Small businesses back three big developments (From Western Telegraph)

Small businesses back three big developments

SMALL businesses in Pembrokeshire have voted overwhelmingly in favour of three major developments set for the county.

Bluestone, LNG and the gas-fired power station, were all given resounding approval last week by members of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

"The survey was conducted to find out exactly how small businesses in Pembrokeshire felt about three of the most significant developments to impact on the Pembrokeshire economy for over 30 years," said FSB county vice-chairman, Stephen Cole.

In one of the largest surveys of its kind, the results revealed that 75% of members asked supported the Bluestone development, with 17% against and 8% undecided.

More than seven out of ten members backed LNG proposals, with 80% - four out of five members - surveyed, supporting plans for a gas-fired power station.

The vice-chairman of the FSB, which protects and promotes the interests of the self-employed, was surprised by the results.

But he believes the county has a very positive economic future.

"Those behind the projects have come out and stated that they will, wherever possible, source locally. Small businesses will obviously hold them to their word and will be looking to them to bolster and help businesses on their way," he said.

AM Tamsin Dunwoody-Kneafsey said it was 'absolutely wonderful' that such overwhelming support had been given by small businesses.

"It shows that the business sector in Pembrokeshire is moving forward and developing a strong economy," she added.

But Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Preseli Pembrokeshire, Dewi Smith, believed such strong support is only from businesses that stand to gain in the short-term from the large-scale industrial plans.

"We need to look much longer term," he said. "It's the small traditional businesses that I see as our future."