Economy Minister urges North Wales businesses hit by coronavirus crisis urged to seek help

Businesses in North Wales which have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic have been urged to seek help from Welsh Government advisers.

Economy Minister Ken Skates has called on firms to take advantage of the guidance being provided by Business Wales in dealing with the economic impact.

The support service has a highly experienced team of advisers that can help firms with the most demanding of challenges.

The service offers access to practical information, expert webinars, virtual 1-2-1 advisory meetings and telephone support, as well as access to mentors and further specialist support.

It can provide advice across a wide range of issues facing businesses including the challenge of Covid-19 and preparations for the UK’s exit from the EU.

Mr Skates, who is also Minister for North Wales, said: “Coronavirus has had an impact like no other on our economy and Welsh entrepreneurs face some of the most challenging decisions of their career.

“As a government, we are doing all that we can to ensure our business community get through this extraordinary period and prepare for the challenges ahead.

“Business Wales has provided first-class support to thousands of people over recent years and have continued doing so through the pandemic.

“They stand ready to provide practical, relevant and valuable advice and guidance to those who need it at this difficult time. “

The service provides an array of support from conducting a review of the business to finding new opportunities; working to better understand customer requirements to help with HR issues, remote working and changing regulations, including around the UK’s exit from the EU.

Over the past three years, Business Wales has helped over 15,000 people start or grow their businesses and has supported the launch of more than 3,600 new enterprises.

The Welsh Government’s package of business assistance has been important in supporting firms through the pandemic.

More than £760m worth of business rate support grants have been made to over 64,000 businesses, while the Economic Resilience Fund has already provided help to more than 12,000 firms in Wales, protecting in excess of 75,000 jobs.

The Minister added: “We want to support our entrepreneurs to recover from this pandemic stronger and unleash the strong entrepreneurial spirit we have here in Wales.

“We know that business resilience is improved with access to the right support and I urge you to take advantage of the support available.”

The Welsh Government has indicated that further funding, advice and support will be available to business through later phases of the Economic Resilience Fund in the coming months.

To get in touch with Business Wales and see how it can provide information, advice and guidance to start, sustain and grow your business visit https://www. .gov.wales/campaigns/support or call 03000 6 03000.