Swansea Business Improvement District is upbeat on the outlook for 2026
THe number of business openings in the centre of Swansea far exceeded closures this year alongside improved crime outcomes and increased investment in safety and support.
During 202, Swansea city centre recorded 46 visible business openings compared with 17 closures, representing a 27% increase in new openings compared to 2024.
New businesses to open this year include Rituals, Skechers, Popeye’s, Wingstop, Slim Chickens, The Swansea Jack, The Baker Co, Manifest, Plan Burrito, Saint Hugo and independent retailers like Sapenin, Hello Asia, Retroplex and LV Nails.
Alongside this growth, new data shows Swansea city centre has become a safer place to trade and visit. Figures shared by South Wales Police show a 40% positive outcome rate for reported shop thefts in November 2025, up from 35% year on year.
Positive outcomes for anti-social behaviour have almost doubled, rising to 62% compared with 33% in November 2024. These improvements reflect the success of the continued partnership between Swansea Business Improvement District (BID), Swansea Council’s Safer Swansea team (SABC) and South Wales Police.
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Business engagement with crime prevention and intelligence-sharing systems has also increased. Use of the SentrySIS crime reporting platform is up 28% year to date, with a 14% rise in reports to SABC. The city-wide StoreNet radio network now connects 152 businesses, improving real-time communication and incident response across the city centre.
Swansea BID has also invested in supporting frontline city centre staff through training. During 2025, BID facilitated 352 training spaces, with an estimated value of £40,000, engaging 98 businesses across more than 40 courses. Training delivered included personal safety for retail and night-time economy staff, emergency first aid, food safety and mental health awareness.
This was complemented by 31 drop-in sessions and help desks, offering practical business support on business funding, waste management, marketing and energy cost savings.
Environmental improvements have also played a role in enhancing the city centre experience. Swansea BID supported the maintenance and appearance of more than 55,000 square metres of city centre pavement and coordinated the removal of 170 graffiti tags, helping to create a cleaner and more welcoming environment.
Andrew Douglas, Swansea BID manager, said: “The rise in new business openings is a clear indicator of growing confidence in Swansea city centre. Coupled with improved crime outcomes, stronger communication, and sustained investment in training and the public realm, it demonstrates that effective partnership working is delivering tangible results. Our priority has been to create a safer, more welcoming city centre, and that progress is now translating into real momentum for businesses.
“It is also exciting to see the city centre continue to evolve through major developments such as 71/72 Kingsway, Y Storfa, Kartay’s Princess Quarter, and the ongoing Castle Gardens project. This continued investment highlights the city’s positive trajectory, and I am confident that as we move into 2026, Swansea city centre will become an even more attractive destination for businesses to establish and grow.”
Swansea BID said it will continue to build on this progress into 2026, with a focus on safety, business support and strengthening Swansea city centre as a place to visit, work and invest.
