Businesses have overwhelmingly backed plans to create the world’s first man-made tidal lagoon in Swansea Bay.
Every business that took part in a survey by Swansea Bay Business Club said it supported the plans, and that the lagoon would be a positive development for the area. Even companies that did not believe the lagoon would especially benefit their own business performance backed the plan.
The survey was sent to almost 200 companies in the Swansea Bay region. It was carried out by Swansea Bay Business club’s new Policy Group, which aims to promote the club’s members’ position on public policy issues.
The Swansea Bay Business Club’s Policy Group chairman, Spencer Feeney , said: “Local business is sending a clear message to policymakers with these survey findings.”
All of the respondents said the lagoon would bring economic and regenerative benefits to the bay region. Six out of ten companies agreed on the lagoon’s economic benefit, while the other 40 percent “strongly agreed”. On the regenerative benefit, 64 percent agreed and 36 percent “strongly agreed.” And six out of ten companies believed the lagoon would benefit their own business.
There was 100 per cent support for more research and development of alternative energy sources in the Swansea Bay region.
Mr Feeney said: “Business is more aware than ever of the impact of energy usage on its bottom line.
“The development of energy supply, including new and alternative sources, is of great importance to all local companies.
“The desire for more information about the possible implications of energy development schemes reflects business awareness of the need to balance economic and environmental concerns.”
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Press release, December 18, 2013; Image: tidallagoonswanseabay