WREXHAM Council's lead member for economy has spoken on how the county's businesses have bounced back from the pandemic, as well as what the future holds.

Last week, the Leader revealed that new data showed how jobs and businesses had faired in the county since the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020.

It showed that, in Wrexham, there were 4,025 businesses listed in 2019 and this fell to 3,985 by 2023 - a loss of 40 (or 0.99%).

Meanwhile, there were 61,230 jobs in 2019. This had risen to 61,280 by 2022, an increase of 50 or 0.08%.

Mike Learmond - senior development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses - said the new data painted a 'complex picture of the recovery in Wrexham'.

He added that it 'highlighted the resilience and adaptability small businesses have to demonstrate as they navigate the on-going recovery from the pandemic'.

Now, Cllr Nigel Williams has given his views on how the council has been helping businesses bounce back - and will continue to do so.

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He said: “The covid pandemic impacted businesses and individuals worldwide. In Wrexham our businesses and jobs growth faced the same challenge as other areas.

“During the pandemic businesses were supported by several national schemes implemented by Westminster and the Welsh Government such as furlough and bounce back loans, with Wrexham Council facilitating these payments.

“Looking forward we have seen significant interest and growth in both the hospitality and leisure and tourism sector in Wrexham recently, as well as continued investment in the Wrexham Industrial Estate (one of the largest of its kind in Europe).

“The anticipated Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone, which is on the horizon, is intended to bring an estimated investment of £160 million from the UK government to boost our economy, within advanced manufacturing.

“We are a partner in the Mersey Dee Alliance, as we share economic, social and environmental interests across the West Cheshire, Wirral and North East Wales area."

Looking ahead to the future, he added: "We have spent £4m on refurbishing our Butchers and General Markets, and these will be a fantastic location to start and develop small businesses.

“The Gateway Project during its implementation and upon completion will bring further investment and jobs to Wrexham.

“We also work with many other partners on developing Wrexham’s infrastructure, energy needs, public transport, drawing inward investment as well as jobs and upskilling the Wrexham workforce.”