Giving her initial reaction to the Autumn Budget, Liz Maher, president of the South and Mid Wales Chambers of Commerce, said:
“The announcement by the Chancellor that he will consider a Growth Deal for Mid Wales will come as a welcome boost to the business community of Mid Wales. If we are to grow the economy, create better paid jobs and improve people’s daily lives, we need targeted investment tailored to the needs of each region of Wales.
“Overall the budget was a mixed bag for Wales with nothing announced regarding the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon and most of the headlines, such as business rates, investment in skills, and housing, being devolved and therefore not applicable to Wales.
“The decision to build more housing and improve transport infrastructure in England does however give Welsh businesses in the construction sector supply chain opportunities and the Chamber of Commerce will be working to help our members to access these opportunities.
“Looking ahead, more will still need to be done over the coming months to lay the groundwork for a successful Brexit transition. Businesses will expect greater boldness from the Chancellor – and more radical support for infrastructure and investment – once a Brexit transition period is secured and the shape of a UK-EU deal becomes clearer.”