Many took to the streets of Newport a few weeks ago to see the demolition of the Capitol car park.

Its demise marks a big visual step forward for the redevelopment, and it is good to see progress being swiftly made.

The start of a new year often encourages individuals to embrace new challenges. One of these could be to start your own business.

If you feel inspired to go down this path, help is available from the Welsh Government. Business Wales provides a wealth of information with handy checklists, resources to help you run your business and advice on finance and funding.

• For more information visit business.wales.gov.uk or call 03000 6 03000.

It is good to hear of a funding boost for credit unions from the Welsh Government. Funding of over £1.2m is being given to local and national schemes which include a publicity campaign, money management education and the development of financial services. Welsh Government funding for credit unions has supported the increase of membership to approximately 73,000 members, and the target is for the number of people using credit unions to increase to 6% of the population by 2020.

It is good news that the Newport Credit Union has received £20,000 of funding to improve sustainability and financial viability, and I encourage you to find out more and become a member.

• For further details call 01633 214913 or email info@newportcreditunion.co.uk.

Few of us will forget the recent bad weather and subsequent flooding, both in Newport and across the UK. Earlier this month, Natural Resources Wales confirmed that the Welsh Government had earmarked a £7 million grant to build new flood defences in Crindau. The scheme has reached appraisal stage, and a business case is being prepared for approval.

The flood improvements would add protection to more than 700 homes and businesses. Residents can find out more about the scheme at an exhibition at Shaftesbury Community Centre on February 10th from 2pm-8pm.

There are a number of Welsh Government consultations still accepting responses and I would encourage you to visit www.wales.gov.uk/consultations to send in your comments to those that are of interest.

• Keep up to date with my activities by visiting www.rosemarybutleram.com or following me on Twitter @RosemaryButler.

To be added to my email newsletter list call 01633 222523 or email rosemary.butler@wales.gov.uk