Swansea University’s School of Management is hosting a Business Forum on February 8^th with Ken Skates AM as the keynote speaker.

The School of Management is hosting the free event to give local business owners and business leaders the opportunity to discuss key transport issues with the Cabinet Secretary as well as an expert panel.

Professor Marc Clement, the Dean of the School of Management, said the School was looking forward to supporting the local business community have their say on such an important topic.

Professor Marc Clement, said: “We want to encourage local businesses to see our School as a place where burning questions can be posed and to also give them the platform to question our leaders on issues which affect them, their staff, their customers and the future of their businesses."

"We are delighted to be welcoming the Cabinet Secretary to the Bay Campus and to also have the support of First Cymru. As we see transformative programmes of work get underway – such as the £1.3billion Swansea Bay City Region and Swansea’s city centre regeneration it is essential we debate and discuss areas such as transport provision with our business community.”

Professor Marc Clement

Economy and Transport Secretary, Ken Skates, said: “This is a very exciting time for transport in Wales and I look forward to the award of the first made in Wales rail services contract in May. From October, Transport for Wales will drive forward our vision of a high quality, safe, integrated, affordable and accessible transport network that the people of Wales can be proud of. While there is no doubt that the UK Government u-turn on electrification was disappointing, I am determined that over the coming months and years we will transform the network, putting passengers front and centre of plans.”

“We also need to be planning for our future generations. In our new Economic Action Plan we have committed to leading the way in decarbonisation of our transport networks and we will introduce a range of measures aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of taxis and buses  Ken Skates AM                                                                     in Wales to zero within 10 years.”

The forum will include a Q&A session which includes representatives from:

• First Cymru
• Swansea Council
• Pembrokeshire Council
• And Swansea University.

First Cymru Managing Director Justin Davies added it was important that all types of businesses were included in the discussions.

He said: “We will be focusing on key issues such as the region’s future transport provision, ensuring there are strong transport links for business and accessible public transport for the region.

“Good transport links are essential for economic growth and prosperity – encouraging investment and job creation and growth. We are really pleased to be part of this event at the School of Management and look forward to having a productive and lively debate on key transport issues.”

Registration to attend this free event is now open. The forum runs from 7.30am to 9.30am at the School of Management on Bay Campus. There will be a chance to network and have breakfast before the event which will be chaired by former AM Helen Mary Jones, Deputy Director of Swansea University’s Morgan Academy.

Professor Clement added: “We look forward to welcoming our business community to our School and helping ensure we can shape the future of our region.”

Click here to register.