Information, communication technology (ICT)

Find out about the Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) for non-domestic customers. The Energy Bills Discount Scheme will run for 12 months from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. This scheme replaces the Energy Bill Relief Scheme which supported businesses and organisations between 1 October 2022 and 31 March 2023. For further information please select the following link Energy Bills Discount Scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Business Wales is here to support businesses through the...

On 7 April 2023, World Health Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) will observe its 75th anniversary. This year’s theme is ‘Health for All’. In 1948, countries of the world came together and founded WHO to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health and well-being.  WHO’s 75th anniversary year is an opportunity to look back at public health successes that have improved quality...

The Startup Academy is a free 10-week incubator programme for pre-start and early stage tech founders to help get their Startup Ideas off the ground. Successful applicants will be supported through mentorship, on-demand content and independent learning materials via the Startup Academy portal as well as weekly peer-to-peer sessions. The programme culminates with a Showcase Day - an opportunity for the cohort to demo their tech and showcase their skills. Registration closes on 7 April...

The UK Government has launched a consultation on the role of the Small Business Commissioner as part of a statutory review. The consultation will examine: the Commissioner’s effectiveness in carrying out the functions of the office the impact of its work on improving payment practices in commercial transactions awareness and use of alternative dispute resolution procedures among small businesses The consultation closes on 28 April 2023. Read more about the consultation at Small Business Commissioner...

With energy prices increasing the whole issue of energy efficiency is in the spotlight. Business Wales, the North Wales Business Council, Ambition North Wales, in collaboration with the Welsh Government Energy Service, has summarised some ‘low and no cost’ energy efficiency solutions, to help businesses and individuals mitigate against rising energy costs this year: Adjust heating system timings, temperatures and rooms – reducing the set point temperature by just 1ºC can save you up to...

Eluned Morgan MS, Minister for Health and Social Services Wales’ long-term COVID-19 transition plan Together for a Safer Future, published in March 2022, highlighted the vital role our Test, Trace, Protect (TTP) programme played during the pandemic in reducing the transmission of coronavirus. The pandemic has not gone away – we continue to experience waves of infection and new variants of the virus are emerging. We remain in a Covid Stable situation – the virus...

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has launched two new security tools aimed at small businesses, microbusinesses, organisations and sole traders that lack the resources to address cyber issues. The National Cyber Security Centre – a part of Government Communications Headquarters – unveiled the services to coincide with the latest phase of its Cyber Aware campaign. The Cyber Action Plan can be completed online in under 5 minutes and results in tailored advice for businesses...

The programme is designed to provide high-quality, practical education and business support to leaders of high-growth small businesses and social enterprises across the UK. Participants of the programme will benefit from: specialist workshops one-on-one business advising business coaching access to professional experts networking opportunities a network of graduates The closing date for applications is spring 2023, interviews will be held summer 2023 and the programme will begin autumn 2023. For further information and to apply...

Through a planned statutory code of practice, the UK Government is protecting employees and cracking down on employers that use controversial dismissal tactics. The code, subject to a consultation first, will make it explicitly clear to employers that they must not use threats of dismissal to pressurise employees into accepting new terms, and that they should have honest and open-minded discussions with their employees and representatives. ‘Fire and rehire’ refers to when an employer fires...

Update on Land Transaction Tax (LTT) services and guidance for tax professionals. Important changes to the tax management system and exciting training webinars in April on: multiple dwellings relief (MDR) higher rate transactions derelict buildings The webinars focus on areas of the tax where solicitors and conveyancers have asked for more training. Limited places available, allocated on a first come basis. For further information please select the following link Land Transaction Tax update: spring 2023...