With the upcoming Senedd elections coming up in May here are a copy of all the parties manifestos: Welsh Conservatives Manifesto 2026 EN_0Download Plaid Cymru New_Leadership_for_Wales_-_The_First_100_DaysDownload Welsh-manifesto-english – ReformDownload Welsh MANIFESTO [WELSH] ReformDownload
The launch of Transport for Walesโs long-term plan for rail in Wales, โToday, Tomorrow, Together: A vision for rail across Wales and Bordersโ on the 18thย February 2026 sets out Welsh Government’s vision and intent for rail in Wales, with a pipeline of enhancements covering the length and breadth of Welsh railways, that embraces both the non-devolved and the Welsh Government owned networks.ย Jointly backed by both the Welsh and UK Governments, this is a ยฃ14bn package of bold, generational schemes that will transform travel, connect communities and power our economy.ย TTT-Final_ENGDownload
The UK Government recently made a number of announcements regarding the status of the Welsh Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). The UK Government has proposed an exclusion via the Internal Market Act (IMA), subject to the following: Wales commences its DRS for plastic and metal drinks containers as planned on 1 October 2027 Plastic and metal drinks containers must meet key criteria for integrating with a UK-wide scheme (this includes ensuring that schemes have a single registration and reporting system, processes for reciprocal takeback of material โ for example, material can be returned in any nation, consistent logos and the same deposit level) The proposed transitional period for single-use glass is […]
In September 2023, the default speed limit for residential and unrestricted roads changed to 20mph. The change affected some trunk roads.ย In July 2024, WG publishedย guidance to help highway authoritiesย review 20mph and 30mph speed limits on roads they are responsible for. For trunk roads, this was Welsh Government, North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA) and South Wales Trunk Road Agent (SWTRA). The public was also invited to have their say. The outcome of this review has now been published. People can object to planned changes when the draft Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) are published. The legal process for TROs can take 9 months. Speed limits may not change […]
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has updated the rateable values of all commercial, and other non-domestic, properties in Wales and England. Anyone who pays business rates, and thinks their current valuation is wrong, is being encouraged to sign up for a business rates valuation account. If you do not have an account already, or have not used yours for some time, it can take 15 working days to register and claim your property. You have until 31 March to request changes to your current valuation by: checking the details the VOA holds about your property telling the VOA if anything is wrong. From 1 April 2026, a new rating list […]
The North Wales Regional Skills Partnership, funded by Welsh Government, is inviting employers to help shape skills policy and provision across the region. The Partnership is undertaking research to better understand current workforce challenges, skills issues and future workforce needs. The findings will inform the next North Wales Skills and Employment Plan (2026-28) and help shape future skills and training provision in North Wales. Please follow the link below to complete a short online survey, which should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. Your contribution will help the Partnership identify regional priorities and key areas for development that meet your organisationโs needs. Link to survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q2KQQPG ๐ Closing date: 12pm, […]
Mixed 2025 performance by sector Overall, 40% of tourism businesses had more customers in 2025 compared to 2024, 32% had the same level and 28% had fewer. However, performance varied significantly by sector. Among non-accommodation businesses (attractions, activity operators, restaurants, pubs and cafรฉs), 50% had more customers, 26% had the same level and only 24% had fewer. The picture is far more mixed among accommodation businesses however, with 34% of businesses having more customers, 35% having the same but 31% having fewer. Businesses in South Wales (43% were up) performed better than North Wales (34% were up). wales-tourism-business-barometer-january-2026-wave-905980Download
On 3 December, non-domestic rates support for 2026-27 wasย announced. Today Welsh Government can confirm that they will also allocate an additional ยฃ8m to provide a further year of relief for food and drink hospitality properties, including pubs, restaurants and live music venues.ย This support recognises the range of cost pressures facing eligible businesses and coinciding with increased non-domestic rates bills for many in the sector. WG will make full use of additional consequential funding from the UK Governmentโs relief for pubs and music venues in England, together with the Welsh Governmentโs own funds, to extend the range of businesses supported in Wales. Eligible ratepayers will receive 15% non-domestic rates relief […]
Supertemps Ltdย Employment Law Update webinar in conjunction with JMW Solicitors LLP on 3rd March 2026 via Zoom. This online event is a must for employers, HR professionals and everyone who employs staff.Hosted by Supertemps, with guest speakers from JMW Solicitors LLP our event remains free of charge. However this year we are running it in aid of Ty Gobaith Children’s Hospice and would welcome donations to this cause. Due to injury our MD Sarah Ellwood, has had to pull out of running the London Marathon for Ty Gobaith in April, so Supertemps has adopted TG as our Charity of the Year for 2026.With unprecedented levels of new legislation facing employers […]
As we are now at the beginning of a new year your continuous support will once again play a pivotal role in our efforts to showcase the beauty of North Wales, not just in the UK but also internationally. North Wales Tourism provides marketing and promotional opportunities through the “Go North Wales” brand, access to visitor and member networks, and business support and networking events. Our collaboration with local MSs, MPs, and Visit Wales enables us to tackle key issues, advocate for necessary changes, and underscore the significance of tourism to the Welsh economy.Furthermore, we are dedicated to amplifying your voice through our interactions with the local press and media, ensuring […]
