What is 4theRegion? Let us reintroduce ourselves…

At 4theRegion, we believe collaboration is key to driving positive change. That’s why we specialise in creating and running partnerships – and partnership events – that bring people, businesses, and organisations together to make a difference in South West Wales. From food partnerships to green economy collaborations, 4theRegion has a 7-year track record of creating engaged and proactive partnerships. Want to join us? Get in touch and let’s start the conversation!

Strategic Engagement and Communications Appointment at Swansea BID

Swansea Business Improvement District is proud to announce the appointment of Jacob Perry as Engagement and Communications Officer. This strategic addition reflects Swansea BID’s commitment to enhancing communication with its members and driving meaningful engagement across the city centre. Jacob will serve as the primary contact for BID members, connecting with them through visits, direct outreach, and responding to enquiries. Read all about Jacob

1 month to go until the 4theRegion Start-Up Expo!

Interested in starting your own business, or looking for support to take your next steps? Join us on Wednesday 5th March at Swansea Building Society Arena. We’re bringing together business support organisations from across our region, as well as experts, advisors, funders and consultants, all under one roof for a fantastic day of networking and inspiration. Find out more and book your FREE tickets here

The It’s Your Swansea Conference & Exhibition is BACK on Thursday 6th March at Swansea Building Society Arena

We’ve got over 100 fantastic businesses, organisations and charities exhibiting at the It’s Your Swansea Conference and Exhibition next month! Hear from people, organisations and businesses who are making change happen as we showcase what makes Swansea an incredible place to work and live! See what some of our attendees and exhibitors had to say last year. Get your FREE tickets to attend here. Email amanda@4theregion.org.uk to exhibit and book your stand!

Wellbeing Economics means an economy that meets our needs, rather than the pursuit of “growth” for its own sake

500 people from across Wales attended an insightful presentation from Kate Raworth, economist and creator of Doughnut Economics – a model that emphasises the importance of thriving in balance, and examines what we mean by “progress” – at the first Wellbeing Economy Cymru Festival of Ideas in November 2024. How do you think we can put Wellbeing Economics into action in South West Wales? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Catch up on Kate’s full presentation here

Latest figures show creative boom benefitting the Welsh Economy

The creative industries represent one of Wales’ fastest growing sectors, and regional partners are working to make sure that Swansea and South West Wales are well positioned to benefit from a share of the many exciting opportunities. We caught up with Phil Waters of Shiny Vinyl Presents at It’s Your Neath Port Talbot 2024, about their involvement in the booming local music scene.

Giving Back

‘Giving Back‘ means different things to everyone both professionally and personally, and there were some great insights sparking conversations and lots of inspiration amongst our attendees. We caught up with many of our members who attended December’s online monthly meetup and heard the many ways in which they give back to their employees and colleagues, clients and customers, and their local communities, to support each other and make an impact. 

What does community resilience mean to you?

Here are just a few of the points our online monthly meetup attendees offered of how important it is to come together within our communities. We’d love to hear what it means to you!

At 4theRegion we’re excited to be working with partners in Pembrokeshire on a collaborative decarbonisation project to co-create a resilient and sustainable local supply chain

We caught up with Marten Lewis, Director of Sustainability at Bluestone National Park Resorts Ltd in West Wales, on their efforts to decarbonise their operations, and how important it is for businesses, particularly in Wales. As Marten points out, there’s now a strong business case for SMEs to develop decarbonisation plans and take steps to be greener and more sustainable. Let us know if you’re interested in understanding more about what your business needs to do.

What are the challenges young people face in Pembrokeshire?

Many young people feel limited when it comes to opportunities in the region and feel the pressure to move away to further their education and skills. Holly Skyrme of Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum felt the same when we caught up at It’s Your Pembrokeshire. Find out what brought her back to her home county, and read more in our Event Report. We want to know, what opportunities are available for young people across South West Wales.

Pembrokeshire Supply Chain Alliance “Team Pembrokeshire!”

