Wales is 'Open for Business'

Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure has reinforced that Wales is very much open for business.

Speaking to Anchor companies recently, and a he said Welsh Government is committed to supporting business growth and investment.

The Cabinet Secretary has initially attended Anchor Company Forum meetings in North Wales and South Wales to talk to the companies, listen to any concerns following the EU referendum result, discuss new opportunities and stress how Welsh Government can support them.  Read more and watch the Economy Cabinet Secretary’s statement.

Masterplan funding announced for Wellness and Life Science Village Plans to create a unique Wellness and Life Science Village in Llanelli have taken a step forward with the Welsh Government announcing it is to fund a Masterplan for the project. And they have  also agreed to vary the terms of the Llanelli Coast Joint Venture agreement with Carmarthenshire County Council to formally include the proposed development, subject to an agreed business plan. The Wellness and Life Science Village aims to transform the way the region delivers care and promotes wellbeing – partnering first-class health, research and life science, with innovative leisure opportunities to help people live healthy lives.  Read more.

Medica proves a hit with DTR Medical An award winning Swansea manufacturer of sterile single use instruments is returning to Medica in November. DTR Medical, who secured 37 deals from 21 different countries while exhibiting on the Welsh Government stand, will join twenty other companies in November. Medica is the world’s leading medical trade fair that takes place annually in Dusseldorf.  Read more.

Fly Cardiff to London City in an hour Essential links between Cardiff and London are set to be strengthened with a temporary air service. Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, has announced that it will step in to offer ‘rescue flights’ for the six week Severn Tunnel closure. Business and tourism travellers can fly to the heart of Canary Wharf up to three times a day from just £34.99 one way from 12 September – 21 October 2016.  Read more and book here.

Best in Life Sciences Wales Wales is a nation of exceptional people. Do you know people doing remarkable things and making a real difference for your sector or profession? Now’s your chance to nominate them for a St David Award.  You can nominate a group or an individual who you think has contributed greatly to your sector or has had notable success in Wales or internationally. This year’s Enterprise Award Winner was Dominic Griffiths of Alesi Surgical, whose invention, ‘Ultravision’, to clear smoke during laparoscopic surgery, has been exported for use in hospitals across the EU. Don’t miss this opportunity to raise the profile of your organisation and industry. Nominate here  until 21 October 2016

We want your views on M4 congestion solution

Businesses are being asked for their views as a solution to congestion on the M4 moves a step closer.

Economy and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary, Ken Skates has announced an independent Public Local Inquiry into the M4 Corridor around Newport project.

The inquiry is set to commence in Newport this autumn.

We’d like to hear your views please visit our M4 website for more information.

BBI Solutions win the Prestigious Made in the UK Export Award

Following on from BBI Solutions’ success of winning the Exporter of the Year Award at the Made in Wales Awards last November, the winning streak for the Welsh Government supported company has continued having been awarded the Made in the UK Export Award.  Find out more.

New Higher Apprenticeship in Life Science and Related Science Industries

Bridgend College has announced its new Higher Apprenticeship in Life Science and Related Science Industries.  Aimed at those working within the Life Science sector and delivered over 24 months, this brand new Higher Apprenticeship has 3 pathways available at Level 4, including: Life Science Technician, Chemical Science Technician and Food Science Technician.  Find out more.

Medaphor wins Cardiff Business Award

Welsh Government supported MedaPhor has been voted Technology and Innovation Business of the Year at the 2016 Cardiff Business Awards.

The ceremony saw MedaPhor shortlisted against other Cardiff-based technology companies; Circle IT, Net Support UK and Zipporah. Read more.

Life Sciences Hub Wales open day 31 August 2016

Life Sciences Hub Wales will be holding drop in ‘open days’ this month.

These are aimed at those interested in the life sciences sector, or for interested parties who want to learn more about what the Hub offers companies and organisations within the sector.

A limited number of hot desks are available to use on these days.  Find out more.

First Minister announces business confidence plan and new jobs and growth fund

The First Minister Carwyn Jones has announced a business confidence plan and a new fund to support jobs and growth as part of the Welsh Government’s response to the EU referendum result.

Speaking at an extraordinary meeting of the Council for Economic Renewal in Cardiff Mr Jones said the Welsh Government wanted to assure businesses and inward investors that Wales remains open for business.  Read more.

Employment in Wales at its highest rate on record

The First Minister has responded to the latest labour market statistics – which shows employment in Wales is at its highest rate on record.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “Employment in Wales today stands at its highest rate on record, while over the past year the number of people unemployed in Wales has fallen by 30,000 to its lowest level since 2006.”  Read more.

Venturefest Wales – 28 September,  SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff

Venturefest Wales brings together investors, entrepreneurs and innovators to encourage the sharing of knowledge, networks and ideas. This year’s event will be addressing the barriers that entrepreneurs and businesses face when trying to scale a business. Whether you’re having difficulty attaining access to funding, getting to grips with recruitment, or just want to learn how to develop the right marketing strategy or manage uncontrolled growth; Venturefest Wales will be tackling your barriers to business head on.  Find out more.

Sell2Wales: new look for the improved Sell2Wales website

This Summer the new and improved Sell2Wales website will have a fresh new look.

Sell2Wales is an essential tool for public bodies, including Welsh Government, to get value for money.

The information source and procurement portal allows you to look for and apply for contract opportunities, with around £4billion worth of contracts for public sector goods and services advertised through this site each year.

80% are smaller opportunities offered by a wide range of publicly funded organisations - so there are contracts out there for businesses of all types and size. Find out more.

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