A cross-section of Preseli businesses have fed back their thoughts on the economy to local MP Stephen Crabb, after the easing of Covid restrictions.
Stephen Crabb has been hosting a series of regular online forums with a range of businesses and industries since the beginning of lockdown, and in his latest meeting he heard from tourism, hospitality, sales and manufacturing businesses on how they have fared since the easing of lockdown in Pembrokeshire.
While hospitality and tourism businesses have benefited from a ‘stay-cation’ boom, manufacturing and sales companies have seen an increase in trade as people attempt to return to normal.
Also joining the call was the local Job Centre Plus area manager to discuss the current employment situation in Pembrokeshire as the furlough scheme winds down. The Government’s £2bn Kickstart Scheme was also discussed, with local businesses keen to support young people in the job market.
Following the meeting, Stephen Crabb said: “These business forums have been hugely important in painting the economic picture for Pembrokeshire. I’ve been able to hear directly from businesses how the Government’s support packages have been and what businesses need to get back on their feet.
“I’m pleased that here in Pembrokeshire, while we remain far from where we were pre-Covid, many businesses have been able to trade well and recover some of their losses encountered because of lockdown.
“With the Kickstart employment scheme beginning in the next few weeks, we must now focus on creating new, good quality jobs in the county to ensure the youth don’t bear the brunt of difficulties in the job market and everyone has the opportunity to find work.”