News

Commercial Improvement Grant

The Commercial Improvement Grant will provide support for the improvements and maintenance works to enhance the front elevation of retail properties in the Vale of Glamorgan and improve the quality of the internal trading area including accessibility.  

Future Proofing Fund

The £20 million Future Proofing Fund will help businesses strengthen their future trading position by increasing profitability through investment in renewable energy technology, improvements to the fabric of their premises, and upgrades to systems or machinery to reduce energy use.

The eligibility checker for the Welsh Government’s Future Proofing Fund is live and we are encouraging businesses to use this to prepare for the fund application opening in May.

Business Wales have agreed to host a number of webinars to discuss the fund criteria and the application process. 

Academic Industry Partnerships

You can now register your interest in the Cardiff Capital Region Academic-Industry Partnerships Programme, an exciting opportunity for high-potential businesses like yours to unlock ambitious new growth opportunities by partnering with Academic expertise.

Led by the University of South Wales, in collaboration with Cardiff University and Cardiff Metropolitan University, the programme will facilitate the development of new or improved products, services, technologies, or processes, fostering innovation and economic growth within the region via targeted funding. For more information on the programme and its goals, click here.

If you would like to express an interest in engaging with the programme, please complete the Expression of Interest form here, or contact a member of the team at cdgp.aip@southwales.ac.uk

Workplace recycling is changing

From 6 April 2024, it will become law for all businesses, charities and public sector organisations to sort their waste for recycling.  It also applies to all waste and recycling collectors and processors who manage household-like waste from workplaces.  This is an important step towards reaching zero waste, reducing our carbon emissions and tackling the climate emergency.

Innovation Net Zero

Innovation Net Zero supports Wales’ most innovative businesses to develop and commercialise novel net zero and circular economy solutions. The programme offers fully funded support worth up to £5,000 and £10,000 dependent on the local authority. Participating businesses will benefit from the expertise of innovation specialists Innovation Strategy, multi-national BT and local sustainability experts Afallen. Support offered by the partnership includes tailored business coaching, workshops, networking opportunities, access to BT’s innovation labs, support to raise funding and more.  Find out more: 

Carers Leave Act 2023

The Carer’s Leave Act 2023 received Royal Assent in May 2023 and the law will be enacted in April 2024. As a company, you need to be prepared to deliver changes to the way you offer support to all unpaid carers in your workforce.

A series of webinars will be available to support employers with the implementation of the Carers Leave Act.  

Clean Growth Innovation Network

Vale of Glamorgan-based businesses and third-sector organisations can access fully-funded support designed to help them drive innovation and boost sustainability from May 2024, thanks to new funding secured by Circular Economy Innovation Communities (CEIC)

The Clean Growth Programme is fully funded for eligible organisations and gives participants the tools they need to develop their circular economy understanding, helping them work towards Net Zero goals, enhance service levels, reduce operational costs and meet their responsibilities under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. 

The programme also supports organisations to boost innovation, developing clean growth plans that could be eligible for Welsh Government innovation funding.

In response to growing demand from businesses, eligibility for the 2024 intake has been expanded to include private-sector companies for the first time. 

Expression of Interest and Application Form