The £45m impact of youth organisation the Urdd on the Welsh economy

Wales’ largest youth organisation, Urdd Gobaith Cymru, generates a near £45m boost for the Welsh economy.

An economic impact assessment carried out by Arad Research for the Urdd and covering its 2022-23 financial year, shows a direct impact of £15.5m through its spending on goods, services and staff and £10.6m indirect through visits to its eisteddfods, residential centre and sport activities. The direct and indirect inputs were calculated as having an induced impact on the wider economy of £10.6m.

In five years the Urdd’s economic impact has increased 76% from £25.5m to £44.9m. Over the same period its turnover has increased from £10.2m to £19.6m, a rise of 88%.

The research also show that:

The Urdd’s residential centres generated a total economic value of £7.9m within their communities;

Sports activities generated an economic value of £6.m in Wales;

For every £1 of income received, the Urdd Eisteddfod produced an economic value of £6.9;

42% of the 362 staff employed by the Urdd are under 25, and 38% of its strategic boards members are between 18 and 25;

There has been a 109% increase in new apprenticeships per year since 2018 (from 35 to 73); and

80% of those who complete the Urdd’s apprenticeship scheme are employed by the organisation.

Siân Lewis, Urdd Gobaith Cymru’s chief executive said: “Research company Arad were commissioned to assess the Urdd’s economic value to Wales, and it’s fair to say that we are very pleased with the figures.

“The Urdd’s aim is to provide experiences and activities through the medium of Welsh for children and young people in Wales, but this report demonstrates that we go way above our aims by generating jobs and wealth for the economy of Wales.

“With 362 members of staff, the Urdd is one of the largest Welsh language employers and the main provider of apprenticeships through the medium of Welsh within the third sector in Wales. Today’s economic value of £44.9m shows that a third sector organisation that operates through the medium of Welsh can succeed in creating an economic impact together with a positive influence on the Welsh language.

“In this challenging economic climate, we appreciate that every organisation receiving public money needs to demonstrate value for money and I am pleased that this report clearly shows our impact on Wales.”

Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething said: “I want to thank the Urdd for the contribution they’ve made to the Welsh economy for over a century. Their efforts support our ambition towards a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Wales – all whilst having Cymraeg at the core of everything they do.”

Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Dawn Bowden added: “This report demonstrates the importance the Welsh language, culture and sports can have on our economy. As we back young people to achieve the ambitious futures they deserve in Wales, the Urdd continue to nurture the workforce of the future.”