Tourism Business Update - 29 Sept 2023
Latest news and information for local tourism and hospitality businesses
Tourism funding is back to support small accommodation operators
Following the success of council funding to support the tourism sector, further funding will soon be available to help small tourism accommodation businesses in rural or semi-rural parts of Swansea improve their offer.
Businesses can apply for up to £10,000, which is being made available by Swansea Council through the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF).
It's the third time this type of tourism support funding has been made available. The first two rounds were a result of direct funding that Swansea Council made available as part of its economic recovery strategy to support the tourism sector, post-pandemic. That funding led to improvements at 23 tourism businesses in Swansea, which included bathroom and kitchen refurbishments, new en-suite facilities, cycling storage and accessible glamping. This also resulted in more businesses signing up to the Visit Wales grading scheme and new partners working with the council's tourism team.
The council's tourism team bid for and was successful in achieving additional funding within the culture and tourism anchor of the Shared Prosperity Fund, enabling further investment in the sector.
Applications open Monday 02 October until Sunday 22 October 2023 for small accommodation businesses with under 25 employees.
All projects proposed have to be complete by end of November 2024.
More information is available at swansea.gov.uk/tsf
Mumbles Triathlon: 30 Sept - Road closure at Lunnon Hill, Parkmill
In order to accommodate Mumbles Triathlon, it will be necessary to close Lunnon Hill in a north easterly direction from its junction with A4118 South Road to its junction with Ilston Road (a distance of approximately 680 metres) from 8.30am - 11.00am on Sat 30 September.
The alternative route for vehicular traffic will be via Willoxton Lane, B4271 North Road and A4118 South Road, a distance of approximately 12 kilometres.
This route will operate in the reverse direction.
Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.
More information on Swansea Roadwatch
Rail Strikes update - 30 Sept and 4 Oct
A reminder that the ASLEF (train drivers) union will be on strike on Sat 30 Sept and and Weds 4 Oct. There will be a very limited service in place and most of the GWR network will have no service on those days. Disruption is also likely on the days following strikes.
Where GWR are able to operate, services will start later and finish much earlier than usual. They may also be subject to short-notice alterations or cancellations.
ASLEF are also taking action short of strike from Mon 2 Oct to Fri 6 Oct inclusive - which means some services may be disrupted.
Journey planners have been updated and for more information, please visit www.gwr.com/strike.
Swansea Bay Trails Campaign Update
Our 'Swansea Bay Trails' campaign continues to prove popular amongst potential visitors to the area. The three videos released as part of the campaign so far have achieved a combined total of almost 74k views across Visit Swansea Bay's social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Let us know what you think!
Watch the 'Beach Trails' video here
Watch the 'Water Trails' video here
Watch the 'Walking Trails' video here
Happy Place Campaign Update
We are continuing with our Happy Place Partner Campaign, working with you, our Visit Swansea Bay Partners, to find out where your Happy Place is.
The first in a series of five new videos, will be launched this weekend....keep your eyes peeled on our social media accounts @visitswanseabay.
City centre business opportunity for café operator
An opportunity is being offered to launch a food and drink business at one of Swansea city centre's prime cultural locations.
Swansea Council wants to lease the café space at its celebrated Glynn Vivian Art Gallery to a new or existing eager food and drink operator.
The leaseholder will be able to play a key role in helping thousands of people to enjoy the city centre which already has a thriving café culture featuring independent and big name outlets.
The gallery is open throughout the year and hosts a wide variety of events and activities for a wide range of people.
It's in a prominent city centre location close to Swansea railway station, opposite a university building and close to businesses, offices, organisations such as BBC Cymru Wales plus hundreds of student and private homes.
New fire safety legislation - 1 Oct
From 1 October 2023 new fire safety legislation comes into effect. This will mean that many businesses and building owners need to check if and how this affects them to ensure they are complying with the regulations.
The main changes are:
- All businesses will need to record a fire risk assessment and fire safety arrangements in full - regardless of the number of employees, and size or type of business.
- There are increased requirements for cooperation and coordination between Responsible Persons in multi occupied buildings or those where the occupier and owner are not the same person.
