The huge investment has supported nearly 4,700 Welsh enterprises, safeguarding over 50,000 jobs and fueling innovation across the country, generating a powerful £5.8 billion return for the Welsh economy.
This is transformative news for our city and the whole of Wales. The Development Bank of Wales has just hit a monumental milestone, announcing that it has channelled an incredible £1 billion in investment into Welsh businesses since 2017, creating a powerful economic engine with an extensive, positive effect. Beyond the investment figure itself, the bank’s funding has directly resulted in the creation and safeguarding of an incredible 51,089 jobs across Wales.
The economic value of this is staggering. The Development Bank of Wales’s commitment has generated £5.8 billion in jobs-based Gross Value Added (GVA), an almost sixfold return that cements the bank’s essential role in the nation’s financial health. Furthermore, its work has unlocked a vital £636 million in private sector co-finance, amplifying its overall reach and impact within the local community.
The funding has been strategically deployed, touching every corner and sector of the Welsh economy, helping 4,699 different businesses to thrive.
The support is specifically tailored to fuel the diverse, eclectic heart of Welsh enterprise:
- Innovation: Their vibrant tech sector has seen a major boost, with £89 million directed to 292 innovative tech ventures, helping to put Welsh technology on the global map.
- City Living: A massive £275 million has been channelled to Welsh property developers, facilitating the construction of 2,302 new homes. This focus on housing is vital for ensuring our neighbourhoods continue to be great places to live.
- Growth and Start-ups: The bank supports businesses across their entire lifecycle, funding 3,675 enterprises for growth, and fuelling entrepreneurship with £61 million for 787 start-ups. Crucially, its commitment has helped keep established, beloved local businesses rooted in Wales, with £138 million supporting 341 succession deals.
The Development Bank’s commitment to national coverage is clear. While we are proud champions of Cardiff, the investment is distributed to ensure every community benefits:
- South East Wales: 2,222 businesses have been supported with £436.5 million in direct investment, securing a thriving future for our region.
- Mid and West Wales: 1,399 businesses received £323.4 million in funding.
- North Wales: 1,078 businesses received £240.4 million in funding.
Political and strategic leaders were quick to celebrate this unforgettable milestone, highlighting the bank’s role in delivering national priorities.
First Minister Eluned Morgan reinforced this message, stating: “The Development Bank is part of the support we offer for companies that want to expand and innovate. Wales is a great place to set up a business or invest in projects, and this is part of the message I shall be sharing with delegates from across the globe.”
Group Captain Sally Bridgeland FIA, Chair of the Development Bank, highlighted their unique, community-first approach. “With teams embedded across Wales, we take a relationship-driven approach that contrasts with the more transactional nature of traditional finance. These results demonstrate the power of sustainable capital to deliver long-term economic value; bringing ambitions to life and delivering economic benefits for people, businesses and communities across the whole of Wales.”
This milestone is a brilliant testament to the ambition and resilience of Welsh business. £1 billion invested in Welsh businesses is £1 billion driving Wales forward, fuelling ambition, powering innovation and unlocking opportunity in every town and city across our nation.
Photography by Ian Cooper/Ian Cooper Photography.
Ibiza Classics is Heading to the Castle: Pete Tong, Mousse T and K-Klass Announced!
Cardiff’s independent pub, North Star is set to close this New Year’s Eve
