MORE than 2,900 jobs have been created in Carmarthenshire in the last two years according to council figures.

Carmarthenshire County Council revealed that it has supported almost 6,000 businesses, created 2,902 jobs and safeguarded a further 950 jobs during the last two years and is keen to continue to support local businesses.

The council recognises that the tourism sector in the county is worth more than half a billion pounds to the county’s economy and in a bid to help grow the sector, will be taking part in a tourism and business roadshow at the end of this year.

Specialist officers from the council will travel across Carmarthenshire to meet with businesses and community groups, offering business advice which will cover all aspects of the tourism and business including licencing, planning, funding options, grants that are currently available to businesses and marketing support such as the shared prosperity fund, the start up fund and business growth fund.

The tourism team will also be on hand to explore how businesses can work with the council on campaigns, filming opportunities, business events and advice and guidance in relation to statutory regulations and funding, what kind of information is needed for various articles, funding that is available and working with Visit Wales and Visit Britain.

There will also be more information about the council’s marketing themes and campaigns and creative content scheduled in the calendar for the year and the council’s move towards a greater digital integration of the tourism and business facing websites.

There will also be advice from the council in terms of planning events, running licensed establishments and planning to collect charitable donations on the street, as well as the new waste legislation and LEQ initiatives including the two-minute litter pick boards and to provide support for community, voluntary, charitable groups and social enterprises with the Arfor programme and explain how young people across the county can be supported to develop new business ideas, gain employment and develop social activities in their area to support the Welsh language.

Cllr Hazel Evans, cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture and tourism, said: “During the tourism and business roadshow, our officers will be bringing a wide range of expertise together, under one roof – giving Carmarthenshire businesses an opportunity to access specialist advice on funding, business, grants, waste management, licencing and event support, so book now to avoid missing out.”

The first session will be held on November 30 at the Crochan Suite in Llanelli’s Ffwrnes Theatre with the second on December 5 at Cawdor Hall, Newcastle Emlyn. Sessions are free but must be booked by emailing tourism@carmarthenshire.gov.uk with your name and business name, advisors you would like to book an appointment with, the time you can arrive and latest you can leave. Sessions take place between 10am and 4pm.