Ieuan Wyn Jones visits Ruthin

Jun 17 2008 By David Simister

Vale traders have voiced their concerns to Wales’ Deputy First Minister during his visit to Ruthin last week.

Ieuan Wyn Jones visited a variety of companies during his time in the town, including defence contractor Jones Bros, who employ more than 250 people are among the town’s largest employers.

"A number of firms across North Wales have raised the issue of tendering procedures with me and I was happy to make the Deputy First Minister aware of those concerns." said Janet Ryder, the Plaid Cymru regional AM who hosted Mr Jones on his visit.

"In a nutshell, these are firms doing good work and with a proven track record that are losing out to larger firms because they don't have the additional presentational skills and resources that their rivals enjoy."

The worry stems from fears that government contracts are being offered to outside firms as increasingly large contracts, meaning smaller traders such as Jones Bros may be sidelined in favour of bigger businesses.

"We welcomed the opportunity to discuss the risks and challenges that businesses such as ourselves face in the current economic climate." said Ann Jones, Company Secretary of Jones Bros.

"Both Janet and Ieuan appreciated some of the concerns that we have and are eager to press for changes to further support the development of SME's businesses in North Wales."

The Minister also visited Vale Contract Services and Landscapes, another Ruthin firm, who also expressed their concerns about the Clwyd business climate.