The challenge of reducing carbon emissions and achieving sustainability targets is one that many organisations face. But rather than working in isolation, Team Pembrokeshire members are coming together to share knowledge, align their approaches, and explore ways to support each other on their sustainability journeys. Read more

Careers at NPTC Group of Colleges

Would you like a rewarding career and to feel part of a family? Well, you can have all that and more at NPTC Group of Colleges. Here’s a list of their current vacancies. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to change your future – Apply Now!

Whatever your business goal is for 2025, the Development Bank of Wales is here to help

Their Learning Hub is packed full of blogs and information ranging from topics about angel investing to business planning and strategy. Get the guidance to help your business grow this year

Graphic Designer

Are you a graphic designer? Have you worked with young people? Then the Queens Hall Narberth would like to hear from you. They are looking for an experienced individual to work with participants of the Young Promoters Pembrokeshire project (age 14-18) to help them materialise their ideas and create a new logo + project branding. This is a paid, freelance position – fee £500.

Communications and Digital Marketing Officer

Cwmpas believes our economy and society should work differently, putting people and planet first. They are a co-operative and a development agency, working for economic and social change. They are looking for people who share their vision and values to join their team. If you are interested, read on!

Be part of a successful organisation

Pembrokeshire College is a well established further education college, employing over 500+ highly qualified and dedicated staff. They pride themselves on delivering first class education and training to over 13,000 learners at a vibrant campus in a beautiful county. Their diverse job opportunities offer flexibility in developing a career in areas ranging from teaching, coaching and management through to human resources, finance and IT. Read more

Make a change

Ready to Make a Change in 2025? Are you planning to start afresh with a new opportunity, take a bold step toward career success, relocate for your family, achieve better work-life balance, or jump to the next pay grade? Whatever your goals for 2025, Acorn by Synergie are here to help you. Search their jobs now and make your career goals a reality

Equity crowdfunding: an alternative for SMEs

When you’re running a business, there may come a point where you are looking for additional investment for further growth. Equity crowdfunding has become an increasingly common method of raising capital for your business. How does it work? What are the benefits? Find out in the Development Bank of Wales’ blog

Ready for a new challenge?

Whether it’s your first job or you’re a part of their Bluestone Family, Bluestone have numerous fulfilling roles, whatever your journey. They’ve over 700 fun-loving, friendly staff to welcome you on your next chapter. Find your role

Vacancies at Bevan Buckland

Bevan Buckland are passionate about recruiting the best and providing a fantastic working environment. They are always looking for talented and ambitious people to join their ever-expanding firm. View their current job vacancies

Accelerate your career at the DVLA

At the DVLA we are dedicated to keeping the UK roads safe. With a team of over 6,000 talented professionals, we offer diverse career paths across various fields which include Human Resources, Estate management, Digital and Technology Services, Finance, Operations, Communications, Customer service, Commercial, and Policy. We are an award-winning agency and take pride in our work and people. We believe our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We recognise and reward excellent performance, celebrating the outstanding work the agency contributes to the country. Our Comprehensive employee benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing and career, empowering you to be the best version of yourself. Jumpstart your career today and explore your opportunities on gov.uk, Civil Service Careers and the DfT website. Search for current vacancies at the DVLA here.

Want to be part of Acuity’s award-winning business?

They recognise that their people are the most valuable asset and they’re always keen to hear from individuals interested in exploring opportunities with Acuity Law. Read more

Engineering Geologist

Earth Science Partnership has an opportunity for a UK based, experienced Engineering Geologist. They are a progressive group of engineers, geologists and applied environmental scientists who excel in understanding ground processes and providing effective solutions for a range of public and private clients. Read more

Job Opportunities and Working at Swansea University

Looking for a new job? Changing role? Interested in what Swansea University can offer you? A warm and welcoming University, they value people for their skills regardless of their background and are proudly named as a top employer in the annual Stonewall Equality Index. They know that people have commitments outside their job, so they provide a working environment that allows employees to achieve the right work/life balance. Read more

Join the 2025 Technocamps Welsh National Robotics Competition, Into the Wild! 

