American fast-food giant McDonald’s has a huge £369.5 million impact on the Welsh economy, according to a report commissioned by the global restaurant chain. The study by planning and development consultancy Lichfields assessed McDonald’s economic contribution to Wales based on the gross value added measure. In 2023, McDonald’s had a direct economic impact of £176.1 million through its 74 Welsh restaurants, employing 9,160 people. The report also calculated an indirect impact of £114.3 million and induced impact of £79.1 million, supporting a total of 11,195 jobs in Wales.
Wales is home to one of McDonald’s biggest suppliers, Blackwood-based Seda, which provides paper packaging to all UK restaurants. Across the UK, McDonald’s contributes £7.25 billion annually to the economy, with a massive £94.45 billion impact over 50 years, spending £51.56 billion with UK supply chain businesses. McDonald’s employs over 171,000 staff in the UK, almost doubling since 2013. Including supply chain and induced impacts, McDonald’s supports nearly 210,000 jobs in the UK.
Since its first UK restaurant in Woolwich in 1974, McDonald’s has expanded to 1,435 restaurants nationwide serving four million people daily. Plans are underway to open an additional 200 restaurants over the next three years. McDonald’s franchisee Ralph Parker, who owns and operates 12 restaurants in Wales and the south west of England, emphasised the importance of creating and sustaining jobs in Wales. He highlighted the opportunities available to young people, providing qualifications while working and investing in staff development.
Parker added that McDonald’s restaurants in local communities engage in initiatives like litter picks and outreach programmes to support community welfare. The impact of McDonald’s extends beyond economic contributions, with a focus on community engagement and staff development to better serve local areas. With its significant economic influence and commitment to local communities, McDonald’s continues to play a vital role in the Welsh economy.
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This article discusses the substantial economic impact of McDonald’s on the Welsh economy, as revealed in a report commissioned by the American fast-food chain. The study highlights the direct, indirect, and induced economic contributions of McDonald’s in Wales, supporting over 11,000 jobs in the region. Additionally, the report showcases McDonald’s significant role in the UK economy, with an annual value of £7.25 billion and long-term impact exceeding £94 billion.
McDonald’s presence in Wales extends beyond economic figures, with a focus on community initiatives and staff development. Franchisee Ralph Parker emphasised the importance of job creation and investment in employee qualifications within McDonald’s restaurants across Wales. The commitment to local communities and workforce development solidifies McDonald’s position as a key contributor to the Welsh economy.
As McDonald’s continues to expand and enrich local communities through its operations, the impact of the fast-food chain transcends mere financial value, demonstrating a holistic approach to economic engagement and community support.