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: 296,377 have tested positive + 560 in last 24 hours
Loss of life: 45,501 across all settings + 79
Cases in Stockport: 1,667 positive tests + 4
*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:
Over £100 million cash boost to manufacture millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccine
New state-of-the-art centre to scale up COVID-19 vaccine and gene therapy manufacturing gets £100 million investment.
£589m confirmed to kickstart rail upgrades across the transpennine routes
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps today (July 23) confirmed £589m to kickstart work on the Transpennine main line between Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester. The majority of the funding, £589 million, will be spent of commencing work on the Transpennine route between Manchester and Leeds. Work will include completing full electrification of the route, create capacity for longer trains, and double congested sections of the route to four tracks, increasing capacity for local services and shortening journey times for fast trains allowing for greater interconnectivity between Northern cities. This is alongside the establishment of a new Northern Transport Acceleration Council, dedicated to accelerating vital infrastructure projects and better connecting communities across the North’s towns and cities. The most congested section of the route will be doubled from two to four tracks, allowing fast trains to overtake slower ones, improving journey times and reliability for passengers across the North.
Face coverings compulsory in shops from midnight tonight
They will be compulsory in shops in England from Friday – but full guidance is yet to be published. The government has been accused of mixed messaging over where people will have to wear face coverings when new rules come into force. Trade bodies and opposition MPs said confusion remained over takeaways. Minister Brandon Lewis said face coverings would be mandatory when purchasing takeaway food and drink, but not if you are eating at the premises.
“If you are going into a takeaway and you are eating in somewhere that’s got a takeaway, then that is like hospitality. You are eating – it’s not practical to wear a face mask, we recognise that,” the Northern Ireland Secretary told BBC Breakfast. “But if you are going in to buy a product and leaving again, then you are treating it like a shop and you should be wearing a face mask.” A Department of Health spokesman said: “If a shop or supermarket has a cafe or a seating area to eat and drink, you can remove your face covering in that area.”
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) Statement on Jet Zero CouncilThe UK’s Jet Zero Council met for the very first time on Wednesday (22 July) to discuss wide-ranging plans to “decarbonise” the UK’s embattled aviation sector.
Charlie Cornish, Group CEO of MAG, said:
“Today’s first Jet Zero Council is a real and important milestone on the road to the UK aviation industry becoming net zero carbon by 2050. Today’s meeting demonstrated the progress that is being made in developing new technologies and new sustainable fuels, and the potential for Government and industry to work together to make the UK a world leader in this area. For our part, MAG has been a leader in making air travel more sustainable and we were the first airport operator in the UK to achieve carbon neutral status across all our operations.
“Through the Jet Zero Council, Government and the aviation industry will produce a framework which will set out how we can decarbonise aviation. This comes following the industry’s own commitment and road map to reaching full net zero carbon by 2050, which was published earlier in the year. We all know that this is a challenging target but one we can achieve by working collaboratively with Government.”
Update on the GM Clean Air Plan – consultation planned for Autumn 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted more than ever the importance of securing Greater Manchester’s long-term ambition to create a green and prosperous city-region. The Clean Air Plan, Spatial Framework and Minimum Licensing Standards plans form part of this vision, looking to offer a better quality of life for everyone living and working in the city-region.
Greater Manchester leaders are unveiling a clear single vision supported by three complimentary plans that will accelerate the city-region’s 2038 zero carbon ambitions, build a greener economy and deliver a long-term plan for development.
Later this year, businesses and residents across Greater Manchester will have the chance to input on Greater Manchester’s Plan for Homes, Jobs and the Environment, the Spatial Framework, as well as key elements of the Clean Air Zone and to set minimum standards for taxis and private hire vehicles licensed in the region.
The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted more than ever the importance of securing Greater Manchester’s long-term ambition to create a green and prosperous city-region. The Clean Air Plan, Spatial Framework and Minimum Licensing Standards plans form part of this vision, looking to offer a better quality of life for everyone living and working in the city-region.
The Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan aims to bring nitrogen dioxide (NO2) air pollution levels from road vehicles within legal limits in the shortest possible time and by 2024 at the latest, as directed by government. The wide-ranging proposals, which include the largest Clean Air Zone outside London, include measures to reduce emissions from the most polluting commercial road vehicles, with a package of financial support to encourage businesses to switch to cleaner, low- or zero-emission models.
Greater Manchester is committed to supporting businesses, to make sure they can upgrade to cleaner vehicles ahead of the introduction of the proposed Clean Air Zone. This will include access to lump sum grants or financing options to contribute to the cost of replacement vehicles to move to a modern, compliant fleet. Read more
Two local services provided by Stockport Council have been named as finalists in national awards.
Work in Children’s Services and Public Health have been picked as examples of best practice, and will now go forward to the MJ Achievement Awards ceremony, which recognise the very best local government services across the UK. Stockport’s Aspire complex safeguarding service has been nominated in the Innovation in Children’s Services category. The Victoria Intensive Project (VIP) which was launched in 2017 to work directly with individuals with complex drug and alcohol issues, has been shortlisted in the Public Health Improvement category.