- In residential buildings with two or more domestic premises residents must be provided with information on the risks from fire and the fire safety measures provided to keep them safe.
Find out more about the new fire safety legislation
If Dylan met Thomas Hardy: A Short Play competition - closes 7 Oct
What would have happened if Dylan Thomas had met Thomas Hardy? That's the question for you to answer in a new short play competition run by the Dylan Thomas Society.
Two of the greatest writers of the 20th century, Dylan Thomas and Thomas Hardy, never met in person. But what if they had? What would they have talked about? Where would they have met? And who would have been impressed by whom?
- The competition is open to all writers over 11 years old
- Length of play: 15 min max
- Maximum number of cast members: 4
- Entry fee: £5
- A panel will choose a shortlist of three plays to be performed at the Dylan Thomas Theatre during 'The Beginning' Conference (27-29 Oct)
- Members of the audience will vote for their favourite play
Closing date: 12pm noon on 7 October 2023.
SA1 Swansea Waterfront public art strategy: Brief for consultant - deadline 13 Oct
Swansea Council is seeking the services of a suitably qualified public art consultant or agency with extensive experience of creating public art strategies to produce a public art strategy for SA1 Swansea Waterfront. This commission and strategy is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Swansea's city-centre is undergoing substantial redevelopment, generating new opportunities for arts interventions. We wish to see artists positively engaged in defining our sense of place, shaping the future perception of the city, and improving the economic, social and cultural life of the urban centre.
The development of the SA1 Swansea Waterfront area, involving the Prince of Wales dock close to the city centre, has been a key element in the Council's strategy for the regeneration of Swansea as a vibrant and distinctive waterfront city. An historic Section 106 agreement has secured funding for public art, which was initiated several years but paused due to land ownership and redevelopment changes. The area, on the Wales Coastal Path, next to the marina with its barrage and sail bridges and mix of old and new architecture, encompasses mixed use including business, residential and commercial property, and higher education facilities to create a vibrant and sustainable community. The site is subject to mixed public and private ownership.
The aim of the consultancy is to produce a public art strategy for SA1 Swansea Waterfront that adds significant value to the public realm by improving the area's attractiveness for communities and visitors, creating a vision and framework for commissioning public art, creating a distinctive sense of place, enhancing the area's public profile and setting out a model of good practice for the strategic development and implementation of contemporary public art projects in Swansea.
Budget: up to £40,000
Duration of consultancy: up to 31 December 2024
Deadline for applications: 13 October 2023
View Notice on Sell2Wales (gov.wales)
Towards Carbon Zero: Carbon Reduction and Energy Savings Training Course for SMEs - 24 Oct (9.00am-4.30pm)
As the world focuses on reducing carbon emissions, businesses have an important role to play in reaching global climate goals. This training course aims to equip small and medium-sized businesses in Swansea with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve carbon neutrality, build resilience to climate change and increasing energy prices, and contribute to a sustainable future.
During the training course, participants will learn about the basics of carbon reduction and the path to net-zero emissions. We will cover topics such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, waste reduction, and more. Additionally, we will provide hands-on activities and case studies to help participants understand how to apply these concepts in their own businesses.
Tanya Nash from Future Clarity, is an expert in sustainability and carbon reduction. She will provide practical advice and guidance on how to measure and reduce carbon emissions, and how to develop a carbon reduction strategy tailored to each business.
This training course is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses from any sector that are interested in reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future.
This FREE training courses will take place:
• 24 October
• 23 November
• 21 December
BlasCymru/TasteWales 2023, ICC Wales Newport - 25/26 Oct
The two-day trade event is organised by the Welsh Government's Food & Drink Wales division and brings together food and drink producers with national and international buyers and food industry professionals.
The event will be held at ICC Wales in Newport and creates opportunities for Welsh businesses to showcase their produce to the world.
Being at the event allows businesses to gain exposure, network and increase their brand profile with key producers, UK and international buyers, as well as wider industry professionals. All of this will take place within the context of a high-quality food event, conference and expo featuring leading industry players where one to one sessions enable buyers to engage with Welsh producers and discover the passion behind their products.
