Federation for Small Business welcome news that retailers can prepare to reopen

The Federation for Small Businesses in Wales has welcomed the news that retailers should now prepare to reopen following the next review in three weeks' time.

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They said firms will consider this as the "starting gun on reopening Wales."

However, they are calling on the Welsh government for more guidelines and funding to ensure they are in a position to open safely and aren't at a disadvantage compared to businesses in England.

The Welsh Government on Friday said the next lockdown review on 18 June will consider options for re-opening non-essential retail.

The First Minister said: “I am signalling to businesses across Wales that they may begin preparations to be ready to resume activity in these areas should the evidence support reopening.

“This will allow us to restart the activity as soon as possible if the conditions allow. We will continue to work closely with the public sector, trade unions, businesses, the third sector and others to achieve this.”

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The Welsh Government said they are providing a comprehensive £1.7bn package of support for businesses of all sizes, which complements measures announced by the UK Government.