Local Assembly Member Paul Davies has recently attended a Federation of Small Businesses event at the Pembrokeshire Show, to highlight their agenda for rural business. Their vision promotes three ways of helping rural businesses by improving digital infrastructure, reducing high fuel costs and re-establishing sensible arrangements for business rate relief.

Mr Davies said, "I was delighted to attend the FSB rural agenda launch to learn more ways in which we can help rural businesses. Engaging and understanding the needs of small firms is vital in rural areas like Pembrokeshire. I regularly receive correspondence from businesses regarding a lack of access to fast and reliable broadband and mobile phone coverage is still a big issue in many parts of west Wales. Broadband is no longer a luxury for businesses – it is essential and so more must be done to ensure that businesses in Pembrokeshire are on a level playing field to compete for work. For my part, I will continue to raise this issue at an Assembly level with the Business Minister.