Business

Water bills to fall from April – Support available for struggling customers

Published

12 months ago

February 2, 2024

DŴR CYMRU WELSH WATER has confirmed that its bills for the coming year are set to fall and are also reminding customers of the help it has available as the cost of living crisis continues.

The not-for-profit water company has announced that the typical combined water and wastewater bill for household customers will fall by between [0.1]% and [1.3]% from April. The reduction is due to penalties the company has incurred for supply interruptions and leakage during previous years

While customers are set to see a reduction in charges, the company is aware that a lot of customers still find the economic conditions challenging. The company already supports around 145,000 of its customers who are genuinely struggling to pay their water bills – and still has capacity to support thousands more.

The company offers a range of support tariffs to customers to help them pay their bills.

One of the most popular is the HelpU tariff. This helps low-income households on a means tested benefit by putting a cap on the amount they pay for their water based on how many people are living at the property.

One customer who is already benefiting from HelpU is Bethan Davies who is a single mother from Llantwit Fardre.

Speaking about the tariff, Bethan said: “I was at an appointment at the Job Centre when an advisor said that someone from Welsh Water was there to help customers with their bill. Initially, because I knew I was in debt with my water bill, I was worried about speaking to someone from Welsh Water. Now, I wish I’d done it much sooner.

“Jody, [Welsh Water Promotions Advisor], went through the options that could be available to me after looking at my income and said, ‘we can help you’. She helped me reduce my bill by £500, by setting me up on the HelpU tariff and helped make my payments more manageable so I can clear my debt. This will make a big difference to my family and I only wish I’d have spoken to Welsh Water sooner; they didn’t criticise and just wanted to help, I could have avoided a lot of stress.”

The company is also reminding customers of the Cymuned fund it launched last year which is aimed at providing working household customers with temporary support to pay their water bills.

To date, working households haven’t usually been eligible for financial assistance from Welsh Water, but the company’s scheme will enable them to apply for short term support where their household bills exceed their income. This is the only scheme of its kind being offered in the sector.

Under this scheme, households that qualify may receive a three month ‘charge free’ period.

Other ways the company is helping customers with paying their bills include:

Customer Assistance Fund – which helps those in severe financial hardship to clear their debts and get on top of their payments.
Flexible payment plans to help customers budget
A system to pay charges or debt through benefit payments, and
Offering to install a water meter where this could help reduce the bill.

The company actively promotes the support it offers and regularly attends affordability events held in communities across its area. Last October, the company announced that as part of its 2025-2030 business plan, it intends to contribute £13 million a year to maintain its social tariffs schemes and provide capacity to increase the number of customers it supports to 190,000.

Welsh Water’s Chief Financial Officer Mike Davis said: “While we are set to reduce our bills, we know that customers are still finding things difficult as many continue to contact us to ask for the help that is available. We still have capacity to help thousands more – and this is partly because our not for shareholder business model means we don’t pay dividends to shareholders and so are able to use this money to help those who genuinely struggle to pay.

“As ever, our advice to anyone worried about their bill is to get in contact with us straight away. We have a trained and friendly team on hand who after asking just a few questions will be able to match you to the help that best meets your needs”.

One of the organisations that works with Welsh Water to help customers access its Cymuned fund is WarmWales.

Joanna Seymour Director of Partnerships and Development at Warm Wales said: “Warm Wales has worked closely with Welsh Water supporting residents. With the introduction of the Cymuned Scheme we have been able to support more residents who would not be able to be signed up to Help U for example.

“This has been a big help for many who feel that there is a lack of support for them. I would encourage anyone who is finding it hard to manage to make payment for your bills to reach out.”

John Vinson, Head of Company Engagement for the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), said: “Around one in six households in Wales say they struggle to pay their water bill so it’s vital customers don’t miss out on the broad range of support that Welsh Water is able to offer.”