Design robots that tackle conservation challenges to protect wildlife using LEGO Mindstorm, Spike, Arduino, or any available robotics hardware. Your team will develop problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and computer science skills in a fun, hands-on way. Create a robot capable of a safari adventure and present it at the competition final. This year is bigger than ever, with videos from experts in the field to inspire robot builds and spark curiosity! Read more

Funding and support to start or grow a tech business in Wales

Are you a tech company based in Wales looking for investment? Whether you’re a start-up or scaling up, the Development Bank of Wales’ friendly Tech Venture Investments team is here to fuel your growth. Hear from their own Technology Venture Director, Duncan Gray

Current Vacancies at Gower College Swansea

Your future starts here. Do you want to make a difference? Gower College Swansea’s mission is to inspire and support their learners to achieve their full potential through the delivery of the highest quality of education and training. By joining them at the College, you’ll become part of a team of highly committed and talented staff providing outstanding learning and training opportunities for young people, adults, and employers across South West Wales. Read more

Dynamic Purchasing System for the Provision of Domiciliary Care and Support Services

Pembrokeshire County Council invite you to submit a bid to join a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for the provision of domiciliary care and support services. The Hywel Dda University Health Board may call off goods and services in quantities and at such frequency as it determines appropriate and as such, the approximate Hywel Dda University Health Board contract value has been included within this notice. Read more

Contract Notices for Carmarthenshire Council

Carmarthenshire Council wishes to appoint contractors to provide drainage investigations and CCTV surveys, arboricultural works on trees affected by ash dieback and other health related issues, highway verge and hedge cutting with tractor and flail, and localities based floating support.

Provision of Servicing and Maintenance of Portable Fire Equipment

This tender is to cover maintenance and repairs for fire extinguishers, hose reels and blankets. Pobl Group requires the information sought in this ITT from tenderers issued by Pobl Group in relation to the establishment of the provision of servicing and maintenance of portable fire equipment (requirement) more particularly described in schedule 1 specification.

Contract Notices for Neath Port Talbot Council

Neath Port Talbot Council is seeking to appoint the services of contractors to manage and operation the former Neath Library as a creative hub, and create a youthful greenspace in Pontardawe.

Funding Delivery Partner – Social Enterprises

The Development Bank of Wales is seeking to appoint a funding delivery partner to support delivery of funding to the social enterprise sector in Wales through funding available in the Wales Micro-Loan Fund, or future subsequent follow-on funding as agreed with Welsh Government. Read more

NPTC – Skills for Floating Offshore Wind Feasibility Study (FLOW)

This contract from NPTC Group of Colleges is for a floating offshore wind feasibility study.

Contract Notices for Swansea University

Swansea University wishes to appoint contractors to provide refurbishment and roof works at Sketty Lane Sports Hall, and a Franka Research 3.0 (FR3) robotic system.

Contract Notices for Swansea Council

Swansea Council wishes to appoint suitably qualified contractors to provide agency social workers and adult services support, auditorium seating at Swansea Grand Theatre, windows at Clydach, baling wire, re-roofing of pitched roofs at Townhill, Heras self-raking fences and gates, and social care agency staff to support child and family services.

Contract Notices for Pembrokeshire Council

Pembrokeshire Council seeks contractors to provide a cashless catering system, and supply and install an inspection lift at Thornton Depot.

Work begins on new future for former Swansea department store

The JT Morgan building on Belle Vue Way has been empty for years but contractors are now on site. The man behind the project said. Dan Staveley, founder and director of Elysium gallery and studios, which occupies four other buildings in the city, said phase one of the scheme would consist of a new roof, lift, fully accessible entrance and the creation of 63 artist studios on the first and second floors. Read more

70 new homes will be built on land next to Parc y Scarlets

70 new homes for social rent are on their way to Llwynhendy, Llanelli thanks to a new development by Beacon Cymru, part-funded by the Welsh Government’s social housing grant scheme (SHG). The site, which is adjacent to the Scarlets’ home ground, is one of the first to enter development stage since Beacon Cymru was formed in January 2025 by the merger of established community landlords, Coastal Housing Group and RHA Wales.. Take a look at the site 

