Local businesswoman, Cllr Janet Finch-Saunders AM today called on the Welsh Government to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

In a question to the First Minister in Plenary this afternoon, Janet said: “The Welsh Conservatives have proposed to abolish non-domestic rates for all SMEs and to simplify regulations following complaints from business leaders.

The Welsh Conservative Manifesto has set forward our goal to ‘open up more public services and general procurement to…SMEs’.

“The Welsh Government must take steps to help SMEs maximise their potential instead of wasting valuable time and money on red tape and non-domestic rates, particularly in the first few years of start-up.

“SMEs are the lifeblood of our economy in Wales and it is essential they have the time to focus on their growth rather than filling in forms.”