Yesterday I had the opportunity to spend time at the It’s Your Swansea 2026 conference, and it is always a genuinely energising experience. It brought together people from right across the city who are committed to shaping Swansea’s future, and it was encouraging to see so many conversations happening about new ideas, shared challenges, and the opportunities ahead. The event organised by 4theRegion matters because they give people the space to network, develop and collaborate, something that plays a big part in keeping our city moving forward.
A real highlight this year was the new Start-up expo, showcasing some of the talent, ambition and innovation already emerging in Swansea. It was a reminder of how much potential there is here, and how important it is that we continue creating the conditions for people and businesses to thrive.
For the council, this kind of event directly supports our regeneration agenda. We’ve talked in previous blogs about how regeneration isn’t just about buildings, it’s also about people, skills, events, pride of place and confidence. Seeing that in action yesterday and speaking to businesses and organisations from across the city reinforced why our partnerships are so important. This all links to the current placemaking strategy consultation, which will also help shape the look and feel of our city centre and waterfront in the years ahead. Have your say here.
Earlier this week, alongside colleagues and Cabinet members, I was shown around the new homes built on the site of the former Brondeg House. They’re fantastic and are a very welcome addition to our More Homes programme. These homes were built by our housing and corporate building services teams, providing very valuable career experience for our apprentices in the process. My thanks to everyone who has seen this important project through to the end.
I was really pleased to see such a strong Care Inspectorate Wales inspection outcome for our domiciliary support service. The report highlights the kindness, professionalism, and consistency our teams bring to their work, and it’s clear from people’s feedback how much this matters in helping them stay independent, confident and safe in their own homes. Just as importantly, leadership and management were rated excellent, with safe recruitment, high?quality training and strong oversight all helping staff feel supported and able to do their best work. My thanks to all of you who made this possible.
This week I’ve had the opportunity to catch up with the two new leaders of Mid and West Wales Fire Service and Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. I took the opportunity to introduce Swansea to Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery and Dwr Cymru chief executive Roch Cheroux and gain an understanding of how each of the organisations will be working with us in the future for the benefit of our residents. Meetings like these and another I’m having shortly with the chief executive of Natural Resources Wales helps fulfil an important part of my appraisal objective to represent the council’s interests to our public sector partners and continue to identify opportunities for collaboration and engagement.
Yesterday afternoon I was pleased to be among the guests celebrating the 60th anniversary of Swansea University’s Discovery Student Volunteering programme. Our universities’ students contribute so much to the life of the city and those who stay on after graduation continue to play their part in supporting our regeneration agenda. My thanks to all the volunteers, past and present, for their commitment.
This week I paid a visit to Swansea Community Farm along with Cabinet Members to see what they do and see for ourselves how they contribute to our wider wellbeing agenda. With spring on its way, the volunteers who form the backbone of this community asset looked busy. The farm is well worth sticking in your diary for a family visit over the Easter holidays
As most of you will know, the Senedd election is on May 7. Our electoral services team is recruiting staff and is in particular need of polling station presiding officers, who have to have had experience as a poll clerk on at least three previous occasions. If you can help, find out more here.
And finally, let’s all get behind Jenna Bennett, who is our social services’ Practice Lead in the Valley Team. She’s been shortlisted for the Social Care Wales Inspirational Leadership Award 2026, and you can find out more and help Jenna earn the award by voting for her here.
I’ve watched the development of the Housing project on the former Brondeg House site take shape. Its great to hear about about the opportunity for the apprentices to develop their skills. The houses look first class – well done to all involved and I hope the new tenants will be very happy with their new homes.