Local businesses from across West Wales have voiced serious concerns about the impact of business rates at a dedicated roundtable.

The online Business Rates Forum hosted by local Senedd Members Samuel Kurtz and Paul Davies brought together businesses from the hospitality, retail and leisure sectors, alongside representatives from UK Hospitality, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), PASC UK and the Federation of Small Businesses. Officials from the Welsh Government and the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) also took part.

The forum was convened in response to the forthcoming business rates revaluation in Wales, due to come into force on April 1, 2026. It gave businesses the opportunity to speak directly to policymakers and officials about the pressures facing high streets and employers across West Wales, including rising costs, changing consumer behaviour and ongoing economic uncertainty.

Since December, Carmarthen West and South Pembroeshire Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz has been examining the likely impact of the revaluation on small businesses in Pembrokeshire, an issue that has attracted significant attention. The move to update rateable values in line with current property market conditions has left some businesses facing substantial increases in their business rates.

Participants heard from the Valuation Office Agency, including Nicola Broadbent, Head of Non-Domestic Revaluation Delivery, who explained how business rates are calculated in Wales, the reasons for the revaluation and how the checks, challenges and appeals process operates. Key differences between the Welsh system and arrangements in England were also outlined.

Industry representatives from UK Hospitality, the BBPA and PASC UK set out what the new rateable values could mean for businesses from April 2026, with a particular focus on small businesses and the hospitality and tourism sectors. Practical examples were shared, alongside common issues being raised by businesses across West Wales.

Welsh Government officials addressed the forum on the reliefs and transitional support currently available, while businesses questioned whether existing schemes go far enough to protect employers facing sharp increases in their rates bills.

A wide-ranging question and answer session followed, during which businesses spoke candidly about the challenges they face, warning that higher business rates could put jobs, investment and long-term viability at risk.

The forum concluded with closing remarks from Mr Davies and Mr Kurtz, who committed to ensuring that the concerns raised would inform ongoing representations to the Welsh Government.

The Members of the Senedd have arranged dedicated business surgeries and circulated a Business Impact Form to gather further evidence in support of reform. The form is available at: https://www.samuelkurtz.wales/campaigns/business-owners.

Commenting after the forum, Mr Kurtz said: “Businesses in West Wales are at a cliff edge. That is the clear message we are hearing. Employers are telling us that the current business rates system is placing real strain on high streets at a time when they are already dealing with rising staffing, energy and supply costs.

“It is vital that the Welsh Government listens to those on the ground who take the risks, provide the jobs and drive the local economy. Policy should encourage investment and growth, not penalise it.”

Mr Davies added:“This forum provided an important opportunity to bring businesses, industry bodies and government officials together for an honest discussion about the pressures facing our local economies.

“Many firms are already navigating rising costs and uncertainty, and sudden increases in business rates could be the final straw. We need a system that reflects economic reality and supports the small and medium-sized businesses at the heart of our communities.”