12. JM: Will the Minister make a statement on Welsh Government plans to support Small Business Saturday on 7 December

Janet Finch-Saunders: The recently formed cross-party group on small shops is working with Small Business Saturday in order to publicise the importance of our small businesses, of which our small shops and independent retailers are a large part, employing 22,000 people, and it is an industry that is growing at a rate of 4.6%. However, the Association of Convenience Stores 2013 Local Shop Report shows that Welsh retailers are far less optimistic about the year ahead than the UK average. So, in real terms, what is the Welsh Government doing to support our independent retail sector?

Edwina Hart: We are doing quite a lot, I think, in terms of assisting with marketing. What we are doing in terms of the digital campaign, which will be delivered with the marketplace in Wales, will be very successful. It does provide a platform for small businesses across Wales to receive business support through the Welsh Government’s start-up service and Business Wales to showcase their products and businesses. However, you are right; perhaps we need to look at what we are currently doing and whether there is anything further we can do to promote small, innovative businesses. When you see new businesses on the high street, they do not half boost the trade for other traders. When you see something new and a nice shop window that is selling something different, it draws people in.

13. Janet Finch-Saunders: Will the Minister make a statement on economic growth in Wales?

Edwina Hart: Thank you for that question. We have taken a wide range of actions to support jobs and growth across Wales. Since devolution, we have seen a greater growth in employment in Wales than in England.

Janet Finch-Saunders: Capital Economics projected in October that the Welsh economy will experience a growth rate of 2.7% up to 2020, but that is far behind the 3.8% comparable to the UK as a whole. Further to this, just last week, the new governor of the Bank of England highlighted how Wales continues to lag behind other parts of the UK. What lessons could you and your Government learn from the UK Government in getting our economy growing?

Edwina Hart: I am always happy to take help and advice from any source. However, in terms of what we are doing with the economy, with all the schemes we have to offer business and the support we give to business, I think we are doing a very good job.