PEMBROKESHIRE’S leading business support organisation is facing an uncertain future after the organisation failed to win the renewal a key contact with the Welsh Assembly Government. A top source at the Pembrokeshire Business Initiative (PBI) has told the Herald that from January 2016 they will no longer be delivering

The Welsh Government Business Startup Service, a free of charge range of business skills training designed to give want-to-be business owners the key business skills needed to run their own firm. PBI, based at the Bridge Innovation Centre in Pembroke Dock, has enough reserve funds to continue operations for a maximum of 24 months, the Herald understands, but may close by the end of 2016 if all avenues seeking what is essential funding become exhausted.

Managing Director Paul Lloyd told us: “We have money, we have staff… We may have to accept at some point though, that that’s it. That’s a decision that the board will have to take next year.”

PBI STAFF

The Herald understands that the PBI is hopeful that half of the thirteen of their staff will be transferred to AnturTeifi but Antur’s Head of Communications, Alwyn Davies did not sound certain that this was a done deal. He said: “This is not confirmed, there is an ongoing process which assesses what will happen.

This is what we are looking into at the moment.” Details of why the PBI have missed out have not yet become clear, but the Welsh Government said they did not apply directly to them for funding for a new contract, nor The Herald understands were they part of the Antur Teifi bid. Changes to the way that the Welsh Government deals with business support funding means that the contacts tend to be bigger and more complex.

What we do know is that there already was a long established working relationship between the PBI and AnturTeifi, going back many years. Asked why AnturTeifi had not included PBI in its partnership bid, Alwyn Davies said: “We cannot comment but it was a commercial decision.”

The Herald asked Mr Davies if the PBI was dumped as a provider purely to save money. He responded: “There were a whole host of considerations to come to this decision.” Adding: “This is a competitive marketplace with businesses bidding for contracts” He was keen to stress that AnturTeifi would provide services of “consistently high standards” for the businesses of Pembrokeshire.

LOCAL CONCERNS

 The news has been met with concern by local politicians, who understand the vital role that PBI is playing in the county to help start and support new businesses. Secretary of State for Wales, Stephen Crabb MP said: “Am deeply concerned by this development. PBI has a solid reputation for helping entrepreneurs, and new business start ups over many years, at a time when we are working very hard to revitalise the local economy, and to find new sources of growth.”

Mr Crabb added: “I am worried that the proposed changes could see a step backwards in terms of supporting new local firms.” Local MP Simon Hart told The Herald: “I am surprised and disappointed at this sudden and inexplicable threat to an important Pembrokeshire organisation” “The Welsh Assembly Government’s idea of cuts banks and centralising does not always lead to efficiency and better delivery of services.”

Plaid Cymru Mid and West AM Simon Thomas told The Herald: “It is concerning to learn that the future of Pembrokeshire Business Initiative is in doubt. I have tabled a question to the Welsh Economy Minister to get clarity on the issue.” Labour Assembly Candidate, Marc Tierney, who has accessed PBI’s services in the past said: “I am concerned to hear that there is a real funding threat to the PBI.

For the last thirty years the Pembrokeshire Business Initiative has provided trusted advice to businesses and small enterprises, relying on European and Welsh Government funding to deliver their service. “Whilst I am pleased that some support staff may be transferred to provide business advice through the AnturTeifi contract, I want to be assured that businesses of all sizes get the support they need.

“I understand that businesses with a turnover of less than £80,000 per annum will, in future, access training and support services online. So it is hugely important that local businesses are digitally included and that the momentum to rolling out superfast broadband continues.”

Mr Tierney added: “I am speaking up for local businesses to ensure we use every opportunity available to boost the Pembrokeshire economy. I have written to the Welsh Government to outline my support for the local economy, highlighting the need for all local businesses to continue to have access to the advice and support they need to get on.”

ANTUR’S STATEMENT

In an official statement AnturTeifi said: “ The new Business Wales service starting on January 4, will be run from four regional hubs in Wales – in St. Asaph, Newtown, Carmarthen and Bridgend. Advisers will be mobile and will be available to meet eligible businesses at their premises. “The team of advisers will be geographically spread throughout Wales and Pembrokeshire will be served by advisers, employed by Antur Teifi, who are knowledgeable about opportunities and services available locally to complement the Business Wales service.

“Businesses in Pembrokeshire that are eligible for direct face-to-face support are likely to receive that support at their premises from a locally-based adviser. The team of experienced advisers will bring a range of skills and will be able to deliver a bilingual service of equal high quality throughout Wales. “In delivering our services to businesses in all parts of Wales, we will be looking to work with local partner organisations that can add value to the service and ensure that businesses get the best possible advice to help them achieve growth for the benefit of the economy of Pembrokeshire and the rest of Wales.

“The Welsh Government has developed the service building on the feedback and assessment of the current service. Business Wales will provide access to a range of relevant, high quality advice for individuals and companies which is accessible online, with additional direct support provided by advisers, determined by the aspiration and growth potential of the business. ”

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

Phil Thompson, Chairman of PBI said: “We will not be part of the consortium that will be delivering business start-up support nationally on behalf of the Welsh Government next year. “PBI remains committed to providing local, face to face and expert support for new and existing businesses in Pembrokeshire and will continue to do this into the future. “PBI recognises the unique challenges faced by the business community in Pembrokeshire and its founding purpose is to help those in need of assistance and advice here in the county”

COUNCIL LEADER

 Cllr Jamie Adams, Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “PBI have provided an invaluable service to the business community over many years, and we are sorry to hear that they no longer have the contract. However, we look forward to working with the new providers, Antur Teifi.”

CARDIFF RESPONDS

 A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The new Business Wales service will start in January 2016, and will continue to provide advice and information to all businesses and people seeking to start a business across Wales, no matter what their size or where they are located. The service can be accessed via the helpline, online or through one of 35 satellite offices located across Wales, three of which will be located in Pembrokeshire. We undertook an open procurement process for the delivery of the new Business Wales services. Pembrokeshire Business Initiative did not submit a bid for the new contract.”