PAPER TO THE ENTERPRISE AND BUSINESS COMMITTEE
WELSH GOVERNMENT SECTOR POLICY
Introduction
1. The purpose of this paper is to set out written evidence on Welsh Government Sector Policy for the Enterprise and Business Committee.
2. As part of its approach to economic development, the Department for Business, Enterprise, Technology and Science support is focussed on nine Sectors which are key to the economy of Wales. This approach complements wider interventions both within the Department and across the Welsh Government to encourage jobs and growth.
Role of the Sector Panels
3. Each Sector has their own panel, made up of private sector business people. The role of each Sector Panel is to provide advice on the opportunities and needs of the Sectors, using their private sector expertise to identify the opportunities for business growth andinform the Welsh Government’s future policy developments and investment priorities.
4. The role and approach of the Sector Panels is currently being reviewed as the work of the Sector Panels moves from planning to delivery
Sector Priorities
5. Strategic priorities for each of the nine key Sectors are outlined in the Sectors Delivery Plan published on the Welsh Government website. The Plan outlines the opportunities and challenges, as well as the short, medium and long-term strategic priorities aligned to impact. The Plan can be accessed through the following link:
6. http://wales.gov.uk/topics/businessandeconomy/publications/130125deliveryplan/?lang=en
Welsh Government Budget and Support for Sectors
7. There are a range of targeted interventions for the Sectors with budget specifically aligned to Sectors.
8. In addition, Sectors can access wider Welsh Government support such as Business Wales “One Stop Shop”, supply chains, entrepreneurship support, R+D and Innovation support, online information and signposting and property. The Sectors and Business budget for 2012/13 and 2013/14 are set out at table 1.
9. The Sectors can also access other forms of direct financial support, such as the £150m European-backed Wales JEREMIE fund, the £100m Life Science Fund and the £40m Wales SME Investment Fund.
10. A Single Business Model is being introduced to support the Sectors. This is aligning resources to present a more streamlined offer to business, with a more structured approach to marketing, supported by a clear enquiry management process.
Table 1 – Sectors and Business Delivery Budget
|
|
2012/13 £’000 |
2013/14 £’000 |
|
Sectors & Business |
147,858 |
114,366 |
Grants and Loans
11. The following table sets out current grant and loan commitments for Sectors and Business:
|
Committed Grant / Loan Offers made for the period 01/04/11 to 31/12/12 |
Amount |
Number of Offers |
|
Sector Delivery |
£68,861,794 |
*489 |
* based on current committed offers
Monitoring and Evaluation
13. Progress on delivery of our commitments and monitoring of our tracking indicators is set out in Annual Programme for Government updates. This detail will be supplemented over time by looking at the outcomes achieved from longer term investments, to provide a more balanced understanding of progress.
Relationship to Enterprise Zones and Inward Investment
14. Enterprise Zones have a sectoral focus and offer business the opportunity to co-locate alongside established industry clusters, exploit supply chain opportunities, or capitalise on strategic projects planned for the zones.
15. The Trade and Inward Investment team works closely with the Sector teams and with Enterprise Zones teams to ensure that activities are integrated. However the approach is flexible to accommodate multi-sector trade missions and inward investment outside of the key Sectors.
Approach to Marketing and Communications
16.We are committed to marketing the sectoral approach and the Welsh Government offer. This is reflected in our marketing plans, alongside our wider marketing here in Wales and overseas. For example, the re-launch of the new Business Wales website and the launch of the Business Wales “One Stop Shop” for businesses.