If every person & business in South West Wales spent an extra £100 over the course of a year with regional businesses, instead of global ones, there would be an extra £108m circulating and multiplying in our economy.

More money circulating in the regional economy means small businesses will grow; new enterprises will start; jobs will be created; young people will stay; places will thrive; communities will flourish.

In short, the economy will work better for everyone.

How might we change the way major organisations buy goods and services so that all the benefits of that procurement, and the £6bn of public spend, are retained in the region? And how might we make procurement a force for good, ensuring that the “invisible value” and “added value” that comes from regional procurement is recognised and scored as part of the tender process?

And what about our personal spending, and our own businesses and organisations in the private and third sectors? What can we do to keep more of our spending in the region and encourage others to do the same?

At 4theRegion we are keen to make connections between all those who are working, leading projects, or interested in the topic of procurement and 'buying regional', so if you are involved in anything that we should be aware of, want to have your say, or have ideas to share, please come along and be part of the conversation.

By connecting likeminded people and organisations, and by facilitating open conversations about what we all want for the future of our region, we hope to unlock opportunities and emerge actions to make change happen.

Please register your place and save the date. Further details will be provided shortly.

If you need more information, please contact zoe@4theRegion.com