Marking the run-up to this year’s Small Business Saturday, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – and the Member of the UK Parliament for Aberconwy – Robin Millar MP – have undertaken a business tour of the constituency to hear concerns about the pressures of Coronavirus restrictions on local enterprises.
Among those businesses visited by the elected Members were the Royal Oak, Beics Betws, Anna Davies and Galeri in Betws-y-Coed, as well as Health & Food, Siop Sioned, Snowdonia Antiques, Y Siop Flodau and Emma James Cakes in Llanrwst. All of these businesses highlighted stories of challenge, innovation and determination throughout the pandemic (more information on these businesses can be found below.)
Speaking ahead of further restrictions in Wales this week, these conversations worked to highlight the impact of unpredictable and sudden legislative changes. The visits come amid changes to certain hospitality restrictions in Wales and a vote in the House of Commons on Tuesday about the Tiered restrictions across England, which affects the constituency in terms of Winter visitors.
Commenting on the weekend tour, Janet said:
“This was an important tour of constituency businesses that has worked to highlight the hardship faced as a result of sudden and unpredictable changes to restrictions imposed by the Welsh Government. This impact is why I have consistently called for urgent targeted support for hospitality and tourism businesses, more proportional grant funding for Aberconwy and updates on how Business Wales is coping with its Coronavirus support responsibilities.
“As Chair of the Cross-Party Group on Small Shops, and as a businesswoman myself, I know first-hand of the of the plight faced by local traders. How our homegrown businesses have successfully bridged this period, with the continued support of local residents and in spite of the challenges from Cardiff Bay, is a testament to their resilience, innovation and optimism.
“Working in lockstep with Robin, I will commit to doing all I can to convey the concerns of our entrepreneurs, who repeatedly told us over the weekend that they want to be empowered to trade. The pandemic has meant many small businesses have had to diversify their activities, and so I encourage all residents to support these ventures by continuing to shop local.”
Commenting further, Robin said:
“I've spent a lot of time over the last year talking with businesses, listening to their concerns and helping them access support from Westminster. This weekend, I was in Llanrwst and Betws-y-Coed visiting owners and staff to hear what the latest set of restrictions had meant to them and their business.
"We heard moving and inspiring tales of difficult times, but also resilience, innovation, determination and optimism. All of our local businesses deserve whatever support we can give through our trade. Thank you again to all for taking the time to talk with us, sharing your insights and being so open about the challenges you have faced. I know Janet and I will continue to do what we can to help you.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Those businesses visited, included (click the link for more information):
- Beics Betws
- Siop Sioned
- Galeri
- Emma James Cakes
- Anna Davies
- Health & Food
- Royal Oak
- Y Siop Flodau
- Snowdonia Antiques
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS & Robin Millar MP
