Val Hawkins, Mid Wales Tourism’s chief executive. Members of the independent tourism organisation for Mid Wales are being urged to attend the annual meeting next month when updates will be given on three controversial Welsh Government policies.
Changes to the tax criteria for self-catering accommodation, a proposed tourism tax and the statutory registration of all visitor accommodation in Wales will all be on the agenda at Mid Wales Tourism’s annual meeting at The Brigands Inn, Mallwyd on Thursday, December 8 at 11am. From April 1 next year, the Welsh Government will be changing the tax criteria which allows self-catering accommodation to qualify for business rates instead of council tax. The number of days a self-catering property is available to let in a year will rise from 140 to 252 and the days it is actually let increases from 70 to 182. Local authorities will have the powers to triple the council tax premium to 300% for self-catering properties that don’t meet the new criteria. The Welsh Government is also consulting about introducing a tourism tax and are proposing that all visitor accommodation must be regulated. Val Hawkins, Mid Wales Tourism’s chief executive, chairman Rowland Rees-Evans and Adrian Greason-Walker, from the Wales Tourism Alliance (WTA), will all give updates on Welsh Government’s proposals at a members’ forum which follows the formal annual meeting. Mrs Hawkins will also speak about Mid Wales Tourism’s business plans for 2023, designated the Year of Trails by Visit Wales. She will outline a range of new marketing opportunities, membership benefits and the business support available to members. She believes it will be more important than ever for tourism and hospitality businesses to work together in the predicted challenging economic climate in 2023. “I hope that as many members as possible are able to attend the annual meeting to hear the important updates, give their views and help shape the direction of Mid Wales Tourism in the coming year,” said Mrs Hawkins. “It’s important that all Mid Wales tourism businesses are aware of the changes to the self-catering taxation rules in Wales that will be introduced next April. They also need to be aware of the other Welsh Government proposals that are in the pipeline for the tourism and hospitality industry.” Businesses wishing to join Mid Wales Tourism, also known as MWT Cymru, which represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality operators across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia, are asked to contact Tel: 01654 702653 or Email: info@mwtcymru.co.uk.
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Part of the Red Wall exhibition at the National Library of Wales. The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth has launched a series of events to support Wales in the World Cup tournament in Qatar. By joining the Red Wall of supporters, the library is aiming to create exciting, fun events and share the history and archives relating to football in Wales, both in Aberystwyth and online. The library has planned a number of activities for the coming weeks to mark this exciting occasion, including an exhibition of items from the collections in the Peniarth exhibition area and the Reading Room. From art to film, the displays will celebrate Wales’ footballing history. Visitors to the library will be able to watch past football games, read about some the game’s heroes or see a copy of Yma o Hyd in Dafydd Iwan’s own handwriting. Visitors will also be encouraged to share their responses to the items, favourite football memories and memorabilia on the library’s own red wall in the exhibition space. In the evening, a surprise awaits those who can see the library from their home. A series of workshops has been planned by the education service at the library, which look at the history of the Wales teams – both men and women - from 1876 to Qatar, using collections. In the library’s first event, pupils of Ysgol Gymraeg Aberystwyth enjoyed a Q&A session in the company of presenter and author Dylan Ebenezer who said: “Seeing Wales in the World Cup is amazing but seeing the reaction of the children is also fantastic. “Seeing them have a chance to enjoy, without possibly realising the significance of it - they take it almost for granted - is special in itself, considering how much some people have waited for this moment.” The service has also published a digital resource for schools, which looks at the history of the Wales national football teams, which can be accessed for free at https://www.library.wales/discover-learn/education/learning-resources/wales-football-team . Rhian Gibson, director of communications, engagement and partnerships, said: “The library is delighted to be joining people, children and organisations across Wales to show our support for the incredible achievement of the Welsh football team. “The library is full of pictures, books, films and articles about football in Wales and it’s great to be able to share these with children and people in the library and beyond. And, of course, the hope is that the team will create more history to add to the archive in the library for the future.” During this period, a range of football associated products will be available to purchase in the library shop. Whether visitors want to read about some of their heroes or are looking for a new mug to enjoy tea when watching a game, there are plenty of gifts to choose from. Follow the library on social media to find out more: Facebook: @llgcymrunlwales | Twitter: @NLWales | Instagram: @librarywales A collaboration between award-winning distillery In the Welsh Wind and KWS - one of the world largest seed suppliers – has produced an exceptional Three Grain Vodka.
