Analysis

Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Factual: Politics

Programme examining the ideas and forces which shape public policy in Britain and abroad.

Programme examining the ideas and forces which shape public policy in Britain and abroad, presented by distinguished writers, journalists and academics.

BBC Radio 4 LW

Analysis: Blaenau Ffestiniog and the Foundational Economy

06/02/2023

Blaenau Ffestiniog and the Foundational Economy

BBC Radio 4 - Analysis, Blaenau Ffestiniog and the Foundational Economy

Blaenau Ffestiniog investigates whether the foundational economy is viable.

Can the foundational economy ever be big and bold enough to transform Britain?

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 “Foundational Economy” - 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 £1 spent in every three in Wales. 
Wales has been a global pioneer in supporting the “mundane” but crucial Foundational Economy, shaping policies around it. They’ve establish a dedicated ministerial board, and have a £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’s 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

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Analysis

Blaenau Ffestiniog and the Foundational Economy

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4