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How can we rebuild our local economies and transform the way we live, to create sustainable development and well-being for people, the planet, and future generations? 4theRegion is a cross-sector network that brings together people, businesses, large organisations, community groups and educational institutions - who care about the future of South West Wales, and the wellbeing of our communities, and want to make a difference. The 4theRegion podcast is a way to stay connected with the huge range of different conversations and events that we host with people and organisations across the region. Our goal is to strengthen communication and collaboration across our region, so that everyone feels more positive, more empowered and better able to contribute to a happier, healthier and more resilient future. Our mantra is that the future of our region is in our hands - as the people, businesses and organisations of South West Wales. As you’ll hear, again and again, through the events and conversations that we host, there is so much happening, so many exciting projects and initiatives, so much important work, and so many reasons to feel positive and inspired. We think South West Wales is surely the BEST place to live and work in the whole of the UK - if not the world! - and we hope that by tuning into this podcast you will find nuggets of information and a general sense of empowerment, so that together we can co-create a happier, healthier future and a thriving economy, for Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Neath Port Talbot.
Episodes
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
56. 4theRegion: Green Economy Transport Roundtable 2023
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
This discussion is part of a series of conversations focused on the region's green economy. The Green Economy Conference, happening in November, aims to bring together businesses and organizations to discuss the growth of the green economy in South West Wales. The episode features discussions focusing on sustainable methods of transport such as rail, community transport, and innovations in the move to greener methods of transport.
The speakers in the discussion are as follows:
- Dawn Lyle, 4theRegion: Host of the conversation and representative of the Regional Green Economy Conference.
- Rich Middleton, Wales Growth Manager, GWR
- Emma Bingham - Community Transport Association
- Rod Bowen, Development Officer at Dolen Teifi
- Caroline Wilson - Green Dragon Bus
- Robert Lloyd - Swansea Council, Community Transport
Thursday Sep 21, 2023
55. 4theRegion: Green Economy Materials Roundtable 2023
Thursday Sep 21, 2023
Thursday Sep 21, 2023
This discussion is part of a series of conversations focused on the region's green economy. The Green Economy Conference, happening in November, aims to bring together businesses and organizations to discuss the growth of the green economy in South West Wales. The episode features discussions on related to materials, waste and the new Workplace Recycling Wales laws coming into effect next year.
The speakers in the discussion are as follows:
- Dawn Lyle, 4theRegion: Host of the conversation and representative of the Regional Green Economy Conference.
- Andy Rees, Head of Waste Strategy for the Welsh Government
- Andrew Wright, Commercial Director at Griffiths Group
- Gareth Thomas, Head of Marketing at Griffiths Group
- Owain Griffiths, Director at Circular Resource Specialists
- Diane Thomas, Waste Strategy and Policy Officer for Carmarthenshire Council
- Sean Gallagher, Managing Director at Cwm Environmental
Wednesday Sep 20, 2023
54. Renewable Energy Roundtable with Low Carbon Swansea Bay
Wednesday Sep 20, 2023
Wednesday Sep 20, 2023
In this roundtable discussion, we delve deep into the realm of sustainable energy in South West Wales, shedding light on the inspiring work of renewable champions in the region. Hosted jointly by Low Carbon Swansea Bay and 4theRegion, this episode brings together experts and advocates to explore both the opportunities and barriers in the path to a greener, more sustainable future for Wales.
Short project presentations/updates included:
Awel Aman Tawe
Egni Co-op
Gower Power
Hiraeth Energy
Afallen
Marine Energy Wales
Gwynt Glas
Discover the innovative initiatives and projects that are transforming the energy landscape in South West Wales and learn about the individuals and organisations driving these changes. This event is part of a series of topical discussions leading up to the eagerly anticipated regional Green Economy Conference in November.
Thursday Sep 14, 2023
53. Accelerating Wales’ Journey to Net Zero with Prof. Jane Davidson
Thursday Sep 14, 2023
Thursday Sep 14, 2023
In this interview, Dawn Lyle discusses with Jane Davidson, Chair of the Net Zero 2035 Challenge Group for Wales, the ambitious project to accelerate Wales’ Net Zero target from 2050 to 2035. Jane explains that the project, titled ‘Wales Net Zero Challenge, 2035’, was initiated from an agreement between the Welsh Labour Government and Plaid Cymru in 2021.
The group aims to provide independent advice on potential pathways to achieving net zero emissions by 2035 (bringing the date forward from 2050), considering the societal and economic impacts and how adverse effects can be mitigated. The project also looks at how costs and benefits can be shared fairly across Wales.
