Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:54 pm on 23 January 2018.
Can I thank David Rowlands for his comments and questions? David is absolutely right: very soon we'll be seeing a 'made in Wales' stamp on Aston Martins, we'll see a 'made in Wales' stamp on TVRs, we'll see a 'made in Wales' stamp on the rail network, and potentially, in the longer term, on a fully integrated public transport network across our country.
There'll be no delay in appointing the ODP, and work is already taking place involving Business Wales advisers with potential IDPs to ensure that, the length and breadth of Wales, small and medium-sized companies have the ability, the capacity and the skills to be able to secure important and, in many cases, vital projects as part of the next franchise. This is a huge programme in terms of the capital spend that will be invested in the south Wales metro and that will also be invested across the Wales and borders network, and of course in the development of the north-east Wales metro.
I am determined to make sure that Business Wales advisers don't just give support in terms of how to win contracts, but also give support in ensuring that small businesses have the right people with the right skills employed to be able to deliver projects that will be transformative for the public transport network. It's absolutely essential that Welsh Government works with businesses, with stakeholders, with the ODP, and I also believe with local government at a regional level, to develop a transport network and to develop an integrated transport system that benefits not just individuals, but also businesses across the length and breadth of Wales.