Wales has a rich history in industrial production which has given way to a vibrant manufacturing base that endures today and contributes roughly one-fifth of the Welsh economy.

Confidence is high, too: the latest MakeUK report cites Wales as having the largest increase in confidence across all nations and regions in the UK.

Wales has built a reputation in manufacturing sub-sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and advanced materials, and this underpins substantial logistical and skills infrastructure. The Welsh Government’s proactive support for scale-up capital underpins a proactive, business-friendly environment featuring targeted incentives, business support services, and collaboration with local universities.

These elements create a strong foundation for companies looking to innovate and scale across manufacturing and beyond. In fact, research suggests that there are over 1,500 high-growth companies in Wales. In spite of all this, private investment is low, with the recent Tech Nation Report 2025 attesting to Wales’ paltry figures vis-à-vis other parts of the UK.

This is unfortunate for ambitious Welsh business owners given the strong positive impact the right private backer can have. In a recent column Professor Dylan Jones-Evans’ right states that investment is not just about money, but is about scale, ambition, and growth, enabling businesses to move quickly, create high-value jobs, commercialise research, and compete globally. While the article focuses on venture capital, which typically........

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