Small businesses are celebrating a new financial lifeline.
The Welsh Government has announced additional and permanent support for small hospitality and leisure businesses, extending the business rates support already in place for small retail businesses.
John Hurst, FSB Wales Chair, said: "This support is a vital lifeline for small hospitality and leisure businesses and a welcome recognition of the intense financial pressure facing the sectors.
"These businesses are at the heart of our communities, providing essential places for people to meet, socialise and spend time together.
"The Federation of Small Businesses has long called for these measures, and today’s announcement is an important win for many business owners across Wales.
"We are also pleased that the Town Centres Taskforce will consider further steps to strengthen business confidence across every sector.
"That work should begin by increasing the small business rates relief threshold to ease pressure on more of the smallest firms."
He emphasised the broader value of supporting small businesses.
Mr Hurst said: "Helping them survive and grow protects local jobs, strengthens local economies and builds lasting prosperity."
He called the announcement an "important step" that must be built upon.
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