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: 300,111 have tested positive + 685 in last 24 hours
Loss of life: 45,759 across all settings + 7
Cases in Stockport: 1,704 positive tests – up 12 cases from 1,692
*new data now shows the results of all testing, Pillar 1 in hospital and Pilar 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 -4% to -1% as of 24 July 2020.
!!!IMPORTANT NOTICE!!!
Business Grants Funds: programme closure.
The Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy have taken the decision that all three grant schemes, the Small Business Grants Fund, the Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Grants Fund and the Discretionary Grants Fund, should close by Friday 28 August.
£62million in grants have been made to 5,500 businesses premises in Stockport.
These grants have been vital to our local economy –helping ensure the survival of shops, cafes, hotels, restaurants and many other businesses.
We are in the final stages of this programme. The vast majority of eligible businesses have now claimed grants.
If you believe you are entitled to the Small Business Grants Fund, the Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Grants Fund https://www.stockport.gov.uk/support-for-businesses-and-employers/small-business-grant-funding-coronavirus but haven’t yet provided your bank account details to the Council then please do so as soon as possible using the link provided. The Small Business Grants Fund, the Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Grants Fund scheme closes on 28th August, no further grants will be considered beyond that date.
The Discretionary Grant Scheme is currently accepting applications for phase 4, but applications close at midnight on 07/08/2020. Please note that this means that any appeals against the discretionary grant decisions must be received by the Council by 5pm on 14/08/2020 – appeals made after this date and time will not be considered.
UK HEADLINES:
Government adds further travel restrictions to Spain and its islands.
The government has increased its restrictions for travelers hoping to holiday in Spain and advised against all but essential travel to the Balearic and Canary Islands as well as to mainland Spain, as announced last weekend. According to the Spanish government talks are continuing to establish flight corridors between the UK and the islands where the risk of contracting coronavirus is said to be far less than on the mainland. Outbreaks of coronavirus are causing a spike on mainland Spain, particularly in the North East of the country around Aragon and Barcelona.
BBC: Bike voucher ‘live’ and £2billion campaign to promote cycling and walking
The government is asking to prescribe ‘getting on your bike’ and taking to walking as it sets out how it plans to spend £2bn to promote cycling and walking in England.
It’s part of a mission to improve public health and strengthen resilience to coronavirus. Thousands of miles of cycle lanes, cycle training for anyone who wants it and more traffic-free streets are among the measures promised. A scheme offering £50 bike repair vouchers is also being launched, with an initial 50,000 available on a first come, first served basis. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the pandemic had created a “once in a lifetime opportunity to create a shift in attitudes”, capitalising on many people’s reluctance to take public transport and the desire to make lifestyle changes. Labour wants the proposals to be implemented more quickly, though.
Government’s approach to managing local coronavirus outbreaks
An overview of the government’s approach to managing local coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
!!! An important letter from Stockport Council’s Chief Executive: Update on positive Covid-19 cases in Stockport !!!
“Over the weekend, we have seen a rise in positive cases in Stockport. Reviewing the available data indicates that this is contributed to by an outbreak in a care home, but also due to a rise in number of cases in young adults. In light of this, we will be launching a social media marketing campaign to target the 18 – 24 year olds who are active on social media in the borough, reminding them how to keep safe when they are out and about. We will link up with our partners, community groups and local businesses to help to reinforce these messages. Please can I ask that you also assist with this community messaging and please inform us of any local intelligence you gather which may help us target our communications over the coming week.”
Pam Smith – Chief Executive, Stockport Council
Heaton Moor bar closes as three staff test positive for coronavirus
A bar in Heaton Moor has been shut after three staff members tested positive for coronavirus. Bosses at Thom’s Bar & Kitchen on Heaton Moor Road say the wine bar and restaurant has closed temporarily due to the coronavirus.
One staff member initially tested positive for the virus, before two more also provided positive tests, bosses confirmed.
Local Stockport restaurants sign up to the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme
There are so many places in and around Stockport that are taking part in the government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme. From the 3rd-31st August, you can get a 50% discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks to eat and drink in (up to a maximum of £10 per diner). This is every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and you can do this as many times as you like. Supporting local restaurants links into the One Stockport campaign in supporting local businesses within Stockport’s district and local centres. To find out the restaurants participating near you, visit Eat Out to Help Out A number of major chains are participating as well as The Produce Hall in Market Place.
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 restaurant finder tool now shows results within a 5 mile radius of the postcode used.
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
Grant Scheme funding in Stockport:
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 5,318 grants bringing the total amount paid to £61,070,000 and bringing the total to 97.1% 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: 6714
Payments: £1,038,500
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:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Accessing food and essential supplies
How to get food and other essential supplies during the coronavirus pandemic – updated with guidance on wearing a face covering in shops.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for people in England with animals
Advice for pet owners and livestock keepers on looking after the welfare of animals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This advice applies to England only – updated with information about a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a cat in England.
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 – added section on looking after grandchildren.
CONSTRUCTION:
Travis Perkins sales recover after 43% Covid slump
Travis Perkins said it is continuing to “recover well” after a city update revealed the full impact of Covid-19 on sales. During the first half of the year total group sales fell 20% on 2019 to £2,780m. Further breakdowns show revenue at the general merchanting business dropped 42.8% in the second quarter with monthly sales falls of 73.1%, 37.4% and 17.6% in April, May and June respectively.
