“Next steps towards a future with fewer covid rules” – First Minister

Wales will move fully into alert level one from 17 July. And there will be further changes to the rules outdoors as Wales takes the first careful step towards a new alert level zero. Alert level zero is set out in an updated Coronavirus Control Plan, which is published today. If the public health situation allows, Wales will move to this level on 7 August. https://gov.wales/coronavirus-control-plan-alert-level-0-zero coronavirus-control-plan-alert-level-zero-0Download From 17 July, Wales will move fully to alert level one, including: Up to six people can meet indoors in private homes and holiday accommodation.Organised indoor events can take place for up to 1,000 seated and up to 200 standing.Ice rinks can reopen. […]

Steps to Sustainability – Heritage Fund Programme

Heritage organisations across the UK are under increasing pressure and financial constraints, with many facing extreme challenges to ensure a stable future. With the additional impact of Covid-19, a culture of enterprise to build a sustainable and resilient heritage sector is needed now more than ever. Steps to Sustainability, a new National Lottery Heritage Fund programme delivered by the Social Enterprise Academy, will provide a pathway of support to address these challenges. It will help your organisation to be ambitious, forward-thinking and deliver exciting new projects. Who should apply? Small to medium heritage organisations based in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and those who: Have an income-generating idea that is […]

Economic Resilience Fund (ERF): July/August support open for businesses with a turnover of £85k+

Businesses with a pre-COVID turnover of £85,000+, directly impacted by the restrictions in place during July and August 2021, can apply to the Economic Resilience Fund for financial assistance to help meet their operating costs (excluding staff wages). The fund will open today, 13 July 2021 until 12:00pm 27 July 2021. You can check your eligibility by going to: https://fundchecker.businesswales.gov.wales/businesssupport/ Local Authorities across Wales will open applications for those businesses that are eligible WITH A TURNOVER OF LESS THAN £85K on the 26 July 2021. This grant application will remain open until 9 August 2021.

The Agricultural Shows Innovation Fund

Agricultural Societies and Shows have a long and prestigious history and are at the centre of rural communities in Wales. Each one has an important role in promoting sustainable farming and food production to the wider public and in supporting community cohesion, our culture, and the wellness agenda. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, most, if not all, agricultural shows across Wales were cancelled in 2020 and a large number will be cancelled in 2021.  It is important that agricultural show Societies can return to a position of some normality following the pandemic which includes the reintroduction of agricultural shows across Wales.  The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) is […]

Details on the fifth Self Employed Income Support Scheme announced

Businesses eligible for the fifth grant of the SEISS based on their tax returns will be contacted by HMRC from mid-July to give a date that the claims service will be available from. It will be given either by email, letter or within the online service. The online service to claim the fifth grant will be available from late July 2021 and the claim must be made on or before 30 September 2021. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-self-employment-income-support-scheme

Welsh Government announces three-pronged approach to address “second homes crisis”

The three-pronged approach will focus on: support – addressing affordability and availability of housing,regulatory framework and system – covering planning law and the introduction of a statutory registration scheme for holiday accommodation; anda fairer contribution – using national and local taxation systems to ensure second home owners make a fair and effective contribution to the communities in which they buy. There will also be a pilot area in Wales, to be decided over the summer, where these new measures will be trialled and evaluated before being considered for wider rollout. Other supporting actions, including the work on a registration scheme for all holiday accommodation and a consultation on changes to […]

Welsh micro distillery goes Transatlantic

Welsh micro distillery goes Transatlantic

One of the most celebrated craft producers in the UK, the Dyfi Distillery in Corris, has secured a prestigious export contract to the USA. The distillery has partnered with Broadbent Selections, one of the finest American wine and spirits importers, and created a Dyfi Gin blend especially for them. Much like the distillery’s iconic Pollination bottling, it is a Dovey Native Botanical Gin, based on a complex formulation of indigenous flowers, leaves, berries and conifers. And like Pollination Gin, it is being celebrated immediately after release, having just been awarded Gold at the 2021 Gin Masters. “This is really the culmination of a conversation which started six years ago,” commented […]

Travel, tourism, hospitality and catering sector review: Online Questionnaires

Qualifications Wales want to hear your views about the qualifications, and the qualifications system in the travel, tourism, hospitality and catering sector.Are qualifications meeting the needs of learners, learning providers and employers? Are they up to date and relevant?Do they prepare learners well for employment?Is the assessment appropriate and fair?What improvements could be made? And;What skills are needed for the future? https://www.qualificationswales.org/english/qualifications/vocational-qualifications/sector-reviews/travel-tourism-hospitality-and-catering-sector-review/travel-tourism-hospitality-and-catering-sector-review-online-questionnaires/