Business Summit covering the latest investments, plans and supports on economic recovery for the North Wales Mersey Dee cross border region. Presentations from the Mersey Dee Alliance, Welsh Government, Cheshire & Warrington LEP, North Wales Economic Ambition Board and Growth Track 360. This free event online Feb 24th 10am to 3 pm includes Q&A and follow up business input. Click here to register today.
Following the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020 and the signing of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the UK and the EU, the UK Government has issued guidance for a wide range of sectors. More information can be found on: https://www.gov.uk/transition https://gov.wales/preparing-wales Guidance is now available for working in the following sectors from 1 January 2021. The telecoms and information services sector from January 2021http://bit.ly/3nqIqUC The sports and recreation sector from January 2021http://bit.ly/2JUXrAi The media and broadcasting sectors from January 2021http://bit.ly/2LB43nN The digital, technology and computer services sectors from January 2021http://bit.ly/3nsMEep The arts, culture and heritage sectors from January 2021http://bit.ly/35o2NLX The creative industries sector from […]
The ONS has published a survey on the public actions over the Christmas period and perceptions regarding the future beyond Covid-19. The survey was undertaken before the current lockdowns (Jan 2021) on the perceptions regarding how soon the UK will get back to normal which will have implications for holiday booking patterns this year. The main findings were: A quarter of adults (25%) felt that life will return to normal in six months or less, compared with 22% the week before.One in five (20%) adults felt that it will take more than a year for life to return to normal, compared with 23% the week before. Concerning fort tourism terms […]
The What3Words webinar that took place before Christmas was recorded and is now available on our website. The free what3words app and website is used across the whole of the UK and around the globe and it’s the simplest way to talk about location. Street addresses weren’t designed for 2020. They aren’t accurate enough to specify precise locations, such as building entrances, and don’t exist for parks and many rural areas. what3words has divided the world into 3 metre squares and given each square a unique combination of three words. It’s the easiest way to find and share exact locations. To learn more click on the link below What3Words Webinar […]
The ERF Sector Specific Fund should be open for applications by 12pm on 13 January and will remain open for two weeks or until the money is fully committed. Link to fund guidelines in preparation for submitting the application is below: https://businesswales.gov.wales/economic-resilience-fund-erf-sector-specific-fund
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) have published a new data sharing code of practice, which provides clear guidance for organisations and businesses on how to share data lawfully. For further information please visit https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/data-sharing-information-hub/
The UK Government has announced the rise in the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage from April 2021. For the first time, more younger people will be eligible for the National Living Wage, as the age threshold will be lowered from 25 to 23. In full, the increases are: National Living Wage (23+) to increase from £8.72 to £8.91National Minimum Wage (21-22) to increase from £8.20 to £8.36National Minimum Wage (18-20) to increase £6.45 to £6.56National Minimum Wage (under 18) to increase £4.55 to £4.62Apprenticeship Wage to increase from £4.15 to £4.30 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-government-announces-pay-rise-for-millions-of-people
Following the Welsh Government formal review of the alert level four lockdown restrictions, which were introduced at midnight on 19 December, all the measures will remain in place until 29 January. This means non-essential retail, hospitality venues, licensed premises and leisure facilities will remain closed. Unless there is a significant reduction in cases of coronavirus before 29 January – the date of the next three-week review of the regulations – school and college students will continue to learn online until the February half term. The First Minister is reminding people that in the current lockdown people must: Stay at homeWork from home if you can.Keep a 2m distance from others.Wear […]
We have received a number of questions relating to the grant funding available for the hospitality and non-essential retail sector – details of the grants available along with a brief description are listed below. Please note that there are 3 funds available each with different eligibility criteria so please check carefully when applying to avoid confusion. Fund 1 – ERF Sector Specific Support Fund Targeted at hospitality, tourism and leisure companies who are materially impacted with a greater than 60% impact on turnover, as a result of the restrictions introduced from 4th December to 22nd January 2021.EligibilityTo be eligible, businesses must be: VAT registered; limited companies with a turnover of over £50,000pa and […]
5th Jan 2021 The Chancellor has announced £4.6 billion new lockdown grants to support businesses and protect jobs. For English businesses -Business Rated Properties Up to £15,000 RV = £4000£15001 – £51000 RV = £6000£51001 + = £9000 The Welsh Government will receive £227 million. Will update you ASAP on what it actually means in terms of additional support for Welsh businesses. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/46-billion-in-new-lockdown-grants-to-support-businesses-and-protect-jobs