“Schemes like HelpU and Cymuned can have a life-changing impact for some crisis-hit households but experience tells us that many customers either don’t know help exists or are too afraid to ask. We’d urge anyone who is struggling to stay afloat to get in touch with the company and allow them to ease some of the burden.”

Business

Two Welsh companies feature in the Startups 100 Index 2025

Published

1 day ago

January 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

RETURNING for its 17th year, Startups.co.uk has unveiled the Startups 100 Index 2025, spotlighting the most promising UK startups. Two Welsh companies, Deploy Tech and PlantSea, have been ranked 47th and 60th, respectively, in the prestigious list.

The Startups 100 Index is the UK’s longest-running showcase of innovative young businesses. It highlights startups demonstrating groundbreaking ideas, strong financials, market opportunity, and a loyal customer base. Previous alumni include household names such as Monzo and Deliveroo.

Recognising Welsh innovation

Both Welsh startups achieved additional recognition in this year’s awards. Deploy Tech won the Startups 100 Social Impact Award, while PlantSea was shortlisted for the Sustainability Award, solidifying Wales’ reputation for entrepreneurial ingenuity.

To mark the launch of the 2025 Index, Startups.co.uk surveyed 531 business leaders, revealing a surge in Welsh business optimism. Seventy-five percent of Welsh businesses expressed confidence in the year ahead—a significant rise from the 58% reported in 2024.

Championing ideas with impact

47. Deploy Tech
“The IKEA of concrete infrastructure for water storage”

Founders: Paul Mendieta and Beren Kayali
Founded: 2020
Award: Winner of the Startups 100 Social Impact Award 2025

Deploy Tech revolutionises water infrastructure with its flat-packed, concrete-filled fabric solutions. These innovative systems are lightweight, easy to transport, and ideal for disaster relief, construction projects, and emergency responses. Collaborations with UNICEF and Oxfam highlight the global impact of Deploy Tech’s work, including earthquake relief efforts in Turkey.

60. PlantSea
“Tackling the UK’s plastic waste problem with seaweed-based packaging”

Founders: Rhiannon Rees, Alex Newnes, and Gianmarco Sanfratello
Founded: 2020
Award: Shortlisted for the Startups 100 Sustainability Award 2025

Inspired by Bali’s pollution crisis, PlantSea develops biodegradable and compostable packaging made from seaweed and plant-based materials. Backed by the Development Bank of Wales, the company is scaling up its efforts to combat plastic waste globally, driving sustainable packaging innovation.

A message from Startups.co.uk

Zohra Huda, Editor of Startups.co.uk, commented: “Who says you need to be born in the capital to succeed? This year’s Startups 100 Index proves that inspiration, innovation, and ingenuity abound in Wales. Deploy Tech and PlantSea are leading the charge, thriving despite the challenges of the post-COVID era and current economic landscape. Watch out, London.”

About the Startups 100 Index

The Startups 100 Index is based on five key criteria: financial health, external validation, market opportunity, innovativeness, and strength of concept. Businesses featured must have launched in the last five years, be privately owned, and be UK-based. A panel of expert judges selects the winners.

For the full list, visit: Startups 100 Index 2025.

Business

£1.4 million now available for Welsh Marine and Fisheries Scheme

Published

1 day ago

January 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MORE than £1 million in funding from the Welsh Government is now open to support the marine, fisheries, and aquaculture industry in Wales. The funding aims to drive sustainable growth in the sector while benefiting coastal communities.

***Deputy First Minister for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies***

The £1.4 million funding package includes £700,000 for revenue and £700,000 for capital projects. The application window is open for 10 weeks, closing on 24th March, and encompasses a wide range of eligible activities across 11 categories.

What can the funding be used for?
The scheme supports various initiatives, including:

Expanding aquaculture site potential and upgrading vessel equipment to reduce emissions and boost energy efficiency.
Providing professional advice on marine environment sustainability, business development, and marketing strategies.
Funding optional health and safety equipment for onboard and land-based operations.

