WIREDGOV

The creation of a dedicated business support service for small enterprises was one of the recommendations in the Micro Business Report for Wales prepared by an independent group appointed by Business Minister Edwina Hart.

The Minister said:

"One of the key priorities identified in the Micro Business Report was the need to provide access for micro-businesses to direct and indirect business support from the private, public and third sector  that is clear, simple and easily accessible.

“I am pleased to announce the Welsh Government has taken this recommendation on board and that the Business Wales network of one-stop-shops is now available across Wales to provide micro-businesses and SMEs with help and advice on a range of subjects to support their sustainable growth.

“This latest Business Wales service will complement and work in conjunction with the support available through our Business Information Helpline and the Business Wales website.”

The Minister added she is to establish a Strategic Board to oversee the delivery of the service and provide strategic advice on the needs of SMEs in Wales to ensure continuous development and improvement.
The Business Wales one-stop-shop service is being delivered by a consortium comprising Business in Focus (lead organisation), Centre for Business, Antur Teifi,  and Menter a Busnes.

The new centres are located in Aberystwyth, Bangor, Brecon, Fforestfach in Swansea, Llanelli, Newport, Newtown, Pembroke Dock, St Asaph, Treforest, and Wrexham.

The Business Wales service includes Business Wales Mentoring, launched last October by the Welsh Government, to provide businesses access to mentoring support from a wide, diverse mix of experienced business people. A £6million loan fund to support the growth of micro-businesses in Wales was also announced last year in direct response to recommendations contained in the Micro Business Report for Wales.