Businesses are invited to take part in a short 10-15 minute online survey to share their views on doing business in Stockport as part of the preparation for developing the borough’s Economic Plan. The survey will ask a few questions relating to best understand the nature of the different businesses operating in the borough. All responses will be treated as confidential and in compliance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements. Access the survey here.
STOCKPORT GRANT SCHEMES:
Stockport Council launches new Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) for businesses facing continued challenges from impact of coronavirus
Stockport Council has opened applications for its Additional Restrictions Grant scheme, allowing businesses that remain negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic to access further financial support. The Additional Restrictions Grant supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed. You can apply for the Additional Restrictions Grant if your trading levels continue to be negatively impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19). The ARG scheme will be regularly reviewed. The Council reserves the right to amend and/or extend the eligibility criteria, at any point to reflect the available funding remaining and / or further government restrictions being imposed. Any revisions will be incorporated into updated guidance held on the Council website.
Locality Boost Grant
The Council is also offering a further opportunity for businesses in local areas to access a Locality Boost Grant for their area if they did not do so in the first round of these grants. The Locality Boost Grant is for district centre trading associations or their equivalent. District centre trading associations can bid for your local area to run events to drive footfall that will support local businesses that are reopening. If the local area does not have a trading association that can lead the bid, an equivalent lead accountable body or local business will need to be agreed by businesses in that area. They will then lead as the single point of contact for their area. Only one application for each local area will be accepted. Further information on the Locality Boost Grant and how to apply is available at this link Locality Boost Grant – Stockport Council”
UK STATISTICS
There have been more than 9.6 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly over 143,000 people have died, government figures show. More than 50.5 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, nearly 88% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. About 80% have had their second and nearly 23% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 9,637,190 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 37,243 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 8,696, 155 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 214
Total UK deaths: 143,159
England Cases per 100,000: 394
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 50,614,550 – 88% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 80%
Daily 1st doses: 32,046
Daily 2nd doses: 18,055
Daily Booster doses: 286,582
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 48,869 to 16 November
Cases in the latest week: 942, 182 fewer than previous week
Total deaths: 770 to October 29th
Cases per 100,000: 320 per 100,000 week ending 12 November
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 84% of over 12s to 15 November
2nd dose: 77%
The R value and growth rate
The R range for England is 0.8 to 1.0 and the growth rate range for England is -1% to +2% per day as of 12 November 2021.
UK NEWS UPDATES:
13 million top-up COVID-19 vaccines given across the UK
Over one million boosters given in last three days as people urged to get vital top-up to their immunity.
Amazon to stop accepting VISA credit cards in the UK
Amazon will stop accepting Visa credit cards in the UK from 19 January, the online retail giant has told customers. It said the move was due to high credit card transaction fees but said Visa debit cards would still be accepted.
Visa said it was “very disappointed that Amazon is threatening to restrict consumer choice in the future”. Amazon said: “The cost of accepting card payments continues to be an obstacle for businesses striving to provide the best prices for customers.”
The online retailer said costs should be going down over time due to advances in technology, “but instead they continue to stay high or even rise”.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
GM Businesses encouraged to progress Kickstart employees onto apprenticeships
Businesses in Greater Manchester are being encouraged to support young people currently on work placements through the Kickstart scheme and progress them onto apprenticeships. The Kickstart scheme was set up during the coronavirus pandemic to support businesses to offer paid work experience placements to out-of-work young people and offer a stepping-stone into the workplace. With the scheme coming to end in the coming months, businesses in Greater Manchester are being invited to learn how they can progress Kickstart employees on apprenticeships and further develop their skills. Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network (GMLPN) is hosting webinar sessions this November to guide businesses across the city-region on how they can help young people further progress in the workplace and offer apprenticeship roles one their six-month placement ends, developing their skills and increasing the productivity within the business.
Greater Manchester revealed as burgeoning hub for longevity industry
Analysis by the city-region’s inward investment agency, MIDAS, has shown the scale and diversity of the emerging longevity industry in Greater Manchester.MIDAS study found that one in four of the UK companies in the sector, which encompasses digital and technological innovation to support ageing populations, has a base within Greater Manchester. Greater Manchester was declared the UK’s first age friendly city in 2010 by the World Health Organisation, and MIDAS research has found a subsequent surge in longevity companies in the city-region. 237 Greater Manchester based companies are developing products, services and tech to support older generations.
Northern transport bosses urge Government not to water down rail promises
Reports that Ministers are set to water down promises to radically improve the North’s rail services are “deeply worrying”, a transport boss in the region has said. Martin Tugwell, chief executive of Transport for the North (TfN), has used a visit to the North East to add his voice to widespread concern over an expected downgrade of the HS2 rail project and a new inter-city line. The Government will this week publish its long-delayed Integrated Rail Plan, with reports suggesting it will drop plans to build the full HS2 eastern leg to Leeds and only commit to upgrading the existing transpennine track rather than building a new ‘Northern Powerhouse Rail’ line between Leeds and Manchester.
MAG reports growth in passenger numbers
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) airports has reported an increase in passenger numbers as the industry continues to bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic. MAG served 2.7 million passengers in October, which represented 51 per cent of pre-pandemic traffic compared to the same month in October 2019. The figures mark six months of sustained increases in the number of passengers travelling through MAG airports. In May 2021, the group only welcomed 260,000 passengers.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Minimum standards for private sector providers of COVID-19 testing
Sets out the minimum standards that providers must meet to be listed as a private sector coronavirus (COVID-19) testing provider.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19 vaccination: resources for children and young people
Information for eligible children and young people on COVID-19 vaccination – added COVID-19 vaccination: a guide to a second dose for young people aged 16 to 17.
