‘Help for SMEs needs to be at heart of city’s regeneration plan’

MORE needs to be done to put SMEs at the heart of Swansea’s regeneration if a true renaissance is to be seen in the city, according to a local business leader.

Simon Williams, the managing director of Storage Giant, which has nine sites across the UK, with five in Wales, including one in Swansea’s Enterprise Park, says those at the helm of Swansea’s regeneration must grasp this once in a generation opportunity to make small business a key, long-term focus of its plans – and, in doing so, to futureproof the city’s economy.

And, he says, the Welsh Government must do its part to help, not hinder, sensible development that would create employment and local prosperity and would send out a clear message that south west Wales welcomes entrepreneurs.

Mr Williams said: “As someone who has long been keen to invest further in Swansea I know from experience how difficult it can be to bring such transactions to fruition.”

Mr Williams added there is now a chance to change the thinking in the city.

He said: “Everything that can be done must be done to support entrepreneurs to set up in Swansea and to stay here once their business begins to grow. So, making sure start-ups have access to credible long-term support and an active network of business services, giving those who run small businesses a variety of residential accommodation options within the city centre, strong transport links, looking again at business rates so the playing field between physical business and online firms can be leveled, and working to attract far more non retail, will help.”