Stop talking and get on with it is the key message from business in south east Wales in a new study by the South East Wales Economic Forum on what needs to be done to fulfil the economic potential of the capital city region.

A spokesman for the forum said: "A clear message from the majority of the 200 business people contributing to the study is that we need to build on the strengths that we have and to do it quickly. The time for talking has come to an end: business wants action, and is prepared to play its part.

"Businesses want clarity and certainty from the Welsh Government. They want a bold and ambitious city region strategy, a 10-year investment plan in people, transport and places. Ministers should decide on a strategy, commit to it, set targets and get it delivered.

"The overwhelming majority of contributors identified the regional Metro as the single most important project for inclusion in the 10-year plan. Other key projects which emerged are the M4 relief road, and building a regional identity for south east Wales. This should involve focusing on developing a limited number of key sectors and establishing landmark buildings such as a convention centre and a Guggenheim Museum.

"The major constraints on growth identified were less region-specific: workforce skills and access to finance.

"Two areas of opportunity put forward by contributors are energy supply, and health and care of the elderly. Private sector initiatives in eldercare should be encouraged and will create jobs. Energy supply and security are of real concern to business: suggestions to counteract this included learning from Germany on cost-reduction, exploiting Severn tidal power and subsidising manufacturing in the energy sector.

Businesses were asked what role they would be prepared to play in building the city region. They clearly felt business must be part of the strategy making and implementation process, with a real focus on action and speedy delivery. They were keen to be involved in external promotion of the region, and to engage directly in addressing the skills concerns they had raised.

The South East Wales local authorities welcomed the report and the messages it shares with their ongoing work."

A spokesman said: “We are strongly supportive of businesses' wish for a 10 year investment plan, along with their priorities for transport, since they dovetail completely with the priorities emerging from local government’s Strategic Framework for south east Wales. It is crucial these priorities are taken forward to delivery, and the combined partnership of local and national government with business on the new Capital City Region Board, offers a vehicle to do so.”

Here's what some Gwent business people think about the make-up of the new board for the South East Wales City Region, which is to be chaired by Roger Lewis, of the WRU, with local members including Newport City Council leader Bob Bright and Councillor Peter Fox, of Monmouthshire County Council.

Robert Twigg, commercial property partner, Everett Tomlin Lloyd & Pratt Solicitors

It seems like a good mix of leading figures from the area’s business, local government and higher education sectors. Hopefully the inclusion of three Gwent council leaders will help ensure that the interests of Newport/Gwent promoted fully in the City Region.

Gerald Davies, executive chairman, Kymin

It’s all very well having council leaders on the board, but the real need is surely economic re-generation. The same people seem to be on everything, which pre-supposes they have had little time to experience the real world. Rather than local politicians, wouldn’t a sprinkling of business entrepreneurs be more helpful?

James Norville, ??, GD Environmental

I think this is an excellent combination of experience and expertise appointed to drive Newport forward. Councillor Bob Bright will contribute a wealth of knowledge of local business. I think the selection of Dan Langford, of Acorn, is significant when taking into account the well-established commercial interest of Acorn. Along with the recent investment and employment opportunities brought to the city by Admiral, driven by David Stevens.

Claire Porter, owner , Lady Muck Cleaning

I think the board for the SE Wales City Region contains a good mix of individuals, each of whom I am sure will not have underestimated the importance of their involvement in such a project. It looks like a mix of people that promises to adopt a proactive and positive approach and one which I hope will help the SE Wales region to compete with Europe with regards to attracting investment and jobs. I wish them all the very best of luck.