HC Deb 25 May 1993 vol 225 c552W
Mr. Richards

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the companies in Clwyd that have received a small firms merit award for research and technology(a) stage 1 and (b) stage 2 award during the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Wyn Roberts

The Government's SMART competition for small companies and start-ups is a highly successful scheme that provides support for innovation which is widely recognised as the key to company competitiveness. Over the five years that it has been operating, Wales has received 112 awards covering a wide technological range, representing 9 per cent. of the United Kingdom total. The following companies located in Clwyd have received awards over the past 12 months:

  • (a) STAGE 1
  • Global Specialties (UK) Ltd.
  • Optokem Instruments Ltd.
  • (b) STAGE 2
  • Henrob Ltd.
  • Quest Refrigeration Ltd.

Some 107 applications from Welsh companies have been received for this year's stage 1 competition, representing a 55 per cent. increase on last year. This reflects an increase in confidence in Welsh industry as well as a positive interest in innovation.