Travis Perkins said the recovery in sales is being led by Repair Maintenance and Improvement – RMI – markets and infrastructure spending which are “proving to be more robust than the new housebuilding and commercial construction markets.”
Balfour Beatty shuts concrete plant after positive coronavirus tests
Balfour Beatty has closed down its manufacturing plant in Bristol after 20 workers tested positive for Covid-19. The contractor stressed that only the manufacturing plant was affected. Balfour said: “We can confirm that 20 employees working at our manufacturing facility in Avonmouth, Bristol have tested positive for Covid-19 as of Monday 27 July. In response, we undertook a deep clean of the facility over the weekend and initiated the NHS’ Test and Trace procedure.”
EDUCATION:
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term – guidance updated to provide more advice and clarity on some aspects of the return to school in the autumn.
Letter to Heads of centre – Summer 2020 results
Open letter to Heads of centre in preparation for the Summer 2020 results.
Your results, what next?
Understanding your qualifications grades this summer.
Student guide to post-16 qualification results: summer 2020
A guide for those receiving qualification results in England this summer.
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. Guidance for teachers, students, parents and carers: Summer 2020 grades for GCSE, AS and A level, Extended Project Qualification and Advanced Extension Award in maths updated to reflect the information we released following our summer symposium.
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 changes in legislation to the 30 hours free entitlement and information on the validity of Paediatric First-Aid certificates.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
HM Treasury coronavirus (COVID-19) business loan scheme statistics
HMT management information about the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) and Future Fund Scheme.
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 – published updated weekly data (up to end of Sunday 26 July) for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.
Reporting outbreaks of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for businesses and organisations on how to recognise, contain and report incidents of coronavirus (COVID-19) – added links to specific coronavirus resource centre sections.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
Medical devices given exceptional use authorisations during the COVID-19 pandemic
List of manufacturers and their medical devices which have been granted an exemption by the MHRA – updated list of medical devices given exceptional use authorisations
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
Medical devices given exceptional use authorisations during the COVID-19 pandemic
List of manufacturers and their medical devices which have been granted an exemption by the MHRA – updated list of medical devices given exceptional use authorisations
PPE deliveries (England): 20 July to 26 July 2020
Experimental statistics showing the latest number of personal protective equipment (PPE) items distributed for use by health and social care services in England.
HOSPITALITY:
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. You can now find restaurants that are registered for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme online.
Claim money back through the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Find out how to claim the reimbursement for discounts given to diners with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.
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 – a section has been added ‘Examples of how to calculate the discount’ to help users calculate discount.
LEGAL:
Making and registering an LPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you want to make an LPA now, you can still do so while observing government guidance on social distancing, self-isolating and shielding.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Councils awarded £800,000 to build on digital advances made during pandemic
Communities across the country are set to benefit from better local services as councils receive a share of £800,000 for innovative digital projects.
Adult Social Care Infection Control Fund
Sets out the infection control measures that the infection control fund will support, including information on the distribution of funds and reporting requirements – added document: ‘Local authority spending of the first tranche of the Infection Control Fund’.
Local restrictions: areas with an outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19)
A list of areas with additional local restrictions. Includes information for local authorities, residents and workers about what to do and how to manage the outbreak.
PROPERTY:
Coronavirus fall-out will slash rents by 5% or more – warning
There’s a warning this morning that the consequences of the Coronavirus crisis mean that rents will fall at least five per cent between now and 2024.
PropTech start-up Home Made has made the claim after analysing rental value trends after the Global Financial Crisis just over a decade ago.
It’s then applied these figures to 2020 to predict the size of the upcoming hit to the rental economy. It projects that rental income won’t be back to pre-Covid levels until early 2024.
Market still booming according to latest snapshot from agents
The housing market is still booming according to data released by the National Association of Estate Agents Propertymark – although the figures relate to June.
Last month one in 10 properties sold for more than the original asking price, which was the highest proportion recorded since February 2016 when 11 per cent sold for more. However, some 57 per cent of all sales during the month were for less than their original asking price. The average number of sales agreed per estate agent branch stood at 10, double the amount recorded in May.
RETAIL:
Celebrations for Card Factory as store sales ‘exceed expectations’
Greetings card specialist Card Factory has reported store sales ‘exceeding initial expectations’ after reopening. Card Factory, which saw its stores close as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, has seen like-for-like sales since reopening down 21.6 per cent – compared to an anticipated 50 per cent reduction in the first month of reopening.
In addition, the company’s average in-store spend has increased by 24.9 per cent, helping to offset the lower number of transactions as a result of reduced footfall.
TRAVEL & TOURISM:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): countries and territories exempt from advice against ‘all but essential’ international travel
The FCO updated its global advisory against ‘all but essential’ travel, exempting destinations that no longer pose an unacceptably high risk for British travellers – Spain – update to advise against all non-essential to Spain, now including the Balearic and Canary Islands
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
List of countries and territories from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate. Estonia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia and St Vincent and the Grenadines added to the exempt list.
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)
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