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: 300,692 have tested positive + 581 in last 24 hours
Loss of life: 45,878 across all settings + 119
Cases in Stockport: 1,711 positive tests – up 7 cases from 1,692
*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 -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:
BBC: The culture secretary – coronavirus testing at airports not a “silver bullet”
The culture secretary has told the BBC that coronavirus testing at airports is not a “silver bullet” to stop the need for quarantine. Oliver Dowden said testing for coronavirus was not enough because the virus can develop over time. The boss of Heathrow said airports should be allowed to test for coronavirus to avoid the “cliff edge” of quarantine. The travel industry is seeking ways to rescue the holiday season. The government’s sudden change to travel advice for Spain at the weekend prompted a fresh wave of confusion and uncertainty to people’s holiday plans.
Travel firm TUI said on Wednesday it had cancelled holidays to the Balearics and Canary Islands until 4 August after the UK extended its advice against non-essential travel to Spain to include its islands.
Government announces £500m fund to help UK’s creative film and TV industry
The £500m fund aims to fill the gap left by the lack of available insurance and coronavirus-related losses for cast members and crew illnesses, and filming delays or disruptions caused by the ongoing battle against Covid-19
Government further boosts chances of UK receiving COVID-19 vaccine
Deal announced which will secure early access to a promising new coronavirus vaccine, enhancing the UK’s growing portfolio of vaccine candidates.
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:
Stay alert and safe: social distancing guidance for young people
The most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives – page updated in line with the most recent government guidance.
The key things you need to know about Manchester Airport this week:
Government changes to travel corridors to Spain, plus further destination and retail increases. As Manchester Airport heads towards what would normally be ones of its busiest months of the year, the Northern hub is updating customers on its latest developments. With the UK Government removing Spain from the travel corridors list at the weekend, passengers should be aware that they now need to quarantine on return to the UK. Furthermore, due to the change in policy, some carriers have taken the decision to cancel flights to Spain and its islands, so passengers should check with their airline if they have any specific flight enquiries. Due to the fast-moving nature of the decision surrounding Spain, the airport has made the decision to relax its refund policy for passengers impacted by the changes. Passengers should contact the airport’s customer services team if they have any queries.
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 payments in Stockport:
Main Grant Scheme:
Stockport Council have now administered a total of 5,327 grants bringing the total amount paid to £61,190,000 and bringing the total to 97.3% 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
Status of LAD Payments to date:
Applications: 687
Payments: £1,063,000
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:
COMMUNITY:
Local lockdown guidance for social distancing
How you can see people you do not live with if there’s a local lockdown during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Eat Out to Help Out – look for the logo
Diners who eat-in will benefit from a 50% discount, up to a maximum of £10 per person, on food and non-alcoholic drinks, any Monday to Wednesday in August.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing unpaid care
Information for people who are caring, unpaid, for friends or family during the coronavirus outbreak – updated the guidance on face coverings, face masks and protective clothing. The following information has been added: examples of essential care under ‘Caring for someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable’; guidance on how to get tested; and contact details for NHS Volunteer Responders.
CONSTRUCTION:
Impact of Covid-19 plunges Taylor Wimpey to £40 million loss
Part of the loss was also accounted for by an extra £10m to cover ongoing works to replace aluminium composite cladding on a small number of legacy buildings. During the same period the year before Taylor Wimpey recorded a £300m pre-tax profit indicating the scale of the impact on the volume house builder’s performance. Revenue more than halved to £754m in the period to June as completions slumped 58% to 2,771 homes, compared to 6,541 during the first half in 2019.
Breedon sales recover after lockdown slump
Breedon said the recovery in demand for materials is “well underway” after sales last month bounced back to 99% of those in June 2019.
Latest results for the company show lockdown led to a pre-tax loss of £10.1m during the first half of the year compared to a £39.5m profit last time as revenue slumped 25% to £335.3m. Breedon shut down most of its operations and furloughed 80% of staff as lockdown hit. Sites started reopening in early May and by the end of June over 90% of plants were open with 82% of staff back at work.
EDUCATION:
Early years foundation stage statutory framework (EYFS)
The standards that school and childcare providers must meet for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 – updated to reflect the extension of the validity of current PFA certificates.
Student guide to post-16 qualification results: summer 2020
A guide for those receiving qualification results in England this summer – added BSL signed version of the guide.
The Skills Toolkit: submit a new course
How providers can submit course content to be included on The Skills Toolkit.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
From 1 August there will be changes affecting the grant employers can claim through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Employers will be asked to pay National Insurance (NI) and pension contributions for furloughed employees. Make sure you have the latest information by joining the live webinar: Extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and flexible furloughing. We’ll provide an overview of the scheme, including flexible furloughing, examples of how to work out the amount you can claim, and the changes due in September and October.
