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Building a Greener Future for Wales

Building a Greener Future for Wales

Green Economy Conference 2025 to unite business, community, and industry in South Wales

4theRegion is delighted to announce the return of the Green Economy Conference, taking place on Thursday 13 November 2025 at the Swansea Building Society Arena.

This major regional event will bring together businesses, policymakers, educators, and community organisations from across South Wales to explore how collaboration, innovation, and investment can accelerate Wales’ journey towards a green, fair, and prosperous future.

Dawn Lyle, Co-founder of 4theRegion, said:
“The Green Economy Conference is about more than discussion, it’s about action. It’s a place where businesses, educators, and communities come together to make real progress on sustainability and regional growth. South Wales has the creativity and collaboration needed to lead this transition, and this event is a celebration of that shared ambition.”

Now in its third year, the Green Economy Conference has become one of Wales’ most important platforms for collaboration on sustainability and regional development. This year’s event will combine inspiring panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and a bustling exhibition space, showcasing the people, projects, and organisations driving change across the region. From renewable energy and sustainable construction to local food systems and the circular economy, the day promises to connect ideas and spark new partnerships.

   

Spotlight on the Celtic Freeport

At the heart of the day will be the Celtic Freeport Panel, “From Vision to Reality”, bringing together leading voices from RWE, Pembrokeshire College, and Neath Port Talbot Council. The Celtic Freeport represents one of Wales’ most ambitious green investment programmes, spanning Port Talbot and Milford Haven, and designed to create 11,500 new jobs and deliver £8.4 billion in inward investment.

Luciana Ciubotariu, CEO of the Celtic Freeport, added:
“The Celtic Freeport is proud to join the Green Economy Conference to share our vision for attracting investment to Wales. We’re supporting existing industries while accelerating a fairer transition to a greener economy through inclusive partnerships that empower communities and build a resilient future. By developing a world-class industrial and innovation corridor, we will harness Wales’ strengths in energy, engineering and manufacturing to drive skills development and support industrial growth.”

Skills, Business, and Green Growth

Alongside energy and industry, the conference will also spotlight the growth of sustainable business and the need to equip our workforce with the skills for tomorrow. Sessions throughout the day will focus on how education, business, and government can collaborate to prepare young people and professionals for emerging green sectors, from retrofit and construction to renewable energy and circular economy innovation.

Matt Callaghan, Economic Regeneration Manager for Swansea Council, said:
“Swansea Council is proud to continue its support for the Green Economy Conference, as part of our shared ambition to deliver a net zero Swansea by 2050. This event offers a vital platform to champion the innovative work of local businesses who are embedding low-carbon practices into their everyday operations. We look forward to connecting, learning, and collaborating to accelerate our transition to a greener, more resilient economy.”

   

Local Food Day

Food will also take centre stage at this year’s conference, with a dedicated Local Food Day running as part of the main event. Organised in collaboration with Bwyd Abertawe and Swansea Council, the Local Food Day will feature talks, tastings, and demonstrations celebrating the region’s thriving local food scene. From a farm-to-fork session led by The Shed Restaurant to workshops on food trails and local supply chains, the programme will explore how Welsh producers and food businesses can play a vital role in building a more resilient and sustainable local economy.

Mary Duckett, Manager of Bwyd Abertawe, said:
“Bwyd Abertawe Food is about sustainable food systems change for Swansea, which naturally requires strong regional links with likeminded food businesses and producers. Sustainable food systems change is about reviewing our economic practices, and the Green Economy Conference is a great opportunity for us to come together and explore relevant topics such as reducing the supply chain and localising food procurement between food businesses, growers and producers. I’m very much looking forward to the day — thank you 4theRegion!”

Showcasing Innovation and Partnership

Throughout the Arena, the Green Economy Conference will showcase regional innovators, green suppliers, and sustainability leaders. Delegates will be able to explore stands from local businesses, universities, and community projects, discovering new ideas, products, and partnerships that are helping to shape Wales’ sustainable future.

Adam Firth, CEO of HDM Solar UK, said:
“This event is more than just a milestone for our business – it’s a statement of our commitment to Wales. We’re here to support the region’s green transition by making solar energy more accessible, affordable, and achievable for everyone.”

Free to attend and open to everyone with an interest in the green transition, the Green Economy Conference 2025 promises a day of inspiration, connection, and collaboration, bringing together the people and ideas shaping Wales’ sustainable future.

   

Manylion y Digwyddiad / Event Details:

Dyddiad / Date: Thursday 13 November 2025
Lleoliad / Venue: Swansea Building Society Arena, Swansea
Amser / Time: 9:30am – 5pm
Tocynnau / Tickets: Free – register via 4theRegion Website – https://www.4theregion.org.uk/green-economy-conference-2025/ 

For press and media enquiries, please contact:
📧 mail@4theregion.org.uk
🌐 www.4theregion.org.uk