As Stockport’s business community prepares for recovery post-coronavirus, a group of business leaders from the town have collaborated with Stockport Council to launch a new website – www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk to support businesses through the phases of recovery.
Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 295,817 have tested positive + 445 in last 24 hours
Loss of life: 45,422 across all settings + 110
Cases in Stockport: 1,663 positive tests + 2
*new data now shows the results of all testing, Pillar 1 in hospital and Pillar 2 drive through test centres and swab results by post).
In Stockport, number of positive cases per 100,000 is 5.8
Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, cases and deaths in the UK
The R number and growth rate in the UK
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK. The R number range for the UK is 0.7-0.9 and the growth rate range is -5% to -1% as of 17 July 2020.
UK HEADLINES:
BCC: Businesses operating at 50% capacity
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) says almost half of UK firms have been unable to fully restart operations despite restrictions being eased. Its coronavirus impact tracker – billed as the largest business survey of its type – found that weak consumer demand and possible local lockdowns were seen as obstacles.
BBC: UK Sees spike in IT job advertisements as lockdown eases
The number of active job postings in the UK topped a million this week, according to the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC). In particular, there has been a significant surge over the last month in job ads for IT professionals.
Demand for web designers and developers skyrocketed 15.5%, compared to June. “We’ve seen two years of digital transformation happening in the space of two weeks,” TechUK’s deputy chief executive Antony Walker told the BBC. “A lot of business leaders we’ve been talking to, and survey data, shows that digital will be more important to their business, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.”
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
The key things you need to know about Manchester Airport this week:
All three of Manchester Airport’s terminals are in operation, as more airlines resume services and retail outlets start to re-open. Here is the latest information and advice from the airport to make your journey as seamless, safe and easy as possible.
UK Government Passenger Locator Form
With the Government’s relaxation of quarantine, and introduction of travel corridors, all passengers arriving into Manchester Airport need to be ready for UK Border control by completing a Passenger Locator Form. Upon arrival they will need to show either a print out of the form or have it on their phone. A link to access the Government’s form is here: https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk
Terminals:
As passenger volumes continue to increase, all three of Manchester Airport’s terminals are now in operation.
The table below highlights which terminal each airline is flying from and when they move to Terminal Two:
| Airline | Information |
| Brussels Airlines | Remaining in Terminal One for July – move to Terminal Two TBC |
| Ethiopian Airlines | Remaining in Terminal One for July – move to Terminal Two TBC |
| Eurowings | Remaining in Terminal One for July – move to Terminal Two TBC |
| Hainan Airlines | Flights on 10th and 25th July in Terminal One – move to Terminal Two TBC |
| Iran Air | Remaining in Terminal One for July – move to Terminal Two TBC |
| Jet2.com | Flights resumed on 15th July in Terminal One |
| Qatar Airways | Moved to Terminal Two on 17th July |
| TUI | Moved to Terminal Two on 15th July |
The new Terminal Two forecourt also opened on 15th July, which is available for dropping off passengers directly outside the check in hall.
Terminal Three re-opened on the 1st July and currently British Airways, Air France, KLM, Ryanair, Loganair, Vueling and Eastern Airways operate from there.
Passengers are advised to check which terminal they’re flying from before arriving at the airport.
Safety Measures:
For more than a month the airport has introduced a range of measures to keep all passengers and staff safe. These include wearing face coverings, enhanced cleaning, Perspex screens, bookable security slots and temperature checks. Details on all of the measures can be found here: www.manchesterairport.co.uk/coronavirus
The airport also encourages passengers to watch this video before coming to the airport, to ensure they are as prepared as possible: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=066EkSedbFo
Flights:
Over the last few weeks more and more flights have started to resume operations. This week sees the airport’s first transatlantic service resume, with Air Transat resuming operations from Sunday.
Passengers are reminded to check the latest Government information regarding travel corridors: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors
It is also important to take account of the latest Foreign and Commonwealth Travel advice relating to any restrictions in your destination. This can be found here https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Here is the latest list of which flights/airlines are to come and what’s already started.
