A lockdown fund for tourism, hospitality and leisure businesses in Wales has received “incredible demand” - with millions of pounds of the £180m pot allocated in the first few hours.
The Welsh Government’s Sector Specific Grant opened on Wednesday to provide financial support for up to 10,000 Welsh firms.
Following complaints over the handling of the transition fund in the autumn the feedback from this latest tranche has been more positive
But there remains businesses who have missed out due to application criteria who are now desperate to know when a new round of business resilience funding will open.
Lockdown started on December 20 and is now due to extend until at least the end January.
David Chapman, executive director for 海角视频Hospitality Cymru, said: “I understand there has been a very large take-up from the industry already of the Welsh Government’s sector specific economic resilience fund with millions allocated in the first hours of opening and so would urge any who have yet to do so to get their applications in as quickly as possible.
"This incredible demand shows both dark and bright facets in the current crisis.
“It is truly terrible that our businesses and their workforces have been so strapped by closure and restrictions that they so desperately need this resource.
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“But it also emphasises the size and scale of this great industry and clearly underlines that hospitality businesses are the lynchpin of the North Wales economy and can lead the economic fightback if fully supported during these dark days and during the early months of recovery.”
Jim Jones, chief executive of North Wales Tourism, said: "From speaking to many people in the industry it seems that there were no glitches with the application process this time and it appears to be relatively straightforward.
"Obviously this is really good news and I’m pleased lessons have been learnt because this is so important to get right.
"However, there are still far too many businesses still falling through the cracks for eligibility and access to help.
"I do hope the Welsh Government will put a package together to help them too.
"But in the meantime, for everyone else, it’s fingers crossed that their applications will be successful."
Snowdonia Mountain Hostel welcomed the new fund.
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They said: “This is really welcome after the disappointment of the early closure of the previous fund.
“The bigger issue is where is the route map for this year.
“The scale of the 海角视频 Government’s support is woefully inadequate for businesses and communities.”
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A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “As expected, we are receiving a high volume of applications to support business through the latest restrictions.
“The fund remains open, as planned, and we will continue to provide status updates on the Business Wales website as required.”
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