A "FIRST of its kind" innovation centre which will bring 21 new companies and as many as 150 skilled jobs to Penarth is set to officially launch this week.

The Tec Marina centre has been called a huge asset to the future of Penarth, with the head of a local business network saying it will put Penarth at the epicentre of digital business in south Wales.

Tec Marina, on Terra Nova Way, will open its doors at the start of July. The jobs created at the centre will be mainly in the fields of digital marketing, software and app development and graphic design.

The building has the ability to house 21 companies including meeting rooms and co-working rooms and even contains a five star gym.

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The CEO of OpenGenius and Tec Marina Chris Griffiths is a best-selling author, speaker and expert on innovation thinking skills and creativity.

He has advised senior leadership teams in the European Commission, European Parliament and European Courts.

He said: "I am excited at the prospect of providing a space within which forward-thinking companies can thrive and connect with like-minded businesses in this sector.

"I am also very glad to be a part of the ongoing development of Penarth Marina. Tec Marina will give visitors the opportunity to understand what it takes to be innovative, and to think more creatively.

"It will attract new and exciting businesses to Penarth including companies who have a global client base. We want to share our knowledge on creativity and innovation with the people of Penarth."

Local businesswoman, Tanya Lynch runs the networking group, Business Women Penarth and the quarterly magazine, Penarth View. She said that Tec Marina has been a huge asset to Penarth already.

She said: "My experience of the venue has been nothing but positive. It is an epic facility which offers a tranquil and refreshing working space, the perfect environment to allow creative thinking and like-minded entrepreneurs to co-work and share ideas.

"It encourages young businesses to collaborate on a variety of projects within the town.

"A first of its kind in South Wales, which certainly puts Penarth on the map as an epicentre of technical specialism and digital expertise.

"It has an awesome team of creative professionals including Chris Griffiths who is a creative genius and inspirational entrepreneur who is approachable and willing to support and offer his advice to local businesses within the area.

"The fact it is bringing 150 jobs to Penarth is certainly something to be excited about."

The launch event will mark the close of June’s Wales Festival of Innovation and takes place between 1pm to 3.30pm on Friday, July 1.

The fortnight-long festival aims to highlight the extent of innovative activity taking place here and to help attract investment in Wales from pioneering organisations.