If you fear change, please look away now. It may be less than a year since the last big Assembly Government policy change on economic policy, but there is a fair chance that we will get another revamp soon.
Labour’s "not quite" victory in the Assembly elections, gaining exactly half the seats, means first minister Carwyn Jones feels confident enough to govern without a coalition. And that means no role for Plaid’s Ieuan Wyn Jones, who was widely seen as the architect of the last government’s economic renewal plan. While it was popular with some groups, notably the CBI, it was widely criticised for cutting back business grants, reducing advice and terminating International Business Wales.
Some politicians might have been content to leave it at that. But Edwina Hart, our new minister for business, enterprise and technology, is no shrinking violet. She has a reputation for toughness and determination.
It’s a reputation that did not endear her to some when, as health minister, she resisted private sector involvement in the NHS. But is she genuinely hostile to business? If she fights as hard for the private sector as she did for her vision of health, then maybe companies are in for a pleasant surprise. As long as we don’t just get a juddering u-turn in policy followed by months of reorganisation and inertia.
Talking about changes, you may notice a few new aspects to Wales Business Insider this month. We have refreshed the Agenda section (p4) to give you an “at a glance” feel for what’s happening in Welsh business. Later in the magazine, Insider 2:0 (p59) will give insights into technology without making you reach for the dictionary.
But we’re not chucking everything out. This month you can read all about 2011’s batch of Rising Stars (p11), ambitious young entrepreneurs with fire in their bellies. Our new business minister could do worse than invite a few of them to Cardiff Bay to share their views and experiences.
Douglas Friedli, editor
Also in: June 2011
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Stars in the ascendant
Insider picks out 25 promising young entrepreneurs to join our Rising Stars every year. Here’s the latest batch of high achieving, ambitious individuals from across Wales.
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Time to power up
Wales boasts enviable renewable energy resources but is the country making the most of its natural advantages? Insider sets the scene and looks in detail at the country’s tidal, wind and solar industries.