The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has welcomed the announcement that Llandudno has secured £825,000 via the UK Government Community Renewal Fund to boost business and encourage innovation within the visitor economy.
The Busnes@LlandrilloMenai-led project includes a funding commitment of reportedly around £400,000 for a winter wage subsidy so that hotels and other tourism businesses can retain staff out of season.
Welcoming the news, Janet:
“I am overjoyed to welcome this tremendous funding news, which once again underlines the support of the UK Government for the ambitions of our tourism and hospitality sectors.
“Rhetoric from certain quarters, in spite of the severe challenges being faced by our tourism and hospitality businesses, have led some to be put off pursuing such a career locally. This is hugely disappointing, especially as they are the perfect setting to learn essential life skills.
“Therefore, I am delighted that the project will look to build a local talent network to address the recruitment challenge and that a subsidy will be offered to retain talent out of season.
“With more visitors wishing to travel to the Queen of Welsh resorts following spectacular coverage on series like ITV’s The Pier, it is clear that this is an exciting time of development for our hard-working local businesses.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
The project aims to deliver:
- Innovation Hub: a town centre co-working space to innovate.
- Innovation Programme: Activities that address emerging themes within the sector including Reinvigorating Towns Through Tourism, Net Zero Tourism, Building Talent for the Future and Extending the Season.
- ‘Pop-up’ Premises: In partnership with Mostyn Estates subsidised new business premises will be made available, including shop units to market test new products and business ventures.
- Building a Talent Network: Activities to engage key tourism providers and the broader tourism sector. Working in a partnership approach, formulating targeted training and skills development to address the recruitment challenge and make the industry more appealing.
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
