6 June 2023
Scheme to support the well-being of small businesses
A new scheme by the Welsh Government will provide free access to therapeutic support for employees of SMEs or the self-employed. Support will be available for people who are absent or at risk of becoming absent from work with mental or physical ill-health, with the aim of helping them to remain in or return to work. The scheme will also be available to third-sector employers. The new £8 million scheme will deliver the new In-Work Support Service across Wales over the next two years.
Concerns raised over 'flushable' wet wipes labelling
The Government has stepped up action to tackle harmful plastics and clean up Britain's waterways by challenging producers of wet wipes to address concerns over how they label their products.
Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey has written to wet wipes producers setting out her concerns about the number of wet wipes that are flushed down UK toilets - between 2.1 - 2.9 billion each year – and has asked them to reconsider the use of the word 'flushable' on packaging to help prevent sewer blockages and water pollution.
Wet wipes contribute to sewer blockages, which can damage properties and result in sewage-related litter entering the environment. It is estimated that water companies spend £100m each year dealing with this.
ASA Launches Resource Hub to Ensure Advertising Compliance for Small Businesses
The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has unveiled a dedicated resource hub catering to small businesses. This hub consolidates a variety of resources on advertising regulations, covering topics such as understanding the rules and managing ad campaigns. With the aim of fostering compliance, the ASA hub serves as a valuable tool for small firms to stay informed and navigate the advertising landscape effectively.
Beware of HMRC Tax Credits Scams: Stay Alert!
HMRC is issuing a warning about emerging scams targeting individuals and businesses. Fraudsters are attempting to deceive people by impersonating HMRC communications to extract money or personal information. These scammers try to intimidate individuals into sharing sensitive data or making payments by exploiting approaching deadlines, such as the tax credits renewal cut-off on 31 July. HMRC urges all customers to report any suspicious texts, calls, or emails they encounter to safeguard against these fraudulent activities. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from potential scams!
Campaigning for you – putting pressure on energy suppliers
The NHBF understands from its recent State of the Industry survey results that energy prices are still at the top of business concerns.
The NHBF, in collaboration with the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), wrote to Angus MacNeil MP, the Chair of the newly formed cross-party Energy Security and Net Zero Committee in the House of Commons, urging the group to convene an urgent inquiry into energy supplier behaviour and high energy costs.
The NHBF has repeatedly raised issues around energy cost pressures and supplier behaviour in submissions to the Government over the last few months.
In a joint statement, a representative for the organisations said:
"Business owners across the country are feeling powerless at the hands of energy suppliers. They have seen energy bills rise exponentially in the past year, and despite heading into warmer months, this pain is set to continue. Some businesses had little or no choice but to lock into extremely costly contracts at the height of the energy crisis and will, and many will be paying over the odds for the next 12 months and beyond.
"These local businesses are well-loved assets, central pillars in their neighbourhoods, and if it weren't for energy bills wiping out, their profits would be running thanks to their communities' ongoing custom and support successfully.
"We are urging the Committee to use its powers to recognise this crisis as a real tangible threat to the existence of businesses across the country and convene an urgent inquiry into the conduct of suppliers."