The Labour-Plaid government has ignored an entrepreneur’s plans to invest in Blaenau Gwent and create jobs there.
That’s according to the Welsh Conservatives – who have spoken to the Merthyr-born businessman.
Michael Samuel has told AMs repeated calls to WAG went unanswered, despite his plans to create 200 jobs in a factory building modular homes.
After finally getting through to officers, Mr Samuel says he has failed to get sufficient support.
Shadow Minister for Economy, Darren Millar AM, said: “The way Mr Samuel has been treated by WAG is nothing short of woeful ignorance.
“This is a businessman who wants to create 200 jobs in an area of Wales that sorely needs more investment. Labour-Plaid should be jumping at the chance and offering all the help they can.
“Instead, all they can deliver is the usual ineffective nonsense. They claim to be helping businesses – they’re doing nothing of the sort.
“The Deputy First Minister’s department is a farce. We already know it has offered no financial aid to businesses since it was set up. Now we hear it can’t be bothered to help boost employment.
“WAG’s business advisors need to get their act together and do what they’re paid for.”
South Wales East AM Mohammad Asghar said: “This case beggars belief and I am now making representations to the Assembly Government on Mr Samuel’s behalf.
“I don’t understand why officers failed to deal effectively with this enquiry. It took Mr Samuel more than 50 calls to get through to the correct department.
“Now he has had some form of contact, he remains disappointed with the response he has received.
“This obvious incompetence is rubbishing what could be an exciting future for hundreds of families in Blaenau Gwent.”
Michael Samuel, MD of APS Industrial Holdings, said: “My initial dealings with the Welsh Assembly Government have been ones of sheer frustration, due to their inability to communicate with people prepared to invest in Wales.
“I am trying to help the social and economic development of an already deprived area.
“As a businessman born in the Valleys and trying to aid the recovery of Wales, I am wholly dissatisfied in the response I have had from the Welsh Assembly Government.”