For more information see www.manchesterairport.co.uk/coronavirus
By working in collaboration, Stockport can become united and encouraged to build a better future for everyone by supporting the local economy, connecting communities and promoting health & wellbeing. Find out more at www.onestockport.co.uk
Stockport Council – phase 4 for Local Authority Discretionary Grant Scheme
As there continue to be funds available via the LAD scheme, a fourth phase of applications is being offered to businesses that meet the eligibility criteria set out in the guidance. Eligible businesses that meet the criteria for phases one two and three, which missed the application deadline for these phases, can make an application in phase four. The deadline for submitting applications in phase four of the scheme is midnight on midnight on Friday 07/08/2020.
In phase 4 there is also an opportunity to apply for a fixed grant of £2,000 for registered businesses based in Stockport that meet either of the following criteria:
- home based or self-employed that have not had access to any other financial support linked to Covid-19, that have had a reduction in income due to Covid-19
- fixed property costs below the £250 per month de minimis level set for earlier phases of the discretionary grant scheme and have not had access to any other financial support linked to Covid-19, that have had a reduction in income due to Covid-19.
Further information and support with your application can be accessed by emailing SKLADGRANTS@stockport.gov.uk“
Read the full guidance HERE
Stockport businesses grant funding payments:
Main Grant Scheme:
Stockport Council have now administered a total of 5,296 grants bringing the total amount paid to £60,835,000 and bringing the total to 96.7% of those identified as eligible as at 11/03/2020.
If your business qualifies for a grant, please complete the online application form. Total grant allocation is £66.574m. If you have any queries please email business.rates@stockport.gov.uk
Local Authority Discretionary Grant funding scheme
Applications for phase 4 of the Local Authority Grant fund scheme are now open.
Full qualifying criteria can be found on Stockport Council’s website. Enquiries about the scheme can be emailed to SKLADGRANTS@stockport.gov.uk
Status of Payments to date:
Applications: 643
Payments: £859,500
Stockport – is your business open for business?
Is your business in Stockport? Are you ‘open for business’? Whatever your business, we want to support you. And it’s free! Follow the link, fill in the form and we will add you to our directory:
COMMUNITY:
Parenting under lockdown
An article which looks at how parents in Great Britain have been trying to balance caring for their children with working from home.
Coronavirus and homeschooling in Great Britain: April to June 2020
Analysis of home-schooling in Great Britain during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): support for victims of sexual violence and abuse, Funding Allocations
Allocations of funding to Police and Crime Commissioners, Rape Support Centres, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence support organisations.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for people receiving direct payments
Advice for people who buy care and support through a direct payment, as well as local authorities, clinical commissioning groups and those who provide care and support. Page 3 of the document ‘Using direct payments during the coronavirus outbreak: guidance for people receiving direct payments and personal assistants (easy read)’ has been updated to say that if you can’t talk to anyone, you can still use your direct payment in a different way to make sure you still get the care and support you need during COVID-19. Just make sure you keep notes of how you spent your direct payment differently during this time so that the council or clinical commissioning group can understand this.
CONSTRUCTION:
Wates restructures to target public buildings and housing
The new operating structure will be headed by four new divisional MDs at construction, property services, development and residential. The refocus brings several senior appointments across the divisions and a new dedicated public sector director to concentrate on the Government’s Build, Build, Build plans for schools and hospitals. The shake-up follows more than 300 redundancies across the business to adjust to lower activity levels.
Construction leaders launch Covid-19 cost forecasting tool
The new toolkit arms contractors with a standard methodology that sets out cost implications of restricted working that allows clients to compare potential outturn costs against previous expectations. This should also help clients to make informed investment decisions on viability, improving robustness of pipeline and driving long term economic growth. The CLC said the unprecedented nature of the pandemic was affecting the progress and productivity of existing and future contracts, meaning that the information upon which estimates were usually prepared no longer applied.
EDUCATION:
Claiming exceptional costs associated with coronavirus (COVID-19)
Instructions on how to claim exceptional costs related to coronavirus (COVID-19) – closure of the first claims window
Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care
Preventing and controlling infection, including the use of PPE, in education, childcare and children’s social care settings during the coronavirus outbreak – updated guidance to clarify advice on the system of controls measures including PPE and the NHS test and trace process.
