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: 301,455 have tested positive + 763 in last 24 hours
Loss of life: 45,961 across all settings + 83
Cases in Stockport: 1,716 positive tests – up 5 cases
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.
UK HEADLINES:
People who test positive for coronavirus or show symptoms in the UK must now self-isolate for at least 10 days, rather than seven.
The change, announced by the UK’s chief medical officers, comes as ministers try to avoid a resurgence of the virus. Evidence, although still limited, has strengthened and shows that people with COVID-19 who are mildly ill and are recovering have a low but real possibility of infectiousness between 7 and 9 days after illness onset.
Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty:
We have considered how best to target interventions to reduce risk to the general population and consider that at this point in the epidemic, with widespread and rapid testing available and considering the relaxation of other measures, it is now the correct balance of risk to extend the self-isolation period from 7 to 10 days for those in the community who have symptoms or a positive test result. This will help provide additional protection to others in the community. This is particularly important to protect those who have been shielding and in advance of the autumn and winter when we may see increased community transmission.
Statement from the UK Chief Medical Officers on extension of self-isolation period: 30 July 2020
The self-isolation period has been extended to 10 days for those in the community who have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or a positive test result.
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 30 July 2020
Early experimental data on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the UK economy and society, including online price changes data. These faster indicators are created using rapid response surveys, novel data sources and experimental methods.
Modification notice: school registration legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues fourth notice to modify registration requirements for temporary pupils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Surge in UK people actively avoiding the news
New research shows that Covid-19 has caused increased numbers of the UK population to actively avoid the news
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.
UK 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.
Arts Council launches £500 million Culture Recovery Fund
This fund will provide significant and much needed support to help organisations stay afloat and get through the next nine months. Grants of anywhere between £50,000 – £3 million are available, and applications can be made in one of two funding rounds, the first of which will open on 10 August and close on 21 August. Approximately 75% of the overall budget is expected to be allocated to the first round. A second round will open on 21 August and close on 4 September. The criteria for the fund have been set by DCMS and has a wider scope than traditionally covered, including commercial organisations. As well as cultural organisations, Local Authorities, Universities, MEHs, CPPs and other Public Sector bodies who run or maintain cultural services can also apply – what’s important is that the organisation is culturally significant (at a national or international level) and/or contributing to providing cultural opportunity in England. Arts Council will not be offering advice to potential applicants about their applications. A blog about how Arts Council plan to use their funding programmes to complement the government’s package can be read here.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Government announces grants for UK and North West businesses
Thousands of smaller businesses in England are set to benefit from £20million of new government funding to help them recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Small and medium sized businesses across the North West are set to benefit from £3.6m in new grants as they restart and recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the Government has announced. Simon Clarke, Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, said grants of £1,000 to £5,000 per business will be available for firms in Cheshire and Warrington, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and the Liverpool City Region to pay for specialist advice such as legal, human resources and financial expertise. Businesses can also buy small pieces of equipment that they need to help them recover from the effects of the pandemic. Growth Hubs around England will support local businesses and local communities to access the funding.
Stockport is warning that its cases of Covid-19 are rising
Having moved from seeing 5 or fewer cases per day on average through late June and earlier in July, to seeing between 5-15 cases per day since Thursday 23rd July. This is well below many other areas across the country, says the council, “but as we are starting to see in particular rising numbers of cases in our 18-25 year old population (which does not appear to be limited to a particular district or neighbourhood within Stockport), this is obviously a growing concern and we are as a result taking the following actions.” We know that by keeping 2m social distancing when meeting up with others, we each reduce the chance of transmission and not becoming a contact. Keeping a 2 metre distance with friends remains the most effective approach.”
Director of Public Health, Jennifer Connolly said:
We would like to remind all residents, no matter what age they are, of the importance of not meeting up with anyone if there are any confirmed cases within the household. If this is the case households should isolate for 14 days if a household member has been tested positive or has symptoms and is awaiting test results. We encourage everyone in Stockport to comply with NHS test and trace advice, including isolating for 14 days if you are advised to do so following contact with someone who has been confirmed as having covid-19.”
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.
Business Grants Funds: programme closure.
The Small Business grants fund, the Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Grants Fund and the Discretionary Grants Fund, should close by Friday 28 August. No further grants will be considered beyond that date.
£62million in grants have been made to 5,500 businesses premises in Stockport.
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 Discretionary Grant Scheme is currently accepting applications for phase 4, but applications close at midnight on 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
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.”
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 £61,220,000 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: 696
Payments: £1,125,000
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 – 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:
COVID-19: guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic
Guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection – updated link to information on local restrictions.
EDUCATION:
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 – added details about the attached ‘Awarding organisation results information’.
Disapplication notice: school attendance legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues fourth notice to disapply offences for non-attendance in schools during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added a fourth notice for August 2020.
Disapplication notice: school inspections legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues fourth notice about changes to state-funded school inspections requirements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
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 VTQ guidance for centres and awarding organisation data information added.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
Coronavirus and the economic impacts on UK: 30 July 2020
New experimental data on the UK economy detailing the impact on businesses from the coronavirus (COVID-19).Data is from the Business Impact of Coronavirus Survey; a 2-weekly survey designed to estimate the impact over the previous 2 weeks and the expectations for the following 2 weeks.
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. ‘If you have not claimed enough’ section amended to clarify that before 31 July, you must make sure to include all eligible employees on claims that you still need to make for periods up to 30 June.
Coronavirus in Defence
Summary of statistics on the number of defence personnel who have had a COVID-19 test; and for the UK Armed Forces, the number of positive cases of COVID-19.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
Developing NHS Test and Trace: business plan
Sets out the next steps in the development of the NHS Test and Trace service and priorities for the next 3 to 6 months.
NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): 16 July to 22 July 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 8 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England.
Number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces 2020
Summary statistics on the number of defence personnel who have had a COVID-19 test; and for the UK Armed Forces, the number of positive cases of COVID-19.
NHS Test and Trace launches campaign to encourage everyone with symptoms to get a free test
NHS Test and Trace will launch the new campaign alongside a new business plan to expand testing capacity and prepare the nation for winter.
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. The methodology has been updated to clarify what is meant by ‘newly’ tested as well as expanding detail on study samples excluded from turnaround times.
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.
The restaurant finder tool now shows results within a 5 mile radius of the postcode used.
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.
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:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added links to: Local restrictions and managing a local outbreak; Next Steps Accommodation Programme launched; Visiting care homes during coronavirus; Draft options for regional or local coronavirus interventions; the Government’s approach to managing local coronavirus outbreaks; Reporting outbreaks of coronavirus.
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:
ABTA urges everyone to get behind #savetravel campaign
It is also clear the industry will need tailored support from government to save jobs and businesses, and it is therefore very welcome that TTG has launched its #SaveTravel campaign to raise awareness and campaign for help. Abta is very glad to lend our full support. Since the start of this crisis Abta has been in a constant dialogue with Ministers and officials across the many departments that influence decisions affecting the travel industry, as well as MPs across parliament. We launched our Save Future Travel campaign in April, which saw 25,500 emails sent to MPs by those working in travel and consumers, raising awareness across parliament and government of the challenges the industry faces. The campaign has been very useful in terms of informing MPs about what is happening, and why, and in reducing the level of criticism that the industry has faced during what has been a very difficult time for relations between travel companies and our valued customers.
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.