Hundreds of micro, small and medium-sized businesses in Wales will soon be able to apply for Welsh Government funding designed to help them to reduce their running costs. Grants of between £5,000 and £10,000 will be available to eligible businesses in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors.
The £20m Future Proofing Fund will help businesses strengthen their future trading position by increasing profitability through investment in renewable energy technology, improvements to the fabric of their premises, and upgrades to systems or machinery to reduce energy use. Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: “The ongoing cost-of-living and cost-of-doing-business crises continues to present difficulties to businesses across Wales. These grants will help micro, small and medium sized businesses from the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors to make some significant changes in the way they run their operations so they can adapt for the future.” Finance Minister Rebecca Evans said: “In tough times, we want to help businesses get their bills down for good. This new fund will help reduce running costs with practical support that aids long term business planning. We are also providing a fifth successive year of support for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses with their rates bills, at a cost of £78m. This builds on the almost £1bn of support provided in rates relief schemes to these sectors since 2020-21.” The grants will be paid up to 75 per cent of project costs or £10,000, whichever is the lesser amount. It is expected that the business will contribute the remaining 25 per cent from other sources. The fund is open to businesses located in Wales (either headquartered or have an operating address in Wales) and which employ people in Wales. An eligibility checker will open in mid-April 2024 and applications will open in May 2024.
0 Comments
Following Wales Tourism Alliance attendance at the first visitor levy working group, the Welsh Revenue Authority has developed a survey to estimate the costs to your businesses of administration tasks associated with a visitor levy. This is an opportunity for you to provide your knowledge of the impact to your businesses and the sector.
The Welsh Revenue Authority would appreciate if you could complete the following survey by the 29th March: English - https://surveys.wra.gov.wales/s/visitorlevyadmincostssurvey/ Cymraeg - https://surveys.wra.gov.wales/s/Ardollymwelwyrarolwgcostaugweinyddol/ Please could you click on the link below and send a letter to your MP asking to stop the Abolition of the FHL Allowances?
It takes a couple of minutes at most, and it will be voted on (12/03/24) in the House of Commons. That will not be the end of it, but it is really important that we send in as many of these letters as possible. If there are more than one voters in your house, then they can vote too, please share the petition link to all that you think may be affected. Link here: https://pascuk.eaction.online/FHL North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has spoken of the cumulative effect of Welsh Government policies affecting tourism and called on Ministers to respond to the call by Tourism industry representatives for a review of this.
Calling for a Welsh Government Statement on its Tourism policies in yesterday afternoon’s meeting of the Welsh Parliament, Mr Isherwood said the “flood of Welsh Government policy changes” affecting the Tourism industry in the last two years is also impacting other businesses and urged Ministers to look into this. Speaking in the Business Statement he said: “Tourism brings the equivalent of one seventh of the Welsh Government's annual budget, down from one sixth pre-pandemic, and is responsible for 5 per cent of our Gross Value Added (the value of goods and services produced in an economy). It supports between 180,000 and 206,000 jobs throughout Wales, notably in areas where alternative jobs are not easily come by. The industry has been dealing with a flood of Welsh Government policy changes in the last two years. “Thousands of small businesses, key to their local economies, are being overwhelmed by the number of new regulations and costs, and Tourism industry representatives have emphasised the importance of understanding that tourism is an eco-system as well as an industry, and that if you target one sector, the effects ripple out beyond the immediate focus and affect other businesses. “They're therefore calling on the Welsh Government for a review of the cumulative effect of policies currently affecting tourism, including business rate relief, the 182-day rule, council tax premiums, and of proposed policies such as statutory licensing, tourism tax, and changes to the school year.” In her response, the Minister for Social Justice said: “I think we can be proud of the Deputy Minister, certainly, in terms of taking this forward with our great vision for tourism, and delivery of tourism in Wales, which is clear about the opportunities and the prospects, but also the figures speak for themselves in terms of the attraction of Wales. I think it is important, as the First Minister has just mentioned, the importance of the visitor levy, which we believe will make a beneficial difference in terms of tourism in Wales.” Speaking after the meeting, Mr Isherwood added: “The impact that these policies are having, not just on the tourism sector but also on a range of other businesses, is deeply concerning, but what is more concerning is that the Welsh Government appear oblivious to this.” MWT Cymru, an advocate for tourism businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Meirionnydd, has announced a leadership change with the appointment of Zoe Hawkins as new chief executive. With 14 years of dedicated service within the organisation, coupled with her first-hand experience as a business owner, Zoe has a wealth of experience and a keen understanding of the complexities faced by tourism businesses.
