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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”
GOV & BBC UK daily data:
There have now been nearly 9.9 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly almost 144,000 people have died, government figures show. More than 50.7 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 26% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 9,845,492 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 44,917 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 8,024, 68 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 45
Total UK deaths: 143,972
England Cases per 100,000: 439
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 50,777,474 – 88% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 80%
Daily 1st doses: 16,424
Daily 2nd doses: 13,892
Daily Booster doses: 237,995
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 49,742 to 22 November
Cases in the latest week: 931, 23 fewer than previous week
Total deaths: 776 to November 5th
Cases per 100,000: 316 per 100,000 week ending 18 November
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 84% of over 12s to 17 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 19 November 2021.
UK NEWS UPDATES:
National newsbrand sees increased digital revenues and hires
Reach plc has issued a trading update covering June 28 2021 to November 21 2021. The publication firm has seen a more normalised pattern of year-on-year trading during H2, following the relatively soft H1 comparatives. Revenue has continued to grow and was up 1.2 per cent overall in the period, with digital up 17.2 per cent and print declines moderating further to 3.5 per cent. A strong digital revenue performance in the period was driven by yield expansion, supported by strategic delivery and a recovery in digital advertising versus 2020. On a two-year basis, digital revenue growth is up by 39 per cent for the year-to-date, with average page views growing by 30 per cent. Customer registrations are now over 8m (6.7m at end of July), with growth supported by the recent addition of Google ‘one tap’ functionality, a more frictionless route to sign-up, enabling deeper customer understanding.
New pet owners during Covid contribute to 18% growth in revenue Pets at Home
Pets at Home has posted a strong rise in revenues in its interim results, with its chief executive hailing the progress made. For the 28 weeks to 7 October 2021, the Handforth-headquartered company’s total group revenue increased by 18 per cent to £677.6m. On a like-for-like basis, it was up 22.2 per cent. The group noted that the “continuing” increase in active customers is underpinning strong volume growth.
It said the “sustained growth” in new pets significantly increases its market opportunity. Chief executive Peter Pritchard said the business has “never been more robust. Our pet care strategy continues to deliver, we continue to take market share and improve spend per customer and the benefits of our investment in capacity and capability are really starting to deliver, ” said Pritchard. “Notwithstanding some near-term, industry-wide challenges, we continue to grow ahead of our plans and, based on trading year to date, we are on track to report a record year of sales and profit growth.”
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Have you signed up to the Leadership for Digital Growth – FREE Training Course?
The Course is open to seniors and decision makers in SMEs (Small – Medium Enterprises) looking to upskill and lead Digital Transformation within their business.
By attending this course, fully-funded by the GMCA and delivered by Manchester Digital, you will gain essential leadership skills that will help you make actionable, growth-focused changes within your organisation.
What are the benefits to you?
· Understand your business model and ensure the value proposition(s) hit the sweet spot of meeting customer expectations and generating sustainable profit
· Develop your elevator pitch and prepare yourself investor conversations
· Check the levels of Emotional Intelligence in your business and improve ways in which your staff engage with each other
· Review your leadership style and how you need to flex to get the best out of the situations you face on a daily basis Find out more here
KPMG adds 160 graduates to its North-West offices
KPMG has welcomed 160 new graduates and apprentices across its Manchester and Liverpool offices. It is the largest intake of graduates and apprentices in recent years across the firm’s audit, tax and advisory practices as it looks to build on its strong presence in the North-West. In Manchester, 127 graduates and 22 apprentices joined the firm in autumn. Half of the graduates joining the Manchester team will be working within technology teams, reflecting the demand for these services and Manchester’s position as one of the UK’s leading tech hubs.
Small Business Saturday – free webinar and learn how you can get involved
Small Business Saturday is on 4th December. All kinds of small businesses can get involved, whether you are a family business, local shop, online business, wholesaler, business service or small manufacturer, Small Business Saturday is supporting you! Join other Stockport businesses who have already signed up. Learn more – join the free webinar on Wednesday 24th November at 11am – sign up here:
Find out all the ways you can get involved on Small Business Saturday website.
Are you a big business and interested in supporting Small Business Saturday? If so, please do get in touch.
Vaccine clinics for 12–15-year-olds
New vaccination clinics for eligible 12–15-year-olds in four Stockport sites:
- Saturday, 27 November, at Westmorland Primary School, Brinnington, SK5 8HH from 9.30am to 3.30pm;
- Thursday, 9 December, at St Peters Church, Hazel Grove, SK7 4EA from 4pm to 8pm.
- Monday, 13 December, at Life Leisure Houldsworth, Reddish, SK5 7AT from 4pm to 8pm.
