Welsh Government
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"Faster, simpler" support for business

The Welsh Assembly Government is launching a new, streamlined system of business support that will make Government backing for new or growing enterprises faster, simpler and more responsive to their specific, individual needs.

This new, integrated model will replace all existing products, services and communications channels.

The Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones, will announce the start of "Flexible Support for Business" during a series of visits in mid-Wales on Thursday April 17.

Mr.Jones, who is the Assembly Government’s Cabinet Minister for Economic Development, said:

This radical new approach to business support demonstrates our commitment to helping businesses the length and breadth of the country grow and prosper, delivering more and better jobs for the people of Wales.

Underpinned by a new Single Investment Fund, dedicated relationship managers will work with companies to provide a tailored package of assistance to help unlock the growth potential of those businesses.

It is already apparent that this new Welsh model is at the leading edge of public sector business support in the United Kingdom.

Developed in consultation with businesses and business organisations, 'Flexible Support for Business' demonstrates our determination for Wales to continue to set the pace in creating the best environment where both indigenous businesses and inward investors can thrive.

The key features of the new model include:

  • Fast, simple and straightforward access to information, advice and support for all existing businesses, and prospective businesses, via a gateway that includes a single website, a national phone number, and face to face contact through a network of local centres.
  • Dedicated relationship managers to support the development of strategically important businesses by building a package of relevant tailored support that will unlock the growth potential of those businesses.
  • A new Single Investment Fund will form a unified source for a package of financial and specialist support from the Assembly Government to meet businesses’ individual needs.

CBI Cymru Wales Director David Rosser said:

Business in Wales values the importance of good quality business support. The ‘Flexible Support for Business’ Model, underpinned by the Single Investment Fund is a positive start.

The demand-led approach is to be welcomed as there is a real role for a more flexible, faster and intiutive business support model in Wales.

The CBI will be engaging with the Welsh Assembly Government to measure the model’s success as the year progresses.

Federation of Small Businesses in Wales spokesman Russell Lawson added:

We welcome any moves to make the system of business support simpler and more timely for individual small firms, and we will monitor with interest the operation of these new measures. We hope this is a step in the right direction, and appreciate the spirit in which these new measures have been drawn up given the patchy nature of business support in Wales to date.

We very much hope that the Welsh Assembly Government continues to monitor the progress of this new system in consultation with the business community - and continually adjusts to the needs of companies and entrepreneurs in Wales where it is appropriate.

Notes to editors:

  • From today, changes to the national customer entry point will go live with the introduction of a new number "03000 6 03000" for existing companies and those people wishing to start up in business. The new website, www.business-support-wales.gov.uk, will become the overnment portal for businesses in, or looking to invest in, Wales, and will begin to replace existing Welsh Assembly Government websites tat currently provide information related to supporting business, including the Business Eye site.
Related Link

http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/businessandeconomy/?lang=en

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