In her column for Caerphilly Observer, businesswoman and Welsh ICE director Mandy Weston takes a look at current business news.
The weather may not be what we would hope for, but there are many other reasons to be cheerful this May.
The three-strike plan supporting small businesses in this month’s Queen’s Speech, and a range of exciting opportunities in the pipeline for young entrepreneurs locally means the outlook for local business is brighter than recent meteorological forecasts at least.
I can only hope concerns expressed by Caerphilly MP Wayne David in the House of Commons recently regarding the legislative significance of Her Majesty’s comments are not ultimately realised, however, as the business world potentially stands to gain a lot.
In an age where businesses are developed around a single mobile application concept, plans to simplify patent and design protection laws could prove crucial in this becoming yet more commonplace.
Due to the very nature of apps, which can be used anywhere in the world, moves to speed up the application process and validate single patents in almost all EU countries would certainly be of comfort to the many digital firms now working out of Caerphilly.
Combine this with promises to enable companies to employ one additional worker on a salary of up to £22,400, or four employees on the adult minimum wage, and to also exempt self-employed workers from health and safety law, and sunnier climes could certainly be around the corner.
Thoughts that all three measures could be in place in time to support a series of new enterprises set to emerge from various events locally is also a very exciting prospect.
This week alone, seven Cardiff University students will win £5,000 worth of funding collectively to support new business ideas emerging as part of the Spark2013 competition, while others from Coleg Morgannwg, Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of South Wales will also compete for £2,500 in funding at Welsh ICE’s 24 Hour Lock In on Friday (May 17).
As a judge for the Venture category of Spark13, I’m feeling very privileged to be involved in two such innovative events, and excited by the prospect of not only meeting the business stars of tomorrow, but moreover supporting them in getting started.