A summary of this blog appeared in the Business Section of the Western Mail in March 2022 There has been some recent coverage in the media and some social media chatter about Wales’ Metro projects, their status and what they might deliver. Given my involvement in all of them – Cardiff/South Wales since 2010 and … Continue reading Wales’ Metros – Update Feb 2022
Category: Foundation Economy
The Environment, Tax and Wales
I’ve tried to write this blog a few times over the last year - and failed. So here is another brief attempt that sets out for me some of the primary considerations that need to be reflected in our fiscal systems – which I assert are now completely out of sync with the world we … Continue reading The Environment, Tax and Wales
Corona Virus, Homeworking and Transport
Written in April 2020....at the start of the first lockdown Given recent events associated with Corona Virus, not least a complete transformation in travel patterns, I wanted to offer some thoughts on mobility and working from home, or not… But firstly, a nod of appreciation to all those working in our health services, essential workers, … Continue reading Corona Virus, Homeworking and Transport
What sort of Wales do we want?
A version of this article also appeared Nation Cymru in March 2020 I have also written another related blog (Jan 2021) that covers Tax, Climate Change and Wales' ability to sustain a viable economy as an independent nation in July 2021, I followed up with, "What sort of Britain do we want?" What sort of … Continue reading What sort of Wales do we want?
WG National Development Framework – some quick reflections…
In August this year, Welsh Government (WG) published its National Development Framework[i] (NDF) for consultation (which is designed to complement and provide more spatial priorities for Planning Policy Wales PPW published in 2018[ii]). There is much to applaud – especially the emphasis on Transit Oriented Development (see Policy 1 - Sustainable Urban Growth) and the … Continue reading WG National Development Framework – some quick reflections…
Welsh Paradores and Sourdough Bread
Post Script. The Welsh Government Five Year Tourism Plan published early in 2020 now includes a commitment to develop a "Welsh Paradore". See Page 17! Growing the foundational economy across the South Wales Valleys... Wales’ City Regions are still in nascent form and grappling with how to address long term and structural socio-economic challenges with … Continue reading Welsh Paradores and Sourdough Bread
Climate Change, Brexit and The Economy (…and Wales)
I originally wrote this piece in May 2019...so yes events (esp #brexit) have moved on, but I still stand by the substance of my assertions and analysis. If anything the #climateemergency is even more pressing....but given the vacuum of principled political leadership, seemingly less likely to be addressed! I have also covered some of the … Continue reading Climate Change, Brexit and The Economy (…and Wales)
Milgi, Cardiff…the end of an era
It's Sunday afternoon on 14th April 2019 and I have just got home and am a little bit sad. Geraldine and I have just had our last ever Sunday lunch (and a few pints) at Milgi on City Rd. Milgi has become an institution and a beacon for the independent food, music and art scene … Continue reading Milgi, Cardiff…the end of an era
Metro & Me, October 2018
In October 2018 we (Cardiff University, Arup, IWA, Capital Law) published a collection of essays related to the South Wales Metro to support the Metro and Me event held in Cardiff on 8th October. Capital Law did the heavy lifting (especially Lowri Gregory) to plan and manage the day. Thanks to all the speakers and … Continue reading Metro & Me, October 2018
Making the Metro work for the Valleys and for Cardiff…
I did a lot of "heavy lifting" re: the South Wales Metro 2010-2016, the burden then passed to Transport for Wales....and now to Keolis/Amey who will work to deliver it by 2023/4. Perhaps I may allow myself a moment to sketch out some ideas for how the planned network could be enhanced and extended from … Continue reading Making the Metro work for the Valleys and for Cardiff…
Wider Impacts of South Wales Metro (article for Bevan Foundation July 2016)
Full text of my article for The Bevan Foundation July 4 2016 http://www.bevanfoundation.org I have spent much of the last six years involved in some way in what has become known as the South Wales (or Cardiff Capital Region) Metro; initially as an advocate from the business community who galvanised and led support around my 2011 … Continue reading Wider Impacts of South Wales Metro (article for Bevan Foundation July 2016)
Hand made in Ebbw Vale…?
Just a quick thought on a possible future for Ebbw Vale… It is disappointing that the Circuit of Wales now seems to have fallen by the wayside . Maybe this is the death knell for the superstar project to transform the economy (apart from the South Wales Metro of course!). Maybe we need to think … Continue reading Hand made in Ebbw Vale…?
Mark Barry 