Swansea’s old police station is being put to a new use

A former police station is the latest building in Swansea which will be converted into accommodation for people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. Swansea Council is working with social housing landlord Pobl Group to convert the grade two-listed former central police station on the corner of Orchard Street and Alexandra Road into temporary supported accommodation. Read more

Amphitheatre to be built ‘where last dragon in Wales was killed’

Plans for a new amphitheatre overlooking the River Teifi – close to where, according to myth, the last dragon in Wales was killed – have been unanimously approved. According to Cllr Ken Howell, who represents Newcatle Emlyn,”It used to take the food of the local people, so was a nuisance, so they attacked the dragon and killed the dragon.” A flood, he said, then took its remains away. Read more

Inside Swansea’s new living building where people will grow crops and enjoy stunning views

Take a first glimpse inside Swansea’s new “living building”. It will house roughly 120 residents, 350 people working in the commercial office spaces, plus ground floor businesses, an exhibition space, and education zone. It will feature a vertical urban farm, a five-storey green house which will produce crops and vegetables, a display aquarium, and a ‘biophilic walkway’, a route through the building where “art, education and growing is part of the experience on the entrance to the commercial offices.” 

Seafront masterplan approved by council’s cabinet

Wellness gardens with saunas and hot tubs, a dunes park with a restaurant and bar enjoying spectacular sea views and colourful beach huts are set to take centre stage in masterplans for a Welsh seafront. Along with the expansion of food options and provision of extra parking and changing facilities, these are just some of the suggestions contained in an Aberafan Seafront Masterplan which was approved by members of Neath Port Talbot Council. Read more

Century-old Swansea building set to be transformed into new flats and shops

The Mond building, a historic Grade II-listed building at the heart of Swansea city centre is set to be transformed after years of being forgotten. St Mary’s Square Developments is working on creating plans for the building which dates back to 1911 and stands at the corner of Union Street and Park Street. It is anticipated that the ground floor will be retained as commercial space with the uses of the other floors potentially including commercial and accommodation. Read more

Major heritage project will breathe new life into former copperworks

The project would result in the Vivian engine house at the old Hafod-Morfa Copperworks site having a new mezzanine and first floor and being occupied by tenants. The adjacent Musgrave engine house would house an exhibition area displaying the original engine – and a new link building would connect the two listed structures. Read more

2024 – A year of digital transformation for the Swansea Bay City Region

The progress that the Digital Infrastructure Programme has made throughout 2024 has firmly cemented the future vision for the Swansea Bay City Deal. Investing in digital infrastructure now will not only better the quality of life for communities but boost the economic opportunities across the region. We are a region that is confident in welcoming new businesses knowing that we have future-proofed infrastructure in place. Read more

UK Government announces more gigabit connectivity investment

Rural towns and villages in South West Wales are set to benefit from UK Government’s Project Gigabit. The Swansea Bay City Deal is fully supportive of initiatives that directly better the lives of people and businesses and this is a great example of how investment into digital infrastructure can provide more opportunities both socially and economically to communities, who would have otherwise been left behind. Read more

Exciting City Deal developments that will help to transform South West Wales during 2025

During 2024, the momentum of the City Deal continued to gather pace, and 2025 is expected to be another successful year for all nine headline projects and programmes. Through collaborative working between key partners, exciting milestones will be met and key constructions completed, further boosting the economy and growing the region. Read more

Emma O’Mahoney’s Neath Port Talbot-based cider brewery, Afal y Graig, has been going from strength to strength

The range of natural, chemical-free ciders is grown from various orchards within the region, and can be found in local markets including Swansea Marina and Mumbles, Neath, Cowbridge and Caerphilly Food Festivals. Since the Middle Ages, women have pioneered beer and cider production. Despite this legacy, nowadays, only 9% of craft brewers are women. Read Emma’s experience of being a woman in a male-dominated industry

I tried the new brunch spot serving glorious breakfasts that’s even rammed on weekdays

While the centre of Swansea is home to some foodie gems, there are also plenty of reasons to venture into the suburbs for lunch. One of the city’s newest and most delicious brunch spot can be found in Killays. The Allotment Cafe opened in December 2024 and has caused a stir on social media, especially TikTok. They serve brilliant breakfasts and brunches in a cosy, warm and welcoming environment. Read more

