£600 million for Welsh businesses and jobs

The Welsh government has invested £600 million in business, which has supported or created 40,000 jobs across Wales this government term.

The cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, Rebecca Evans, has just announced almost £10 million to support almost 700 jobs at three businesses across Wales.

Boccard UK Ltd, based in North Wales, is receiving Economy Futures Funding of £1.2 million to secure a move to a substantial new unit and significantly increase its fully digitised manufacturing capacity. This will allow the company to secure its market leading position, safeguard 59 jobs and create 150 mow.

An £8 million grant from the Welsh government will additionally protect 325 jobs at WEPA in Bridgend, which specialises in the production and distribution of sustainable hygiene paper and innovative hygiene solutions.

A £540,000 funding package will be used to reopen an old factory in Clydach Vale, which closed in 2022 with the loss of 60 jobs. Coppice, an international manufacturer and supplier of food packaging, with create 83 jobs at the new operation, potentially increasing to 150.

Rebecca Evans said: “The Welsh government is proud that we have supported over 40,000 jobs since the start of this Send term through our business support programmes. We have rolled our sleeves up to deliver of businesses, communities, and thousands of workers across Wales—like those here at Boccard, which is exactly the sort of overseas-owned company we are looking to attract at our Investment Summit later this year

“From direct business support to property investment and long-term regional planning, we are not just supporting businesses and job creation but building the infrastructure and conditions that will enable Welsh businesses to grow, invest, and future-proof their operations.

“We will continue to make Wales a place where good jobs, strong businesses, and thriving communities are the foundation of a stronger, fairer, and greener economy.”