Original by Liz Wells, Talking Retail - https://www.talkingretail.com/news/industry-news/welsh-politicians-sugg…

The Cross Party Group on Small Shops has released the findings of its Supporting Entrepreneurship Inquiry, recommending new ways that the Welsh Government and local authorities can help entrepreneurs and small businesses to grow.

The inquiry’s recommendations include business rates reform to create a system that drives investment and economic growth and the introduction of a new ‘Entrepreneurs Test’ to encompass all impact assessments for business regulation.

The group also recommends better communication of apprenticeship funding and support for small employers to train more apprentices, a review of entrepreneurial skills training and business support services available, and that the Welsh Government should develop a high-profile approach to employer engagement with schools to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

The findings are the result of several evidence sessions in the Welsh Assembly, featuring industry experts, leading entrepreneurs and business organisations talking about the changes needed to help existing and future entrepreneurs succeed.

Janet Finch Saunders, chair of the Cross Party Group on Small Shops, said: “The Supporting Entrepreneurship Inquiry is much needed to highlight to the Welsh Government the issues facing entrepreneurs, business owners and those just starting out, and offers a valuable insight for policy-makers. Everyday entrepreneurs that are the backbone of the Welsh economy, those business people that serve their local community day in day out, providing valued jobs and supporting our high streets and shopping parades.

“If implemented together, these policy suggestions would really spur the entrepreneurial spirit throughout Wales. I hope that cabinet secretaries, their officials and assembly members take note of the Inquiry’s findings, and seek to work with local government to implement our recommendations, which focus on local planning, business rates, and the development of an ‘Entrepreneurs Test’ to be included in future impact assessments for policy and proposals going forward.”

The Cross Party Group on Small Shops enables assembly members to discuss the policy agenda for small shops and highlight concerns to the Welsh Government and Assembly.