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:
Total tests: 9,662,051 tests have been taken or mailed out
Positive tests: 313,483 have tested positive + 829 in last 24 hours
Loss of life: 44,220 across all settings
Cases in Stockport: *1,623 positive tests – + 10
*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).
Data from the ONS shows that fewer than one in 2,000 now has the virus as the slow decline in case numbers continues.
Prime Minister’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 3 July 2020
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s statement on coronavirus.
Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund Scheme – Phase 3 applications now open
Don’t miss out on your opportunity to apply for what you may be entitled to!
Stockport Council are inviting small businesses from the leisure sector who are now in scope, as well as those engaged in the hospitality industry, to apply for the third phase Government’s Local Authority Discretionary – LAD – Grant Fund Scheme. The deadline for applications has been extended to midnight on 10th July. See details below
UK HEADLINES:
BBC: Government announces £1.57billion support package for Arts & Culture
The UK government has announced a £1.57bn rescue package for arts and cultural industries following the impact of coronavirus. The scheme will provide institutions such as theatres, museums and live music venues with access to emergency grants and loans. Many of these venues remain closed under current restrictions, and the government has said that the package will “help them stay afloat”, as well as supporting employment. The announcement has been warmly welcomed by many in the sector, but BBC arts editor Will Gompertz says the government has not specified how the money will be split between competing art forms or regions. Cultural venues also want to see the rules around social distancing relaxed to allow each of them to have a full auditorium once again. On that front, guidance for the next steps is expected to be published shortly.
British Chambers of Commerce respond to changes to England’s quarantine restrictions
Commenting on the government’s announcement of quarantine-free travel with a specified list of ‘low-risk’ countries, BCC director general Dr Adam Marshall said:
“Businesses will be pleased to see the back of the damaging blanket quarantine policy but they will also be asking a lot of questions about its replacement.” He continued “While these changes will give some companies a fighting chance to make up for months of lost income, the job is not yet done. This isn’t just about summer holidays. Ministers need to focus on restoring connections and confidence with key trading partners across the world.”
List of 59 ‘air bridge’ countries confirmed by UK Government but some popular destinations omitted
Passengers returning to, or visiting England from those destinations with a “reduced risk” of re-importing coronavirus will no longer need to self-isolate on arrival. The rule change will come into effect from Friday 10 July, slightly later than previously suggested. The devolved nations are due to set out their own rules at a later date.
The Foreign Office’s advisory against all non-essential travel worldwide – in place since March – will also be updated from Saturday (4 July) to allow travel to exempted countries. Click here to see the list. Ireland is already exempt as part of the common travel area, as are the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. In addition, the 14 British Overseas Territories are exempted. This list may be added to over the coming days following further discussions between the UK and “international partners”.
Sri Lanka, Portugal and UAE omitted from ‘air bridge’ list
Draft planning guidance to support the Business and Planning Bill
The Business and Planning Bill was introduced to the House of Commons on Thursday 25 June 2020. This draft guidance has been prepared to be read alongside a number of the planning measures set out in the Bill – added Extension of certain planning permissions: draft guidance
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
MAG respond to Governments announcement to introduce ‘air bridges’
Charlie Cornish, Group CEO of MAG, said:
“These travel corridors will open up the chance for people to enjoy a well-earned break abroad and directly benefit the hundreds of thousands of people whose jobs depend on air travel for their livelihoods – whether they work in aviation or for the UK’s tourism and hospitality businesses, which can now welcome the first overseas visitors we will have seen for months.
“We have made our airports safe for our passengers and staff, and our airports have already started limited operations to many of these countries. With the quarantine requirement now removed, we look forward to safely welcoming back many more passengers in the coming weeks.
“The Government should continue to take a risk-based approach to quarantine arrangements and, where possible, build more air bridges to key tourism and business destinations with low infection rates. Each one will help protect jobs and preserve billions of pounds worth of economic activity in the UK.”
Greater Manchester Growth Company looks to support redundant workers
An urgent programme of support has been launched in Greater Manchester for the thousands of retail workers at risk of losing their jobs – and those who have already been made redundant. The Covid-19 pandemic has already seen devastating job losses across the country, with more than 10,000 estimated to have been cut nationally this week alone. In response to the crisis facing retail workers and employers, the Greater Manchester Growth Company has launched a programme of support, that includes specific advice for retail sector workers, as well as s upport for retail businesses seeking help to survive and protect jobs. Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “We are now beginning to see the true economic impact of the coronavirus, with retail workers particularly vulnerable to redundancy as the Government’s furlough scheme winds down and businesses face difficult decisions about their ability to reopen shops and stores that have been closed for months. The last week alone has brought horrific news for the High Street, with thousands of jobs placed at risk, including many in Greater Manchester. We are in no doubt about the challenges faced by every business in our region, including the retail sector, and will continue to work with the Growth Company and other partners to put in place all the support we can.”
