July 2021
Workplace Testing
Regular asymptomatic testing in the workplaces is available for all organisations with employees unable to work from home. A framework document (see link below) sets out the criteria, support and ground rules for regular workplace testing for organisations employing more than 10 people.
The options include a supervised model for testing in the workplace, a self-test model where employees collect test kits from their workplace and undertake testing at home and a hybrid model comprising elements of both Supervised and self-test models.
The purpose of workplace testing includes:
· Support the ‘Test to Maintain’ approach set out in our revised testing strategy.
· Provides a workplace led public health risk based approach using workforce intelligence to reduce the spread of the virus.
· Introduces regular asymptomatic testing capacity within the workplace based on a hybrid model that offers a supervised testing sites and self-test kits.
· Provides regular testing of employees to find and isolate positive cases quickly and prevent further transmission, this usually includes the workforce being tested once or twice a week
· Identifies cases from individuals showing no symptoms and removes them from the workplace and prevent further transmission.
· Provides additional reassurances to the workforce unable to work from home.
For businesses with 10 or more employees they can submit an expression of interest to the mailbox Covid19.WorkplaceTesting@gov.wales
Click HERE for further details in the workplace testing framework
For businesses with less than 10 employees, click HERE for more information on options
Order rapid lateral flow home test kits HERE
You can order 1 home testing kit (7 tests) at a time. Delivery takes 1 to 2 days.
You can also collect testing kits in person. Find your nearest collection point and opening times HERE
You can collect 2
home testing kits (14 tests) at a time
Coronovirus Jobs Retention Scheme
Claims under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) are now open for pay periods in June 2021.
You must submit your claim for June 2021 by 14 July 2021.
Here’s a future claim dates reminder:
- for furlough days in July 2021 submit claim by 16 August 2021
- for furlough days in August 2021 submit claim by 14 September 2021
- for furlough days in September 2021 submit claim by 14 October 2021
For further information please visit GOV.UK.
Conwy Culture bid now Welsh whisky-powered
Welsh whisky giant, Penderyn Distillery joins world class destination, Conwy County in its bid to become UK City of Culture 2025
Penderyn has become the commercial partner to the early stages of the bid as Conwy looks to win-over the competition’s panel of judges with a radical cultural programme that will be community-based and authentically Welsh.
Penderyn Distillery supports the move as they believe that Conwy 2025 will celebrate Conwy on the world stage using a “spirit of playfulness and adventure", which Penderyn is also known for.
Conwy 2025 and Penderyn both share the Welsh concept of ‘Hiraeth’, loosely translated as a deep longing for home. The campaign is looking to share this Hiraeth with communities across the UK and beyond.
A successful Conwy 2025 programme will offer activities that can transform people’s lives for the long-term, supporting Wales’ ambition to protect future generations.
Steps to Sustainability
Enterprise support programme announced for Wales heritage sector
“Steps to Sustainability” programme will launch the second round in June 2021 to support the heritage sector in Wales. Organisations can apply for seed and match funding grant of up to £10,000 to develop a new income generating idea.
The programme is running again across Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England to strengthen strategic leadership and income-generating skills. Made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the programme will be delivered by the Social Enterprise Academy Wales, which provides transformational learning and development programmes for people and organisations working for social change.
Applications are open to members of staff with a high level of influence within heritage organisations. The programme is aimed at those who are in a position to help increase the sustainability of their organisation and lead in a way that helps to generate and diversify their heritage organisation’s income.
To register interest and apply for Steps to Sustainability programme, please visit:
A workshop is being held on Wednesday 21st
July at 10am to run through the application and business ideas.
Please
contact stos@socialenterprise.academy if you would like to attend
The application closing date is 23rd July 2021
FSB Annual North Wales Small Business Conference
Friday 16 July 2021, 9.30am - 1.30pm, online
Don't
miss out, book your place now!
After a break last year, we are delighted to reprise our annual FSB North Wales Small Business Conference, which will be a virtual event for 2021. Hosted by media journalist Sian Lloyd, this conference will be informative, practical, entertaining, and interactive - you are encouraged to submit questions to the speakers on the booking form! Please also be aware that you can dip in and out of the sessions to suit your needs - the agenda is on the web page.
- FSB Insurance Service will show you how to develop a Business Continuity Plan
- North Wales based solicitor Andrea Knox will discuss how to deal with threats to your business
- We will be hearing from three MSs on how they will be supporting smaller businesses in their constituencies
- We will welcome North Wales FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards winners and learning how they have coped during the pandemic and of their plans for the future.
- For over a year, Fridays have meant FSB Connect Virtual Networking, so we are incorporating this into our conference with some breakout rooms.
- To round off the event, we are delighted to welcome The Apprentice 2016 winner Alana Spencer who will share some insights into working with Lord Sugar.
Don't miss out, book your space here now.
HMRC – Support for Businesses
The HMRC YouTube channel has helpful and informative guides for customers who need help completing a variety of transactions with HMRC
Check out the HMRC YouTube channel HERE
Would you like to receive regular Digital Help & Support from HMRC explaining what your obligations are when running a small business?
If so, sign up HERE to the HMRC Email Service to start receiving HMRC videos, webinars & email alerts
Superfast
Business Wales (SFBW)
Free Online Courses
If you need help taking your business online, SFBW are here for you. They can provide you with the digital skills and support to secure your business for now and in the future.
Whether you’re new to digital or looking to make more of your online presence, SFBW have an in-depth webinar waiting for you.
Business Wales
The Welsh Government’s Business Wales service supports new and established businesses in Wales.
Whether you’re thinking about starting a new business, have already taken the first few steps or want to grow your current business, we can help.
Business Wales supports the sustainable growth of small and medium size enterprises across the country by offering access to information, guidance and business support including:
· Starting up
· Employment Advice
· General Business Management Support
· Environmental Management Advice
· eBusiness Support
· Tendering Support
· International Trade
· Mentoring Service
· Workshops
Search the Business Wales Events Finder for business related training, workshops, networking, seminars and more from a variety of organisations.
