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The spring conferences are usually quieter affairs than their autumn counterparts, and in a week which has seen a major policy reversal, a fine from the Electoral Commission, and a bid from the SNP for a second independence referendum – inevitably prompting renewed questions in some quarters about Wales’ constitutional future - politics watchers might well have expected a downbeat ambiance in Cardiff, where the Conservatives met for their annual Spring Forum.

Yet for all the difficulties of the past week, the mood in the Swalec Stadium was upbeat. Clad in bright red to match the Welsh Dragon, standing in front of the conference slogan ‘Cynllun ar Gyfer Prydain’ (‘Plan for Britain’), Prime Minister Theresa May used her speech to deliver a passionate and defiant defence of the Union. There was little in the way of specific Welsh policy announcements; in this speech, the Prime Minister was speaking to the whole of the United Kingdom. And with Labour having failed to capitalise on a difficult week for the Conservatives, Theresa May sought to consolidate her position in the political centre ground, mentioning more than once the importance of ‘a country that works for everyone’. Throughout the conference, Ministers were keen to stress the importance of looking outward rather than inward; a sentiment that could be said to be equally applicable to Britain, Wales, and the Conservative Party.

We at Newgate Communications were pleased to launch our expanded Welsh public affairs offering at the Spring Forum. The number of thriving Welsh businesses who attended our sponsored Business Lounge bore testimony to the exciting opportunities that exist for businesses of all shapes and sizes, throughout the country. And not just west of the Severn Bridge, either. You only have to see the international success of brands such as Halen Môn, and of innovative firms such as Hydro Industries in Carmarthenshire, whose ground-breaking technology is delivering clean water to communities across the globe, to see the potential that Welsh companies have to compete on the global stage.

Of course, these are critical times for the Welsh economy. Public sector bodies and private businesses alike must navigate the choppy waters of Brexit and the consequent loss of EU aid, understand the complexities of a new devolution settlement, and respond to an uncertain economic climate and ongoing public spending squeeze. Yet, alongside these challenges are a variety of opportunities. The Swansea Bay City Deal, worth £1.3billion, was signed by the Prime Minister this week, promising almost 9,500 jobs and 11 technology, health and advanced engineering projects delivered in the area over 15 years. Major energy projects such as Wylfa Newydd on Anglesey and the Swansea Bay Tidal lagoon loom on the horizon, offering a tantalising prospect of future economic growth.

The optimistic rallying cries from the Conference platform last Friday could be interpreted as the Government throwing down the gauntlet to Wales’ people and businesses to flourish in a globalised world. One alternative reading was a Prime Minister firing the starting gun for an early general election, as she embarked on a whistle-stop tour of the United Kingdom. As Theresa May prepares to press the Brexit button on 29th March, Welsh businesses will be watching her closely for a Brexit settlement that enables them to flourish and compete. The question now is whether that settlement will be reached ahead of the next general election – or after it.