Our Business Rate Team has recently issued amended bills to known qualifying ratepayers following the Council’s Cabinet approving a local rate relief scheme for the financial year 2021/22, funded by the Welsh Government.

The funding reduces the rates payable for 2021/22 for most businesses that are occupying a business property and have some rates to pay. This rate relief is restricted to a maximum of two qualifying properties per ratepayer.

The Welsh  Government, in conjunction with Innovate UK, The KTN and Innovate UK Edge, are holding a Surgery Event on the 12^th of January to help Companies based in Wales prepare themselves better to:-

• Access R&D funding
• Run more effective Research &  Development Projects
• Commercialise the results

Communities for Work can help you find the right employees for your business, offering free advice and support in your recruitment.

The service offers –

• Pre-screening of applicants
• In-work support services
• Free PPE provision
• Support with work trails
• Arranged interviews
• Access to untapped talent pools
• Bespoke employment pathways into work
• Candidate screening service

To access this service or to find out more information call 01443 864227 or email communityregen@caerphilly.gov.uk

From 1st January 2022 additional rules have come into force for businesses that import goods from the EU, meaning that full Customs Controls will be implemented.

Throughout 2021 importers have been able to delay their customs declarations and account for import VAT based on entries in their records which are later adjusted when the declarations are made (within six months of the goods having arrived in UK). The facility of delaying customs clearance will be removed on 1st January 2022.

New for January 2022:

• Customs Pre-entries.
• Customs Declarations required at point of entry to GB.
• Origin Certificates.
• Examinations of goods based on the documentation provided.
• Vehicle checks cross referencing the vehicle and its load to transport documentation.
• Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS).

For information regarding these changes, contact our International Trade Support Officer: Sarah Gaze gazesl@caerphilly.gov.uk.

The government-backed Help to Grow: Management course will open the door to growth for thousands of business leaders. You can take part around your existing work commitments and access learning through a blend of online and face-to-face sessions.

Delivered by the Cardiff School of Management and accredited to the Small Business Charter, Help To Grow: Management includes 50 hours of in depth training, 1:1 business mentoring, and the opportunity to grow your business, fast.

The 12-week programme costs just £750 and is 90% funded by the UK Government.