I reproduce it here for those who may have missed it as it demonstrates the strong feelings out there in the business support community over these changes to economic development in Wales.
Unlike some of the commentators who have posted on this blog lately, individuals such as Bob are those who are working every day to try and bring business into Wales.
Yes, these changes directly affects businesses such as Bob's but it is clear that, at least in the short term, the ERP will also affect the potential of the rest of the Welsh economy to grow itself out of recession.
"I am a consultant who has dealt with grants, finance and mentoring, both for and despite the WAG activities. I have friends and colleagues who move in my world, some of whom are (still) working for WAG in some context or other. I am not a big fan of the WAG business support efforts in recent years but what has happened lately is beyond belief. My own blog has followed a similar line.
One could argue some of the points made in the ERP would be a good idea if we were starting off right now. But to guillotine grants and much of what was in train without something in place to follow on is laughably inept, unprofessional, needlessly destructive and frankly typical of the WAG dabbling in an area they really don't know too much about.
I understand the staff don't know what is going on. The clients don't know if their grant application made the cut, so to speak. There are good propositions out there which were being prepared at no small cost which are now scrapped or on hold at best. There are consultants who relied on the complexities of the grant system for a business themselves who are wondering what to do. There are businesses shying away from coming to Wales, not only because they can't get a grant but because of the chaotic business environment now apparent. I could go on but you all know what I am talking about.
The last I heard is that WAG are expecting some decisions to be made by the New Year!
I am joining a small campaign that is growing which is to personally email ieuan.wynjones@wales.gov.uk and ask him why this situation has been allowed to develop, to let him know about clients I have that will probably go elsewhere to a more professional environment" .
Thanks for commenting Bob.
Further comments from other business professionals are welcome as you will be assured that, given the frequency of visits from WAG to this website, someone in Cardiff Bay will be reading them.