Local Authority Discretionary Grant Funds – Phase 3 close this week
Phase 3 of the Government’s Local Authority Discretionary Grant scheme, administered locally by Stockport Council. The deadline for applications has been extended to midnight on Friday 10th July. To be eligible to apply for a grant under this scheme, a small business must:
- Have a rateable value up to, but not exceeding, £30,000 per annum, or £150,000 for hospitality sector businesses.
- Have been trading on 11th March 2020.
- Be small, with fewer than 50 employees.
- Have relatively high ongoing fixed property-related costs, and;
- They must also be able to demonstrate that they have had a significant drop of income due to Coronavirus restriction measures.
Properties that will benefit from the relief will be occupied hereditaments that are wholly or mainly being used: as restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments, cinemas and live music venues, for assembly and leisure; or as hotels, guest & boarding premises and self-catering accommodation.
Applicants who met the criteria outlined in phases one and two but did not meet the deadline, are also able to apply. Read the full guidance HERE
The application window closes at midnight on Friday 10th July.
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.
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 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.
Stockport businesses grant funding payments:
Main Grant Scheme:
Stockport Council have now administered a total of 5,213 grants bringing the total amount paid to £59,945,000 and bringing the total now over 95% 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 3 of the Local Authority Grant fund scheme is 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: 429
Payments: £380,500
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:
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 – update on inspections starting
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: Guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships
This guidance is designed to assist people planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England.
COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship during the pandemic from 4 July.
This guidance is designed to enable the safe reopening of places of worship for a broader range of activities from 4 July 2020.
COVID-19: Home Office extraordinary funding for domestic abuse support services
Guidance for the £2 million Home Office fund for domestic abuse charities affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – fund reopened for bids and successful applicants announced.
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.
Meeting people from outside your household
How you can see people that you do not live with while protecting yourself and others from coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated guidance in line with new regulations
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice on accessing green spaces safely
Advice on using green spaces and protecting yourself and others from coronavirus – updated with changes that apply from 4 July.
Staying COVID-19 Secure in 2020 notice
Notice to display to show you have made your workplace COVID-secure – updated to reflect the change to the 2m rule.
Staying alert and safe (social distancing)
The most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives – updated to reflect changes that come in on 4 July.
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19.
CONSTRUCTION:
Wates resumes full pay for all staff not on furlough
Wates is reinstating full pay for all non-furloughed staff with immediate effect.
Chief executive David Allen said the decision had been made possible by the “amazing efforts” colleagues made to keep the business performing through the challenging conditions of lockdown. Wates took swift action as the coronavirus crisis hit, placing around a quarter of its 4,000 staff on furlough and slashing board pay by a third with many staff also taking pay cuts. The private building firm was also the first to announce redundancy plans of around 8% of the workforce in anticipation of falling workloads.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
How to treat certain expenses and benefits provided to employees during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out about taxable expenses and benefits when they are paid to employees because of coronavirus and how to report them to HMRC.
Information about ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19) tests’ and ‘Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)’ has been added.
Coronavirus: driving tests (England)
Car driving tests will restart in England on 22 July 2020 with safety precautions in place – other types of tests will restart before then -updated the guide to make it clear that driving tests are still suspended in areas under local lockdown in England. Updated the section about when you must not come for your driving test to explain that from 10 July, you will not have to self-isolate if you’re arriving in England from a country or territory on the travel corridors list.
Coronavirus: theory tests (England)
Theory tests restarted in England on 4 July 2020 with social distancing and safety precautions in place – updated the guide to make it clear that theory tests are still suspended in areas under local lockdown in England. Updated the section about when you must not come for your theory test to explain that from 10 July, you will not have to self-isolate if you’re arriving in England from a country or territory on the travel corridors list.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure – the visitor economy – Guidance added on keeping records of staff, customers and visitors (sections 2.1 & 7.1).
Staying COVID-19 Secure in 2020 notice
Notice to display to show you have made your workplace COVID-secure – updated to reflect the change to the 2m rule.