The vodka, which will sit alongside In the Welsh Wind’s other premium spirits, will officially launch on November 18 in Cardiff and opens another exciting chapter in the distillery’s history as the brand expands its range. It is the first vodka produced by the Cardigan distillery for the In the Welsh Wind brand and the story of this spirit - from ‘seed to glass’ - will be told on every bottle thanks to its eye-catching augmented reality label. This is another first for distillery, with the label commissioned by KWS and developed by tech company Juice Immersive. The Three Grain Vodka is a combination of barley and rye supplied by KWS, which was blended with a wheat-based spirit to create this latest addition to the In the Welsh Wind range. The origins of this vodka began earlier in the year when KWS’ Digital Innovation Team sought an authentic partner to produce a consumer end product from its seeds. Close connections brought KWS and ‘maverick’ In the Welsh Wind together and the vodka was born. The story of the vodka using AR technology to share the journey, from the fields to the glass, was also established at the onset. Available in 70cl bottles and priced at £40, Three Grain Vodka (40% vol) can be purchased online from www.inthewelshwind.co.uk Ellen Wakelam, co-founder of In the Welsh Wind, said: “It’s been a great journey bringing together barley and rye grown from KWS seed with our wheat-based spirit to create our Three Grain Vodka. “The final product is smooth and rich. As a varietal vodka, the flavours of the barley and grain are present - as we wanted them to be. There’s a distinct rye finish, along with flavours of vanilla and cold ice cream on a warm crepe. It’s as good to sip neat as it is mixed into a cocktail or served long with a good quality tonic.” She added: “Bringing the story to life via our very first AR label is also incredible. We’re excited to have the opportunity to tell the story of the grain, from seed developed by KWS and nurtured by farmers, to a finished vodka. The label, which is artistically stunning, complements our other In the Welsh Wind products.” Meredith Mendola, operations lead for KWS’ Digital Innovation Team, said: “We could not pass up the opportunity to partner with an authentic bespoke spirits brand and a talented extended reality agency to show how our high-quality seeds become the products you enjoy.” For the latest news and updates from In The Welsh Wind follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter A popular festive afternoon tea at Kerry Vale Vineyard, near Montgomery is selling fast in the run up to Christmas. Following last year’s success, the Shropshire/Powys border attraction is serving up the seasonal treat from Friday, November 18 until Wednesday, December 21 in the Vineyard Café. Afternoon tea, which is adapted for vegetarian diets, comprises finely cut sandwiches with classic fillings together with freshly baked orange and cranberry scones, orange preserve and cream, followed by a selection of delicious festive themed sweet treats. Tea is served with a pot of tea or coffee, mulled wine or the vineyard’s award-winning sparkling English wine for £30 per person and is available from 12pm to 2pm, Thursday to Sunday. Prebooking and payment required 48 hours in advance. Janet Cooke, vineyard owner and chef, said: “The vineyard café is becoming a popular afternoon tea venue and at Christmas we like to raise our game! We love being able to create festive adaptations of traditional favourites - this year’s offering even includes an edible robin and mini Christmas tree! “Although we like to have fun with our presentation, the most important factor is that it tastes great. Something we work hard in the kitchen to ensure. Research and development for our festive afternoon tea starts in October and involves lots of taste testing of prototypes.” To book a festive afternoon tea visit www.kerryvalevineyard.co.uk or call 01588 620627. "The visitor economy is changing rapidly, and the role of visitor accommodation presents major challenges for communities across the world. For example, the growth of online booking platforms has brought many benefits, such as new routes to market and increased consumer choice. However, we are aware of the concerns around compliance with existing requirements and the impact of short-term lets on housing stock and our communities.
