麻豆约拍

In the search for stability and growth, policy and debate often focuses on looking for multi-million pound inward investment, or industries with big ideas such as technology and manufacturing. But these businesses, which often rely on sophisticated technology to produce tradeable and exportable products, only make up a small proportion of the UK economy. Instead the 鈥淔oundational Economy鈥� - things like food production and processing, retail, health, education, housing and welfare, contribute to a much larger proportion of spending. They account for around four in ten jobs and 拢1 spent in every three in Wales.
Wales has been a global pioneer in supporting the 鈥渕undane鈥� but crucial Foundational Economy, shaping policies around it. They鈥檝e establish a dedicated ministerial board, and have a 拢4.5m fund, supporting a series of experimental projects testing the importance and potential of the Foundational Economy. But can it ever be big enough or bold enough to transform the state鈥檚 finances?
Clare McNeil visits the former Slate mining capital of the world - Blaenau Ffestiniog - to investigate whether these projects can provide sufficient stability and growth, and if the rest of the UK should focus on the mundane to develop the economy.

Presenter: Clare McNeil
Producer: Jonathan IAnson
Editor: Clare Fordham