A PROGRAMME to prepare for the launch of a Welsh Development Agency's initiative designed to bring Welsh entrepreneurs back home is to be developed by Strategic Marketing and Mistral.

The Return to Wales programme aims to attract business people with Welsh links to come to Wales to start businesses in high-growth sectors such as ICT and biotechnology, and to combat the 'talent drain' from the Welsh economy.

Cardiff-based Strategic Marketing's research and strategy development and Mistral's corporate and marketing communications skills will contribute to the success of the campaign.

The initiative, which forms part of the WDA-driven Entrepreneurship Action Plan partnership, will research attitudes and perceptions of decision-makers and entrepreneurs.

This will be followed by the development of a communications strategy to encourage growth business to set up shop in Wales.

Stuart Cook, partner with Strategic Marketing, said: "We are looking forward to this challenge and to bringing both businesses together to offer best value to the WDA.

"Mike Evans, chief executive of Mistral, said: "We are pleased to have won the contract and are looking forward to working as an integral part of the team with the WDA and Strategic Marketing."

The WDA's Iain Willox, (pictured) development director of enterprise support, said: "We see potential and existing entrepreneurs who have an affinity with Wales as having a major role to play in shaping the future of the Welsh economy and creating employment.

"Mistral and Strategic Marketing will focus their efforts on identifying and reaching these audiences in their work, which the WDA sees as an important aspect in the drive to build an entrepreneurial culture in Wales."