Our plans to develop a statutory licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation will be focused on levelling the playing field as part of a long-term response to the major challenges we face." Read the statement in full on Oral Statement: Statutory licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation in Wales (15 November 2022) | GOV.WALES Festive celebrations are going underground at a former Mid Wales slate mine this December. From December 2 to 23, people looking for a pre-Christmas adventure with a difference will be able to visit the unique underground workings of the old Braich Goch Slate Mine at Corris, near Machynlleth. The exciting trips, run by Corris Mine Explorers, will allow visitors to step back in time by following the route of entry hand dug by Victorian miners nearly 180 years ago. A sprinkling of Christmas magic will be thrown in too as they explore and discover. The festive underground adventures are for individuals, families, groups of friends and also businesses searching for somewhere different for their annual works’ party. Hannah Quincey, Corris Mine Explorers’ general manager, said: “Our festive underground trips offer the ultimate festive adventure and an opportunity to escape the Christmas treadmill. “Explorers will be transported back in time as they explore and discover items left behind by the miners and hear harsh tales of working life. The trips can also include more adventure with ropework, ladders and climbing. Christmas surprises are guaranteed and expect the unexpected.” Advance online booking essential at www.corrismineexplorers.co.uk Discover old slate mine workings with Corris Mine Explorers’ festive underground adventures. Corris Mine Explorers is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent membership organisation representing more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. Find them on Visit Mid Wales here. Award-winning Ceredigion craft distillery In The Welsh Wind, which produces award-winning gins and other spirits, will be holding an Open Weekend on November 26 and 27.
Visitors will have the opportunity to take a tour of the distillery at Tan-y-groes and find out more about what the team is doing and future plans, including the development of Grain-to-Glass Welsh Origin Whisky. The distillery will also be highlighting spirit brands from across Wales on November 27 at a Welsh Spirits Showcase. Ellen Wakelam, In The Welsh Wind co-founder and director, said: “We are holding this open weekend to provide people with an opportunity to take a tour of our distillery, taste different Welsh spirits from brands across Wales under one roof. “They can also find out more about what exciting plans lie ahead regarding our gin and Welsh Origin Whisky production. We will also have a couple of new products from the In the Welsh Wind range for people to try! “We are very excited to welcome people into the distillery for the open weekend, which will be perfect for people with an interest in gin, whisky or other spirits and how they’re produced. “It’s also an opportunity for those looking for a fun day out and people local to the distillery who may not yet have had a chance to explore what’s going on here and to taste our award-winning spirits.” The open weekend is free to attend, with all attendees offered at least 10% off 70cl Eccentric Spirit Co and In The Welsh Wind gin and vodka bottles. Free distillery tours will be running throughout the Saturday and can be booked on the In The Welsh Wind website https://inthewelshwind.co.uk/products/open-weekend-distillery-tour to guarantee a space at a preferred time. From whisky activities and a juniper lucky dip to a mystery gin tombola and a Q&A session with Ellen, the weekend will be filled with different activities. The distillery bar will be open for those wanting a G&T or mulled gin and rum, with hot food also available on site. An aerial shot of Islawrffordd Caravan Park. A luxury caravan park on the Southern Snowdonia coast has been named the best in Wales in the AA Caravan and Camping Awards 2022-’23. Islawrffordd Caravan Park at Talybont, near Barmouth, owned and run by the Evans family since 1957, has won the prestigious award for the second time, having previously triumphed in 2012. Managing director Dylan Evans dedicated the award to his late father, Gwynfor, who died last year and to the park’s customers past and present. “My father is still close to our hearts and he would be very proud that we have won this award,” said Dylan. “We are very privileged and proud to be recognised as a leading caravan park in the industry. “This award is an endorsement of all the hard work and investment that we have put into the park over the last 30 years, but we could not have achieved this success without our excellent staff. “We are delighted to bring this award back to, what we think is, the