Zoe, who lives in Newtown, is looking forward to leading MWT Cymru, also known as Mid Wales Tourism, into a new era of growth and collaboration. She takes up her new post next month. "I am immensely proud to take on the role of chief executive at MWT Cymru, an organisation dedicated to the prosperity of the tourism sector in Mid Wales," said Zoe. "Having been a part of this community for more than a decade, I've seen the resilience and creativity of our members. My commitment is to continue fostering a supportive environment where our tourism businesses can flourish." Zoe succeeds Val Hawkins, MBE, who retires after 25 years of leadership and more than 40 years working in the tourism sector. Val’s contributions to the organisation and the wider industry were recognised last year when she was awarded an MBE for her services to tourism and the Welsh economy. “I am deeply honoured to carry on the legacy of Val's exceptional leadership and am dedicated to further building upon the strong foundation she has established,” added Zoe. As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, Machynlleth-based MWT Cymru stands as a vital support system for more than 600 independent tourism-related businesses in the Mid Wales region. The organisation aims to serve these businesses by advocating on their behalf at both regional and national levels, ensuring their voices are heard in pivotal discussions affecting the future of tourism and our rural economy. Val expressed confidence in Zoe's leadership. "After 25 years of service to MWT Cymru, I am immensely proud of all that we have accomplished together," she said. "I have full faith in Zoe's abilities to lead MWT Cymru into its next chapter, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to our members for their unwavering support throughout my tenure." Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru Chairman and director of Penrhos Park, Llanrhystud, added: “With her valuable knowledge and experience, Zoe is well placed to continue to support MWT Cymru member in the months and years ahead,” he said. Since joining MWT Cymru in 2010, Zoe has played a pivotal role in various initiatives, joining as a business development officer, digital projects manager and then operations manager in 2019. "Mid Wales is blessed with a vibrant community of independent businesses that not only contribute to our local economy but also serve as a unique draw for our tourism market," added Zoe. "Our region's identity is intricately intertwined with its farming heritage, close-knit communities and family-owned businesses. It's imperative that we collaborate to safeguard and promote these assets." Zoe says MWT Cymru will continue to prioritise collaboration and support among its members, emphasising the importance of working together to bolster the tourism sector and support rural businesses. She also emphasised the organisation's steadfast commitment to representing it member businesses at a regional and national level, as well as serving as a comprehensive resource for them, facilitating growth and promoting Mid Wales as a premier tourism destination. The UK budget announcement yesterday (6th March 2024) featured another hit against the self-catering sector, this time from Westminster Conservative Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt MP. The news had already been extensively leaked that he planned to do away with FHL Allowances.
So, what was announced?
There was no news on reducing VAT and more broadly nothing to address the UK's position at the bottom of the international league table for price competitiveness as a destination. With our long standing Policy Advisor, Adrian Greason-Walker standing down (31/03/24) we are now seeking a replacement for the role of Consultant Policy Advisor. This is a self employed annually renewed contract and if you, or someone you know, maybe interested in this role then please read on.
The Wales Tourism Alliance is a membership organisation, representing around 6,000 tourism businesses through its current membership. The WTA and its members provide the cross-sector voice to put forward the views of the tourism industry to Welsh Government and beyond. WTA members are widely respected within the industry, which is responsible for £6.2bn of Welsh GDP and employs c. 180,000 people. Their collective expertise means we are well placed to horizon scan and provide first-hand evidenced communication on behalf of the industry when dealing with stakeholders. We work collaboratively with other tourism bodies and representatives of other elements of the Welsh economy where our aims are compatible. We are looking for consultancy support of 40 days a year to help deliver their programme of work. This role would make an exciting addition to the consultancy portfolio of someone already working in tourism, policy research and/or communications. Responsibilities, personal specification and application details here {website link} Main Activities/Responsibilities
* = admin and website support are provided externally ** = WTA procures the services of a public affairs company to manage this event Personal Specification You will be a well-organised individual who enjoys working with others but who has the self-motivation to work alone. You will have
Terms & Conditions This is an annual contract, with a presumption of annual renewal It offers a day rate of £375 plus mileage The term is 40 days per year. Additional days may be agreed with the Chair CV and personal statement to suzy@wta.org.uk Wales’s tourism industry seeks more than a Valentine’s card from First Minister contenders14/2/2024 PRESS RELEASE
