A Caerphilly-based business start-up centre has been praised by a member of the Welsh Government for its contribution to the economy.
The Welsh Innovation Centre for Enterprise (ICE), based at Caerphilly Business Park, was lauded in the Senedd by Economy Secretary Ken Skates AM.
The praise by Mr Skates was prompted by a question from Caerphilly AM Hefin David.
Dr David said: “For businesses to remain long term and sustainable, they need to build positive connections with each other.
“Welsh ICE, in my constituency, is a peer-to-peer innovation centre for enterprise, where a load of businesses are there to support each other. Indeed, today, the captain of innovation, the leader of Welsh ICE, had an article in the Western Mail entitled ‘Everyone’s talent needed to secure future of Wales’; that’s Gareth Jones.
“Welsh ICE makes a net gross value added contribution to the economy of £13.8 million.
“Will the Cabinet Secretary congratulate Welsh ICE for the success that they’ve had, but also think about how can we foster these business connections, both in Caerphilly and, of course, further afield in the wider area, to develop social capital?”
Responding, Mr Skates highlighted Welsh ICE’s role in Business Wales’ ‘Accelerator’ project.
He said: “Can I thank the Member for his question, and also agree that Gareth Jones is indeed a great captain of Welsh ICE?
“He is also a native of Clwyd South constituency. Networking and shared space forms a key pillar of the approach being developed under the regional entrepreneurship acceleration programme, chaired by Simon Gibson.
“As part of the evidence being considered, a 12-week pre-start business accelerator programme is being delivered through the Business Wales accelerated growth programme, in partnership with Welsh ICE. I would like to congratulate the work of Welsh ICE, and especially their remarkable success to date, and I look forward to delivering on the Welsh Labour manifesto pledge to create similar hubs right across Wales to drive innovation, creativity and enterprise.”