Cardiff Capital Region is in action like never before – with a future being built on Innovation, Sustainability, Inclusivity and Connectivity – and it’s happening before our very eyes.
People across Southeast Wales are being invited to take part in a watershed moment that will shape the innovation agenda of the future, with Innovation Wales asking 22 online questions aimed at answering the many challenges we face as a society and economy.
And some of those answers are already being delivered in our region, with Pontypool based Freight Logistics Solutions leading the way towards decarbonised road transport …. Bridgend’s CVS Technical Ltd taking inclusivity to a whole new level in the tech industry … and Antur Cymru connecting four CCR local authorities to a smarter future …
INNOVATION
Innovation Wales opens consultation on building a vibrant innovation culture for a stronger future
Innovation Wales has opened a landmark consultation with the people of all four Welsh regions, exploring how we can best foster a vibrant innovation culture capable of building a stronger, fairer, greener country.
For the past 10 years, Innovation Wales has been championing the delivery of innovation in all parts of Wales – and is now framing a future agenda around 22 key questions, reflecting the challenges and opportunities of an innovation landscape that has changed dramatically in light of Brexit, the pandemic and new net zero targets.
Using the seven goals of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act as its foundation, a new integrated innovation strategy is being evolved to guide the actions of government, businesses, third sector, academia and citizens – with Innovation Wales looking to develop a mission-based national plan that maximises investment from UK bodies and beyond, to support and develop the products and services needed to address the challenges facing us in the fourth industrial age.
The vision is to unleash and support innovation that will shape a healthier, inclusive, prosperous and resilient Wales – a globally responsible country centred on cohesive communities – built on the five pillars of:
- A National Policy Framework
- Structured Support
- Targeted Investment
- Promoting & Rewarding Innovation
- Building Skills & Leadership
To take part in this watershed moment for innovation in Wales, complete the online form or download this response form and email to innovationstrategy@gov.wales
SUSTAINABILITY
Pontypool-based FLS brings a Green Freight Vision to life
Pontypool-based Freight Logistics Solutions is leading the way towards lower carbon, lower mileage and lower cost freight transport – with a new service that monitors the carbon footprint of each journey, through an innovative online dashboard that analyses the total carton used on any journey.
The environmental impact of freight is being increasingly spotlighted by leading UK businesses who want to know that suppliers are serious about their corporate social responsibilities – with the FLS carbon measurement solution providing a trusted and easy-to-use method of delivering environment-based stats that can help businesses make more sustainable environmental decisions.
Funding from the Development Bank of Wales has enabled FLS to invest in a carbon dashboard that measures by vehicle, destination and date ranges, with an algorithm that can also calculate savings when compared to a traditional ‘fixed-origin’ trailer – providing quality transport data insight that helps customers plan and improve business performance.
With almost 30% of all road freight mileage currently driven empty, it’s heartening to hear that this new dashboard will also mitigate against costly and environmentally harmful empty loads – and in the wider perspective of our 2050 net zero targets, it’s wonderful to see a CCR-based company forging ahead in helping to decarbonise the freight industry for a sustainable economy.
INCLUSIVITY
Bridgend business flies the flag for autism and female tech workers
When Bridgend-based entrepreneur Caitlyn Sheldon opened CVS Technical Ltd in March 2022, she put her knowledge of navigating life as a young autistic person to good use – establishing an inclusive tech business that offered affordable IT support to customers amid a financial crisis, with an additional focus on sourcing and upgrading second-hand laptops and iPads to donate free-of-charge to Ukrainian refugees currently adjusting to life and education in Wales.
The business has proven an immediate (and immense) success – becoming a go-to destination for anyone needing expert and ethical IT support or repairs, with 22-year-old Caitlyn now planning to employ more tech-savvy women into the male-dominated IT sector.
Caitlyn’s transparent and trusted approach is tailored and personalised for each customer and their budget – working with them to educate on every step of the repair process – reflecting a mission to provide customers with a super-cost-effective service they wouldn’t usually receive in the average tech repair store.
Like many people with autism, Caitlyn had struggled to conform to the structured routine and expectations of a ‘traditional 9-5 job’ – with the launch of her own enterprise unleashing a natural entrepreneurship and unlocking her true potential, working remotely in a calm environment that enables her to maintain a work/life balance and manage her autism.
Caitlyn launched CVS-Technical Ltd with the help of Welsh Government’s youth entrepreneurship service Big Ideas Wales – a programme aimed at anyone between the age of 5 and 25 who wants to develop a business idea – and we’re looking forward to bringing you many more future examples of how this catalytic service (which is part of the Young Person’s Guarantee) is sparking and supporting the entrepreneurial spirits of our region.
CONNECTIVITY
‘Smart Towns’ digital boost for Southeast Wales
Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire, Torfaen and Vale of Glamorgan are in the vanguard of a move towards becoming ‘Smart Towns’ in our region – thanks to their pioneering work with Antur Cymru, which measures footfall and customer trends in town centres, providing pivotal data that will feed into future retail strategies, helping revitalise and regenerate a more connected and prosperous community.
Antur Cymru has been working with the four CCR-based local authorities to install Welsh Government-funded Cisco Meraki cloud-based systems. These are key connecting technologies in the establishment of smarter communities – with the results enabling local authorities and planners to identify what is and isn’t working, how challenges can be overcome, how services can be better provided to the public, and what positive changes will bring maximum benefit for businesses and the local economies.
With digital connectivity and instant communication so vital in today’s society, it’s great to welcome the Antur Cymru social enterprise to our region – and help them in their own mission to deliver a comprehensive bilingual IT service that future proofs homes, businesses and communities across Wales, for generations to come.
Discover more about #OurRegionInAction – and the major developments transforming Southeast Wales through Innovation, Sustainability, Inclusivity and Connectivity. Go to: www.cardiffcapitalregion.wales
#OurRegionInAction