Tourism industry representatives have written to the two candidates vying for the role of the First Minister - and are looking for action not sweet words. The industry, which employs more people than the steel industry in Wales, has been dealing with a flood of policy changes from different Welsh Government ministers in the last two years. Thousands of small businesses, key to their local economies, are being overwhelmed by the number of new regulations and costs which are being imposed in such a short space of time. The Wales Tourism Alliance, the cross-sectoral membership body, representing over 6000 businesses in Wales, has written to Vaughan Gething and Jeremy Miles, pointing out that, as the First Minister has the oversight of all departments, he should be querying the cumulative effect of all these interventions. As well as representatives from regional marketing organisations, different types of accommodation, attractions and language schools, the letter is signed by the Welsh Retail Consortium, the Farmers Union of Wales and the Country Landowners Association. Suzy Davies, Chair of the WTA said: “It is important that the new First Minister understands that tourism is an eco-system as well as an industry. It is a joint effort by everyone who shares their part of the world with visitors, and who subsequently share the benefits. The co-signatories to this letter reflect this wider understanding, and that tourism remains a prime economic driver in so many parts of Wales “If you target one sector, the effects ripple out beyond the immediate focus and affect other businesses, not just on the high street, but laundries, timber yards, fabricators, landscapers, printers, solicitors, accountants, heritage properties, conference facilities, events management, skills development, education providers and - of course - local food and drink producers. All the signatories to the letter represent areas of activity which will see Welsh Government budget cuts this year at a time when their members are also facing other Made-in-Wales challenges on top of UK and global pressures. The competitive disadvantages for an industry currently dependent on the domestic market are obvious. “We are asking the candidates to commit to a date for a review of the cumulative effect of policies currently affecting tourism; business rate relief, the 182-day rule, council tax premiums, planning restrictions, specific changes to fire and waste collection regulations. We also ask them to consider, within that, the additional effect of proposed policies such as statutory licensing, tourism tax and changes to the school year. We would expect any such review to include consideration of the knock-on effects across that eco-system, for example, on retail and farming. She added: “We also ask for action, in the first 100 days, on the 182-day rule. This treats bona fide local holiday let businesses as second homes, for the purposes of local taxation, if they cannot show 182-days occupancy. This means they are denied business rate relief and required to pay domestic council tax instead, and at increasing levels of premium in some local authority areas. However they will still be subject to the same costs and regulatory requirements, including national tax, as other businesses, which is both unique and legally incoherent. “We have no argument with Welsh Government trying to manage the number of second homes - but these businesses are not second homes. The new First Minister will be asked either to change the threshold or accept the need for some exceptions in the most serious cases of injustice. “We are looking for a First Minister who sees the benefits of a well-being industry for Wales, and understands that good relationships need more than sweet words” ENDS The Welsh Government has announced its draft budget including updates relating to Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) that will take effect between April 1, 2024, to 31st March 2025.
Of note: · The increase to the NDR multiplier in Wales is capped at 5% for 2024-25 – lower than the 6.7% (September CPI) increase which would normally be applied. This is subject to approval by the Senedd. · The provisional multiplier for 2024-25 is 0.562. · There will be transitional relief for all ratepayers whose liability increased by more than £300 as a consequence of revaluation which came into force in April 1, 2023. Any increases will be phased in over two years. Affected ratepayers will pay 33% of their additional NDR liability this year (2023-24), increasing to 66% in 2024-25. Full liability will be reached in the third year (2025-26). · The Government also announced an additional £78m to provide support for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses. Eligible ratepayers will receive 40% NDR relief for the duration of 2024-25. As in previous years, the relief will be capped at £110,000 per business across Wales. · A fund for impacted sectors will be established to support the wider NDR policies, aimed at helping SMEs in retail, leisure and hospitality. The funding will be focused on measures to help businesses future-proof in the 2024-25 financial year. Sadly, another great supporter of our industry has passed away in recent days. We are very much saddened at the loss of a very well-respected friend and colleague, Jonathan Jones. Jonathan (Jo) Jones led the then Wales Tourist Board (WTB) team as Chief Executive from 1999 - 2006 and then as Welsh Government’s (Visit Wales) Director of Tourism and Marketing from April 2006 - July 2012. From there he became Director of the Welsh Government office, London and retired in August 2013, though continued to be part of the tourism industry as an Independent Tourism Consultant, until the present day. In 2012 Jo received the CBE in the Queen's Honours List and said at the time, that he accepted the honour on behalf of "everyone who works so hard in the tourism industry in Wales. Without their support, it would be impossible to achieve what I do".
We will all remember him as an absolute professional and ambassador for our country and as a good friend with innate communications skills and a twinkle in his eye! |