This site uses cookies. By using it, you agree to their use. To find out more, read our Privacy Policy.
Accept
Wrexham Council News
  • Biz & education
  • Council services
  • People & place
  • Events
  • Video
  • Other
  • Welsh
Reading: “Stronger together” – Wrexham Council leader is new chair of MDA
Share
Notification Show More
Latest News
CROWN AND CHAIR PRESENTED TO WRECSAM EISTEDDFOD COMMITTEE
CROWN AND CHAIR PRESENTED TO WRECSAM EISTEDDFOD COMMITTEE
Events People & place
Ongoing heritage regeneration supports key buildings within Wrexham Conservation Area
Ongoing heritage regeneration supports key buildings within Wrexham Conservation Area
Council services People & place
Gwersyllt Community Resource Centre
Gwersyllt Community Resource Centre – two-week closure
Council services People & place
Alwen Williams has been appointed as Chief Executive of the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) – known as Ambition North Wales.
Ambition North Wales appoints Chief Executive
Biz & education Other
Have you checked out our latest jobs
Could you do any of these jobs?
Biz & education
Wrexham Council News
Search
  • Biz & education
  • Council services
  • People & place
  • Events
  • Video
  • Other
  • Welsh
Follow US
© 2023 Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Wrecsam
Wrexham Council News > Blog > Biz & education > “Stronger together” – Wrexham Council leader is new chair of MDA
Biz & education

“Stronger together” – Wrexham Council leader is new chair of MDA

Last updated: 2020/07/01 at 2:53 PM
Share
5 Min Read
Councillor Mark Pritchard
SHARE
New MDA leader talks about jobs, investment and overcoming the challenges of Covid-19…

The new leader of the Mersey Dee Alliance has a simple message to mark the start of his term…

Content
New MDA leader talks about jobs, investment and overcoming the challenges of Covid-19…Up to 50,000 new jobsSurvive and thriveA strong voiceDid you know…

“We are stronger together.”

Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, has taken over as chair of the cross-border partnership, which supports business, jobs and infrastructure across North East Wales, West Cheshire and Wirral.

Councillor Pritchard will lead the partnership over the next two years – building on the work of his predecessor, Councillor Louise Gittins of Cheshire West and Chester.

- Info -
Eisteddfod Wrecsam 2025

He’ll be supported by vice chair, Councillor Stuart Whittingham of Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council.

Up to 50,000 new jobs

The aim will be to further develop the economic potential of key employment sites across the region.

These include Wirral Waters (part of Mersey Waters Enterprise Zone), Deeside Enterprise Zone, Wrexham Industrial Estate and Technology Park, Chester and Ellesmere Port (part of the Cheshire Science Corridor Enterprise Zone).

With the right investment, it’s thought these sites could create up to 50,000 new jobs over the next 15 to 20 years.

HOW TO GET A TEST IF YOU’VE GOT CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS

Survive and thrive

To help release this untapped potential, the MDA will focus on four key areas – cross-border transport connectivity, skills and employment, digital infrastructure and low carbon / clean growth.

Cllr Pritchard explains: “The region is already very successful in economic terms.

“But if we want to build on that, and encourage more investment, we need to make progress with these four key areas.

“Better transport links – both road and rail – will be absolutely crucial to support business operations and supply chains.

“They’ll also make it easier for people to commute – providing more job opportunities and helping firms tap into the wider workforce.

“We also need to support the right skills within our communities. That’s a key factor in persuading employers to invest and create jobs.”

Councillor Pritchard also says the Covid-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of good digital infrastructure for both regional and national economies…

“Now more than ever, businesses need the internet to survive and thrive.

“First class digital connectivity is no longer an optional extra…it’s an absolute must.

“Finally, we need to make sure that economic growth in the Mersey Dee region is kind to the environment. It needs to be clean and low carbon.

“That’s really important for quality of life, and again a key factor in attracting investment.”

A strong voice

Established in 2007, the MDA is a strong and experienced partnership – influencing key decision-makers to attract investment to the area.

Councillor Pritchard adds: “I’m looking forward to representing the MDA and helping to make sure the region’s best interests are supported.

“Wrexham, Cheshire, Wirral and Flintshire are wonderful places in their own right, with their own unique identities. But we also have an incredibly strong economic bond, and our voice is so much more powerful and persuasive when we work together.

“With so many talented and committed organisations and individuals, the MDA can continue to secure investment for the region.

“It’s a challenging time for the UK economy, but I’m excited about the future.”

Did you know…

  • The MDA area includes Flintshire, Wrexham, Cheshire West and Wirral.
  • It has a population of almost one million people.
  • It generates around £21.8bn GVA per annum, and is important to both the Welsh and English economies.
  • It has a high concentration of advanced manufacturing, and important clusters of energy, aerospace, automotive, engineering, chemical and food processing industries, as well as professional and financial services.
  • Major employers include Airbus, Tata, Toyota, Vauxhall, JCB, Unilever, Cammell Laird, Bank of America, Essar, Encirc and Iceland Foods.
  • 16% of the workforce (65,100 people) are employed in manufacturing / engineering, compared to the UK average of 9%.
  • Knowledge centres include the University of Chester and Wrexham Glyndwr University, Coleg Cambria, Cheshire College and Wirral Metropolitan College. Research and development also features largely at places like Thornton Science Park, Optic Glyndwr, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre Cymru and the Maritime Knowledge Hub.
  • The MDA holds six business breakfasts every year. They’re considered among the best networking events in the area and regularly attract over 150 delegates. The next event will be a virtual / online meeting on June 30.

How to get a test if you’ve got Coronavirus Symptoms.

APPLY NOW

Share
Previous Article Mattress Scam Warning – buying a mattress or bed from a cold caller is very dangerous
Next Article Wedding Wedding Ceremony Update

Stay connected

17k Followers Like
24.1k Followers Follow
3.3k Followers Follow
- Sign up -
Ad image

Latest news

CROWN AND CHAIR PRESENTED TO WRECSAM EISTEDDFOD COMMITTEE
CROWN AND CHAIR PRESENTED TO WRECSAM EISTEDDFOD COMMITTEE
Events People & place June 18, 2025
Ongoing heritage regeneration supports key buildings within Wrexham Conservation Area
Ongoing heritage regeneration supports key buildings within Wrexham Conservation Area
Council services People & place June 17, 2025
Gwersyllt Community Resource Centre
Gwersyllt Community Resource Centre – two-week closure
Council services People & place June 16, 2025
Alwen Williams has been appointed as Chief Executive of the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) – known as Ambition North Wales.
Ambition North Wales appoints Chief Executive
Biz & education Other June 16, 2025

You might also like

Alwen Williams has been appointed as Chief Executive of the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) – known as Ambition North Wales.
Biz & educationOther

Ambition North Wales appoints Chief Executive

June 16, 2025
Have you checked out our latest jobs
Biz & education

Could you do any of these jobs?

June 13, 2025
Hand Hotel
Biz & education

Historic Chirk hotel looks to the future under new ownership

June 12, 2025
Su’ mae local business owners!
Council servicesBiz & educationPeople & place

Su’ mae local business owners!

June 6, 2025
Wrexham County Borough Council
//

Wrexham Council News provides all the latest news from your county borough council.

Quick links

  • Customise interests
  • Reading list
  • MyUpdates
  • Contact the council
  • Privacy policy

Get our top stories…

Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest news and info from Wrexham Council.

Sign up
Wrexham Council News
Follow US

© 2025 Wrexham County Borough Council

Removed from reading list

Undo
Wrexham Council News
Welcome back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?
  • Cymraeg
  • English