Carwyn Jones initial job as new First Minister is to welcome Pera Cymru

Carwyn Jones the Welsh Assembly member for Bridgend the newly elected First Minister was delighted to host the launch of Pera Cymru last night in the Senedd, Cardiff.

Carwyn Jones said "The establishment of Pera Cymru in Bridgend, partnering with Bridgend based BIC Innovation, brings into Wales one of Europe's leading performance improvement and innovation skills organisations. I warmly welcome this launch and the establishment of Pera Cymru. This is an exciting development as innovation and skills are at the heart of the Welsh Assembly agenda for economy".

BIC Innovation and Pera have worked together informally for a number of years on innovation technology and skills projects and the partnership to establish Pera Cymru will enable businesses in Wales to access accredited training from one of Europe's leading performance improvement organisations.

Pera Cymru brings together BIC Innovation, Wales' leading innovation services business and £46m Pera with offices in the UK and across Europe.

John Hill, Chief Executive of Pera said "Our partnership will enable us to support BIC Innovation to make an even greater impact on the development and competitiveness of the Welsh economy. This is the beginning of a long term commitment to supporting the welsh economy".

Dafydd Davies, Chief Executive of BIC Innovation said "BIC Innovation has until recently focused on delivering innovation consultancy and support, but to make a real sustainable difference in companies it is vital to improve performance, skills and cultures, and we feel this is strategically important for ourselves and for Wales. We always like to work with the best and Pera's outstanding record in transforming business performance through accredited skills training is great resource to have in Wales.

Rod Howells, Pera Cymru lead skills Consultant said "In these difficult economic times Pera Cymru's mission is to help businesses up-skill to make the most of the opportunities available to them now and in the future. We believe most companies are seeking to achieve direct improvements that will immediately help their business, and Pera Cymru can up-skill businesses to achieve this".

For more information about Pera Cymru please see: www.peracymru.com