Mexican restaurant merges with board game café

Piñatas Burrito Bar has been in Swansea city centre for five years. In November 2023, Kieran Ivett, who runs the restaurant, also took over the running of Social Dice, a board game café at 43 Wind Street, together with his partner Harriet Risby. And now, the pair have decided to combine both businesses together inside Social Dice. Customers will be able to eat, with the choice of 450 board games and Nintendo switches. Read more

Beloved Qube Restaurant in Tenby reopens as Tudor Mount Gastro Bar

The Qube Restaurant, a cherished culinary landmark in Tenby’s Tudor Square, has announced its closure as it undergoes an exciting transformation into Tudor Mount Gastro Bar. The new Tudor Mount Gastro Bar opened its doors on Valentine’s Day, 14th February. The community eagerly anticipates the next chapter in this beloved establishment’s journey. Read more

Tiny shop making world class sandwiches loved by TV and Michelin chefs makes major announcement

A sandwich shop which has developed a big reputation for making some of the best sandos in Wales has announced it is to open a second venue. Grandad Needs His Medicine currently has a thriving base in Oxford Street in Swansea city centre, selling popular items like its signature beef brisket and mind-bending creations like the Joe’s Ice Cream sandwich. Now its owner of the shop, Chris Hardie, has announced plans to open at a second city location in Sketty. 

Brand new Artisan Café opens at “vacant and derelict” former pub in Neath village

Previously known as the Old Railway Tavern, the building in Tonna had been empty for the last few years after suffering flood damage before being acquired by the Booth family who restored the building to its former glory. Now it has been transformed into a family run Artisan Café, with two self-contained holiday apartments on the first floor. The new dog friendly café now called Booths by the Bridge is located alongside Neath Canal. Read more

New Narberth micropub offers front room welcome and a piano

A couple were struggling to find a local pub with an old-fashioned, no-tv feel where they could meet friends for a quiet chat and a drink. So they opened their own! When a former restaurant in Narberth became vacant, Donna and Mike Headlam jumped in to take it over. They named it The Star, brought in real ale from the cask, big retro tables, board games, a piano and guitar and served it all up with a friendly welcome and a tempting selection of things to eat. Read more

City’s best kept secret is behind these unremarkable doors and most people don’t realise it’s there

Walk down the road and you could probably be forgiven for not knowing it is there. Strolling past The Sketty Club in Swansea’s Eversley Road, from the outside it just looks like an entrance for any other social club of its kind. But look a little bit closer at its entrance and you’ll see a menu in the window for an entirely separate food business which operates above it, serving up some of tastiest burgers around, and with a heart-warming story at its core. Read more

Pembroke mum opens new spa and wellness centre in town

A mother has revealed how she has ‘built a community’ since opening a new wellness and recovery centre in Pembrokeshire. Yasmin Woods introduced Heat – a sauna and ice plunge lounge to Pembroke on January 6, 2025. The facility is located on 134 Main Street which offers contrast therapy and chromotherapy to aid muscle recovery, improve sleep quality, reduce aging and boost immune system while providing a place for locals to socialise. Read more

SAIL Databank receives £4.55m investment from Health and Care Research Wales

Containing billions of person-based records, SAIL Databank at Swansea University is a rich and trusted population databank. It improves lives by providing researchers with secure, linkable and anonymised data. This latest funding announcement will support the next chapter in the story of SAIL as they evolve to meet the demands of AI-enabled research, federated analytics and increasingly complex data types. Read more

140 hectares of Welsh land purchased to restore woodland and nature habitat

This initiative at Cefn Morfudd, near Neath, which began with the acquisition of 95 hectares at Brynau Farm in 2019, is poised to transform the area into a flourishing green haven, offering new spaces for nature and public enjoyment. Through this project, Coed Cadw aims to reconnect local communities with nature and mitigate environmental challenges in the region; the landscape is within easy reach of over half a million people in South Wales. Read more

