what is happening across Swansea.
The morning session featured a regeneration update from Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, followed by contributions from My Choice Swansea, Swansea University, Gower College Swansea, Redkite Solicitors, Codi Group, UWTSD, Swansea Bay Foundation and The Swansea Edit.
Throughout the day, attendees visited exhibition stands, joined conversations, and took part in Open Agenda sessions shaped by the topics people in the room wanted to discuss.
The Start-Up Expo added a focused space for people interested in self-employment, side hustles and new business ideas, with local founders sharing their stories and practical workshops on start-up basics, accountancy, marketing and grant applications.
Click below to read the full report, or
Scroll down for photos!
The Swansea Choose Local Directory
4theRegion’s new printed book for Swansea was launched at the event. 2000 printed booklets have been distributed across the county, shining a light on the businesses, organisations and projects that are active and engaged in co-creating a happier, healthier Swansea, with a thriving economy. Click the button to find out more about this brilliant local publication.
IT’S YOUR SWANSEA THROUGH THE YEARS
Contact 4theRegion for further information and to get involved in our future events. 4theRegion is an independent not-for-profit alliance “co-creating a happier, healthier South West Wales with a thriving economy”. Join us!
IT’S YOUR SWANSEA THROUGH THE YEARS
An uplifting new “It’s Your Swansea” song and a slideshow of past events!
by admin | Jul 1, 2024 | Buy Regional, Past, Reports, Well-being Region
PROJECTS > JUNE 2024 MONTHLY MEETUP
4theRegion Monthly Meetup – Community Resilience
We are lucky in South West Wales to have a strong third sector and a wide array of grassroots organisations working hard in our communities.
This month, our regional discussion brought together a dedicated and passionate group of community development people – from large charities like Faith in Families, to established organisations like PLANED, from small CICs and charities, to individuals with an idea and a desire to do good in their communities.
We asked, What Does Community Resilience Mean to You? and What is Needed?
You can catch up on the full meeting recording, or view the PDF notes from the meeting here.
Meeting Highlights & Notes
What Does Community Resilience Mean to You?
Community resilience is about providing young people and adults with the resources to live active and independent lives, empowering them to participate and shape what happens in their lives and the places where they live. It is about collaboration—understanding and listening to local people and truly seeing things from their point of view before deciding anything. Building on people’s own knowledge of what their community needs and working together on those things is crucial.
Community resilience also involves being able to deal with and be prepared for change. This ensures that our community groups and organisations can survive and stay active over time. Resilient communities have an active network of local groups and organisations, but these groups face many challenges. How can we ensure that organisations remain resilient? Factors such as people coming and going, government changes, policies, and access to funding all influence how a community group can handle these challenges.
Community resilience is also about climate change adaptation. It involves developing good functional relationships with the people we interact with daily, creating strong networks. Local food systems and food resilience are also key components, including community-supported agriculture and community-based growing.
Thank you to everyone who shared your valued perspectives during this insightful discussion – a must watch for anyone trying to understand how to contribute to growing resilience local places and cohesive communities in South West Wales!
by admin | May 30, 2024 | Buy Regional, Development Investment, Past
PROJECTS > MARCH 2024 MONTHLY MEETUP
4theRegion Monthly Meetup – Construction
It’s always interesting to discuss our regional construction sector. So much good stuff happening, but so many missed opportunities. Local firms missing out on local contracts; challenges around recruitment and getting young people into the sector; and just not enough quality firms to meet the demand that exists.
This month, our regional discussion brought together a diverse mix of people and businesses from our network, to explore “opportunities in and for the regional construction sector”.
You can catch up on the full meeting recording below or click here for the full meeting report.
Meeting Highlights & Notes
“There’s a significant skills shortage in the industry, leading to the reliance on foreign workers. Collaborating with Gower College, efforts are being made to train students with the necessary skills, tailored by businesses to bridge these gaps across various sectors. Courses are now offered at night to accommodate working individuals, proving popular and beneficial. The construction sector offers lucrative opportunities, such as bricklayers earning £500 per day and quantity surveyors starting at £35k annually. It is essential to change perceptions and promote construction as a desirable career path for future generations.” Mike Kavanagh
“Collaboration is essential for advance notice of opportunities. It is not easy to put a collaborative bid together; time is needed for trust and arrangements to be established. If notices come to the market too late, it is hard to collaborate on those bids. Think NOW about coming together as a network of companies, ready for contracts in the future. Small SMEs can unite, bringing together all trades, and establishing a coherent unit that can enter the bidding process as a group.” Peter Austin, Swansea Bay City Deal
“The procurement agents (buyers) should take that on, rather than bundling big lots together. Buyers need to make those contracts accessible. Currently, it only happens with the smallest, unprofitable aspects of work, not the big profitable stuff. Lazy or risk-averse buyers. We have been utterly unable to access work through the city deal. All the big contractors are closed to our particular trade.” William Silverstone – Silverstone Green Energy, Pembrokeshire
“We have many people here in South West Wales who don’t know about all the opportunities available. We are in a privileged position to hear about the fantastic opportunities in our region, but we really need to get that message into communities and colleges. We need to reach young people with these messages. The opportunity is for our young people and those living here now, so they can stay and thrive in the communities they have grown up in. We need to make people realise this.”
Zoe Antrobus, 4theRegion
“The size and opportunity in retrofitting buildings to meet 2050 environmental standards are substantial. The average cost of a retrofit for a dwelling is £60,000. With 328,000 dwellings at £60,000 each, this represents a £19.7 billion opportunity. Even with a smaller scale, there’s still a £14 billion market in retrofitting, which could translate to £140 million in annual expenditure within our region, creating 4,000 jobs with good salaries. This could be a transformational opportunity for our area. Twenty-five per cent of this contract value is in overheads and profits for the main contractor. There is a huge opportunity for local entrepreneurs and a significant need for training!” William Silverstone – Silverstone Green Energy, Pembrokeshire
“It is a practical reality that only a few contractors in Wales are equipped to manage large contracts. Clients should clearly specify in the procurement process their preference for a significant portion of the budget to be spent locally. It is also important to acknowledge that many local companies may not have the capability to undertake the projects being put out to tender. How can a contractor grow to a size where they can handle such levels of risk and capacity? It would be beneficial to receive insights on this matter.” Peter Austin, Swansea Bay City Deal
by admin | May 29, 2024 | Buy Regional, Past, Reports, Well-being Region
PROJECTS > MAY 2024 MONTHLY MEETUP
4theRegion Monthly Meetup – Regional Food
Connecting all the good things happening around local and sustainable food across South West Wales
This month, our regional discussion brought together the four local food partnerships – Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, to update on their activites and priorities.
It was great to hear about all the work that the food partnerships are taking forward, and useful to connect the dots across the four counties.
You can catch up on the full meeting recording, or view the PDF notes from the meeting here.
Meeting Highlights & Notes
Click to read the full report with updates from the 4 partnerships:
- Sue Latham from PLANED, Pembrokeshire
- Mary Duckett, from Bwyd Abertawe, Swansea
- Phil McDonnell from Neath Port Talbot Food Partnership
- Augusta Lewis from Bwyd Sir Gar
