UK Government Minister for Wales David TC Davies, Minister for
Business and Industry , and Welsh Government Deputy
Minister for the Economy and Transport , have jointly hosted a virtual roundtable with
business representatives from across Wales to discuss the ongoing
challenges of COVID-19.
The ministers underlined both governments’ commitment to do
whatever it takes to support business through the unprecedented
and ongoing challenge of the coronavirus pandemic and to continue
to work together on a collective response.
During the Q&A, which was attended by leading figures from
large multi-national corporations, leading law firms and some of
Wales’ many small-micro sized business, Minister Davies said he
recognised the concerns of business leaders and their employees
and highlighted the support packages the UK Government has made
available, including £330 billion in UK Government-backed loans
and the Job Retention Scheme which launched this week.
Minister Davies and Minister Zahawi outlined the continued
commitment to working with the Welsh Government to tackle the
coronavirus in Wales, noting that more than £2 billion in funding
has now been provided to the Welsh Government by the UK
Government to deal with this emergency.
Welsh Government Deputy Minister for the Economy also highlighted the support the devolved
administration has provided including business rate relief and
small business grants.
Representatives from businesses across a number of sectors
including steel, higher education and construction provided
important feedback on how the pandemic is affecting their
businesses and employees. Discussions were also held around how
both governments and businesses will work together to recover
from the pandemic and to secure the future strength of the Welsh
economy.
UK Government Minister for Wales David TC Davies said:
We are extremely grateful for the honest feedback provided by
businesses across Wales. It allows us to develop support
packages that make a real difference to companies and their
employees, protecting jobs and the economy.
I will continue to work closely and collaboratively with the
Welsh Government to support Welsh businesses, doing whatever it
takes to get us through these unprecedented and difficult
times.
UK Government Minister for Business and Industry, Nadim Zahawi
said:
It is vital for us to hear first-hand from businesses facing
the pressures of the coronavirus crisis, and we are working
closely with the Welsh Government to provide the critical
support Welsh businesses need.
The UK Government is dedicated to safeguarding jobs and paving
the way for economic recovery in Wales, and across the rest of
the UK, as we face down this global pandemic.
