Diolch, Dirprwy Llywydd. This year, Social Enterprise Day falls on Thursday, 15 November. The day is a chance to raise awareness of social enterprises, those businesses committed to a social or environmental mission. It is also part of Global Entrepreneurship Week. Something of the scale and scope of the sector in Wales is suggested by the report on social businesses in Wales: the state of the sector. This was produced by the Wales Co-operative Centre and funded by the Welsh Government and appeared in 2017. It paints a picture of a vibrant sector, contributing around £2.37 billion to the national economy. Also, one that employs in the region of 48,000 people.

It noted that social businesses are predominantly found in areas of social deprivation. In these areas, they play a key role, supporting communities and offering jobs and training. They also provide those fundamental services that the public and private sectors could otherwise struggle to maintain. Social Enterprise Day is an opportunity for us all to consider the positive impact that social enterprises have in our communities and in our economy. I am proud to be working with the Wales Co-operative Centre to promote Social Enterprise Day 2018 here in Wales, to help raise awareness of these amazing organisations and the work that they do putting positive social and environmental values at the heart of the economy. Thank you.