The group is seeking evidence and insights on several key areas: how Wales can feed itself by 2035; meeting energy needs while phasing out fossil fuels; heating and building homes and workplaces by 2035; connecting people and places across Wales by 2035; and what education, jobs and work could look like across Wales by 2035. They are also focusing on the future of education and work in relation to a move away from a fossil fuel economy.
Jane emphasises that the work of the group is underpinned by the latest academic evidence provided by the Wales Centre for Public Policy. She invites all interested parties to contribute their views and evidence towards the project by Christmas, with the aim of having a draft proposal ready for public consultation in the Spring of next year.
The interview concludes on a hopeful note, with Jane highlighting the potential for Wales to lead the way not only in the UK but globally in terms of finding pragmatic and equitable solutions to achieve net zero.
This conversation was recorded in September 2023, in the run up to the South West Wales Green Economy Conference (Nov 2023).
Tuesday Sep 12, 2023
52. Gower Grown Veg Project with Castell Howell
Tuesday Sep 12, 2023
Tuesday Sep 12, 2023
Bwyd Abertawe is Swansea's local food partnership, and is collaborating with 4theRegion and Castell Howell Foods to support an increase in the volume of veg grown on the Gower Peninsular and generally across the Swansea Bay area. This project is part of a wide range of activities across South West Wales which seek to strengthen our local food supply chains and our regional horticultural sector.
This conversation brought together:
- Dawn Lyle, 4theRegion
- Edward Morgan, Castell Howell Foods
- Lucy Hole, Secret Hospitality Group
- Ian Chriswick, Gower College
- Sarah Gould, Lantra
- Richard Bond, Food & Drink Wales
Supporting Local Producers: Lucy Hole emphasised Secret Hospitality’s commitment to support local producers across Swansea Bay, highlighting their collaboration with Castell Howell. However, they acknowledged that the volume of produce this year has presented challenges, preventing them from fully supporting local producers.
Richard Bond from the Food & Drink Wales project, brought a broader perspective to the discussion. The Food & Drink Wales project is responsible for promoting Welsh food and drink in Wales, the UK and internationally. Their vision is to create a strong and vibrant Welsh food and drink sector with a global reputation for excellence, having one of the most environmentally and socially responsible supply chains in the world.
Ian Chriswick from Gower College shared insights from the GCS Green Hwb project. The Green Hwb project delivers qualifications in horticulture. Produce from the project will be used to go to local causes, with the first crop of the year supporting projects such as the Phoenix Centre and The Nelson Trust. This project demonstrates the potential of food production as a means of support for local initiatives.
Sarah Gould, of Lantra (who run the Farming Connect project) added to the discussion with her industry expertise. The Farming Connect project supports Welsh farmers with business support and training. Andrew Stevens, a livestock farmer and the Champion for Rural Economy at Swansea Council, shared insights from a farming perspective.
Challenges and Obstacles: Ed Morgan from Castell Howell led a discussion on the challenges faced by local producers and the wider food industry. He emphasised the globalisation of the food supply chain in recent decades, leaving communities vulnerable to supply disruptions. Food security has become a concern, particularly in light of recent environmental factors impacting food production and supply chains.
Ed highlighted the need for a template or framework for engaging with growers and supporting them financially and operationally. The challenge, as identified, includes the timing of produce availability, weather disruptions, and land acquisition by renewable energy industries.
The group discussed various strategies to address these obstacles, including:
Engaging with Growers: Collaboratively engaging with growers to understand their capacity and requirements, and committing to support on factors like seed costs, staff expenses and machinery.
Educational Engagement: Focusing on the educational sector by working with schools and colleges to bridge the gap and introduce young people to farming. Exploring the potential link between education and the industry to support catering students and foster a stronger connection between educational institutions, restaurants and local producers.
Competing with Global Markets: Developing strategies to compete with growers in England and abroad by focusing on quality, value, and experience.
Logistics and Distribution: Recognising the importance of logistics and distribution for small growers, and exploring partnerships with distributors like Castell Howell.
The meeting concluded with a recognition of the complex challenges facing local producers in Swansea Bay. However, there was an optimistic outlook on the potential for collaboration and support from various sectors to overcome these challenges. The group committed to further discussions and action plans to enhance the support for local producers and strengthen the regional food supply chain.
4theRegion is keen to hear from anyone who would like to be involved in this project, please contact zoe@4theRegion.org.uk
Project updates will be published here: https://www.4theregion.org.uk/projects/gower-grown/
Thursday Sep 07, 2023
51. Green Economy Skills Roundtable 2023
Thursday Sep 07, 2023
Thursday Sep 07, 2023
Partners from across South West Wales come together to discuss some new initiatives to support the development of green skills across a variety of sectors.
