Part of 1. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure – in the Senedd at 1:31 pm on 17 May 2017.
Ken Skates
Labour
1:31,
17 May 2017
Well, can I thank the Member for her question and say that this is an issue that’s close to the heart of many Members in this Chamber? Just because a small business is struggling to operate doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have a future in an environment that sees an increasing amount of activity take place online. I think the important factor that will determine the success or failure of a small retailer is whether it’s distinct—distinct from competition. And, in some town centres, such as Narberth, we see a good number, and a high concentration, of small boutique businesses and retailers in particular.
Now, Government can act as an enabler, supporting small businesses on the high street, through programmes such as the business exploitation programme, operated in tandem with Superfast Cymru. We can also assist in terms of offering support through Business Wales, offering one-to-one advice for business growth and how to adapt to modern retail tastes and trends. Also, we can support businesses through the development of business improvement districts and town-centre champions. And we’re doing just this. But I think what’s crucially important is that, if a small business is struggling to carve out a niche, or to survive in a fiercely competitive environment, call Business Wales, seek advice and, potentially, seek support. Seek support in the form of a loan or other financial resource. It’s essential that that’s done as soon as possible. We can also offer advice and support in terms of skills training and management too.
The cabinet is the group of twenty or so (and no more than 22) senior government ministers who are responsible for running the departments of state and deciding government policy.
It is chaired by the prime minister.
The cabinet is bound by collective responsibility, which means that all its members must abide by and defend the decisions it takes, despite any private doubts that they might have.
Cabinet ministers are appointed by the prime minister and chosen from MPs or peers of the governing party.
However, during periods of national emergency, or when no single party gains a large enough majority to govern alone, coalition governments have been formed with cabinets containing members from more than one political party.
War cabinets have sometimes been formed with a much smaller membership than the full cabinet.
From time to time the prime minister will reorganise the cabinet in order to bring in new members, or to move existing members around. This reorganisation is known as a cabinet re-shuffle.
The cabinet normally meets once a week in the cabinet room at Downing Street.