Further support for Welsh businesses
Businesses in Wales still affected by coronavirus restrictions will be able to claim up to £25,000 more in support to help meet ongoing costs, First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced.
This next package of business support comes as the Welsh Government confirmed up to six people from six different households will be able to meet in indoor regulated settings, such as cafes and pubs, when they open from 17 May.
Since the start of the pandemic, the Welsh Government has provided more than £2bn to tens of thousands of businesses across Wales to help them through the pandemic.
This latest support package will help those businesses, which remain affected by restrictions, to meet ongoing costs through to the end of June as they prepare for re-opening and more normal trading conditions.
Businesses that stand to benefit include:
- nightclubs and late entertainment venues
- events and conference venues not covered by the Welsh Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund (CRF)
- hospitality and leisure businesses, including restaurants, pubs and cafes
- supply chain business, which have been materially impacted by restrictions
The support is the first phase of a £200m package earmarked for the incoming Welsh Government to help businesses affected by the pandemic.
Ministers have made an immediate decision to release funding to support businesses affected by the restrictions but there will be further decisions for the incoming Welsh Government to make about further support, to help businesses recover and develop when restrictions are relaxed further.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“The public health situation continues to improve in Wales – we have the lowest coronavirus rates and the best vaccination rates in the UK.
“We know the restrictions have helped to keep us all safe but they have had a big impact on Welsh businesses, which is why we are making more funding available to support firms and safeguard jobs.
“Eligible businesses will receive support of up to £25k as they prepare to reopen and move towards more normal trading conditions.
“My new government will provide more detail about the extra financial support we will be providing to businesses to help them develop and grow as Wales recovers from the impact of the pandemic.
“As we continue to relax the restrictions, I can confirm that from Monday, up to six people from six different households will be able to meet indoors in regulated settings, such as cafes and pubs.”
An eligibility checker will open on the Business Wales website at midday on 17 May so businesses can find out how much support they are likely to be entitled to and how to apply.
Businesses will be able submit applications by the end of the month and they will receive between £2,500 and £25,000 depending on their circumstances. Funding will be calculated based on the size of the business and the type of restrictions they are under.
This support is in addition to the Welsh Government’s £610m non-domestic rates relief which will mean more than 70,000 retail, leisure and hospitality businesses pay no rates in 2021-22.
Wales pilot test events get underway
As the Coronavirus restrictions continue to relax in Wales, the Welsh Government has announced a proposed list of pilot test events to take place over the forthcoming weeks.
The Welsh Government is working with partners on the delivery of pilot test events which will develop processes and guidance that will allow the safe return of events in Wales. Managing a safe and successful test events programme will hopefully allow larger gatherings back to stadia, theatres and other venues in Wales later this year.
Cardiff’s Eid at the Castle celebration and Tafwyl have been confirmed for this week while discussions with other event owners are ongoing. The proposed list of all nine pilot test events is as follows:
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Eid-al-Fitr - 13 May | Cardiff | Attendees 300 -500
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Tafwyl Festival - 15 May | Cardiff | Attendees 500
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League Two Play Offs fixture Newport County AFC - 18 May | Rodney Parade
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Celtic Manor Resort business event - 20 May | Newport | Invited attendees 100 indoors
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Championships Play Offs fixture Swansea City AFC - 22 May | Liberty Stadium
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Theatre Brycheiniog - 3-4 June |Theatre Brycheiniog Brecon, Powys | Attendees 250
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Glamorgan v Lancashire - 3-6 June | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff | Spectators 750-1000
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Wales v Albania - 5 June | Cardiff City Stadium | Spectators 4000
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The Wales Triathlon - 12 June | Fishguard/St Davids | Registered participants only
First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, said:
“It’s been a long and difficult 18 months for the events industry in Wales – for event owners, those who depend on the sector for the work – and for those who long to see the return of live events to Wales. As we look at lifting the coronavirus restrictions in Wales we have worked closely with event organisers to establish a list of pilot test events which take in a range of different locations and types of event. This work is bringing us a step closer to a return to events in Wales, I’d like to thank these event owners and local authorities and Health Boards for their commitment in working with us and wish them well over the summer.
“These events are very different in nature and location but access of attendees – whether participants or spectators – is strictly controlled by the organisers and agreed in advance.
“We're asking people to celebrate Eid differently again this year. I very much hope that celebrations at the castle are enjoyed by those with tickets. If you don't have a ticket please celebrate safely with your immediate household or within support bubbles.”
The events have been selected in discussion with Welsh Government’s project board for the test event programme and event owners. A testing protocol and risk assessment will be tailored for each event.
Frequently Asked Questions
A list of Frequently Asked Questions in relation to Coronavirus can be found on Gov.Wales.
These continue to be updated so please check back regularly for the latest information.
Useful COVID-19 information
As each premises is different, businesses should read all guidance. This continues to be updated so please check back regularly for the latest information.
Stay up to date with tourism industry news
We are committed to providing the support and assurance the business community needs during these unprecedented difficult times and have issued several Coronavirus (COVID-19) related bulletins which can be found on the Tourism Industry Coronavirus (COVID-19) Bulletins page.
Business Wales is providing businesses with tailored support and advice about dealing with coronavirus, from financial and supply chain planning to advice on staffing issues. We would advise Tourism businesses and stakeholders in Wales wanting specific guidance to visit the Business Wales website or call Business Wales helpline on 03000 6 03000, and to regularly visit the Public Health Wales website for up-to-date public health information for you, your staff and your visitors.
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