On Tuesday 14th April, FOR Cardiff members gathered at Park Plaza Cardiff for a candidate forum ahead of the upcoming Senedd Election on 7th May.
Organised by FOR Cardiff, the event gave Cardiff’s business leaders the opportunity to hear directly from key political candidates about the policies and priorities shaping the future of the city, in addition to asking their own questions.
Event Overview
The hustings featured candidates from Plaid Cymru (Anna Brychan), the Wales Green Party (Tessa Marshall), Welsh Conservatives (Calum Davies), Welsh Labour (Huw Thomas) and the Welsh Liberal Democrats (Rodney Berman).
Chaired by award-winning journalist Will Hayward, the discussion focused on key topics:
- Business rates reform.
- High street regeneration.
- Transport and accessibility.
- Attracting visitors to Cardiff.
Key Policy Discussions
Business Rates Reform
Business rates emerged as a major theme throughout the discussion:
- Plaid Cymru proposed reforms to better support small, local businesses.
- The Green Party suggested replacing business rates with a land value tax system.
- Welsh Conservatives pledged to scrap rates for small firms, pubs, and post offices, alongside trial periods for new businesses.
Boosting Footfall and City Centre Vibrancy
Candidates highlighted different approaches to increasing activity in the city centre:
- Welsh Labour emphasised investment in public transport, including the South Wales Metro and capped bus fares.
- Welsh Liberal Democrats proposed a £400m Town Centres Fund to improve safety, cleanliness, and infrastructure.
- Conservatives focused on tackling antisocial behaviour to make the city more attractive to visitors and businesses.
Cardiff as a Visitor Destination
There was broad agreement on Cardiff’s strengths as an inclusive and welcoming city, alongside opportunities for growth:
- Labour highlighted major events and infrastructure, including a new arena and international sporting events.
- Plaid Cymru stressed investment in culture and sport to drive tourism.
- The Green Party proposed a new cultural act to support live music venues and civic engagement.
Looking Ahead: Future Priorities
Candidates also addressed longer-term challenges and opportunities:
- Reducing bureaucracy in development and construction.
- Strengthening relationships for future funding opportunities.
- Supporting workforce readiness, housing, and economic growth.
- Encouraging stronger collaboration between businesses and government.
There was consensus on Cardiff’s importance as an economic driver for Wales and the need for policies that support sustainable growth.
FOR Cardiff’s Role
FOR Cardiff acts as a vital bridge between the business community and decision-makers, ensuring business voices are represented.
FOR Cardiff continues to focus on:
- Advocacy on key policy issues.
- Delivering projects that enhance the city centre.
To learn more about FOR Cardiff and our ongoing consultation process, visit www.forcardiff.com/ballot.