News and Blogs

First Minister Mark Drakeford today said Wales can look forward to a brighter future, as the last remaining coronavirus protections in law come to an end. After more than 2 years of living with coronavirus regulations, these will expire on Monday May 30 2022, when the requirement to wear a face covering in health and care settings ends. But the Welsh Government will continue to recommend people take simple steps to protect their health –...

Rebecca Evans MS, Minister for Finance and Local Government “On 2 March 2022, I announced the next steps being taken by the Welsh Government, following our consultation on local taxes for second homes and self catering accommodation. The steps form part of our plans to ensure property owners make a fair contribution to the communities where they have homes or run businesses. This work, in turn, is part of the Welsh Government’s three-pronged approach to...

Are you based in Conwy County? Looking to start a Science, Tech or Creative business? Miwtini is for you! Miwtini is a programme that’s here to help you start your business. With sessions covering everything from business planning, to creating a website, to sales and ending with a pitch for the opportunity to win part of the £5,000 total prize pot to help you get started. All fully funded therefore there’s no cost for you...

This is a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition funded by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). Organisations can apply for a share of £2 million to develop solutions to encourage innovation in the fusion industry through the use of: novel and innovative heating and cooling systems materials manufacturing and technologies To lead a project, you can: be an organisation of any size work alone or with other organisations as subcontractors Contracts will be awarded...

Contacts and guidance information provided by HM Revenue and Customs. Please note that this information is correct as of 1 April 2022 and could change. Incentives and Reliefs available Patent Box The aim of the Patent Box is to provide an additional incentive for companies to retain and commercialise existing patents and to develop new innovative patented products: Corporation Tax: The Patent Box – GOV.UK Guidance CIRD200000 and pages following set out the qualifying criteria...

Climate Change Minister Julie James has today (Wednesday, May 25 2022) announced £26m to limit the carbon footprint of tourism in Wales, boost biodiversity and improve access to the countryside so all can enjoy its beauty. The Minister made the announcement as she opened an electric vehicle (EV) network in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – it is believed to be the most extensive network in any UK national park with 74 charging points. The Minister...

The UK Government has announced a special one-off addition to the annual Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), in honour of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The Platinum Jubilee Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is now open for applications until 17 June 2022. Nominations for the 2023 QAVS awards are now open until 15 September 2022, for further information visit The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service - official website (dcms.gov.uk)

Are you interested in starting your own business, freelance career or social enterprise? Maybe you’ve already started, but are looking for ways to improve or grow? The Summer Start-up Week (SSUW) is an award-winning, online start-up course taking place from 20 to 24 June 2022. Delivered by some of the brightest entrepreneurs and experts in Wales, the 5-day online course will help you nurture, develop and grow your business. With a mix of interactive workshops...

Vaughan Gething MS, Minister for Economy “The Welsh Government’s Business Wales service has been a programme to help inspire individuals to become entrepreneurial and ensure micro, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Wales have access to appropriate and timely information, guidance and support. It has previously been supported by EU funds. As we know the UK Government has made a drastic cut in replacement EU funds for Wales. I am announcing today (24 May...

Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt today (24 May 2022) unveiled the Welsh Government’s new Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) Strategy, highlighting the six aims that the government will set to help end the abhorrent abuse women face. The new VAWDASV strategy outlines six key aims that the Welsh Government, alongside it’s partners in the public and third sector will commit to: Challenge attitudes to violence against women, domestic abuse and...