Melding criticises Assembly Government for failure to create an “Enterprise Culture”

David Melding AM

Comment on today’s figures which show that the rate of so-called ‘enterprise births’ or new business start-ups in Wales is among the lowest in the UK, Shadow Minister for the Economy David Melding AM said:

“It is essential for the future health of the Welsh economy that we develop growth in the enterprise culture.

“That’s why we need to look at the resources we provide to people from within Wales seeking to start a business, and not be so reliant on outside investors.

“It is disappointing we have the second lowest rate of so-called enterprise births in the UK, but more encouraging that the five year survival rate is at the UK average.

“Support for new businesses must come from government, and is even more important at a time of recession.

“That’s why we will continue to press ministers in Cardiff to ease the burden on businesses across Wales from the proposed business rates revaluation due to come into effect next April.

“This rates rise could determine whether some entrepreneurs set up business at all, or whether existing firms remain trading, lay off staff, or shut up shop altogether.”