In a rallying call on the Welsh Government, the Member of Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy - Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS – has urged Welsh Ministers to use the new year to tap into the experience of the private sector to address long standing policy issues around the provision of employment opportunities and housing.
An experienced businesswoman who previously inaugurated the Senedd’s Cross Party Group on Small Shops, Janet pointed towards the recipients of the recent Go North Wales Awards as example of the experience and talent that the Welsh Government should be better engaging with.
Among the successes of the evening was Mr Glenn Evans, General Manager of the Royal Oak Hotel in Betws-Y-Coed, who took the award for Tourism and Hospitality Hero. Likewise, Dr. Shyam Patiar, who was for many years the Director of Hospitality and Catering at Llandrillo College, was awarded the Go 30 Years Award in recognition of his immense contribution to the training of young people.
Highlighting the need for a change in approach, Janet said:
“How the Welsh private sector has successfully bridged the challenge of the pandemic is a testament to their resilience, innovation and optimism. In acknowledging the trials to be faced in this new year, including providing long-term employment opportunities and better housing, I am clear that the Welsh Government should work closer with these talented individuals.
“After eleven years at the fore of Welsh politics, it has become abundantly clear that the Welsh Government do not understand business. They are really missing a trick by not proactively engaging with the knowledge and resource of the private sector to help overcome the defining issues of our time.
“This was made clear when the Minister for Climate Change asserted that engagement with our excellent Estate Agents was not taking place as the Welsh Government felt there was not a single professional body to approach. Having convened virtual roundtables with the likes of Propertymark, I can affirm that this is not the case.
“When you consider the superb quality of service provided by our hospitality businesses and that their experienced managers have bridged the recent change in consumer behaviour in a manner that has kept residents employed, it is clear that a replication of this persistence and drive would be beneficial to the devolved policy environment.
“Aberconwy is blessed to have a vibrant mix of private sector enterprises, from vineyard to vegetable stalls, craft shops to cafes, restaurants to pubs, tourist accommodation to adventure activity providers, and much more. I also know that these successes will be replicated across Welsh constituencies.
“With this in mind, I urge the Welsh Government to overcome the present brain drain in Cardiff Bay and make it their new year’s resolution to work closer with the experience, knowledge and resources of the private sector.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS with local businesses.
