The Wales Wellbeing Conference 2025 in Swansea brought together leaders, policymakers, and practitioners to address the core question: How do we practically deliver a genuinely wellbeing-focused economy in Wales? For prospective partners and clients, the conference provided not just theory, but a roadmap detailing the immense opportunities and the essential requirements for organizations committed to long-term resilience and impact.
The Imperative for Change: a Non-Negotiable System Failure
The morning panel, chaired by Dawn Lyle (Wellbeing Economy Cymru) and featuring Mary Sherwood (Fairer Future), Rhydian Davies (Welsh Government), Huw Thomas (Hywel Dda Health Board) and Glenn Bowen (Cwmpas), was clear: the current economic system is failing to meet fundamental social needs. The current model will not facilitate the necessary systemic changes to lift children out of poverty or close the health inequality gap.
The market is now defined by the demand for solutions that drive social value alongside financial returns. Organizations that proactively invest in community-led, non-extractive models will lead in attracting funding, contracts, and talent. Huw Thomas’s perspective on Hywel Dda Health Board’s £1.3 billion budget was a powerful reminder of how Government procurement processes can be leveraged as a massive engine for change. Public sector spending is the most immediate mechanism to facilitate the shift toward local, ethical, and community-focused enterprises.
Pragmatism and Impact: The Future Generations Act
Derek Walker’s update on the Future Generations and Wellbeing Act journey was notably pragmatic, focusing on achievable progress using the Act’s existing mechanisms to deliver tangible impact. I always feel he levels with us and demonstrates how the changes required are not aspirational rhetoric; it’s about grounded, measurable action. The Act provides the legislative tools; success depends on applying them strategically.
The Blueprint for Local Wealth-building: Learning from Gwynedd
The inspiring talk from Ceri Cunnington and Gwenlli Evans showcased the transformative potential of the Cymunedoli principles in Gwynedd. With £6m of assets now under community ownership, they demonstrated a clear, successful model for stopping corporate wealth extraction.
Community-owned assets are the bedrock of a resilient, local economy. This model creates circular wealth that stays within the region. These successes underscore the need for partnerships to deliver for communities and that it can lead to changes at scale.
The Critical Barrier: Land Reform Debate
The Big Land Reform Debate, introduced by Rewilding Britain, Tir Pontypridd, and others, reinforced the legislative and financial hurdles currently facing community groups in Wales.
When competing against private buyers, communities face significant financial and time disadvantages. Legislative change must be matched by innovative financial solutions.
Our development of a Community Land Purchase Facility is a direct response to this systemic challenge. We are building the critical mechanism to level the playing field, ensuring that valuable land and assets can be secured for the long-term benefit of Welsh communities.
Next Steps
The 2025 conference was a resounding success in building networks and opportunities. But for us at Common, the discussions were a mandate for action.
If your organization is committed to building a resilient Welsh economy—through ethical investment, impact-driven procurement, or by empowering community ownership—we should talk.
We invite prospective partners and clients to schedule a call to discuss how Common’s expertise and our Land Purchase Facility can align with your strategic goals for 2026.
Mark Hilleard, Head of Projects, Common
12 November 2025