Small business bulletin for South Wales

Local News 29 May 2024

Local small business news from Rob Basini, your FSB Development Manager. Covering Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, South Wales Valleys, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys. Last updated 20 December 2024

In summary

As we near the end of the year, it’s important to acknowledge that while business for some has improved, for many things continue to be challenging. On a Wales wide, and on a UK level, FSB continues to ensure that the voice of small business is heard as we move into 2025. We look forward to welcoming you to events in the new year - in the meantime, sincere best wishes to everyone for 2025.

Featured news and events 

Wales Monthly Update

And just like that, December is upon us, the final month of 2024! We have had another busy year and plans are already forming for 2025 to continue in the same way. Make sure you keep up-to-date with our latest Wales Monthly Update, here to keep you in the loop, providing an overview of our November activities, as well as looking forward to what is coming up in the New Year.

Wales Monthly Update - December

 

Cardiff Networking by FSB & HSBC

Take the opportunity to make new introductions, connect with new contacts and meet old friends at this networking event in partnership with HSBC. This relaxed event, with an emphasis on connecting with other like-minded business owners, will provide a warm welcome for all looking to expand their networks. This FREE event is open to FSB members and non-members, spaces are limited so book your space today!

Book your place now


In other news

Cyber Innovation Hub - Cyber Hygiene Taster Sessions

The Cyber Innovation Hub will be delivering three FREE Cyber Hygiene Taster Sessions on Monday 20 January 2025 in the Sbarc|Spark Building, Cardiff University. This Cyber Hygiene taster session introduces the essential practices your business needs to protect personal and organisational data, emphasising password security, software updates and social engineering.  Participants will gain quick, actionable tips to strengthen their online defences and reduce cyber risks and are designed for non-technical audiences, covering four key areas:

  • Defending yourself against phishing
  • Using strong passwords
  • Securing your devices
  • Reporting incidents

For more information and to register for the session, click here

Caerphilly Town Centre Shop Front Grants

The SPF Town Centre shop front grant provides targeted financial assistance to new and existing high Street entrepreneurs throughout the county borough of Caerphilly, to help small and medium sized businesses in Wales relaunch, develop, decarbonise and grow to help drive Wales’s economic recovery. Grants of up to £10,000 at 50% match funding can be applied for to replace or refurbish existing shop fronts in High Street premises.

For more details on how to apply, click here


Still in the news 

Help to Grow Leadership Course in West Wales

Help To Grow: Management is a unique leadership and management course designed to help develop leadership skills in business leaders. Consisting of 12 modules, 10 hours of 1-2-1 mentoring and peer network sessions, the course is designed to be completed alongside full-time work, delivered in 50 hours across 12 weeks. Delivered by the Small Business Charter accredited business schools, Swansea University being one, the course uses a combination of online and face-to-face sessions, all taught by subject matter experts. The first intake for the programme will take place in January 2025 and run until the end of March.

To check eligibility criteria and for more information, click here

Innovate UK Business Connect Horizon Europe Roadshow – Cardiff

Taking place on 28 January 2025, from 10am-4pm in Cardiff, Innovate UK in collaboration with the Welsh Government and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), will hold the ‘Innovate UK Business Connect Horizon Europe Roadshow’. This event will help businesses discover how Horizon Europe has transformed ideas into successful projects across various sectors and detail the options available to make yours be next.

For more information and to reserve your spot, click here


More news and activity near you 


Get in touch

Rob Basini

Your FSB Development Manager for South Wales is Rob Basini. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.