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Here’s some cool ICE news:

You might have seen we had a feature in the Business in Wales section of the Western Mail this week, as part of a feature on innovation in Wales.  This was picked up by the Assembly Member for Caerphilly, Hefin David, who asked the Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure about support for small businesses in Caerphilly.  The Secretary, Ken Skates AM declared that their “absolute focus remains on supporting enterprise, jobs and the economy.”

Hefin responded with a question about Welsh ICE in particular, introducing us as “a peer to peer innovation centre for enterprise where a load of businesses are there to support each other;” before referring to our article in the Western Mail discussing how “‘Everyone’s talent [is] needed to secure future of Wales'”.

“Welsh ICE makes a net growth value added contribution to the economy of 13.8 million pounds. 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 a field in the wider area to develop social capital.”

In response to the question, Ken Skates AM;

“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 innovate creativity and enterprise.”

It is incredibly rewarding to be recognised in the Senedd in this way, at the start of a new Assembly and with a confirmed focus on supporting enterprise in Wales, both those who are established and growing, and those individuals who are looking to launch soon.

If it didn’t already feel like an exciting time to be in the start-up community in Wales, this signal of intent from the new Secretary for the Economy certainly helps show how much of a role it will play in the future growth of our wonderful nation.

You can watch the full video here (at 38.20)