March 2020: Issue 4
SMALL BUSINESS GRANT APPLICATIONS
We're pleased to announce that Ceredigion County Council have released their application form for the Small Business Grant Relief.

Please check eligibility and complete the form below. We understand there has been an issue with the sort code field not accepting sort code numbers beginning with a 0 which has been reported.

When completing your form you will be asked to upload a copy of your bank statement to evidence that the form is being completed by the business owner. Simply blankout financial information before uploading your statement - call us if you need help.

Gwynedd & Powys Council have not yet got their application in place, but we expect this very soon and will let you know as soon as these have been released.
Financial help explained for SMEs and the self-employed
Free Webinar @ 2pm Today
The FSB are hosting a webinar session today (Friday 27th March) with Stephen Pegge from UK Finance.

The webinar will be around the chancellors announcement tonight of the support package available to the self employed.

Booking.com - Be Aware
Be aware that booking.com have enforced 'force majeure / forced circumstances (FC)' for all UK bookings made between

Booking.com are expecting businesses to refund any prepayment and waive any cancellation costs / fees / expenses / or other amounts.

These refunds will be processed automatically through your direct debit set up with booking.com.

Please check your booking.com emails or extranet to see whether this will affect your business, if refunds will be made, how much and when this payments will be taken

The dates which currently affect domestic travel are reservations made for a property with a check in date between 23rd March 2020 - 13th April 2020

Full list of countries and dates please check your booking.com extranet.
Support for Third Sector including Charities
The Welsh government have released information about support for the third sector, charity and voluntary organisations. we understand that many of our businesses run as charities and volunteers so please read the guidance below if you fall into this category
Social Distancing & New Police Powers
We have already seen the forced closure of all caravan parks over the weekend and we can expect an announcement today regardng the forced closure of B&B's, Hotels & Self Catering - This will be in line with the UK government forced closures and please see details below on exceptions to these closures.

We have received reports from across the region that police have been stopping vehicles in line with the social distancing and #StayHome instructions which have been handed down from the UK government. As of today police in Wales have received the powers to fine non compliance .

We realise that most businesses have made the decision to close, but there may be one or two who have not made this decision. Please be aware that the only a few permitted exceptions.
MWT CYMRU FACEBOOK GROUP
If you haven't already, please make sure you join us on our MWT Cymru Facebook Members Group. There has been a lot of activity over the last few days with members sharing information. This is the fastest way to receive updates as they happen.
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