The Planning System
The Federation of Small Businesses has commissioned the School of City and Regional Planning, Cardiff University, to conduct research into the relationship between SMEs and the planning system in Wales.
The first stage of this work, concluded at the end of last year, was to share a typical SMEs experience and perceptions of the planning system in Wales, both positive and negative, to create better understanding and engagement between business and planning departments.
This second stage includes a review of National and Local Planning Policies. The outcome of the research will hopefully contribute towards positive planning, ensuring that Welsh business has the ability to grow, diversify and bring prosperity to all parts of Wales.
For an English or Welsh copy email wales.policy@fsb.org.uk
Business Rate Relief
Following the recent rates revaluation, the FSB has written to the Welsh Government to ensure that they raise the threshold at which businesses qualify for either a 25% or 50% reduction in their Business Rates. The FSB wants to ensure that the government supports as many SMEs as possible, especially during this recession. By increasing the thresholds, the Govenment can show commitment to supporting Welsh business, and the FSB will continue to lobby hard for this change.
An increase in the threshold will help numerous businesses who have been hit by the recent revaluation.
Business Rates
There has been much concern in the business community regarding the latest VOA revaluation. Many of our members have seen an increase in their rateable value by 15% or more.
We have been in consultation with the Assembly and they have addressed this concern by lowering the Multiplier, which should mean that unless rateable value has increased by more than 19.55%, businesses should see a decrease not an increase in their rates next year.
There is further information from the Welsh Governments Website.
Of course, some businesses maybe unfairly hit. and If a business feels they have been revalued incorrectly, they should contact VOA to ensure their evaluation is correct, or contact us at the FSB.
Rural Businesses - the FSB Rural Manifesto
Janet Jones(Chair FSB Wales) with Deputy First
Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones
At the FSB stand at the Royal Welsh Showground, the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, launched the FSB Rural Manifesto.
The Rural Manifesto highlights councerns of our members in rural communities across Wales and what governent can do to help our businesses.
Help for businesses accessing bank finance.
The Welsh Assembly Government has published a guide to accessing bank finance for small businesses in Wales.
The guidance includes:
- applying for a loan
- what criteria the banks are looking for
- financial support from the UK government
- how the Welsh Assembly Government can help
- useful contacts in your area
Visit the HERE for more information
SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE PLANNING SYSTEM IN WALES
The Federation of Small Businesses has commissioned the School of City and Regional Planning, Cardiff University, to conduct research into the relationship between SMEs and the planning system in Wales.
This first part of the research is to provide an evidence base, which supplements existing evidence on the experiences of small businesses in Wales, that the planning system itself appears to be hindering business growth in numerous ways, and on many different levels.
To download the document click here.
Mae copi o'r ddogfen yn gymraeg ar gael yma