- A walk-in vaccination centre in the One Stockport Hub in Merseyway also continues to vaccinate eligible 12-15 year olds from 10am to 3pm every Saturday until 18 December.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
The workplace of the future must be touchless, safe and convenient
Most-wanted office technologies, Occupiers have spoken: Touchless access control, smart building tech, and flex space options are essential, if landlords are to make the office an attractive proposition. Get ahead of the curve with first-hand insights from more than 3,200 global office worker respondents.
54.1% touchless access controls; 37.8% Indoor Air Quality; Flexi-space options 37.1% and 31.5% onsite food and services
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 – added new clause at the end of section 3 and added definition for ‘project end date’.
Getting Jabbed is an Essential Part of Christmas Planning
The latest vaccination walk-in centre at the One Stockport Hub in Merseyway is offering COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible people without having to plan ahead with appointments. People who have had their last jab at least six months ago can go in for their booster – and that now includes people aged 40 or over.
“We encourage people to get on top of their jabs in the coming days and weeks before Christmas. Once we start gathering in more numbers as Christmas parties and family get-togethers go ahead, we all need to feel confident and comfortable about protecting ourselves, our families and others from Covid. Getting jabbed, alongside regular hand washing and wearing a face covering in indoor public spaces, is the best line of defence we have as individuals; it’s essential we take this responsibility seriously.”
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Find out the date of applications we are processing and how to access our online services.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19 vaccination: resources for children and young people
Information for eligible children and young people on COVID-19 vaccination – added links to order the guide for: eligible children and young people aged 12 to 17; 16 to 17; and on what to expect after COVID-19 vaccination.
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.
COVID-19: infection prevention and control (IPC)
Guidance on infection prevention and control for seasonal respiratory infections including SARS-CoV-2 – updated to clarify text on aerosol generating procedures.
EDUCATION:
COVID-19 vaccination: resources for schools and parents
COVID-19 vaccination guidance and resources for schools and parents – added links to order the English version 2 of COVID-19 vaccination programme for children and young people: guidance for parents and guidance for schools.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, antibody and vaccination data, UK: 23 November 2021
Antibody and vaccination data by UK country and regions in England from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey. This analysis has been produced in partnership with University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England, 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.
Update to UK infection prevention control guidance to include seasonal respiratory infections
The infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance for health and care settings during the COVID-19 pandemic has been updated to cover other seasonal respiratory infections.
Deaths registered weekly in England and Wales, provisional: week ending 12 November 2021
Provisional counts of the number of deaths registered in England and Wales, in the latest weeks for which data are available.
HMRC:
If you have a specific question about importing, exporting or customs reliefs
If you move goods between Great Britain (GB) and countries in the European Union (EU), you might be affected when full customs controls come into effect on 1??? January??? ?2022. Call our Customs and International Trade helpline on 0300??? ?322??? ?9434. The helpline is open from?? ?8am to 10pm??? ?Monday to??? ?Friday and from?? ?8am to??? ?4pm at weekends.
You can also send us your questions or contact us by webchat The Export Support Service is a new helpline for UK businesses to get answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe. The service is a ‘one-stop shop’ and brings together UK government information, making it easier for exporters to access advice and support.
HMRC’s YouTube channel has videos and recorded webinars about customs processes and what you need to do before you trade goods with the EU. Watch our Rules of Origin recorded webinar to understand the process and what you need to do if you buy from, send or sell goods to the EU.
Register now for our live webinars:
We’ll explain existing guidance and answer general questions about the content. We’re unable to answer questions specific to the items you import or export on the webinars:
- Importing – steps you need to take before making your supplementary declaration – get advice on how to make a supplementary declaration and how intermediaries can help;Customs Import Declarations: an overview – of the whole declarations process;
- Exporting: what you need to do to keep your goods moving – covering zero-rated VAT, customs declarations, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations;
- Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary – your responsibilities if using an intermediary to complete import or export declarations;
- Importing food and drink, and animal products from the EU to Great Britain– DEFRA webinars about upcoming changes and how to register and use the import system IPAFFS (Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System). You can also find webinars and videos from other government departments about trading with the EU.
RETAIL:
88% of CEO’s are optimistic sales will rise next year
Retail Week: The leaders of 53 UK retailers expect revenues to bounce back strongly next year, with nine in 10 expecting an uplift in 2022, reveals a major new Retail Week report. Retail Week found that 43% of the UK chief executives it interviewed for Retail 2022, its annual c-suite strategy report, expect sales in the calendar year to be significantly higher versus 2021, with 45% expecting them to be slightly higher. On profitability, the picture is similarly rosy: 28% expect much better profits than in 2021 and 40% expect slightly better. Fifty-three leaders from businesses including Gymshark, Beauty Pie, Pets at Home, Currys, Levi’s and Waterstones spoke to Retail Week for the research, this year produced in association with Reflexis, now part of Zebra.
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.