Cross-border transport links among Chamber priorities ahead of Senedd election
Stronger cross-border transport links between North Wales and England are among five priorities the region’s Chamber of Commerce has set out for the next Welsh Government, ahead of the Senedd election on 7 May.
The West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce based its document on its Quarterly Economic Survey for the first three months of 2026 and direct feedback from member firms.
Under its infrastructure heading, the Chamber called for stronger cross-border transport links with England, alongside investment in road and rail networks and a faster rollout of digital infrastructure.
The cross-border ask lands directly on the A55, A483 and M56 corridors, which carry daily commuter and freight traffic between Flintshire and Cheshire.
The other four priorities the Chamber has put to candidates are skills and training funding, planning and development, international trade support, and business costs and economic stability.
The Chamber said its survey showed firms across the region facing pressure on recruitment, costs and trade.
The survey found that 48% of firms tried to recruit during the quarter and 67% of those that did reported difficulty finding suitable candidates.
The balance for workforce growth was negative eight, meaning more firms reduced staff numbers than increased them over the three-month period.
Investment in training was effectively flat at a balance of plus two, and investment in plant and machinery sat at zero.
Labour costs rose for 64% of firms during the quarter, utility costs for 59% and raw material costs for 54%.
Inflation was cited as a concern by 63% of businesses.
The cashflow balance fell to negative twelve, although headline turnover and profitability balances remained positive at plus 44 and plus 34.
On international trade, the survey recorded export sales at negative ten and export orders at negative eight.
UK domestic orders also showed a negative balance of minus nine.
On planning, the Chamber said firms needed faster decisions and more consistent guidance across local authorities, citing the flat investment figures as evidence of business caution.
On trade, it called for enhanced export support services for Welsh businesses and stronger international trade promotion.
On costs, it asked the next Welsh Government for clarity and stability on business rates and taxation, and support for firms facing rising energy and operational costs.
On skills, the Chamber asked for expanded funding for vocational and technical training, easier access to apprenticeships for small and medium-sized firms, and closer alignment between skills provision and employer needs.
Sarah Bailey, Chief Executive of the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce, said:
“Our latest Quarterly Economic Survey makes it clear that businesses across North Wales are resilient, but they are facing growing pressures on multiple fronts. From recruitment challenges and rising costs, to weaker trade performance.”
“As we approach the Senedd election, it is vital that the next Welsh Government focuses on the practical actions that will make a real difference to businesses on the ground. Investment in skills, infrastructure and a more efficient planning system, alongside stronger trade support and measures to ease cost pressures, will be critical.”
Polling stations across Flintshire are open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 7 May.
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