Plaid Cymru’s October conference in Llandudno provided plenty of food for thought about the future of Wales, with economic growth, climate action and community empowerment high on the agenda.

For Grasshopper Communications Managing Director Clare Jones, it was a busy weekend of policy discussions, reconnecting with clients and colleagues, and considering what the government’s ambitions could mean for communities across Wales.

A recurring theme throughout the conference was the importance of ensuring that investment and economic growth deliver tangible local benefits. First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth outlined plans to boost the Welsh economy, including lower business rates, a new Development Agency and ambitions to halve Wales’ productivity gap with the rest of the UK within ten years. Building on this, Cabinet Minister Adam Price announced Sbardun, a new programme initially supporting 20 Welsh businesses to grow, improve productivity and create jobs.

Alongside ambitions to grow Welsh businesses, there was a strong emphasis on ensuring communities have greater influence over their economic futures. This was reflected in proposals to strengthen community ownership, including renewable energy projects and a proposed community right-to-buy scheme.

Renewable energy was a particular focus of Clare’s conversations with RenewableUK Cymru, exploring how Wales can maximise investment while ensuring local people see the benefits through jobs, stronger supply chains and community funding. A great example is Clocaenog Wind Farm, where community funding has helped safeguard a village shop and pub near Ruthin, demonstrating how renewable energy can support everyday community life.

There was also recognition that the benefits of renewable energy investment are not always well understood by local communities. RenewableUK Cymru’s research found that 76% of respondents had little or no understanding of community benefit schemes, highlighting the importance of clear communication and meaningful engagement in building trust and demonstrating the positive impact of renewable energy projects.

This emphasis on local benefits was echoed by Cabinet Minister Siân Gwenllian, who stressed the importance of local authorities shaping decisions affecting their communities. Her announcements included a review of the National Development Framework and plans for a sustainable development policy for data centres, ensuring future investment benefits Welsh communities and workforces.

Education and skills also featured in Clare’s conversations with ColegauCymru, particularly how Welsh Government can better support young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), creating pathways into skills development and meaningful employment.

Alongside these discussions, the conference reinforced the urgency of climate action, with commitments around climate resilience, nature recovery and achieving net zero by 2040.

For Grasshopper, the key takeaway was clear: ambitious policies and investment are only part of the picture. Whether it’s renewable energy, economic development or opportunities for young people, meaningful engagement, collaboration and clear communication are essential to ensuring communities understand, influence and benefit from change.

And, of course, no conference in Llandudno would be complete without a little Great Orme goat spotting and making friends with gulls!