Diolch, Llywydd. I'm pleased to move the motion, tabled in the name of my colleague Darren Millar. As Members will be aware, next Saturday is Small Business Saturday, and it gives me great pleasure to open a debate on the importance of small businesses to Welsh communities and the economy. Now in its tenth year in the UK, Small Business Saturday returns with a mission—to support and celebrate the UK's 5.6 million small businesses, particularly as they face mounting economic challenges this winter. According to the Federation of Small Businesses' small business index, almost 35,000 small businesses in Wales are expecting to downsize, close or sell their business in the coming months. Therefore, I do hope that Members will support the campaign by visiting a small business or promoting a small business in their constituency or region, to help raise awareness of the benefits of buying local.

Today's motion rightly recognises the vital contribution small businesses make in sustaining local economies, developing communities and creating jobs. In Wales, small businesses make up 99.4 per cent of businesses, contributing 62.4 per cent of private sector employment and 37.9 per cent of turnover. But they are so much more than small enterprises. They are vital components of our communities and fundamental to our society too. The Federation of Small Businesses report, 'SMEs as the key to rebuilding Wales's economy and communities', makes it clear that, in times of crisis or need, small businesses are there at the forefront of their communities, bringing skills, capacity and capabilities to bear on social challenges. And that's entirely right. Small businesses are very much agents of social change, and we see that right across Wales, where businesses are doing incredible things to support local projects and good causes.

Therefore, it's vital that Governments at all levels are working together to best support our small businesses and provide them with the conditions they need to help them flourish and grow. The Welsh Government must look at how it can reduce the business rate burden here in Wales, through measures such as the reinstatement of the 100 per cent rates relief holiday, for example. We know that Welsh businesses pay the highest business rates in Great Britain, and that business rates are one of the top costs for small businesses. That's why the Welsh Government must ensure that its business rates position is not one that is regressive, but instead supports aspiration and business growth. The next non-domestic rates revaluation will take effect on 1 April 2023, based on property values as of 1 April 2021, meaning that the rateable values should reflect the impact of the COVID pandemic, as well as changes in the tax base since the last revaluation. And so, I hope the Welsh Government will use this opportunity to really reflect on the difficulties that the rates system is having on small businesses, and take the opportunity to make some positive change.

Of course, cost-of-living pressures are really hitting small businesses hard, and I know the Welsh Government has provided some support to help SMEs in Wales relaunch, develop, decarbonise and grow, to help drive economic recovery. That support is, of course, welcome, but businesses are telling us they need more support. The recent Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee report on cost-of-living pressures made it very clear that the Welsh Government needs to intervene financially to help businesses weather the current cost-of-living pressures in order to protect high-quality jobs. This could either be in the form of grants to the worst-affected businesses, or indeed as low-cost loans to support efficiency and sustainability projects. And so, perhaps, in responding to this debate, the Deputy Minister will tell us more about the actions being taken to address the recommendations laid out in that report.

Llywydd, small businesses are already reporting a rising cost of labour and skills shortages, and the Welsh Government must think innovatively about how we can best address this. It's crucial that employers, training providers and policy makers all work together to ensure the skills system delivers for individuals, businesses and the Welsh economy. I sincerely hope that the Welsh Government prioritises skills as an area that warrants much more time and attention going forward. Wales's small businesses are the lifeblood of our country, showcasing the very best of our nation, our innovation, our community cohesion and our people, and so this Small Business Saturday, I hope all Members will take the opportunity to celebrate our small businesses and show their support for this campaign.

The resilience of small businesses continues to be tested, and it's vital that the Welsh Government does whatever it can to lessen the burden and support our Small and medium-sized enterprises. Whether that's having a cuppa in a local cafe, buying an early Christmas present from a small shop or visiting your local butcher, there's a small business out there that needs our support. In my own constituency, I continue to be impressed with the high-quality produce that's on offer by many businesses, and I know that Members representing areas right across Wales feel the same. So, this Saturday, let's all redouble our efforts and champion our SMEs by buying and promoting local businesses. I urge Members to support our motion.