Will the Cabinet Secretary develop a plan for growing the foundation economy during the rest of this Senedd term?
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
| Answered on 10/02/2025
Growing the Foundational Economy (FoEc) is a priority and a Programme for Government commitment. Our definition, assessment of, and objectives for the FoEc are published online, together with examples of progress being delivered:
The foundational economy | GOV.WALES
In 2025/26, we will progress plans to strengthen the FoEc including:
- Promoting the FoEc approach through direct business support from Business Wales with specific focus on Floating Offshore Wind, Housing, Food, better connecting businesses with the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act and delivering follow up Expo events in the autumn.
- Further rolling out our support to accredit contractors in the housing sector.
- Scaling up the Welsh Veg in Schools project.
- Trial salad bar options in a selection of secondary schools. This model is used in Malmo, Sweden ensuring healthy eating in schools and increasing use of local and seasonal produce.
- Through Constructing Excellence Wales, progress a range of initiatives to support the FoEc, including promotion of the use of Project Bank Accounts to ensure prompt payment for smaller suppliers, supporting the construction sector to enhance its digital capability, and providing key intelligence to inform future work plans.
- Build on the successful Food Communities of Practice and establish new networks in other key FoEc sectors to encourage innovation and share learning.