COVID-19 vaccination: checklist for parents of children aged 12 to 15 years
Pre COVID-19 vaccination checklist for parents of children aged 12 to 15 years
CONSTRUCTION:
Construction tool and service provider sees pre-tax profits rise to £49.1m
A UK provider of equipment hire to the construction and industrial markets has announced its results for the six months to September 2021. Speedy Hire PLC announced adjusted profit before tax of £49.1m, an increase of 29.9% (£37.8m) from last year. The firm also stated it has improved customer experience through enhanced digital platform. The firm has also claimed a successful trial in 16 B&Q stores in H1.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19 vaccination: booster dose resources
Information on the booster dose for eligible individuals – updated eligible age cohort to 40 years and over.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19, UK:?17 November 2021
Characteristics?of people testing positive for COVID-19 from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey. This survey is being delivered in partnership with University of Oxford, University of Manchester, UK Health Security Agency and?Wellcome?Trust.?This study is jointly led by the ONS and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) working with the University of Oxford and Lighthouse Laboratory?to collect and test samples.???
Finding and choosing a private coronavirus (COVID-19) test provider
Lists of and information about private test providers, to help you get the private COVID-19 tests you need.
HOSPITALITY:
Full impact of Covid-19 on bars group revealed as revenue takes £70m hit
The full impact of the Covid-19 restrictions placed on Revolution Bars Group has been revealed as its full-year revenue slumped by more than £70m.
The Manchester-headquartered group, which is behind the the Revolution and Revolucion de Cuba brands, has also reported pre-tax losses for the 12 months to July 3, 2021, of £26.2m. The new figures come after the group hailed its “excellent” trading during the first three months of its new financial year.
MARKETING:
Small business webinar shares tips for social media success
Small businesses in Stockport are being invited to take part in a webinar and online workshop to expand their skills at using social media to promote their offering. The webinar is part of the BT Skills for Tomorrow programme, organised by the telecoms provider to help small businesses nationwide improve their digital skills. The full series of workshops includes interactive digital training, practical help, advice and bite sized hints and tips. On 24th November, at 11am, social media expert Chloe Peters from Jam on Toast Marketing will share her advice for social media in a live webinar session, where Chloe will discuss the benefits of social media and acknowledge its disadvantages.
PROPERTY:
Commercial to resi – bomm continues across the country
We recently ran a series on the commercial to residential trend sweeping across Britain in these post-Covid times, driven by offices, retail and commercial premises requiring repurposing, reinventing and redeveloping. In this roundup, we explore everything from the conversion of old churches and historic fire stations to New York’s biggest ever office to residential project.
TRANSPORT:
Haulier advice site locations
Find sites where HGV and coach drivers can get free COVID-19 tests and check their documents to transport goods to the EU – the following sites will close permanently on 24 November at 10pm: Barton Park, Beaconsfield, Birchanger Green, Cornwall Services, Ferrybridge Services, Fleet southbound, Heywood Distribution Truck Stop, Leicester Forest East northbound, Michaelwood South, Tamworth Services and the Stockyard Truckstop Rotherham.
Haulier coronavirus testing
To monitor the number of tests delivered and the positivity rate of the tests.
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and developing faster indicators of transport activity
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer air travel for passengers
How to travel safely in airports and on aircraft during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – passengers transiting ‘airside’ through England do not have to complete a UK passenger locator form.
Covid-19 Webinars:
Remote education webinars
How to access school-led webinars on remote education to help share good practice – new dates for webinars for teachers added.
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Watch videos and register for the free webinars to learn more about the support available to help you deal with the economic impacts of coronavirus. The YouTube video for Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – Universal Credit and Child Benefit has been updated.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – How to make a claim:
This guides you through making a claim, including the essential information you need, what to do before you make your claim, calculating and processing your claim.
Choose a date and time
If you’ve missed any of HMRC’s live webinars, you can catch up series of recorded webinars on HMRC’s YouTube channel – available at a time to suit you.
Brexit Webinars:
Exporting: Actions you need to take now: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? ?January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
LATEST LINKS:
Repayment period for Bounce Back Loans extended to ten years
Businesses that took out government Bounce Back loans to help them through the Coronavirus crisis now have more time to repay. Companies will be contacted with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. The new proposals give businesses three new options:
1. Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;
2. Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;
3. Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.
Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to pay VAT payments deferred between 20 March and 30 June 2020.
Report an outbreak of Coronavirus in Stockport:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
Home workers can claim £26 tax relief for job expenses
If you’ve asked your employees to work from home, and you’ve not reimbursed them already, your employees may be entitled to claim tax relief on additional household expenses they’ve incurred, such as heating and lighting.
New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes.
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions for employers and gateways receiving the Kickstart Scheme grant from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online.
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
Opening times for Stockport Council Coronavirus Helpline
The helpline for vulnerable people across Stockport can now be accessed through new opening times by calling 0161 217 6046:
• Monday – Thursday from 9am to 5pm
• Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
• Saturdays from 10am to 1pm
At busy times, residents are automatically offered a call-back from one of our call handlers.
New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map
Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Stockport Council’s FREE job matching website helps support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information. www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Government – Financial Support:
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:
News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help.
You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate Scheme
From Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees. Health updates:
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.
Stockport park unveils tribute to young community hero 
Research finds Covid-19 has not fundamentally changed the UK labour market 
Government sets out ‘Living with COVID’ next steps from 1st April