8. How is the Welsh Government supporting the foundational economy in Wales? OQ57275

Thank you. The foundational economy is central to our economic resilience and reconstruction mission. We are supporting partners to deliver projects that nurture the foundational economy, and, of course, the backing local firms fund, which I announced earlier this month. We believe these will help businesses to overcome barriers to engaging in procurement, and deliver more jobs and better jobs closer to home.

Thank you for that answer. Of course, the foundational economy challenge fund has helped numerous businesses in my region of Mid and West Wales since its launch. One of the areas it has helped is Cyfle, who provide excellent apprenticeships and opportunities in the construction industry, and Jenny Rathbone has already mentioned this morning that that industry is in need of shoring up in terms of those apprenticeship opportunities. You've pre-empted the fact that I was going to go on to your announcement on the £1 million for the backing local firms fund that you've announced earlier. What I would like to know, Minister, is when you will be able to give any details on businesses in my region that will benefit from that new and very welcome fund.

Yes, I'd be happy to work with the Member as we go through, not just the announcement of the backing local firms fund, but then when we get to identifying those firms that have been successful, because we don't just want to see where they are, but then the impact of the money and how we will want to help them to engage within their local economy. So, I'd be more than happy to take up an opportunity to take the Member through that once we've had some of the outcomes. And who knows, we may be able to visit one of those firms within her region in the future.

Thank you, Minister.