This podcast episode is part of a series of conversations focused on the region's green economy. The Green Economy Conference, happening in November, aims to bring together businesses and organizations to discuss the growth of the green economy in South West Wales. The episode features discussions on various projects and initiatives related to skills development in areas such as renewable energy, construction, digital sector, and more. The focus is on preparing young people for future green careers, raising awareness about the opportunities in the green economy, and bridging the skills gap in the industry. Collaboration and working together across the region are seen as crucial for success.
The speakers in the discussion are as follows:
- Dawn Lyle, 4theRegion: Host of the conversation and representative of the Regional Green Economy Conference.
- Rob Holdcroft, Development Coordinator for the Regional Learning and Skills Partnership.
- Arwyn Williams & Jackie Mathias from Pembrokeshire College: Discusses projects related to renewable energy and skills development for young people.
- Bruce Fellows from Gower College, Swansea: Talks about initiatives in the construction and renewable energy sectors.
- Andrew Selby from Gower College, Swansea: Highlights the demand for upskilling in the renewable energy sector.
- Rachel Cook from University of Wales, Trinity St. David: Shares insights on skills development in construction and the use of virtual reality in education.
- Donna Griffiths from Bouygues UK: Discusses projects engaging with schools and young people in terms of future skills and enterprise.
- Sue Poole from Young Dragons: Talks about engaging young people in entrepreneurship and the use of artificial intelligence and virtual reality in education.
This conversation was hosted by 4theRegion in July 2023.
Friday Jul 22, 2022
50. Green Construction and Decarbonisation
Friday Jul 22, 2022
Friday Jul 22, 2022
Following the Green Recovery Conference on the 27th June, we brought colleagues together to ask the question: How can South West Wales lead the way in green construction and the decarbonisation of our buildings?
The Green Recovery Conference was held in the Brangwyn Hall with over 160 businesses joining us to discuss a number of solutions to the challenges we face on the road to becoming a greener city. This event was organised around 8 Opportunity Areas, which hosted interactive discussions and provided ideas and solutions to key themes. SPECIFIC hosted the Buildings area and provided some insight into this key opportunity area.
Monday Feb 07, 2022
49. In Conversation with Marcia Sinfield
Monday Feb 07, 2022
Monday Feb 07, 2022
In our new series, we'll be exploring the wider question of how we reshape our economy based on what really matters, and why we think attachment to place should be at the heart of how we think about this new economy.
Formerly known as Family Housing, Caredig are a nonprofit registered social landlord (RSL) based in Swansea. Caredig means ‘kind’ in Welsh, and encapsulates their vision of putting people and communities at the heart of what they do. In this episode, Dawn speaks to Marcia Sinfield, Chief Executive of Caredig about their rebrand, what social value means to her and the value of local sourcing and working together.
Monday Aug 30, 2021
48. The Three Ps of Social Value
Monday Aug 30, 2021
Monday Aug 30, 2021
In our new series, we'll be exploring the wider question of how we reshape our economy based on what really matters, and why we think attachment to place should be at the heart of how we think about this new economy. We're interested in helping to create an economic system that is fit for the 21st century, one that counts more than money, more than GDP, more than profit. So, what do we mean by social value - and how can we support organisations and communities to embrace social value as a new system of accounting for value?
We'll be talking to thoughtleaders and changemakers across our region and around the world, about credible alternatives to a global form of capitalism that extracts value and wellbeing from people, places and the planet. Starting here in South West Wales, and looking outwards, join us on a learning journey to understand the new economy, and what's needed to create resilience for the future that's coming down the line.
Talking points in this new series will include:
- Wellbeing Economics;
- Doughnut Economics;
- Attachment Economics;
- The Foundational Economy;
- The Wellbeing of Future Generations Act;
- Asset Based Community Development;
- Co-production, empowerment and collaboration;
- Changemakers and communities of purpose;
- Capitalist Realism;
- And changing perspectives on hope and politics.
Hosted by Dawn Lyle & Zoe Antrobus from 4theRegion, www.4theregion.org.uk
Monday Jul 12, 2021
47. Young Changemakers
Monday Jul 12, 2021
Monday Jul 12, 2021
This week we're hearing from inspiring young people from Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. The future of our region is in the hands of the younger generation, and we're interested in what motivates young people to get involved in changemaking projects and how we can amplify their voices and encourage them to become facilitators of positive change.
We hear from Neath Port Talbot Youth Council member Lola, who has been involved in projects such as Sustainable Schools, which aims to reduce plastic in school canteens and a pilot project involving fruit trees within schools. We also hear from Swansea-based young people Jed, Elliot and Jake who have used their voice to successfully campaign for and fundraise a skatepark in Bishopston by using community collaboration to make their voice heard within the local area.