For further information and to purchase tickets, go to BlasCymru/TasteWales - Wales' Premier Food & Drink Event
Introbiz Swansea and West Wales Business Show, Brangwyn Hall - 26 Oct
A fantastic, free event showcasing the best about the City and Region, including a range of exhibitors from some of the best businesses in the area.
The day will include keynote speakers, a host of engaging and educating seminars, and presentations about some of the key projects that will transform Swansea.
Supported by Swansea Council and part funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Spooks in the City is back and in a brand new city centre location - 28 Oct
Join the Spooks celebrations on Saturday 28 October from 11am as St David's Place, Swansea (near the former Iceland shop) is transformed into a spooky spectacular.
This free event will feature ghoulish good fun including themed entertainment, face painting, free fun rides and live shows from Swansea dance schools.
There will also be the chance to have your picture taken next to the (parked up) Swansea Bay Rider land train which has been given its very own spooky makeover for the season.
Find out more about Spooks in the City
Swansea Rural Anchor Grant Scheme - closing 6 Nov
A second round of funding applications is now open for projects aimed at boosting Swansea's rural communities.
The grant funding is being made available to projects that support themes including rural economy and visitor experience, natural environment and climate emergency, innovation, and health and well-being.
The funding is part of a rural anchor project being run by Swansea Council and funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Not-for-profit community groups and organisations can apply for capital grants such as investment in renewable energy schemes, biodiversity schemes, volunteering schemes or feasibility studies for community projects.
Revenue projects can receive up to £15,000, while capital projects can receive up to £25,000.
Find out more about the Rural Anchor Grant Scheme
Visit Wales Tourism Industry Roadshow, Swansea.com Stadium - Weds 8 Nov (10.00am-3.00pm)
Come along to the Visit Wales industry roadshow in Swansea on 8 Nov to hear from the team and meet fellow industry colleagues.
The event will start at 10.00am (registration from 9.15am) and finish at 3.00pm - a light lunch will be provided.
Visit Wales will be updating on marketing and development, including research and insights. There will also be news from Event Wales and a chance to hear from your Regional Forum chair. as well as a tourism industry guest speaker.
There will be plenty of opportunities for Q&A as well as a chance to enjoy great networking opportunities and learn about the latest support available from Visit Wales and other key organisations.
And, for those who have a particular interest in events, or want to find out more about Tourism Exchange Great Britain (TXGB) - the platform that links UK tourism booking systems or own inventory with a global network of distributors - there will be an opportunity to stay on that afternoon for a detailed session.
HMRC: Tell ABAB Survey report
The Administrative Burden Advisory Board (ABAB) have published their Tell ABAB report 2022 to 2023.
The report details the responses to April's Tell ABAB Survey, which this year had a record 7,500 responses. In previous years, responses have averaged around 3,000.
ABAB is passionate about listening to and understanding the needs of the small business community. Board members come from a range of businesses and professions, and their goal is to support HMRC to make the tax system quicker and simpler for small businesses.
If you would like to comment on the report, or help ABAB with their work, please contact advisoryboard.adminburden@hmrc.gov.uk.
Who is recruiting? Latest tourism and hospitality vacancies
- Oldwalls Collection: bar staff, front of house and sales executives
- City Pub Group (which includes Oyster House Hotel): Business Development Manager
Are you recruiting staff? Let us know so we can help spread the word.
Join our Visit Swansea Bay Partners Facebook page
For more tourism-related updates, news, info and to network with other local businesses, don't forget to join our Facebook group.
Helo Blod - fast and free Welsh translation service
Helo Blod is a fast and friendly Welsh translation and advice service to help you use more Welsh in your business or charity. And it's yours to use for free.
The team can translate up to 500 words into Welsh per month for your business. They can also help with text checking.
Helo Blod is available online 24/7 or on the phone from 10.00am - 3.00pm every weekday.
Opportunity to feature on Swansea Visitor Map
We have been made aware that an agency called 'We Design Map' are planning to print a visitor map of Swansea and its surroundings, which will be made available to visitors arriving at destination.