Get technology support for children and schools during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for local authorities, academy trusts and schools on how to get digital devices, internet access and support to provide remote education and access to children’s social care during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated to clarify that all local authorities and academy trusts have been invited to order, the majority of devices have been delivered and to set out the delivery timeline going forward.
Ofqual Summer Symposium 2020
Our annual event for stakeholders covering arrangements for awarding this summer and detail on how we’re standardising grades in GCSEs, AS and A levels.
Awarding qualifications in summer 2020
Information for schools, students and parents on how GCSE, AS, A level, vocational and technical qualifications will be graded and awarded in summer 2020 – updated links to include content from Ofqual’s Summer Symposium, held on Tuesday 21 July 2020 and a factsheet & video for centres on awarding grades in summer 2020.
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated to reflect that early years settings can return to normal group sizes. Includes content from the Planning guide so that all information is in one place from now on and the Planning guide is deleted. Guidance also includes updated information about autumn funding, wraparound care, managing requests for site visits for new admissions in September, data collection changes and reporting to Ofsted.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
HMRC coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics
HMRC data about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, and the VAT payments deferral scheme – updated weekly data (up to end of Sunday 19 July) for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, and published new data for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.
European Structural and Investment Funds: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
A series of documents and updates regarding the 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Programme and the response to COVID-19. The EAFRD Q&A has been updated – see the dates next to the questions for updates.
NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace
Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers. The guidance has been redrafted for clarity. In addition, there is a new section on collecting customer and visitor data for NHS Test and Trace. The following information has been added to the section headed ‘If a worker develops symptoms and orders a test’: Where an interaction between 2 people has taken place through a Perspex (or equivalent) screen, this would not be considered sufficient contact. Contact tracers will not consider the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) as a mitigation when assessing whether a recent contact is likely to have risked transmitting the virus.
Coronavirus grant funding: local authority payments to small and medium businesses
Local authorities have received and distributed funding to support small and medium businesses in England during coronavirus.
Coronavirus: driving tests
Check when driving tests and motorcycle tests restart in England, Scotland and Wales, and find out what changes to expect when you take your test – updated the section on when you come for your test to say that you must make sure the inside of the vehicle is cleaned before your test.
Coronavirus: restarting driver and rider training and tests
Guidance for driving instructors and motorcycle trainers about the restart of driver and rider training and tests, including working safely and timescales – updated section 3 about car driving tests to confirm that the link that is emailed to pupils to arrange their test does not expire. Added information about what DVSA will do if the email address given for the booking does not work.
PROPERTY:
Relaxed planning regulations adds 2 storeys and releases pressure on greenbelt
Home owners in England will be entitled to add up to two storeys to the height of their home via a fast-tracked planning process starting in September.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick claims this will help to reduce pressure to build on greenfield sites and deliver more homes that fit the character of their local area.
Full planning consent will no longer be required to demolish or rebuild unused buildings as homes or commercial and retail properties. Shops no longer in use will also be able to be converted into housing without a full planning application. It means that unused commercial properties can be quickly repurposed to support the growing need for housing.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government says this will provide much-needed new homes and revitalise town centres across England. “These changes will help transform boarded up, unused buildings safely into high-quality homes at the heart of their communities” says Jenrick.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): impact on HM Land Registry’s services
How we are delivering our services during the coronavirus outbreak.
Covid-19: Support and tax implications for short-term let landlords
There is barely a sector that has been more affected by the coronavirus pandemic than the travel industry. Globally, countries have closed their borders to visitors, and nationally, restrictions have been placed on non-essential movement. Although restrictions have been easing, and the travel sector was allowed to reopen on July 4 when hotels, Airbnbs and holiday cottages were allowed to take bookings again, there are some changes which will affect Airbnb hosts and short-let landlords for a long time to come. In the months since lockdown was imposed, holiday let landlords have been forced to ‘shut up shop’ or adapt. With mortgages and running costs to pay for, they have been faced with the decision to either claim government support or modify their business model by offering long-term lets. But both avenues have tax implications which need to be considered and planned for.
