Cowbridge business owner and Welsh Liberal Democrat Small Business spokesperson Sally Stephenson says many businesses are "genuinely worried for their future"

Welsh Liberal Democrats have today called for the creation of a Cross Party Economic Recovery Council for Wales, to help Welsh businesses hit by the Covid pandemic move onto the next stage of their recovery.

Faced with yet more uncertainty, many businesses admit they're struggling and don't know what do and they need more than one-off grants from the Welsh Government to survive the next few years.

The Cross Party Economic Recovery Panel would be chaired by the Economy Minister of the day and have representatives from all major parties, as well as experts from businesses, organisations and Welsh academic experts.

Sally Stephenson owns The Pencil Case in Cowbridge, and is the Welsh Liberal Democrat Small Business Spokesperson and Senedd candidate for the Vale of Glamorgan.

"For most businesses life just won't return to normal when the vaccine is rolled out, many have downsized, taken on extra debt or turned down significant orders. All this will take time to rebuild," said Sally.

"Businesses across the Vale of Glamorgan have told me that they are genuinely worried for their future.

"Many businesses locally rely on seasonal trade either during the summer months, or in the run up to Christmas to see them through their quiet periods.

"What businesses need is support and help over a sustained period in order to fully get back up and running and a guarantee that support will be there for several years to come."

Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds said: "Covid has brought many Welsh businesses to their knees, especially small businesses and those across the hospitality sector.

"The Welsh and UK Governments have helped with one-off grants and the furlough scheme, but for many businesses this has just kept them afloat. Many businesses are seeking ways to rebuild and renew themselves once it is safe to do so.

"I want the Welsh Government to listen to business, and to commit itself to action, so that business and Government can work together in the difficult times we face.

"I understand the constraints – especially financial - under which the Welsh Government operates, and I believe this should not be a matter of party politics. It is about listening to each other and working together to ensure that the Welsh Government's resources are targeted in the most effective way."