Wales woos hi-tech Kiwis

Wales is making a major play for the attention of New Zealand’s technology-led SMEs that have visions of European expansion with the offer of free rent and business consultancy.Rhodri Tudur-Jones of International Business Wales (IBW) says the new Access Wales project has been designed to offer hi-tech and knowledge-based companies the opportunity to “test the market”.“Access Wales lets businesses ‘try before you buy’,” says Jones. “We’re hoping this platform will take the risk out of getting a presence on the ground in Western Europe.”New Zealand businesses that meet eligibility criteria will benefit from 12 months rent-free office space in one of 15 innovation centres across Wales, in addition to specialist business support from professional consultancy partners valued in the region of $40,000.In recent years, the IBW has formed close associations with New Zealand technology companies – in particular Pingar and Panztel. There is also scope for the IBW to open up ties with the Welsh academic community, such as the recently announced partnership between Pingar, The University of Wales and The University of Waikato.“We want to bring sustainable employment to Wales,” says Jones. “We think it is a great opportunity for New Zealand’s technology-based businesses to get on the ground in the UK.”