Challenging week after racetrack decision

IT WAS a challenging week for Economy Secretary Ken Skates as he faced questions from AMs following the Welsh Government’s decision to turn down the request for taxpayer-funded guarantees for the proposed Circuit of Wales, reports public affairs consultancy Deryn.

Mr Skates said that job claims for the £433m motor racing track project had been “overstated” and involved too much public financial risk. Ministers instead confirmed plans for an automotive technology business park on publicly owned land in Ebbw Vale which will receive £100m funding over 10 years.

The Welsh Conservatives accused the Welsh Government of contradicting itself while Plaid Cymru argued that it had misled the public. Plaid’s Economy spokesperson Adam Price has tabled several written questions seeking further detailed information from the Welsh Government on the due diligence process and projected job figures referred to in the Minister’s statement.

Mr Skates also faced tough questions over the recent announcement by Tesco on the consolidation of its customer engagement centres into a single site in Dundee, which could lead to the closure of the Cardiff site next year with the potential loss of 1,100 jobs. The Cabinet Secretary stressed that the Welsh Government was working collaboratively with key stakeholders, including Tesco and Cardiff Council, to deliver a package of support for all workers affected by the decision.

Work is under way to recruit the first set of entrepreneurs for the new Business Wales Entrepreneurship Hub, to be opened in Wrexham. Having previously received Welsh Government funding of £1m, the Hub will work in conjunction with the Welsh Innovation Centre for Enterprise to give start-ups a bespoke package of support.

First Minister Carwyn Jones marked the start of construction work for the International Convention Centre Wales, a joint venture between the Welsh Government and Celtic Manor Resort which will be able to accommodate 5,000 delegates upon completion in 2019. Mr Price also criticised the Welsh Government for potentially jeopardising a technology contract that could secure thousands of high quality tech jobs in Wales. He said that Welsh company IQE, a world leading supplier of technology for the 3D cameras, was hoping to take over the premises in Newport from the Welsh Government to deliver a major new contract.

He claimed that IQE is now considering relocating the project to its North Carolina site due to the Welsh Government’s “foot-dragging”. The company has reportedly given the Welsh Government until July 14 to secure the deal.