Key industry figures — including representatives from TVR, Ford, General Dynamics and IQE — had a meeting last month with the Welsh government (plus industry figures and representatives from Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone, Blaenau Gwent Council and Cardiff University) to discuss plans for a £100 million automotive-technology park at Ebbw Vale.

This followed the announcement in June that although the Welsh government had decided not to back the proposed Circuit of Wales venue, it planned to invest £100 million over 10 years in an Automotive Technology Park with the potential to create up to 1,500 full-time jobs.

The latest meeting focused on how to create the most jobs and maximise economic investment in the area.

Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: “The meeting provided an ideal opportunity to bring key players from industry, local government, academia and the local Enterprise Zone together to agree our direction of travel and set milestones that will help to drive this project forward.

“Delivered well, the project could play a key role in shaping the future of the automotive industry in Wales.”