As Director of ICAEW in Wales, I have always believed that Wales’ professional and business community has a distinctive voice — one rooted in resilience, innovation and a deep sense of place. Nowhere is that more visible than during Wales Week London, which this year celebrated its 10th anniversary. A decade on, the initiative is a highlight in the calendar and continues to showcase Welsh ambition on a UK and global stage, bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs and organisations who are shaping the future of our economy.

Wales has the talent, ambition, and resources to thrive in a rapidly changing economy. Yet too many businesses face barriers that hold back investment, innovation, and growth. Here ICAEW provides a member-led briefing for manifesto and policy leads.

The latest national Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) shows that business sentiment slipped deeper into negative territory amid uncertainty about the Budget and rising concern about both the tax burden and regulations. However, companies are optimistic that domestic sales and exports growth will improve over the next 12 months.

Welsh business confidence fell into negative territory in the fourth quarter of 2025, following the UK-wide slump in growth and confidence.