Businesses in Mid Wales

Part of 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport – in the Senedd at 2:06 pm on 2 May 2018.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 2:06, 2 May 2018

I'd be more than happy to meet with the Member and businesses, along with, if I may suggest, the chief regional officer who is putting together the regional plan for mid and south-west Wales. The problem that Russell George identifies is one that Chris Sutton, an expert in this field, has identified as well. As a consequence of this known problem, the economic action plan was developed to specifically address the lack of available and suitable premises for growing businesses.

In mid Wales, in the areas that the Member represents, we've invested in places to accommodate companies such as Zip-Clip, Invertek Drives and Charlies Stores. I think it's fair to say that the development that has taken place in Welshpool in particular has been transformational for that community. But there is an intensifying need to develop and deliver more suitable premises elsewhere, as well as still in Welshpool.

We've recently sold seven acres of land in Abermule to Powys County Council. Their proposal is to construct small, high-quality, advance business units as part of the site, but I do believe that there is an important role in this regard for the mid Wales growth deal. I met last week with Lord Bourne and the Growing Mid Wales partners and we discussed, in very general terms, what is required for mid Wales to flourish and to become more prosperous. It's my view that, if you're to drive economic growth in a sustainable way, you have to ensure that you invest in skills and infrastructure and the right regional vehicles for supporting economic growth. And, with infrastructure, as the Member has highlighted, site premises are crucially important.