A NEW era in business support will be officially unveiled by Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones today.

As reported in yesterday’s Western Mail, the Welsh Assembly Government is launching a new streamlined system of business support with the aim of making Government backing for new or growing enterprises “faster, simpler and more responsive to their individual needs.”

The new model, entitled flexible business support, sees the introduction of a single contact number for all businesses seeking Assembly support (0300 060 3000).

It also sees, from today, a single investment fund – with an initial value of £92m – replacing a number of former capital grants such as regional selective assistance.

Support will be delivered through single point of contact Assembly customer relationship managers, which over time will rise from the current 50 to around 200.

Mr Jones will announce the start of flexible support for business during a series of visits in Mid Wales.

He said: “This radical new approach to business support demonstrates our commitment to helping businesses the length and breadth of the country grow and prosper, delivering more and better jobs for the people of Wales.

“Underpinned by a new single investment fund, dedicated relationship managers will work with companies to provide a tailored package of assistance to help unlock the growth potential of those businesses.

“It is already apparent that this new Welsh model is at the leading edge of public sector business support in the UK.

“Developed in consultation with businesses and business organisations, ‘flexible support for business’ demonstrates our determination for Wales to continue to set the pace in creating the best environment where both indigenous businesses and inward investors can thrive.”

The new approach to business support was welcomed by director of CBI Wales, David Rosser. He said: “The demand-led approach is to be welcomed as there is a real role for a more flexible, faster and intuitive business support model in Wales.

“The CBI will be engaging with the Welsh Assembly Government to measure the model’s success as the year progresses.”

Federation of Small Businesses in Wales spokesman Russell Lawson added: “We welcome any moves to make the system of business support simpler and more timely for individual small firms, and we will monitor with interest the operation of these new measures.

“We hope this is a step in the right direction, and appreciate the spirit in which these new measures have been drawn up given the patchy nature of business support in Wales to date.”

“We very much hope that the Welsh Assembly Government continues to monitor the progress of this new system in consultation with the business community – and continually adjusts to the needs of companies and entrepreneurs in Wales where it is appropriate.”