TRAVEL & TOURISM:
Tracker: Holiday bookings surge ahead
The number of TTG Travel Agent Tracker respondents taking summer 2020 bookings surpassed 40% for the first time last week as agents continue to capitalise on the resumption of international travel.
Covid-19 webinars:
Government Webinar: Eat Out to Help Out scheme
View the webinar and find out more – Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Why the North needs Northern Powerhouse Rail
Transport for the North is hosting a webinar to discuss why the North needs Northern Powerhouse Rail to be hosted on Wednesday 22nd July from 1pm – 2pm.
Their panel of experts will be discussing why Northern Powerhouse Rail is a fundamental part of levelling up the North. Register to attend this event HERE
Restart Travel: Build Back Better
We’ve seen some positive signs in the last couple of weeks that we’re on the road to recovery, but the travel industry’s journey is far from over. Join us for our next TTG seminar, which will explore how operators are winning back business during challenging circumstances. Book HERE
How to be a Disability Confident employer
On Wednesday 29th July from 10am to 11am
In partnership with The Growth Company and InWorkGM, we’re discussing how changing the way you attract and select diverse talent can be of benefit to your business. We’ll be joined by a series of guest speakers who’ll offer tips and insight into how you can become a better disability confident employer. Book HERE
Make your workplace COVID-secure:
You can find recordings of webinars covering other types of workplace here
HMRC:
Coronavirus COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme:
Providing an overview of the scheme, this webinar looks at who can claim, when to start paying SSP, employees you can claim for, making a claim, keeping records, and more. Choose a date and time
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.
Twice weekly: EnterprisingYou
Finance support for the self-employed webinars For info about latest webinar date announcements please visit the website https://enterprising-you.co.uk/latest-news/
Join an HR virtual community HRD: A Virtual Experience.
Join 2,500+ senior HR Leaders from across the globe including The Clorox Company, Diageo, DHL, Siemens, Nestle, Vodafone, Tiffany & Co, ING and more.
Date and time: Thursday June 18th from 10am CET/9am BST
Summit theme: The Resilient Organisation
Sign up here – it’s completely free!
ACAS – run a series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
Useful information and links:
Stockport nominated in the Smart City category in the Digital Leaders awards.
Vote for Stockport HERE. Voting closes at 12 noon on Friday 28th August, with the winners announced on the 15th of October.
New 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.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak – guidance updated in line with new regulations coming into force on 4 July
Business Survey:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-coronavirus-impact-business-survey/dcms-business-survey-headline-measures
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.
Applications Now Open for the Local Authority Discretion Fund. Businesses that had been eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support are also now eligible for the LA Discretionary Business Grant.
Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
The Future Fund will provide UK Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme set to launch
Employers will be able to make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme from 26 May.
Stockport Council publishes details for Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund.
Stockport Council has confirmed its criteria in consideration of awarding the Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund, announced as the grants Top-up fund by the Government on 1st May.
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
Government – Setting out of Road Map to recovery – 11th May 2020
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s 60 page COVID-19 recovery strategy
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread.Stockport Council has launched a FREE job matching website to help 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
Coronavirus Act 2020: status
A table setting out the status of each measure in the Coronavirus Act 2020.
Government – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
CBILS – A guide to whether it may be the best options for a business
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.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
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
Bank of England – Financial Support: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility
Stockport Council Grant scheme:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/business-rates-support-measures
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
UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Food & Drink – advice and guidance:
https://marketingstockport.co.uk/news/food-delivery-and-takeaway-guidance-for-food-businesses-looking-to-diversify/
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health– Shielding the most vulnerable
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
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.
Health – the big white wall
The Big White Wall offers 24/7 anonymous support via a digital emotional wellbeing and mental health service, offering peer support for anyone over the age of 16, support from trained clinicians alongside a range of helpful tools and resources.
Media and Marketing:
Prolific North are publishing daily updates on their blog as to how Covid-19 is impacting on the marketing, media and technology industries
Travel:
https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium
https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Employment: – Stockport Jobs Match
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.
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.
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