Business Council welcomes giants of Welsh housing and care sector to membership

GIANTS of the housing and care sectors have joined a regional Business Council.

Care Forum Wales and social landlord ClwydAlyn are new members of North Wales Mersey Dee Business Council.

The cross-border organisation, whose members include the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), North Wales Tourism, West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce and Wrexham Business Professionals, works with the public sector on regional economic development.

As an active member of North Wales Economic Ambition Board (NWEAB), the Business Council has worked hand in hand with local authorities on the £1bn North Wales Growth Deal, which the NWEAB is developing and delivering in partnership with the UK and Welsh Governments.

Chair Ashley Rogers said having two of the region’s most respected groups on board will add value, given their presence in local communities and positive influence on the region’s economy.

“It is a privilege to welcome ClwydAlyn and Care Forum Wales to our regional Business Council,” said Mr Rogers.

“These sectors provide essential support to our local communities and have a substantial positive impact on employment and our regional economy.”

He added: “Health and social care businesses and housing associations are vital to a prosperous, sustainable economy and the wellbeing of our communities.

“We look forward to working with them for the benefit of our region across all sectors.”

ClwydAlyn, based in St Asaph, will be representing all six housing associations in North Wales.

Their combined new-build housing programme is worth £100m, and the group believes joining the Business Council will give them an opportunity to collaborate with more private and public sector partners in the region.

“ClwydAlyn is delighted to become a member of the of North Wales Mersey Dee Business Council and to be able to represent the views of the six housing associations in North Wales,” said Group Chief Executive, Clare Budden.

“As social businesses with a combined annual turnover of £65m and employing more than 1,800 people across the region, we are committed to maximising the Welsh pound and welcome the opportunity the network provides to build our relationships with local suppliers and service providers.”

Wrexham-based Care Forum Wales supports more than 450 care providers across Wales. The industry contributes £2bn to the Welsh economy every year, employing 83,400 people.

Chief Executive Mary Wimbury said they are delighted to become members of the Business Council and work alongside pioneering leaders and industry heavyweights across a wide range of arenas.

She added: “With Welsh Government’s economic strategy identifying care as a key component of the foundational economy it’s important for us to build our links with other key sectors of the economy.”