GM Chamber offers access to business services
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is offering all businesses who aren’t currently members free access to the GM Business Community to give them access to our network and support from the largest Chamber in the UK.
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 £61,000,000 and bringing the total to 97% 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: 651
Payments: £891,000
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:
AGRICULTURE:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses
The latest information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Latest News item added about Countryside Stewardship – extension to capital agreements
COMMUNITY:
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 – updated with the latest transport advice.
Families and friends to be reunited with loved ones in care homes as visits restart
Care home residents are set to be reunited with friends and family as visits begin again following the publication of new guidance on 22 July.
Get a discount with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
From 3 to 31 August, get a 50% discount when you eat in at restaurants that are registered with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.
The service you’ll use to find a restaurant will be available by 31 July.
CONSTRUCTION:
£589m to kickstart rail upgrades across the North
The Government has today committed to spend £589m to kickstart work on the Transpennine main line between Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester. The new Northern Transport Acceleration Council chaired by Transport Secretary and Northern Powerhouse Minister Grant Shapps looks set to supersede activities of the Transport for the North body. The Council will hold its first meeting in September.
Construction working hours: guidance
This guidance sets out further detail on the new route for applicants seeking to extend construction site working hours introduced in the Business and Planning Act. The Business and Planning Act received Royal Assent on 22 July 2020. Therefore this guidance is no longer draft and has been updated to reflect the provisions in the Act.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 23 July 2020
Early experimental data on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the UK economy and society. These faster indicators are created using rapid response surveys, novel data sources and experimental methods.
Official Development Assistance (ODA) spending for 2020: First Secretary of State’s letter
Dominic Raab updated the chairs of 3 parliamentary committees on how the government will continue to meet the 0.7% Gross National Income spending commitment for ODA.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
Visiting care homes during coronavirus
Guidance for making arrangements for limited visits for care homes with the support of their director of public health.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features.
Coronavirus and shielding of clinically extremely vulnerable people in England: 24 June to 6 July 2020
Analysis of clinically extremely vulnerable people (the shielding population) in England during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including their behaviours and mental and physical well-being.
NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): 9 July to 15 July 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 7 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England.
NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): methodology
How the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) puts together the contact tracing data in its weekly reports has been updated to include details of the new breakdowns in this week’s release. These include pillar 1 turnaround times, the number of household close contacts, and the time taken for contacts to be reached from the time that the positive case that referred them is transferred to the contact-tracing system. Also included are more details about what a close contact is and how these figures can be used.
HOSPITALITY:
COVID-19: guidance for food businesses
Advice for food businesses in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the UK – updated guidance, added easy-to-translate guide and link to posters.
Pavement licences: guidance
Guidance to accompany pavement licensing introduced in the Business and Planning Act 2020. The Business and Planning Act received Royal Assent on 22 July 2020. Therefore this guidance is no longer draft and has been updated to reflect the provisions in the Act.
Get more information about the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Get more help with registration, eligibility and how to offer the discount for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme – update to include information that businesses can apply the discount to soft drinks and/or packaged snacks, as long as they are for immediate consumption on the premises.
PROPERTY:
Planning guidance to accompany the Business and Planning Act 2020
The Business and Planning Act received Royal Assent on 22 July 2020. This guidance should be read alongside a number of the planning and licensing measures in the Act. The Business and Planning Act received Royal Assent on 22 July 2020. Therefore this guidance is no longer draft and has been updated to reflect the provisions in the Act.
Making current spatial development strategies available digitally: guidance
This guidance outlines mitigation the Greater London Authority (GLA) could undertake corresponding with the publicity requirements for the London Plan in the Business and Planning Act. The Business and Planning Act received Royal Assent on 22 July 2020. Therefore this guidance is no longer draft and has been updated to reflect the provisions in the Act.
New tenancies bounce back to pre-pandemic levels
New tenancies recorded by The Deposit Protection Service suggests the market is back almost to its pre-pandemic levels of activity. Data in the service’s latest index show that restrictions on moving home during the second quarter of this year – including only moving in exceptional circumstances and a ban on evictions – correlated with a 32 per cent reduction in new tenancies. New tenancies registered with The DPS fell from just under 60,000 in March to just over 32,000 in April but June saw a swift recovery of just under 56,000 registrations as lockdown measures eased.
NatWest CEO predicts surge in tourism in the North
The CEO of the newly-named NatWest Group has predicted a “resurgence” of the North West’s tourism and hospitality sector following the damage caused by Covid – because more holidaymakers will choose staycations ahead of overseas destinations. Speaking on the day RBS officially changed its name, Alison Rose was asked whether she was optimistic that the sector in cities such as Liverpool and Manchester could recover from the pandemic.
TRANSPORT:
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode, published every Wednesday.
TRAVEL & TOURISM:
COVID-19 travel behaviour during the lockdown
Study into the travel behaviour of people during the lockdown period.
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.