In the previous funding round, grants were awarded for projects such as ice machines, ice flakers, weighing scales, cool boxes for fishers, vessel modifications to enhance energy efficiency, and marine evidence gathering initiatives.

Encouragement from Deputy First Minister
Deputy First Minister for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “The Welsh Marine and Fisheries Scheme is designed to create opportunities within the marine environment, coastal communities, and sustainable seafood across the entire supply chain, from production to processing and marketing.

“Our aquaculture, marine, and fisheries sector brings many important benefits. It provides a low-carbon, high-quality protein food source, supports future food security, and creates high-skilled jobs.

“I’d encourage those with an interest to take advantage of the funding to explore opportunities for growth, diversification, and innovation. Let’s use this scheme to build a more prosperous, fairer, and greener Wales.”*

Grant details

Maximum grant per application: £100,000
Minimum grant per application: £500

Support for applicants
Free, independent support is available through the Welsh Fisheries Animateur Pilot project, funded by the Welsh Government in collaboration with the Welsh Fishermen’s Association. For assistance, contact The Fisheries Animateur:

Phone: 01736 362782
Text: 07864 087119
Email: [email protected]

Applicants must be registered with Rural Payments Wales (RPW) Online, where the application and claims process can be accessed.

For more details, including guidance, visit the Welsh Government’s website.

Business

Confidence curbed: Nearly half of UK professionals worry about staff retention

Published

1 day ago

January 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

NEARLY half of UK professionals (46%) are concerned about their employers’ ability to retain staff in 2025, according to the latest findings from Robert Walters’ Salary Survey. This concern comes amid rising inflation, cost-of-living pressures, and tax hikes, adding to an already tense employment market.

Job seeking on the rise

Despite these challenges, 65% of professionals plan to actively apply for and interview for new roles in 2025, with an additional 28% remaining alert to potential opportunities. Interestingly, while 48% of professionals lack confidence in the job opportunities within their sectors, 76% still intend to pursue new positions this year.

Chris Eldridge, CEO of Robert Walters UK & Ireland, stated: “Employers should take note that professionals are actively pursuing new job opportunities despite their confidence in the market being low. If employees don’t feel secure with their current employer, they’ll respond with their feet.”

Eldridge warned of a “double-edged sword” for businesses: “Companies that adapt and remain agile have the chance to attract top talent from competitors, while those failing to pivot risk losing key team members.”

Confidence at a low

The survey also revealed broader concerns about professional rewards and growth prospects. While 44% of professionals anticipated year-end bonuses for 2024, 45% will not receive any. This shortfall has added to doubts about their employers’ growth, with only 27% of professionals confident in their company’s 2025 projections.

Eldridge added: “Living costs, reduced bonuses, and ongoing economic instability have delivered blow after blow to both business and employee confidence. Employers must take action to reassure their teams and strengthen relationships to retain top talent.”

Budget constraints dominate employer concerns

On the employer side, 37% of UK businesses identified ‘budget constraints’ as their primary hiring challenge for the year. However, the survey suggests that retention efforts do not always require financial investments alone. Workplace culture and benefits are becoming increasingly important, with 65% of professionals prioritizing company values when evaluating new roles.

Top workplace benefits

The survey highlighted the top three workplace benefits that professionals value:

Private health insurance (80%)
Bonus schemes (77%)
Pension contributions (69%)

Eldridge emphasized: “In challenging markets, businesses must focus on retaining high-performing employees. Ensuring bonuses are paid to key contributors and ramping up workplace benefits, while aligning with social values and core company principles, will make the difference between thriving and diving in 2025.”

Investing in employee experience

With employee confidence wavering, businesses must prioritize the employee experience to safeguard their workforce and attract top talent. Eldridge concluded: “Companies that prioritize growth opportunities and align their operations with clear values will ensure they remain competitive, even in difficult times.”