Choose a date and time
If you haven’t been able to join our popular webinar about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, more dates have now been added. Get the latest information on:
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to make a claim
- what you may be entitled to, and more.
Choose a date and time
You can ask questions during all our live webinars using the on-screen text box.
HMRC webinars are constantly updated to provide the latest government guidance on changes as they develop.
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.
If you’ve claimed too much or not enough from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out what you need to do if you’ve claimed too much or not enough from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can claim to cover wages for employees on temporary leave (‘furlough’) due to coronavirus (COVID-19) – contact section has been updated with information about complaints.
Claim for wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Claim for 80% of your employee’s wages plus any employer National Insurance and pension contributions, if you have put them on furlough or flexible furlough because of coronavirus (COVID-19) – page updated with the removal of information about overclaims and underclaims, this has been moved to a new guide that explains what to do if you claim too much or not enough. Addition of a link to the new guide under the heading ‘If you’ve claimed the wrong amount’.
Penalties for not telling HMRC about Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grant overpayments – CC/FS48
If you’ve received a grant but were not eligible or you’ve been overpaid, find out what penalties you may have to pay if you do not tell HMRC.
Claim a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
If you’re self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been adversely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) use this scheme if you’re eligible to claim the grant. Information about what to do if you were not eligible for the grant or have been overpaid has been added.
Tell HMRC and pay the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant back
If you made a claim in error as you were not eligible for the grant, have been overpaid or would like to make a voluntary repayment, tell HMRC and pay some or all of the grant back. Information about when you must tell HMRC and pay the grant back has been added, also included details about when you may have to pay a penalty.
Coronavirus Act 2020: equality impact assessment
Sets out the equality analysis undertaken for the Coronavirus Bill to enable ministers to fulfil the requirements placed on them by the Public Sector Equality Duty.
ESF action notes: 2014 to 2020 programme
Action notes to inform European Social Fund (ESF) grant recipients of an action they must complete. Action Note 052/20 Hourly rate salary costs for project staff who are self-isolating/ill due to COVID-19 and unable to work, has been updated and republished.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
MHRA guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19)
We are producing guidance and information for industry, healthcare professionals and patients covering the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added link to ‘New synthetic datasets to assist COVID-19 and cardiovascular research’ in the ‘News stories’ section.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested – updated to reflect that there is now a single GOV.?UK testing service for people who have symptoms and want to get tested.
Steps to take following the death of a colleague in children’s services
Actions for employers and providers following a coronavirus (COVID-19) related death of a carer or colleague across children’s services.
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
HOSPITALITY:
Eat Out to Help Out – look for the logo
Diners who eat-in will benefit from a 50% discount, up to a maximum of £10 per person, on food and non-alcoholic drinks, any Monday to Wednesday in August.
JUDICIARY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): courts and tribunals planning and preparation
This page provides advice and guidance for all court and tribunal users during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and will be updated when new advice is available. Providing evidence as a witness during the coronavirus outbreak document updated.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
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 – added that local authorities may also have put in place local restrictions and a link to where you can find your local authority.
PROPERTY:
Sellers boosted as buyers bid above the asking price
The property market is defying the traditional summer lull in activity as buyers and sellers continue to flood the market post-lockdown. Last month, one in 10 properties sold for more than the original asking price as buyers competed to secure their dream homes, according to NAEA Propertymark. It says this shows that the housing market continues to thrive after the seven-week lockdown hiatus as the last time more properties sold for above asking price was in February 2016 at 11%. The report suggests, however, that with sellers keen to offload properties quickly, there are still bargains to be had as 57% of properties sold for less than the originally advertised asking price in June. Transactions figures continued to recover last month, doubling to 10 per estate agency branch and higher than the nine recorded in the same month last year.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): impact on HM Land Registry’s services
How we are delivering our services during the coronavirus outbreak.
Transfers of ownership of property, leases, mortgages and other property dealings can be signed and witnessed electronically. We’ve added a link to ‘practice guide 8: execution of deeds’ for more information.
RETAIL:
Next improves on April ‘best case scenario’ thanks to warehouse capacity and online sales
Retailer Next has exceeded its initial expectations despite the challenges posed by COVID-19.
The firm has reported a drop in sales of 28 per cent – an improvement on the best-case scenario given in its April trading statement. Full year profit before tax, based on the firm’s central sales scenario, is now estimated at £195m.
TRAVEL & TOURISM:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus – updated information if you’re in the UK and your leave expired between 24 January 2020 and 31 July 2020.
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.