Keep it simple, keep it Welsh, Kirsty Williams tells Government

3.57.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 23rd Jan 2008

Public sector contracts should be made more accessible to Small and Medium-sized business in Wales, according to the Welsh Liberal Democrats. Kirsty Williams AM today used a debate in the Assembly to call on the government to simplify the tendering process to boost the Welsh economy.

Ms Williams said: "Wales hands out £4 billion worth of public sector contract money every year. Yet Welsh business only received just over a third of this money in 2006.

"If we want to stimulate the Welsh economy and encourage home-grown industries, shouldn't we be encouraging bids from local companies? Firms shouldn't need massive legal or accountancy departments to apply for public-sector contracts. Local suppliers know the area, know how to source local materials and have a personal stake in seeing that any work is done well.

"This isn't the complete answer. Wales needs better transport infrastructure and better broadband services too. But if the Government made a commitment to providing better opportunities for Welsh SMEs, it would be a real start."

Notes/Nodiadau:

The Welsh Lib Dem amendment on the debate on Gross Value Added figures for Wales is as follows:

1. Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire)

Add new point at end of motion:

Notes that SMEs form the back bone of Wales' economy and calls for:

1) Access to broadband to be extended to allow Welsh business to compete in the global economy; and

2) Welsh SMEs to be given the maximum possible opportunity to bid for public contracts.