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The Secretary of State for Wales has described the new Ffos Caerffili market as “a really vibrant place” during a visit to Caerphilly – and praised business start-up hub Welsh ICE.

David TC Davies visited the town on Thursday May 9 to discuss ways to boost economic growth and innovation in Wales.

The Conservative MP met with a range of entrepreneurs and small business owners for discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing businesses.

Visiting Welsh ICE’s campus on Caerphilly Business Park, Mr Davies saw the range of businesses and services at the centre, and learned more about its co-working space and the 5-9 Club, its flagship training programme.

Welsh ICE has benefitted from funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, which is administered in the area through Caerphilly County Borough Council.

Ffos Caerffili has also benefitted from more than a million pounds of funding from the fund.

Mr Davies said: “I’ve much enjoyed visiting Caerphilly and seeing for myself the huge difference that UK Government funding is making to communities like these.

“Welsh ICE is providing a valuable resource for small businesses, helping them grow and flourish and contribute to the prosperity of the town.”

Speaking out his visit to Ffos Caerffili, he said: “The new container market is a really vibrant place which attracts visitors and locals to support independent traders.

“Congratulations to everyone who has worked hard to make these projects a success.”

Welsh ICE chief executive Lesley Williams said: “We are really grateful for the support from the Shared Prosperity Fund and other partners, which has allowed us to expand our efforts in driving economic growth and innovation in Wales.”

Cllr Jamie Pritchard, deputy leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “{the Secretary of State’s visit was] a useful opportunity to re-state how important it is for all layers of government to work together, wherever possible, to help the high street and provide future employment opportunities.”