<p>Prosperity in the South Wales Valleys</p>

Part of 2. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure – in the Senedd at 2:20 pm on 19 July 2017.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 2:20, 19 July 2017

Can I thank Andrew R.T. Davies for his questions? Very important points were raised—the need to ensure that hubs operate in a way that generates sustainable growth. I envisage the hubs developing as opportunities for clustering and agglomeration in certain specialisms. So, it may be, for example, in Ebbw Vale, automotive. It may be, in another hub, based on house building. So, my view is that the hubs have the potential to become recognisable clusters of specialisms that, again, can enable skills partnerships across the Valleys region to home in on opportunities that are emerging through the pipeline of interests that we already have, and the pipeline of interests that we already have will lead funding to be delivered on an on-demand basis. So, any funding requirements will be drawn down from my department, and potentially other departments, if it crosses subject boundaries.

In terms of the further detail that the Member requests, this is something that Alun Davies will be revealing tomorrow, but the aim of the clusters, the aim of the hubs, is to make sure that there is a concentration of activity in certain areas based on emerging economic and manufacturing trends and to take advantage of the theme of better jobs closer to home, offering people access into work and then career progression in areas of economic activity where we know there is a sustainable future.