TWO Mid Wales towns could be the focus of ‘Business Growth Zones’, the Welsh Government has announced.
The move will see a task and finish group set up to explore proposals based around Newtown and Llandrindod Wells, focusing on supporting small business.
Brecon has also been included.
The plans have been welcomed by Powys County Council and Montgomeryshire Assembly Member, Russell George.
Councillor Wynne Jones, cabinet member for regeneration, said that the measures could include rate relief, a simplified planning environment, support for apprenticeships, priority for next generation broadband and to be the focus for European structural funds.
In her statement Edwina Hart, Welsh Government Business Minister, said: “The proposal from Powys is particularly innovative.
"I have had preliminary discussions and am setting up a short term, task and finish group involving local partners to explore proposals within Newtown, Llandrindod Wells and Brecon.
"I want a focus on smaller business and am interested in the specific issues that relate to retail in these areas.”
Cllr Jones said: “This is excellent news for Powys and our small business economy. Powys has one of the highest proportions of small businesses in Wales and developing growth zones that support and develop the sector is vital for our future well-being.
“Large Enterprise zones are not suitable for all areas and particularly Powys, where we wanted to have an impact across the wider area and to support and develop our existing businesses.
"We urged the Minister to consider creating local growth zones in Powys as a way of delivering genuine economic growth, creating additional sustainable jobs and removing barriers to growth.
“In our submission we have argued that some of the benefits of growth zones could include, rate relief measures, a simplified planning environment, support for apprenticeships, priority for next generation broadband and to be the focus for European structural funds.
“We were delighted by the minister’s announcement and look forward to working with the Welsh Government and being involved in the work of the task and finish group, to help develop the Growth Zones Model, and provide much needed assistance to the economy of Powys and help create good quality, sustainable jobs in the area.”
Russell George AM also welcomed the announcement saying: “This is very positive news for Powys and certainly a good start in boosting economic development in Powys.”
He added: “Although we are still in the early stages of developing the innovative proposals, which will include small business development in Newtown, I believe this could potentially be the shot in the arm that Powys so badly needs.”