The benefits of the Cardiff Capital Region were discussed in London recently.

Investment opportunities in South Wales were the cornerstone of an event held on February 26.

The gathering, named 'Investing in the Cardiff Capital Region', was designed to emphasise the attributes of co-investment with the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR).

The event, part of the annual 'Wales Week London' programme, aimed to develop dialogue with the investment community from Wales, London and further afield.

It explored opportunities around co-investment with the CCR's range of funds including the Innovation Investment Capital, the Strategic Premises Fund and the soon-to-launch Northern Valleys Initiative.

More than 85 attendees comprised of investors and developers were enlightened about the competitive benefits in the region, its cluster strategy, the new Investment Zone and the large-scale redevelopment of the former Aberthaw Power Station site.

Baroness Wilcox of Newport hosted the event.

Helping to facilitate discussions was CCR director Kellie Beirne, who arranged talks between a panel of expert speakers including Wales Office Minister Fay Jones MP.

Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby, leader of Monmouthshire County Council and portfolio lead of research and innovation, shed light on the importance of sustainable growth tied to innovation.

Cllr Brocklesby said: "South Wales offers so many exciting investment opportunities, and the Cardiff Capital Region is an enabler and collaborator that can help make these happen.

"We encourage investors and developers from Wales, the UK, and beyond, to talk to us about how we can work together to bring out economic and social benefits in the region."

Wales Office Minister Fay Jones said: "The CCR has consistently been a catalyst for investment and innovation across South Wales.

"This event highlighted the breadth of investment opportunities that the Cardiff Capital Region provides, showing why the UK Government is proud to support its on-going work and invest in its future."

The co-founder and CEO of Mazuma, Lucy Cohen, praised the CCR after her company, a leading provider of accountancy services for micro businesses in the UK, recently benefitted from CCR's Innovation Investment Capital.

Lucy said: "With the addition of this new investment from IIC, Mazuma will accelerate the development of its new accountancy technology solutions, expand the marketing and sales teams in Bridgend, and invest in the firm’s infrastructure and operations to support growth.

"The CCR shares our goals and vision."

Launched in November 2022 and backed by the UK Government with initial £50 million funding from CCR, the IIC fund has already received more than 160 applications for funding from potential investee companies across South Wales.

It is managed by Capricorn Fund Managers, with PwC providing supporting advice.

The 'Investing in the Cardiff Capital Region' event formed part of a wider programme 'Wales Week in London', which aims to highlight and showcase opportunities within Wales.