most beautiful part of Wales.” Dylan now runs the park with his wife Jane, niece Mari and chairman of the board John Billingham, who are fellow directors, following the retirement of his twin brother, Geraint, in February. The 25-acre park has 12 staff, 201 holiday homes, 75 fully services pitches for touring caravans and motorhomes, an indoor swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi, Nineteen.57 Bar and Restaurant, an entertainment complex, luxury shower and toilet block, children’s playground with a pirate ship, car hire and a private slipway onto a sandy beach. In a double celebration for the park, Nineteen.57 Bar and Restaurant was runner up in the Best of North Wales category in the Welsh Restaurant of the Year Awards 2022. The bar and 40-cover restaurant are leased by Chris and Emma Statham and Sion Wellings. Dylan added: “We are very proud of this fantastic achievement by Chris, Emma and Sion and the partnership that we have with them.” In the assessment of Islawrffordd Caravan Park, the AA Inspector said: “Situated on the coast between Barmouth and Harlech and within the Snowdonia National Park, this site has clear views of Cardigan Bay, the Llŷn Peninsula and the Snowdonia and Cader Idris mountain ranges. “This is an excellent, family-run and family-friendly park that has seen considerable investment over recent years. A superb restaurant and bar, 'Nineteen57' offers both formal and relaxed areas for enjoying locally sourced food.” The park, which is an AA 5 Platinum Pennant Campsite, is open all year around and includes former British motor racing champion Nigel Mansell as one of its holiday home owners. The Mansell family has been enjoying holidays at Islawrfford for 65 years and the Evans family lays claim to setting Nigel on the road to stardom by starting him go-karting as a boy.
The Welsh Government has proposed that more categories of properties will be excepted from paying the council tax premium on second homes, managing the impact of new local tax rules to distinguish between second homes and self-catering accommodation.
There will also be additional guidance on the discretion local authorities will have in the application of the premiums. It follows ongoing discussion and engagement with councils, communities and the tourism industry. Further details are available on Additional flexibility in the application of council tax premiums and letting criteria | Business Wales (gov.wales) SUMMARY OF SERVICES BUSNES@LLANDRILLOMENAI OFFER EMPLOYERS
● Apprenticeships – An Apprenticeship offers a cost-effective method of recruiting and training skilled employees for the future. The programme includes both on-the-job learning and off-the-job training which leads to nationally recognised qualifications. There is a choice of Apprenticeships within work sectors i.e. business administration, customer service, accounting, hospitality, care, early years, construction, engineering. ● Higher Apprenticeships - Higher Apprenticeship programmes allow you to work towards a level 4, 5 or higher. They will help you to develop those talented employees within your organisation who aspire to become the next generation of managers No training cost. The Welsh Government covers the full cost of the training. Open to any age group. Any employee can take part in the training. Again they vary depending on sector i.e. CIPD, Leadership and Management. ● Professional/Part time courses - a comprehensive range of high quality, vocational and professional training, from level 2 to degree level e.g. AAT, CIPD, CIPS, ILM etc. ● Short courses - Intensive training courses for business and industry, including bespoke programmes to meet your organisation's needs; e.g. Food Safety, Allergen Awareness, Health & Safety, Customer Service, Upselling, Renewables and more. ● SEE Project (Skills for Employers & Employees) - the SEE project provides training programmes targeted at business in key sectors across North Wales. Eligible courses are now 100% funded under the project, but it comes to an end in June 2023 so now is the last call to take advantage of the support available. (*for further details including eligibility information, please contact us) ● Centre for Infrastructure Skills & Technology (CIST) - the CIST centre at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s Llangefni campus is a high-quality infrastructure skills training destination, with an underpinning ethos of expert partnership delivery. It is a platform for the construction industry to engage with and promote innovative solutions and products, becoming the premier site of choice for product showcases in North Wales or wider. For a list of the courses available and further information take a look at our website: http://www.gllm.ac.uk/busnes or contact 08445 460460 / e-mail: busnes@gllm.ac.uk |
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