Information, communication technology (ICT)

A new action plan to help secure the long-term future of manufacturing in Wales has been launched by Welsh Government. A Manufacturing Future for Wales: A Framework for Action identifies the steps needed to develop a resilient, high value manufacturing sector with a highly skilled and flexible workforce able to deliver the products, services and technologies necessary for the future Welsh economy. The plan addresses the important issues of climate change and the need to...

The Welsh Government have issued guidance on how they will offer COVID-19 testing to private and public sector workplaces. The Welsh Government support for regular asymptomatic testing in private and public sector workplaces in Wales will focus on workplaces: with higher exposure to risk which involve close proximity to others with > 50 employees that cannot work from home that deliver and maintain key services for the public For further information please visit the GOV.Wales...

Wales Export virtual conference will provide new and existing exporters with a range of information and advice on all aspects of exporting and how the Welsh Government can help your business. At this virtual conference you will have the opportunity to: Attend webinars – these will cover exporting topics relating to trending topics. Participate in Round Table Discussions – these will be delivered by subject experts, providing in-depth advice on some of the most common...

The Welsh Government launched the £500 payment scheme in November 2020 to support people who have been asked to self-isolate by the Test, Trace, Protect service. The scheme has been updated to include those who have been asked to self-isolate and are unable to work from home and are: In receipt of Statutory Sick Pay or New Style Employment and Support Allowance or less; and/or In receipt of £500 NET personal income a week or...

New rules for businesses You must declare any goods you send to the EU, providing details about what you’re sending and what it’s worth, using a customs declaration form. You can get a customs intermediary to help you do this. If you’re sending goods using a fast parcel operator or express courier, they’ll declare the goods for you, using the information you provide. This option could be beneficial for smaller businesses who aren’t looking to...

Find out about taxable expenses and benefits when they are paid to employees because of coronavirus and how to report them to HMRC. Contents include: Coronavirus (COVID-19) tests Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Living accommodation Volunteer fuel and mileage costs Paying or refunding transport costs Free or subsidised meals Company car ‘availability’ Employee Car Ownership Schemes (ECOS) Salary sacrifice Employer provided loans Employees working from home How to report to HMRC For further information please visit...

Fairtrade Fortnight 2021 takes place from 22 February to 7 March 2021. The theme this year is Climate Justice. Each year Fairtrade Fortnight gives people across the UK the opportunity to celebrate Fairtrade achievements and learn more about the difference that Fairtrade makes. With the emergence of the global COVID pandemic, the challenges that farmers face now are bigger than ever before with falling commodity prices and widespread shocks reverberating along global supply chains. Ongoing...

A panel of leading figures from the UK automotive industry will explore the opportunities for businesses to be part of the rapidly emerging vehicle electrification supply chain and take advantage of the growing market demand domestically and overseas as we transition to a net-zero future. The webinar takes place on Thursday 25 February 2021 from 10.30am to 11.30am. To find out more and book your place visit the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK website.

Stay-at-home restrictions will continue in Wales as the youngest pupils begin returning to school from Monday 22 February 2021. Following the latest review of coronavirus restrictions, the Welsh Government also announced some minor changes to the current rules: From Saturday 20 February, four people from two different households will be able to meet outdoors for socially distanced local exercise. This doesn’t apply to private gardens. From March 1, the law will be changed to allow...

NEW: Step-by-Step guides to importing and exporting goods between Great Britain and the EU: There are new rules for importing and exporting goods between Great Britain and countries in the EU. Whether you’re completing customs declarations yourself or have an intermediary to do it for you, these guides will take you through each step and set out your options. Import goods into the UK: step by step: How to bring goods into the UK from any...