Part of 2. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure – in the Senedd at 1:40 pm on 25 January 2017.
This is one of the points that has been raised by Chris Sutton on numerous occasions with me during, again, the engagement programme that I’ve had with businesses. It’s absolutely central that we recognise that many of the premises that were built to attract investors are now reaching a point where they require either major investment or replacement. So, it’s going to become an increasingly important aspect of the prosperous and secure strategy, as we move forward to a post-Brexit existence.
I think also in terms of enterprise zones and the support that we’ve been able to provide through business rates, we’ve been able to already support 200 businesses with approximately £9 million of funding through the scheme. But there are other ways in which Welsh Government can act as an enabler of economic growth and business growth, and, of course, the provision of modern fit-for-purpose premises is one of those means by which we can encourage economic growth and prosperity.