Huge container-style batteries to be installed in fields in Swansea

Rows of shipping container-style batteries will be installed on fields north of Swansea to help balance the electricity grid. The 80 battery energy storage units will store excess electricity produced by intermittent renewable sources of power like solar farms and release it at times of high demand. They’ll be 6m long, 2.5m wide and 2.9m high. The facility will be built on a 6.75-hectare site off Bryntywod, Llangyfelach, between the M4 and a rail line. Read more

World is your Oyster for native Pembrokeshire Oysters

The Rudder’s Boatyard pontoon in Milford haven is the site for a native oyster hotel – which aims to reverse the decline in native oyster population. Native British oyster populations have declined dramatically over the decades, as a result of habitat loss, pollution, over-harvesting and disease. The project aims to restore native oyster broodstock and, eventually, oyster beds within Milford Haven waterway. Read more

AI-powered self-healing asphalt: A step toward sustainable net-zero roads

Self-healing asphalt roads, made from biomass waste and designed with the help of AI, could offer a promising solution to the UK’s pothole problem, which is estimated to cost £143.5 million a year. A team of scientists from Swansea University and King’s College London, in collaboration with scientists in Chile, is designing a new type of self-healing asphalt that can mend its own cracks without the need for maintenance or human intervention. Read more

New ‘time machine’ app allows visitors to experience Margam Castle like never before

Swansea University has played a key role in the launch of a groundbreaking augmented reality (AR) app that brings the rich history of Margam Castle to life. The M[AR]gam app allows visitors to step back into the castle’s Victorian grandeur, acting as a virtual “time machine” – fitting for a former filming location of Doctor Who. Visitors can explore two rooms of the castle—the library and dining room— and learn about the lives of the servants and notable guests. Read more

New naming rights deal for Swansea Arena

Swansea Building Society has struck a naming rights deal with the Swansea Arena. As part of a five year sponsorship the 3,500 capacity arena has been renamed the Swansea Building Society Arena. Lisa Mart, venue director of Swansea Building Society Arena, said: “We’re very proud to be teaming up with one of Swansea’s most iconic and well respected institutions as our naming rights partner for the next five years.” Read more

Plans for huge new 120-bed hotel to be built next to the coast in Llanelli

Those behind the proposals say they want to build a “high-quality destination for visitors which would support the local tourism economy in a sustainable location and contribute positively to the economic and cultural growth of Llanelli and the wider region”. The site – which is currently vacant green space – covers part of the land occupied by the former Machynys brickworks in the early part of the 20th Century, which historically formed part of the docks. Read more

Gears, gadgets and glamour await at Tenby Steampunk Festival

Tenby’s Steampunk Festival returns again this March. The festival which debuted last year at the seaside town drew a great response from locals and visitors alike, and it is perfect for families, enthusiasts, and curious minds alike! Described as a festival ‘like no other’ – whether you’re a seasoned steampunk adventurer or just discovering the charm of the genre, Tenby’s streets will transform into a living, breathing time machine where imagination knows no bounds. Read more

New business ideas that cut waste and carbon – Uni team gets results for companies

A Swansea University team that supports South West Wales companies with launching green business ideas have revealed that they have helped 22 different companies, supporting the launch of 7 new and improved products and services, including new packaging for edible plants designed to be returned and reused, turning food waste into pollution-busting bacteria, and improving recycling after music festivals. Read more

Swansea University leads £3m project to revolutionise solar energy in Africa

A new Swansea University-led project has been awarded £3m to develop and manufacture sustainable perovskite solar modules (PSM) in Africa, empowering local communities and promoting sustainable energy. REACH-PSM (Resilient Renewable Energy Access Through Community-Driven Holistic Development in Perovskite Solar Module Manufacturing) aims to establish the continent’s first full-scale demonstration of next-generation solar manufacturing. Read more

Longlist revealed for Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize 2025

The longlist for the world’s largest and most prestigious literary prize for young writers has been announced, with authors hailing from across the world including the UK, Palestine, India, the Netherlands, and Ireland. Worth £20,000, this global accolade recognises exceptional literary talent aged 39 or under, celebrating the international world of fiction in all its forms including poetry, novels, short stories and drama. Read more