A REFORM Wales MS has urged ministers to put Business Wales at the heart of the proposed new Welsh Development Agency, warning that the new body must not become “another layer of bureaucracy” for firms already struggling to navigate a crowded support system.

Jason O’Connell MS, Reform Wales’ Shadow Economy Minister, said businesses across Wales needed a single, clear route to advice, finance, export support and investment opportunities.

His comments came after Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy Adam Price set out further details in the Senedd on the Welsh Government’s plans for a new national development agency.

The proposal has revived one of the longest-running debates in Welsh economic policy: whether Wales needs a new version of the old Welsh Development Agency, or whether another public body risks adding further complexity to an already crowded landscape.

The original WDA was created in the 1970s to attract investment, support business development and help regenerate the Welsh economy. It was abolished in 2006, with its functions absorbed into the Welsh Government.

Supporters of reviving the agency argue that Wales has lacked a clear national economic brand and a dedicated body to sell the country to investors. Critics argue that any new agency must prove it will deliver better outcomes, rather than simply create another quango.

Mr O’Connell told the Senedd that the current system was already difficult for businesses to navigate.

He pointed to Business Wales for advice, the Development Bank of Wales for finance, and a range of other local, regional and national programmes, arguing that firms needed “one front door” for support.

He said: “The Welsh Government needs to come clean on details regarding the WDA. We’ve heard big promises, but taxpayers and business owners still haven’t been told what this agency will actually deliver and how.

“Wales needs one organisation focused on attracting investment, growing exports and creating jobs.

“Bring Business Wales into the new agency, give businesses one front door for support, and make it a condition that inward investors build Welsh supply chains and back Welsh SMEs.”

Mr O’Connell said Business Wales already had a strong record, citing Welsh Government figures showing that it generated up to £18 in gross value added for every £1 invested.

He argued that, rather than creating a separate structure above existing services, ministers should build the new agency around what already works.

The Welsh Government’s own Business Support Review has described Business Wales as a trusted one-stop shop with strong brand recognition and high levels of client satisfaction. But the same review also warned that the wider business support landscape in Wales can feel fragmented, with overlap between different organisations and programmes.

That is likely to be one of the key tests for the new agency.

For many small firms, particularly in rural areas such as Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, the issue is not whether support exists, but whether it is easy to find, simple to apply for, and joined up with other help.

Businesses can face different rules, forms and eligibility criteria depending on whether they are seeking advice, skills support, export help, grants, loans, innovation funding or local authority schemes.

Mr Price told the Senedd there was “common ground” on the need for a single front door for business.

He said the new agency would be designed to improve productivity, create better jobs, raise living standards and help more Welsh-owned firms grow into resilient, competitive businesses.

He also confirmed that Jonathan Lewis, who has extensive business experience and is chair of Associated British Ports, would chair an expert advisory panel to help shape the agency’s remit and operating model.

Mr Price said the Government was not seeking to recreate the old WDA, but wanted a more agile arm’s-length body with innovation at its core.

He said the agency would be expected to support businesses with growth potential, help them navigate finance, attract inward investment and ensure Wales was promoted more effectively internationally.

But the debate also exposed concerns over how the new body will sit alongside the Development Bank of Wales, city and growth deals, local authorities and other economic development programmes.

Mr O’Connell also warned that inward investment should not be judged simply by the number of companies attracted to Wales.

He said the real test was whether new investment became rooted in Welsh communities, supported local supply chains, and created lasting opportunities for Welsh small and medium-sized businesses.

That issue has particular resonance in parts of Wales where communities have previously seen large employers arrive with public support, only for jobs to disappear when production moved elsewhere.

Mr Price said he agreed that the success of inward investment should be measured by more than headline announcements.

He said ministers wanted investment to support Welsh supply chains and long-term economic growth, rather than simply bringing in companies without lasting local benefits.

The new agency is part of the Welsh Government’s wider economic mission to halve Wales’ productivity gap with the UK within ten years.

