MS hits out at lack of larger business premises in the area.

Expanding businesses across Mid Wales are facing significant barriers to growth due to a critical shortage of suitable commercial premises, a local MS has warned.

Russell George, Montgomeryshire MS, raised the issue in the Senedd this week, highlighting how thriving local companies are being prevented from scaling up operations despite strong demand and success.

The problem was illustrated through the case of Stashed Products, an Abermule-based business founded by Elliot Tanner in 2022. The company, which designs, manufactures and sells innovative bike storage systems, has experienced remarkable growth since Tanner successfully pitched to investors on BBC's Dragons' Den earlier this year.

However, despite such success stories, businesses across the region are struggling to find the larger commercial units needed to accommodate expansion plans.

Speaking in the Senedd on Monday, Mr George told members: "Dozens of businesses are unable to upscale because there aren't sufficient commercial units available for them to move into of 10,000 square foot or greater, or land available for them to build on themselves."

The MS explained that whilst this represents "a good problem to have", the shortage of suitable premises could seriously hamper economic growth across Mid Wales. He emphasised that addressing the issue would also free up smaller premises for start-up businesses.

"There aren't sufficient commercial units available for businesses to move into larger premises, or land available for them to build on themselves. Businesses in mid Wales are keen to grow and employ more people but are being held back," Mr George said.

The issue is not new, with Mr George having previously raised concerns with successive Economy Ministers about the lack of available business premises in the region, particularly in the Severn Valley area.

Following his visit to Stashed Products, Mr George commented: "It was great to visit Elliot and see for myself the success of Stashed Products. Despite the strong growth of the company and the exposure through Dragons Den, the lack of commercial property availability in Powys could stifle the businesses plans for job creation and growth."

In response to the concerns raised, Jane Hutt MS, the Trefnydd, acknowledged the importance of the issue and confirmed she would feed back the concerns to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning.

"The opportunities and prospects for businesses, as you describe, are important, and I will feed that back to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning," Ms Hutt told the Senedd.

Mr George has indicated he will continue to pressure the Welsh Government for action on supporting business growth in the region, particularly around the availability of suitable commercial premises.

The shortage of appropriate business accommodation represents a significant challenge for Mid Wales's economic development, with successful companies potentially forced to look elsewhere for expansion opportunities if suitable premises cannot be secured locally.