MWT Cymru Newsletter

MWT members' update - October '20
'FIRE-BREAK' LOCKDOWN - USEFUL LINKS

The Welsh Government have confirmed the 'Fire-Break' lockdown - a short, sharp version of the lockdown seen in March - will be in force from 6pm Friday 23rd October until Monday 9th November.

Useful Links:
£300m funding for Welsh Businesses
Businesses affected by the Wales 'Firebreak' Lockdown will be supported with a new £300 million fund, which will open next week:

  • Every business covered by the small business rates relief and occupy a property with a rateable value of £12,000 or less will receive a £1,000 payment
  • Small and medium-sized retail, leisure and hospitality businesses, which have to close that occupy a property with a rateable value of between £12,001 and £50,000 will receive a one-off payment of up to £5,000.
  • There will also be additional discretionary grants and support for smaller businesses, which are struggling including a discretionary £2,000 top-up grant for businesses closed or materially affected by the firebreak lockdown.
  • The £80 million ERF fund announced last week to help businesses develop in the longer term, will be increased to £100 million, which includes £20 million ring-fenced for tourism and hospitality.

Businesses will also be able to access the support available through the existing Job Retention Scheme or the new expanded Job Support Scheme.

We are still waiting for more details about the funding and as soon as information is available we will let everyone know.
Mid Wales Press & PR
In case you missed MWTs recent statement and press release, please see links below. This was our response to the social media backlash received by Simon Calder (ITV This Morning, Journalist & International Travel Writer) and TV celebrities (Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash):
The statement has been posted on our MWT Cymru Facebook page and you are welcome to share it from here if you wish.

The press release has been picked up by a number of regional and national media outlets including 5 Live, the BBC, BBC Wales, CNN and The Guardian.
BBC Wales Interview
The BBC Wales interview link below includes discussion around visitors travelling to Mid Wales, and an interview with MWT Chairman, Rowland Rees-Evans (pictured). 
Event Reminder: Free Employment Law Webinar for MWT members

  • Thursday 22nd October 10:30-11:30am via Zoom
  • Organised and funded by the Employment Law Advice Bureau.
  • Providing MWT members with Employment Law guidance and information which is especially important for business owners that may need to make difficult decisions during this period.
'This is Mid Wales' Campaign Update
BEHAVIOURAL RESEARCH INSIGHTS
We are mindful of the types of visitors we target through external channels (Social Media, Press & PR and www.visitmidwales.co.uk) - the tone of messaging we adopt will be an integral part of our Post-Covid recovery.

With this in mind, MWT appointed a behavioural research specialist, Lynn PR, to help us and our social media agency (S3) better understand our audiences.

The final version of their Behavioural Insights Report is now available (see link below):
Lynn PR is also working on a 'toolkit' for businesses which we will circulate soon.

Please contact us on 01654 702653 if you have any questions about the report or if you would like further help/advice.

MID WALES MEDIA / PRESS & PR
We are continuing our media activity with journalists and organising press trips to the region. Most recently a journalist and photographer from Cycling Plus, the UKs biggest selling road cycling magazine, did a 'Big Ride' feature based around Lake Vyrnwy.

MID WALES PHOTOSHOOT
A 4-day photoshoot in and around Mid Wales has also taken place to add to our image library for Mid Wales promotional activity, including www.visitmidwales.co.uk and social channels.

VISITMIDWALES.CO.UK
We are currently working on new pages and content and the 'new look' is now taking shape. Enhancements to www.visitmidwales.co.uk are continuing over the next few weeks - please have a quick look and let us know what you think.

The site is a central hub for all our regional visitor marketing activity and we will be developing new content for areas right across the region to prepare for 'post-covid' recovery in the New Year.
Virtual Christmas Events in Mid Wales
Are you holding a Virtual Event this Autumn / Winter / Christmas?

If you are running a virtual event yourself, or you know of one taking place in Mid Wales please let us know.

Email press@mwtcymru.co.uk with the subject line 'Virtual Christmas Events.'
Member Welcome & News
A warm welcome to Daisy Bank Caravan Park and The Old Stores B&B, both in Montgomery, and to Focus Newtown Enterprise Hub who have also joined membership.

Member news round-up:

You'll need to be signed into the members area of MWT Cymru to read latest press releases / news articles. Register or login here. Please contact us if you need any help.
Important Consultation
Regional Economic Framework
The Wales' Economy Minister Ken Skates is encouraging everyone in Mid and South West Wales to have their say on how the economies of both regions should look in the future.

The Welsh Government is aiming for the regional economic frameworks to be in place in early 2021.

The new regional economic framework will determine what steps need to be taken for the regions to prosper, how it can be delivered and the important role organisations, businesses and local communities will have.

The tourism sector in Mid Wales supports 23,000 jobs and contributes over £1 billion to the local economy.

Get involved

Everyone will be able to provide their opinion, share their insight and experience, and the views of everyone taking part will directly support the development of the frameworks.

We are urging MWT members to participate and think about the challenges we face, how we meet them and how we ensure our economy is thriving in the future. You can:

  • attend one of 12 events happening across the region in October and November.
  • request an activity pack to discuss with colleagues, friends or communities
Regional Learning and Skills Partnership Survey
The Regional Learning and Skills Partnership has developed a short survey to understand how the pandemic has affected businesses across Mid and South West Wales. This will help inform Welsh Government of the recovery support needed by businesses.

Please assist by completing their short COVID-19 Impact survey 
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 recently with members sharing information. This is the fastest way to receive updates as they happen.
Visit website: www.mwtcymru.co.uk
As always, if you need any additional help or support please contact us