ICC Wales and Celtic Manor Resort to Host Major International Investment Summit
April 10, 2025
Wales’ First Minister Eluned Morgan has announced that a major investment summit will be hosted at International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales) and the Celtic Manor Resort.
Taking place on December 1st, 2025, the summit will focus on promoting Wales as a destination for overseas investors. Currently, there are around 1,480 overseas-owned companies operating in Wales, employing more than 174,000 workers.
Wesley Clover will work closely with the Welsh Government and the host venues on the planning for the summit and the opportunities for technology companies.
To coincide with the summit announcement, the US semiconductor design software leader Cadence Design Systems, Inc. has announced plans to open a new design centre in Cardiff, creating more than 100 highly skilled jobs. The Cadence Design Centre, a joint venture with the Welsh Government and the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult, will design semiconductor chips, creating a strong pipeline of graduate talent to help address skills shortages in the industry.
Speaking ahead of the Investment Summit, the First Minister said, “Wales is rapidly building strength in industries which are shaping the world, from semiconductors for mobile phones and electric vehicles to our celebrated creative industries, exporting TV and film to audiences around the globe.
“Economic growth is my top priority and I’m looking forward to welcoming major players to the biggest ever business event to take place in Wales. The Summit will be a chance to share with the world the wealth of opportunities in our dynamic and future-focused nation.”
Terry Matthews, Chairman of The Celtic Collection, said, “We are delighted to host the Welsh Government Investment Summit at ICC Wales and the Celtic Manor Resort. We look forward to welcoming industry leaders from all over the world to Wales.
“The Summit is a great opportunity for Welsh businesses to attract investors and boost the economy. Events like this are the reason why we built ICC Wales, because business events are so important to making connections and facilitating trade and investment. Timing is also good for the profile and growth of new enterprise communications technology in Wales, utilising AI and the design and fabrication of IoT devices using Compound Semiconductors.”
Martin McHugh, Chief Executive Officer at CSA Catapult, said, “The creation of the new semiconductor design centre is a significant milestone for the UK semiconductor industry. We are delighted to be working with Cadence Design Systems and the Welsh Government to create a world-leading facility, creating over a hundred new jobs in Wales.
“It builds on the success of the compound semiconductor cluster in Wales and will create new opportunities for the entire UK semiconductor ecosystem.”