I WANT to do what I can to support the next big idea in Barry and the Vale. After all, successful businesses are the best way to help regenerate our community.

Over the past few weeks I have been sending businesses in Barry information of business support available from the UK and Welsh Governments. Whether a sole trader, fourth generation family concern or high tech start up, I wanted to highlight the various ways of accessing support.

But I also want people with a great idea to be helped. It is so important to support a business in its early days to help it grow to its full potential.

If you have an idea and need a start-up loan or are looking to take on your first employee, there are various schemes available to help. I am very keen to hear from you. Get in touch so I can send details on how the various projects can support new businesses, helping grow them into major concerns or simply to help with employment challenges.

The response so far has been terrific. A number of businesses have been in touch, and I hope to make this a regular activity as new schemes are announced.

We know that the past few years have been difficult for many operators. But having visited firms both large and small across Barry and the Vale, it is obvious that the government’s long term economic plan is working and things are looking very positive.

So what more can be done to help? The government will continue to back businesses from a simple idea. So for those with an ambition to export from Cadoxton to Canada, the Buttrills to Brazil then just go for it. It will be a rollercoaster ride, but I will do all I can to support any business that wants to be a success in Barry and the Vale.