Following the disastrous news that GRH Food Company Ltd has gone into administration despite receiving a £1.7million grant from the Welsh Government, and the emerging pattern of failing investments of tax payer’s money in North West Wales, Janet Finch-Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, has called on the Minister for Economy and Transport to undertake a major review into the decision process for allocating grants to business.
Janet said:
"This is horrendous news for the family firm and all the staff who worked there. Indeed, my heart goes out to the 82 individuals who have lost their livelihoods so abruptly.
“I am also extremely worried about the impact on the supply chain and the negative effect the loss of processing capacity will have on the Welsh dairy sector.
“Sadly, this is the second time in recent months that North West Wales has seen a business in receipt of tax payer’s cash collapse.
“Between GMJ and GRH over £2million of tax payer’s money invested in this area has been unsuccessfully targeted, causing harm to small businesses, workers, and public confidence in Welsh Government expenditure.
“Going forward, Ken Skates AM must prioritise helping the staff who have lost their jobs and undertake a major review into the decision process for allocating grants to business across Wales”.
ENDS
Written Assembly Question to Ken Skates AM, Minister for Economy and Transport:
Following the news that GRH Food Company Ltd have gone into administration, will the Minister state what action he is taking to help the staff who have been made redundant, and undertake a review of the process used to decide whether or not to allocate grants?
Notes:
Developer given major grant to build £1.3m headquarters has gone into administration
Welsh cheese maker goes into administration with 80 staff made redundant
Photo:
Janet Finch-Saunders AM outside GMJ