News and Blogs

The week will kick-start a nationwide conversation on the Net Zero Wales Plan and the collective action needed to ensure Wales meets its targets. Open to all, the online sessions will help people understand what Wales has already achieved, what changes we can expect in the next five years and how, together, we can shape the future. Each day’s programme will take on a different theme and include presentations, discussions and debates involving a wide...

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are calling for a culture change across Britain’s workplaces where recognising and responding to the signs of stress becomes as routine as managing workplace safety. Work-related stress is now the number one cause of employee sickness absence, with major factors causing work-related stress including workload pressures - tight deadlines, too much responsibility and a lack of managerial support. Employers, particularly smaller ones, are not aware of their legal duties...

With many seasonal jobs being filled at this time of year, it is important that employers protect the health and safety of gig economy, agency and temporary workers. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website has guidance to help users and suppliers of agency and temporary workers understand their health and safety responsibilities. If you are an agency or temporary worker then your health and safety is protected by law and employment businesses (agencies) have...

Audit Wales wants to hear from tourism businesses in and around Wales’ National Parks about the challenge of managing sustainable tourism. Wales' three Welsh National Parks are internationally important examples of how working landscapes can be protected. The concept of a protected landscape – a protected area within which people live and work – is of increasing importance in global conservation terms. However, we know that climate change is happening, and we know that it...

From 1 January 2022, pre-notification will be required for imports to Great Britain of most products of animal origin, animal by-products, high-risk food not of animal origin and regulated plants and plant products from the EU. Businesses (or a representative acting on their behalf) importing these goods from the EU may be required to pre-notify authorities on the relevant IT system that their consignment will be entering Great Britain. Access the latest guidance for importing...

Now in its seventh year Children’s Grief Awareness Week UK, founded by leading childhood bereavement charity Grief Encounter, is designed to raise awareness of bereaved children and young people in the UK, and how providing those affected with free, professional support can make the world of difference to their future. Organisations and charities across the UK will be showing solidarity with grieving children, young people and their families in their community; raising awareness of their...

First Minister Mark Drakeford has thanked people throughout Wales for their hard work to help reduce record-high coronavirus case rates over the last 3 weeks. He has confirmed there will be no changes to coronavirus rules following the latest 21-day review. Wales will remain at alert level zero, which means all businesses are able to open and trade. And the Covid Pass will not be extended to hospitality settings in this 3-week cycle. The outcome...

If you're a high growth business with ambitions to expand, the NatWest Accelerator programme could help. You may be looking to build your team, venture into new markets or seeking further investment. The programme could help you gain the knowledge and skills to excel in a range of business areas including: Accessing new markets Attracting talent and building an effective team Access to growth funding Leadership development Developing a scalable infrastructure The current Accelerator programmes...

New laws and a Code of Practice are being introduced to resolve the remaining commercial rent debts accrued because of the pandemic. The Code sets out that, in the first instance, tenants unable to pay in full should negotiate with their landlord in the expectation that the landlord waives some or all rent arrears where they are able to do so. From 25 March 2022, new laws introduced in the Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Bill will...

The Regional Economic Framework (REF) will be the foundation for a collaborative region. It will be the first step to create a regionally focussed model of economic development. The REF will be co-produced to reinforce a single shared vision for the region and supported by a suite of shared priorities and outcomes. The document is looking to consider issues such as: how we develop skills to ensure future opportunities for our region; ensuring fair and...