Russell George » employment

Empty shops, premises and industrial units in Montgomeryshire

russellgeorge — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 23:10:37 +0000

Small and independent businesses have been let down by the Welsh Assembly Government. In my view, the WAG have failed to help businesses through the recent recession. It’s disappointing that measures to help small businesses have just not come forward.

I believe that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. I was part of an announcement today by my party in Wales announcing some news to help businesses. The proposals by my party in Wales would mean that 5,383 small business properties in Powys would pay no business rates at all, thus encouraging local enterprise.

Under the new proposals, businesses with a rateable value of up to £12,000 would not pay any business rates. Rates would be tapered for small businesses with rateable values between £12,001 and £15,000, thereby reducing bills for a further 251 small firms in Powys.

The Welsh Conservative proposals to cut business rates will help our small businesses ride out the current economic downturn and encourage small business start-ups by giving people the confidence to invest. These proposals would provide a considerable boost to the local economy and help fill empty shops and industrial units in Welshpool and Newtown. Of course, for this proposal to come into being, the Welsh Conservatives need to get into government next year in the Welsh Assembly.

Newtown traffic causing businesses time and money

russellgeorge — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:43:57 +0000

This week I have focused my attention on highlighting how the traffic problems in Newtown are costing businesses time and money.

Newtown is the main transport route from the West of Wales to Welshpool Livestock market and my concern is that there is a real cost to the farming industry in extended journey times, and of course, the animal welfare issues with livestock held up in lengthy queues etc.

Running a business in Mid Wales is tough enough in the present climate without the traffic issues.

I am particularly pleased that the Western Mail has covered this story in today’s Farming & Country supplement. I certainly hope that the Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones read this while having his mid morning coffee!

In this article notice how Ieuan Wyn Jones’s spokesperson has shifted his position again. When the County Times and Star asked the question 4 weeks ago, the answer they received was “We intend to make an announcement before the end of the summer”.

Now we are at the end of the summer the language has changed to “It remains our intention to announce the preferred route for the Newtown bypass shortly.” The “It remains our intention” is what angers me. I have a letter dated from Ieuan Wyn dated 30th April which says “I intend to make an announcement before the summer”.

View story at WalesOnline

Newtown traffic – this is beyond belief!

180 jobs lost at Shop Direct (Kays) in Newtown

russellgeorge — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:53:13 +0000

Sad news for Newtown yesterday, I think this news came to a real shock to residents.

Shop Direct, better known by its former name of Kay’s yesterday confirmed its plans to close three call centres, including its centre here in Newtown.

This news has come as a shock to the town as there had not been any indications that the call centre was under threat. It’s going to have a major impact on the local economy, 180 job losses is quite significant for the size of our town.

I spoke to one members of staff last night who said that workers had been given 90 days notice.

More at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8486657.stm