Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning and candidate to succeed Carwyn Jones as First Minister for Wales, Eluned Morgan talked about the business of Brexit, when she was guest speaker at the M4 Business Network.

Addressing more than 160 guest and members of the network Baroness Morgan of Ely discussed how Welsh Government and businesses can work in partnership to navigate though 'one of the most pivotal time in our nation’s history' that is Brexit.

The minister, who in addition to spending 15 years in the European Parliament representing Wales, has also thrived in the commercial world having worked as the head of low carbon development for Swalec SSE, wasted no time in outlining the necessity of securing a strong deal with Europe.

While she admitted that she was 'extremely aware of the limitations of the EU' she was also 'unapologetically and EU enthusiast'.

Describing the Brexit decision as a 'catastrophic mistake' she highlighted Wales’ need for unfettered access to the EU market, pointing out that 65 per cent of all Welsh goods are destined for that market and the £600m we receive from Brussels annually.

Looking forward, the minister stated that she felt what businesses most needed to see was a stable financial and regulatory framework, but that the 'turmoil we’re living through at the moment was quite the opposite of this' and is prompting some to move their headquarters to EU locations.

Brexit aside, the minister pointed out that Wales has major challenges to face, such as the fact that it remains one of the poorest parts of the UK. She stated that her driving ambition was to live in a country that is not poor, where people can make the most of their potential irrespective of their background.

Baroness Morgan pointed out the real need to 'push up' skills levels amongst workers, stating that Wales’ businesses community is central to efforts to change the reality that Wales remains to be one of the UK’s poorest regions.

Paul Byett, managing partner of the M4 Business Network’s main sponsor, UHY Hacker Young, said: “There’s no denying that Brexit presents some of the most challenging questions Welsh businesses have ever faced. We’re grateful that the minister accepted our invitation to join us to address these issues head on in a refreshingly frank and honest manor. Our network will always remain politically unbiased, but I feel confident that all of our members appreciate the opportunity to meet with senior members of our government to discuss such matters of crucial importance.”

The next M4 Business Network event will be November 13 where the guest speaker will be the celebrated journalist and award-winning newspaper editor Eve Pollard.

The M4 Business Network has established itself as the premier networking organisation in south Wales, attracting members from along the M4 corridor.

To book your place, or for further information on becoming a member of the M4 Business Network please visit www.m4businessnetwork.org or contact Paul Byett at UHY Hacker Young on 01633 213318.