Wales recorded the strongest regional investment growth in the UK during the first half of 2026, with total investment reaching £159.3m — up more than 530% on the previous half-year. The figures include an £81m funding round for Cardiff semiconductor supplier IQE, part of a wider surge in digital and advanced manufacturing investment.
Technology & Advanced Manufacturing
→
Investment boost
H1 2026 investment figures
£159.3m investment
HOW RESKILL WALES CAN HELP
Growth in semiconductors, digital and advanced manufacturing means rising demand for cloud, AI and cyber skills — exactly what our Azure Cloud, Generative AI and Cyber Security masterclasses cover.
SOURCE: Business News Wales (Barclays Regional Investment Map)
Read report →
Plastics reprocessing firm Jayplas is creating 100 new jobs across sites in Swansea and Blaenau Gwent, backed by earlier Welsh Government support, as part of Wales' circular economy and green manufacturing push.
Green Economy & Manufacturing
→
100 jobs
Expansion under way
HOW RESKILL WALES CAN HELP
Green manufacturing and process roles are a strong fit for our Additive Manufacturing & CAD and Power Platform masterclasses, both funded for redundant or career-changing workers.
SOURCE: Business News Wales
Read report →
Wales attracted 75 foreign direct investment projects in 2025-26, the biggest annual increase since 2020-21, creating more than 1,500 new jobs and protecting thousands more, according to UK Government figures.
Cross-sector / Inward Investment
→
1,500 jobs
2025-26 annual figures
HOW RESKILL WALES CAN HELP
Inward investors consistently cite skills availability as a deciding factor — every learner we train through ReAct+ funded masterclasses adds to that pipeline for Wales.
SOURCE: GOV.UK (Department for Business and Trade)
Read report →
Pharmaceutical manufacturer Norgine is investing £23m to expand warehousing and production at its Hengoed site, creating more than 40 new roles. The expansion was unlocked by the UK Government's Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund and announced by the Secretary of State for Wales.
Life Sciences & Pharma
→
44 jobs
Announced, expansion under way
£23m investment
HOW RESKILL WALES CAN HELP
Manufacturing, quality and warehousing roles like these increasingly need digital and data skills — our Data Analytics for Business and Power BI masterclasses are ReAct+ funded for eligible candidates.
SOURCE: Business News Wales
Read report →