Do you run a small business in Wales? Would you like to know how your digital maturity compares to others in Wales? The Welsh Economy Research Unit (WERU) of Cardiff Business School is carrying out a study into the impact of broadband on the performance of businesses in Wales. Wales, like most other nations, is undergoing a period of rapid transformation, driven in recent months by the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend has seen digital technologies...
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2021 results
Businesses can now find out if they are eligible to apply for financial support from the next phase of the Welsh Government’s Economic Resilience Fund (ERF). The ERF is designed to support businesses, social enterprises and charities that are not eligible for other Welsh Government COVID-19 non-repayable grant support schemes. Eligible businesses can claim up to: £10,000 for micro businesses £100,000 for SMEs £690,000 for large businesses The online eligibility checker has reopened to allow...
The Welsh Government is following updated advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and recommending people in Wales wear three-layer face coverings in situations where social distancing is not possible. The evidence remains clear that maintaining a two-metre distance and good hand hygiene is the most effective way to protect yourself and others from contracting coronavirus, but the updated guidance from the WHO says three layer face coverings could help provide some control of the...
The Small Business Commissioner supports businesses in resolving disputes around late and unfair payment issues and provides advice, including on how to take action if a payment is overdue. As many small business owners are directly or indirectly impacted by Covid-19, it is more important than ever to ensure small businesses are paid on time. Many small businesses are reaching out for assistance, with disputes over delayed payments or in some cases, non-payment because of...
Employers are facing unprecedented circumstances in responding to coronavirus. Whilst working situations may have changed, employers' duties to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees or those who have long-term health conditions have not. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) guidance gives employers simple instructions on the adjustments they must make and what to do if adjustments are not possible. For further information please visit the EHRC website.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has guidance for employers who are providing hand sanitiser in their workplaces, and for existing and new manufacturers of hand sanitisers and surface disinfectants. The guidance has information on how HSE regulates these biocidal products and includes: choosing the right hand sanitisers and surface disinfectants manufacturing and supplying hand sanitisers manufacturing and supplying surface disinfectants For further information please visit the HSE website.
The UK and Canada are running a joint funding competition to support collaborative research and development (CR&D) projects, to develop new products, processes and services. Projects must target improvement to the productivity and sustainability of crop, livestock and aquaculture systems. Proposals are welcomed from: combining digital technologies, artificial intelligence, the application of big data and engineering solutions with biological, environmental and/or social science to drive productivity developing technologies and solutions that connect farms and supply...
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has worked with Trading Standards to provide clarity for local shops about the sale of age-restricted products in relation to customers wearing face masks or face coverings. When serving customers wearing face masks or face coverings who wish to purchase an age-restricted product in store, retailers should consider the following: retailers should continue to enforce Challenge 25 policies where the retailer can’t confidently assess the age of a customer...
The National Lottery Awards for all Wales is prioritising funding projects and organisations supporting communities through the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a quick way to apply for smaller amounts of funding between £300 and £10,000. This means priority will be given to applications from: organisations supporting people who are at high risk from COVID-19 organisations supporting communities most likely to face increased demand and challenges as a direct result of measures to prevent the result...
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a letter with the Department for Transport, to reassure drivers, and to remind businesses of their obligations to provide suitable toilet and hand washing facilities to drivers visiting their premises. Businesses which make or receive deliveries, should ensure that drivers have easy and safe access to toilets and hand washing facilities to support their health and wellbeing whilst carrying out their important work. HSE guidance states that...