Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Ewyn Jones AM, was in Pembrokeshire last Thursday to meet county council leader John Davies and local business chiefs. Businesses represented at the meeting in the Technium, Pembroke Dock, included Chevron, Murco, Dragon LNG, South Hook LNG, PEM Developments, Martello Quay and Stena. Clr. Davies described the meetings as "interesting and informative." He added: "The Deputy First Minister showed an understanding of the opportunities and challenges that Pembrokeshire businesses are facing especially when investing in new projects. "This empathy with Pembrokeshire was particularly heartening and is probably because our county has many similarities with the Minister's own constituency of Anglesey." The visit included a tour of the Technium facilities and the newly-equipped power electronics laboratory where they saw the state-of-the-art computerised systems that can simulate high voltage transmission systems and other circuits prior to them being made up and tested. They also saw the facilities that are now ready for start-up and for developing businesses to occupy. Said the council's deputy leader, John Allen- Mirehouse, who is also cabinet member for economic development, regeneration and business support: "These are well equipped offices and workshops that are ideal for new high technology businesses, be they university spin-outs or Pembrokeshire people wishing to developing embryonic ideas that they have conceived at home. "The support available to these new businesses at the Technium will enable people to commercialise their ideas into successful businesses. "Pembrokeshire has always had innovative people and the Technium is the facility that will help them to turn ideas into sound businesses without them having to leave the county to seek the specialist support they need. "It will also provide a base for people to return to the county to run their businesses in the type of facility that previously was only found in places like London, Cambridge or Swansea." Anyone wishing to find out more about the Technium and its facilities should contact: David Thomas, Technium manager, on 01646 689200.