Part of 1. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure – in the Senedd at 1:35 pm on 5 October 2016.
Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. Can I say, I was greatly encouraged by a report last week that highlighted the positive signs of growth in my own constituency of Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney? We have a new factory—General Dynamics—at Pentrebach, bringing in 250 new jobs, high-quality jobs, into the area, and 150 new jobs to EE in Merthyr. And the report also quoted a local restaurant owner, who said,
‘Merthyr still has its rich industrial heritage, but the town is developing into a modern commercial hub, with lots to offer locals and visitors’.
That is something that I would totally agree with. However, what I think we all appreciate, Cabinet Secretary, is that, alongside new jobs from larger companies, the economic prosperity for areas like Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney will be best secured by also encouraging new small and medium enterprises to come into the area. With the right support, such companies can become rooted in the communities and, if successful, can produce good-quality, well-paid and long-term employment. So, would the Cabinet Secretary agree with me that support to small businesses, through the extension of the small business rate relief scheme, and the launch of the growth and prosperity fund, could be key components in achieving this?