The LEADER Local Action Groups (LAGs), Cynnal y Cardi from Ceredigion and Arwain Powys, came together at Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) for an information sharing and networking event.
The day’s activities included an Introduction to IBERS by Professor Iain Donnison, various tours including the bio refining facility, and BEACON at the Innovation and Enterprise campus. It was an opportunity for members from both LAGs to learn more about the research facilities at IBERS and other exciting new developments taking place. There was also an opportunity for an update on the Growing Mid Wales initiative. An initiative that could stimulate the growth of both local economies.
An aim of the day was to bring Members from both areas together to learn more about the broader context of developments in the region, and how LEADER has a role in complementing this work. Nick Venti, Vice Chair of Arwain Powys and Development Officer at Powys Association of Voluntary
Organisations, said
“the event was a useful insight into the role that universities can play in assisting the development of new products and processes, and the potential for more technical innovation within potential projects supported or commissioned by the LAG going forward.”
The day was also an opportunity for Members to come together, network and share their experiences of being LAG Members. Kevin Harrington, Antur Teifi Business and Development Manager, found the event was of a major benefit for the LAGs – in particular in terms of meeting other members and making new connections.
Keith Henson Rural Housing Enabler said
“Networking is a key principle of implementing LEADER and this event has strengthened those connections between the two LAGs and provided us with an opportunity to get fresh ideas and different perspectives. I hope to see similar events organised in the future”.
Future events to support Cynnal y Cardi and Arwain could be considered. Jackie Charlton, the Director of Llangattock Green Valleys believes
“A future event on city development and finding out how links to rural communities can be made, especially in linking north and south wales across the rural central and coastal regions.”
Many attendees including Catrin Owen, Assistant Director of Business Development, Tai Ceredigion also believes that the LAG’s would benefit from coming together to discuss the LEADER activity that they have been involved in.
From the feedback received from attendees that the networking and information sharing event was beneficial for the LAGs, the members and their organisations and that they’re eager for the next one.