North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has called on the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, Ken Skates AM, to provide an update on what support is available for small businesses on Anglesey.
Questioning the Secretary in the Assembly Chamber yesterday, he said:
“The Holyhead Infrastructure Prospectus, summarising opportunities for jobs, growth and investment on Anglesey, said that there's a need to complete the enabling projects detailed in the report prior to the private sector investment, otherwise opportunities cannot be maximised. Earlier this year, the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee report on Enterprise Zones stated, 'In Anglesey, the Committee heard that there was a shortage of units for small businesses'. In your response, you said you'd be seeking advice from the Development Bank of Wales on this. What further action have you been able to take since we debated this in July?”
Responding, the Cabinet Secretary said: “I'm delighted to be able to announce that we have allocated funding for the creation of a new enterprise hub, which will be based at M-SParc. There will also be a spoke from that enterprise hub located in Llangefni.
He added: “But there is no doubt that, whether it's for small or medium- or large-sized businesses, there is a great need and huge demand for new, modern space for businesses to start up in and to grow in, and that's why we're looking, as part of the regional work that's now taking place, again at a move away from sectors towards place-based regional economic development. We're looking at regional plans that can identify opportunities to bring redundant buildings back into use, and also opportunities to develop new space—not just office but also industrial and retail space—where there is obvious demand.”
Mr. Isherwood added: As M-SParc - Menai Science Park – told me in January, they already had 11 companies ready to move in when they opened on 1st March 2018. M-SParc’s provision was already known when Enterprise Zone Chairs told the Assembly Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee there was a shortage of units for small businesses on Anglesey and that ‘there is a lack of modern floor space across Wales and there is a case to do that. On Anglesey, to go back to this, there is nothing available’.”
ENDS
