Calls for public spaces in Wales to be opened up to help smaller businesses
The Federation of Small Businesses Wales is calling for public spaces to be opened up to help smaller businesses across the country.
The organisation says 89 per cent of businesses in Wales say that they have experienced a negative impact on cash flow during the coronavirus pandemic.
As Wales looks ahead to easing out of lockdown and allowing non-essential retail stores to reopen, the FSB Wales says attention must turn to how to support smaller firms who may begin to reopen in the coming months.
Of those firms that are currently closed, 68 per cent - the highest of the UK nations - of firms in Wales have furloughed staff, and a third have concerns about whether they will be able to reopen.
A new report from the organisation has been looking at possible solutions to help smaller businesses in Wales which could mean utilising public spaces within towns to support them during this time.
The report also suggests how businesses can be helped to reopen and operate safely and successfully under social distancing guidelines.
The FSB Wales says many businesses have identified that they fear they may be unable to reopen and make a profit under social distancing rules due to the size of their premises and the nature of their business.
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Ben Francis, FSB Wales Policy Chair added: "We urge the Welsh Government to work with local authorities and to take action on planning regulations where this may be required.
"This is an opportunity to empower businesses and community groups to work together within their local area and revolutionise the way we use public spaces as a temporary measure to help those local businesses that are so vital in our communities. However, the experience of doing this will also be important to ensuring the long-term health of our towns.
"The decisions that are made in the coming weeks are critical, and will be the difference a firms’ ability to survive, or not. We hope that we can work with Welsh Government and local authority leaders across Wales to give local businesses the best possible chance and help our communities to re-grow. "