South Wales region (which includes mid Wales) has a vibrant cultural life and two official languages.

 

The area offers fantastic views, beautiful beaches, historic castles, exciting cities, eisteddfodau, bog snorkelling, jazz and book festivals, Welsh choirs, mining traditions, fertile farming, good food and plenty more besides – in fact something for all.

 

South Wales News February 2012

 

 

Message from your Regional Chairman.

 

We're well into the New Year already, and in recent weeks the Welsh Government has launched the results of consultations on Retail Strategy and Micro Businesses The FSB has been very much involved in both these consultations and I sat on the Micro Business Committee which was chaired by Robert Lloyd Griffiths, Director IoD, Wales.

Another very important consultation is currently being undertaken, that is on the vexed question of business rates. The staff have met with businesses, county council officials and had discussions with the Valuation Office (VOA). We look forward to the publication of the committee's findings, rest assured this is such an important issue that pressure will be maintained during the consultation period on those who make the decisions. An announcement by Edwina Hart the Minister for Business and Enterprise has already confirmed that current arrangements will continue until 2013. We have to keep lobbying the Minister and her departmental officials to ensure that, even if the current arrangements are discontinued, whatever is introduced has to reflect the difficult trading conditions our members have to operate within, and deal with the issues accordingly.

 

The local council elections are being held in May, the FSB Manifesto is currently being drafted. This is our and your opportunity to make our views known to those who make very important decisions, which can affect your businesses, let the candidates know your views about business rates, planning, procurement, your local high street, out of town shopping and any other issues you consider important – let us know as well, believe me, we'll lobby on your behalf.

 

The Political Party Conferences will be under way very soon, let your Member of Parliament and Assembly Members know the issues which concern you, again let us know, we do enjoy a very good working relationship with them and we are anxious to put your issues before them.

 

Every Good Wish,

 

Janet Jones.

FSB South Wales Regional Chairman.

 

 

 

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Small businesses are the backbone of the economy and it is more important than ever your voices are heard by Government.
Because of this, the FSB has set up the FSB-ICM 'Voice of Small Business' Survey Panel with ICM Research. The FSB-ICM survey panel is made up of over 4,000 businesses and is the largest panel of its kind in the UK.

We'd like you to invite YOU to sign up and get involved today - please help us to HELP YOU.

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1 October 2011 - New carrier bag charge

Wereyou ready?

The single use carrier bag charge came into force on 1 October 2011.

 

The chargeapplies to all sellers in Wales who give out single use carrier bags to their customers. It also applies to those sellers outside Wales who deliver goods to customers in Wales using single use carrier bags.

 

From 1 October 2011, you will be required to charge a minimum of 5p for all single use carrier bags.

 

The Regulations place certain duties on retailers in respect of record keeping. Working with the FSB, the Welsh Government has made exemptions for very small businesses.

 

You will still be required to charge for bags but, if you employ less than 10 full time equivalent members of staff, you will not need to keep records.

 

You can visit www.carrierbagchargewales.gov.uk to find more detailed guidance about the legislation. The website also includes details about what bags are included and exempt, has a frequently asked questions section for retailers along with the option to download the guidance and posters.

I

If you want to speak to someone about the legislation, please contact the Welsh Government Local Environment Quality team on 02920 826230.

 

You can also email any queries to carrierbagcharge@wales.gsi.gov.uk

 

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