When did the ERP start ?

Title:	Economic Renewal Programme
Date:	13 October 2009
By:	Ieuan Wyn Jones, Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport

Last month, I stated publicly that I believe the time has come for a rethink in terms of how we approach economic development in Wales as we work to create a stronger, more sustainable business environment when we come out of recession.I stated that the reasons for change are two-fold. 

In the first instance I said that we needed more compelling propositions for business growth and new businesses in Wales. We can no longer rely on the traditional methods of support, centred around a generous grants regime, to make Wales an attractive place to do business. Businesses want more than that. They want to know that there is added value, such as the availability of a highly skilled and flexible workforce; the ability to respond to changing business requirements through the development and implementation of new ideas; and a strong track record in terms of commercialising high end research and development.

Secondly, we cannot simply look at what other countries are doing as we prepare to position Wales post recession – we need to look at what we are doing ourselves and question whether we are as prepared as we can be to deliver the new post-recession economy in Wales that we want. 

The Welsh Assembly Government deploys considerable resources into attracting and retaining investment and we must improve our success rate.

While the work of helping business during the recession continues, it is time for a new programme for economic renewal post the recession. The aim will be to refocus my Department’s policies and priorities and then to realign the structures accordingly. 

As part of the Economic Renewal Programme I will engage with businesses in Wales, their representative organisations and our research institutions in formulating my recommendations.  

The Economic Renewal Programme I am announcing today will enable us to:

·       strengthen how we use our key sector priorities so that our aspirations become reality, including signature projects to demonstrate our commitment to the priorities. This must include putting Wales at the forefront of developing the technologies to meet global challenges such as climate change. I also believe that we need to be in a stronger position to actively identify, seek out and create new opportunities which give Wales greater prominence in a very competitive market place.

·       provide a more seamless service – based on our Flexible Support for Business model – for all business development and support in Wales.  This includes ridding the Government of any “silo” ways of working and thinking.

·       change our culture from a grant giving one to one that encourages investment. This means end to end working with companies and investors on Intellectual Property; product development and getting the workforce and management skills right.  Such a transformation must recognise the imperfections of the market in different parts of the nation.

·       Technium network in the commercialisation of the best and brightest ideas of our businesses and Universities working together. We have already commenced this work with my announcement of a new injection of EU funding to better integrate this network.

·       More closely align our universities and our key sector priorities and the research and development that will underpin them.  To this end, I welcome the recent Enterprise and Learning Committee’s report on the economic contribution of higher education which has much to commend it. I am working closely on this with the Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills as part of her strategic review of the HE sector in Wales.

·       ensure that EU funding continues to be applied in the most appropriate context as the economy emerges from the recession, and preparing for the end of the current Structural Fund programmes.

·       make the most of new opportunities such as Jeremie to ensure a sustainable source of funding for investment in business.

·       ensure that any relevant lessons from the Rowlands’ review of capital for SMEs are applied in Wales.

·       work harder and across all parts of the Government to support and grow indigenous businesses.

·       ensure that all businesses, particularly SMEs, have access to the right advice and support to maintain competitiveness.

It is the principle and culture behind this way of working – the dialogue with business, trades unions and other partners – that I want to see underpinning economic development activity going forward.I am under no illusion that piloting the way ahead at a time of international uncertainty and a shaky worldwide economy will be easy. It will be hard – but I believe that there is strong support for this new approach across the board in Government and in the business community in Wales.

 So is the consultation what happened at the summits?

The above are extracts from a press release last October- Is this the plan and are the consultations that took place after just to reinforce it?

I am confused - where can we look for clarification ?

The comments from business and business support providers and gurus seem to point to the affirmation at the summits were not representative of the wider business sector and actually the people who run the businesses out there.

Should DET now be taking more grassroots and informed advice before everything is taken down ?

I am concerned that as there continues to be support offered in England potential growth  business will migrate especially those on the border.

Anyone have any insight  on this?