Unlocking Wales' Productivity Potential

As Wales approaches the 2026 Senedd election, productivity remains one of the nation’s defining economic challenges. The Wales Productivity Forum’s latest report warns that while other devolved nations have made gains, Wales risks falling further behind without targeted action.Host Robert Lloyd Griffiths, Wales Forum Chair at the Wales Productivity Forum, is joined by Professor Melanie Jones of the Wales Productivity Forum, Joshua Miles, Head of the Federation of Small Businesses Wales and Rhian Elston of Development Bank of Wales to explore the Forum’s key policy recommendations for the next Welsh Government.

Public services in Wales face immense pressure, from tight budgets and rising demand to workforce shortages and increasing public expectations.Host Robert Lloyd Griffiths, Wales Forum Chair at the Wales Productivity Forum, is joined by Huw Thomas, Executive Director of Finance at Hywel Dda University Health Board, Owen Wilce, Senior Innovation Manager at Cardiff Capital Region and Barry Lloyd, Head of Innovation and New Product Development at Transport for Wales to examine what ‘public sector productivity’ really means and how improving efficiency, embracing innovation, and supporting staff can help deliver better outcomes for citizens.

Running a business is challenging and time is always in short supply. What if just a few small, smart changes could unlock hidden potential, boost efficiency, and improve profitability?Host Robert Lloyd Griffiths, Wales Forum Chair at the Wales Productivity Forum, is joined by Tom Wilkinson of Barcud Shared Services, Jane Wallace-Jones of Something Different Wholesale and Jason Murphy of AMRC Cymru to discuss the Wales Business Productivity Toolkit, a practical resource designed to help SMEs identify opportunities for improvement and take action.tion.

Productivity is one of the most critical, yet misunderstood, drivers of economic growth and wellbeing. Despite its importance, Wales consistently ranks lowest among UK nations and regions for productivity.This opening episode will set the stage for the Wales Productivity Forum Podcast by unpacking what productivity actually means, why it matters for individuals, businesses, and society, and what Wales needs to do to address its productivity gap.This conversation will highlight both the challenges and opportunities facing Wales, and explore how coordinated action across government, business, and communities can help build a stronger, fairer economy.