However, the detailed questions remain unanswered.

Ministers have yet to confirm the agency’s final remit, budget, staffing, relationship with existing bodies, or whether Business Wales will formally become part of the new structure.

For Welsh firms, the question is simple: will the new agency make it easier to grow, export and win investment, or will it become another name in an already complicated system?

The answer will determine whether the revived WDA idea becomes a serious economic tool, or another political promise lost in the machinery of government.

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has been jailed for 22 years for the repeated rape and sexual abuse of a child over a number of years.

Damien Jones, 40, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, July 6, after being convicted following a trial earlier this year.

Jones was found guilty by a jury on May 6 of 16 sexual offences against one victim, who was a child at the time.

The offences took place between 2013 and 2021.

He was convicted of:

• Four counts of rape of a girl under 13
• Two counts of sexual touching of a girl under 13
• Three counts of sexual assault by penetration of a girl under 13
• Four counts of inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity without penetration
• Three counts of inciting a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity with penetration

In addition to the 22-year prison sentence, Jones was made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite restraining order in respect of the victim.

Victim praised for “incredible courage”

Detective Constable Leanne Morris, of South Powys CID, praised the bravery of the victim in coming forward and giving evidence during the trial.

DC Morris said: “I would like to take this opportunity to first and foremost commend the bravery shown by the victim in this case.

“They have shown incredible courage to provide their account to us, as well as appearing in court to give evidence during this trial.

“We are incredibly grateful for their strength and fortitude in ensuring that Jones has been brought before the courts and ultimately sentenced.”

She added: “Jones is clearly an incredibly dangerous individual, and today’s sentence reflects the nature of his depraved crimes.

“Thankfully, he is now no longer a danger to the public.

“The investigation team in this case have shown excellent professionalism and hard work in obtaining this result.”

Dyfed-Powys Police said anyone affected by rape or sexual offences can access support and advice through the force website, including information on how to report offences.

Victims of sexual offences are granted automatic lifetime anonymity under the law.

BARCLAYS has been urged to reopen bank branches in west Wales after reports that the banking giant is preparing to rebuild its high street presence.

Paul Davies MS, Senedd Member for Ceredigion Penfro, has written to Vim Maru, Chief Executive of Barclays UK, calling on the bank to restore full branch services in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

Mr Davies said Haverfordwest and Aberystwyth should be treated as priority locations, with Tenby and Cardigan also considered as part of any future review.

The call comes after reports that Barclays is looking again at its high street network, including opening new branches, expanding some existing sites and reviving the traditional role of local bank manager.

Mr Davies said west Wales should not be overlooked if Barclays is serious about returning to communities.

Barclays closed its Haverfordwest branch in May 2024, while branches in Aberystwyth and Cardigan also shut that year. The closures left many customers in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion without access to a full Barclays branch.

Mr Davies said the loss of face-to-face banking had hit residents, small businesses and community organisations across two largely rural counties.

He said: “It’s extremely disappointing that Barclays Bank currently has no branches in either Pembrokeshire or Ceredigion. This represents a significant reduction in service provision for both personal and business customers across the two counties.

“However, I welcome the bank’s recent announcement and have written to the Chief Executive to encourage Barclays to take this opportunity to restore banking services in our area by reopening branches in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

“Access to face-to-face banking services remains vital for many residents, businesses and community organisations, and I hope the bank will give serious consideration to reopening the high street branches in west Wales.”

The withdrawal of bank branches has become a growing concern in towns across Wales, particularly for older residents, people without reliable internet access, rural customers who depend on public transport, and businesses that need to deposit cash.

While some banking services are available through the Post Office, Barclays Local sites and banking hubs, campaigners have argued that these do not always provide the same service as a fully staffed branch.

Mr Davies said Barclays now had an opportunity to show that rural communities would not be left behind.

He is asking the bank to place Haverfordwest and Aberystwyth at the front of the queue if it proceeds with plans to expand its branch network.

The Herald has contacted Barclays for comment.