They plan to print around 25,000 copies of the map and distribute them to key outlets such as hotels, B&B's, Campsites, Caravan Parks and other tourist attractions over the next two years.
There are opportunities for local businesses to advertise on the map, should they wish to.
Please note this map is not endorsed by Swansea Council and you would need to liaise directly with the company if you have any queries.
Contact is Harry Hubbard at harry@wedesignmaps.co.uk or mob: 07379 006974
Does your business qualify for a Visit Wales 'Welcome Award'?
Visit Wales have introduced a series of new Welcome Awards which have been designed to recognise businesses who are providing added facilities and services to meet specific visitor requirements.
Welcome Awards include:
- Families Welcome
- Pets Welcome
- Anglers Welcome
- Bikers Welcome
- Cyclists Welcome
- Walkers Welcome
- Golfers Welcome
- TV/Film Crew Welcome
- Motorhomes Welcome
If your business is currently registered or graded with Visit Wales, you could apply for any of these awards. The application process is easy and it's completely free! If successful, you will be sent a certificate, electronic logo and window sticker for each successful Welcome Award application.
Not registered with Visit Wales yet? Don't worry, it is free and easy to get 'Approved' or 'Star Graded'.
Find out more about Visit Wales Star Grading and Welcome Awards
HMRC webinars - Autumn dates
Company directors - payroll and you
• the tax and National Insurance treatment of payments to directors
• expenses and benefits
• payroll information that has to be submitted to HMRC
• keeping accurate records
Register here
Getting payroll information right
• how to provide accurate information to HMRC
• common mistakes in payroll information and how to avoid them
• tips
Register here
Residential property income for individuals - an introduction:
- furnished holiday lettings in the UK and European Economic Area (EEA)
- when to record income and expenses
- the property income allowance
- the 'Rent a Room' scheme
Residential property income for individuals - expenses and deductions:
- revenue and capital expenses
- expenses before you start letting your property
- costs for repairs, improvements, mortgage and finance
- replacement of domestic items relief
You can find additional information in the HMRC 'Property rental' toolkit.
New law on workplace recycling - from April 2024
From 6 April 2024, it will become law for all businesses, charities and public sector organisations to separate their waste for recycling.
The following materials will need to be separated for collection, and collected separately:
- Food - for premises that produce more than 5kg of food waste a week
- Paper and card
- Glass
- Metal, plastic, cartons and other fibre-plastic composite packaging of a similar composition
- Unsold small waste electrical and electronic equipment (sWEEE)
- Unsold textiles
There will also be a ban on sending food waste to sewers or landfill.
Here's what you can do to start preparing:
- Look at what waste you're producing and get the right service from your waste contractor.
- Consider whether you need to buy new bins.
- Think about how to train your staff and explain the changes to visitors or users of your premises.
The changes are not only focused on improving the quality and quantity of recycling but are vital to delivering Wales's commitments to reach zero waste and reduce our carbon emissions by 2050.
Find out more on the Business Wales website
Looking for vacant land or premises for your business?
Have a look at the list of Council owned property and land for sale or lease.
This page is updated regularly with vacant land and property to buy or rent in Swansea for residential, commercial, industrial, office, retail or other private use.
Council owned property and land for sale or lease
Great events this Autumn:
30 Sept: Mumbles Triathlon
7-8 Oct: Children's Literature Festival, National Waterfront Museum
26 Oct: Introbiz Swansea and West Wales Business Show, Brangwyn Hall
27-29 Oct: 'The Beginning' - A joint conference between the Dylan Thomas Society and the Thomas Hardy Society, Dylan Thomas Theatre
28 Oct: Spooks in the City, St David's Place
28-29 Oct: Swansea Science Festival, National Waterfront Museum
11 Nov: Festival of Remembrance, Swansea City Centre
9 Dec - 7 Jan: Cinderella Pantomime, Swansea Grand Theatre
Already confirmed for 2024:
6-7 July: Wales Airshow
14 July: IronMan 70.3 Swansea
Found this tourism trade update useful? Pass it on or contact Geraldine.Williams@swansea.gov.uk