CSconnected Supporting £436m for Welsh Economy and 3140 Jobs

Why It Matters

The cluster’s rapid expansion bolsters Wales’s high‑tech manufacturing base, draws export revenue, and positions the region as a strategic node in the global semiconductor supply chain.

Key Takeaways

• 2025 GVA $554 M, 19% increase YoY.
• Jobs rose 14% to 3,140, 1,914 direct.
• Exports $610 M, >90% of output.
• UK‑wide GVA $720 M, 31% growth.
• 2030 target: $1.27 B revenue, 6,000 jobs.

Pulse Analysis

South Wales’s CSconnected cluster has become a cornerstone of the UK’s advanced semiconductor ecosystem. Backed by the UKRI Strength in Places programme, the cluster’s GVA climbed to $554 million in 2025, while employment surged to 3,140 roles, reflecting a 14% rise in direct and indirect jobs. The region’s high‑skill talent pool commands average salaries near $84,000, well above the Welsh average, underscoring the sector’s premium‑pay nature and its capacity to attract and retain top engineering talent.

Export performance drives the cluster’s economic clout. With $610 million in overseas sales—over 90% of total output—the cluster funnels significant foreign currency into Wales, reinforcing local supply chains and ancillary services. The high export intensity also insulates the cluster from domestic market fluctuations, delivering a stable revenue stream that supports $720 million of UK‑wide GVA. Moreover, the cluster’s ripple effect creates 1.29 additional jobs for every direct position, amplifying its regional employment impact.

Looking ahead, CSconnected’s 2030 roadmap targets $1.27 billion in revenue and a workforce of 6,000, leveraging initiatives such as the South Wales Investment Zone and the Local Innovation Partnership Fund. Scaling capacity, deepening supply‑chain integration, and expanding skill development are central to this ambition. For investors and policymakers, the cluster offers a compelling case study of how focused public‑private collaboration can accelerate high‑tech manufacturing, boost export earnings, and deliver sustained economic diversification for a traditionally industrial region.