Closing certain businesses and venues in England
This document provides guidance on the closure of certain businesses and venues as part of further social distancing measures, and on the further easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions from 4 July 2020. Guidance on closing certain businesses and venues in England updated following the announcement of further easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions from 4 July 2020.
Privacy notice for maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace
This privacy notice describes how the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) will process personal data from venues and establishments to support contact tracing.
Tri-service regulations for expenses and allowances (JSP 752)
JSP 752 is the policy document for expenses and allowances for regular and reserve UK armed forces personnel – addition of: JSP 752 -Tri-Service regulations for expenses and allowances.
Coronavirus: theory tests (England)
Theory tests will restart in England on 4 July 2020 with social distancing and safety precautions in place – added new photographs to show what to expect when you take your theory test.
Don’t rely on temperature screening products for detection of coronavirus (COVID-19), says MHRA
Warning that thermal cameras and other such “temperature screening” products, some of which make direct claims to screen for COVID-19, are not a reliable way to detect if people have the virus.
VAT payments on account
Find out who has to pay VAT payments on account, how HMRC works out your payments, the alternatives and how and when to pay.
The option to defer VAT payments during coronavirus has come to an end and businesses can no longer defer VAT.
HM Treasury extends tax cut to PPE costs
The temporary scrapping of VAT on PPE has been extended until the end of October – saving care homes and businesses dealing with the coronavirus outbreak £155 million, the government announced today.
ENVIRONMENT:
Coronavirus: Environment Agency update
The Environment Agency’s priority is to protect people and the environment, and to support those we regulate during the coronavirus pandemic – section on bathing water updated.
HEALTH, HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): testing data methodology
Information on the data sources and methodology used to provide the daily statistics on coronavirus testing – Updates have been made throughout the methodology note, including adding new sections to ‘methodology’ and ‘positive cases’.
Ventilator Challenge hailed a success as UK production finishes
British manufacturers will have helped to produce over 14,000 ventilators during the coronavirus pandemic, thanks to the success of the government’s drive to boost the NHS’s ventilator capacity.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): scientific evidence supporting the UK government response
The national and global response to the spread of COVID-19 continues to develop quickly and our collective knowledge of the virus is growing by the second – updated the list of evidence provided to SAGE with 9 new papers.
SAGE meetings, June 2020
Minutes and papers from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) meetings held in June 2020 – reports added to SAGE meetings 40 and 45. SAGE meetings, May 2020
Minutes and papers from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) meetings held in May 2020 – reports added to SAGE meetings 35 and 39. SAGE meetings, April 2020
Minutes and papers from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) meetings held in April 2020 – reports added to SAGE meetings 22, 23 and 30.
SAGE meetings, March 2020
Minutes and papers from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) meetings held in March 2020 – report added to SAGE meeting 21.
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 – updated guidance on shielding and social distancing.
Scientific evidence supporting the government response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Evidence considered by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested – added information on regular care home testing (retesting) in England.
NHS test and trace statistics (England): 18 June to 24 June 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 4 of NHS test and trace contact tracing in England.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
MHRA guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19)
We are producing guidance and information for industry, healthcare professionals and patients covering the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – linked to news story on not relying on temperature screening products for detection of coronavirus (COVID-19), in the ‘Medical Devices’ section.
Percentage of contributors with symptoms (persistent cough, fever or anosmia): UK & NI maps, 29 March 2020
Paper prepared by Kings College London (KCL).
Care homes analysis, 12 May 2020
Paper prepared by the Working Care Homes Group.
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 -6% to -0% as of 3 July 2020.
Susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection amongst children and adolescents compared with adults, 30 April 2020
Paper prepared by academics.
SPI-M-O: Consensus Statement on COVID-19, 3 June 2020
Consensus statement from the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
The effect of social distancing on the reproduction number in the UK from a social contact survey: report 2, 7 April 2020
Update paper prepared by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) on the effect of social distancing measures.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
JUDICIARY:
HMCTS weekly operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This page provides a weekly summary of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service operational position during the coronavirus pandemic – update for week commencing 6 July 2020 published.
Courts and tribunals tracker list during coronavirus outbreak
This page holds a tracker list of open, staffed and suspended courts during the coronavirus outbreak. Tracker updated with Crown Courts assessed as currently suitable to hold jury trials from 6 July 2020.
How to join telephone and video hearings during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Use this guide if you’ve been asked to join a hearing by telephone or video using BT MeetMe, Skype for Business or Cloud Video Platform (CVP) during the coronavirus outbreak
LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS:
Local Government Association annual conference 2020: Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government’s speech
Speech by Simon Clarke MP at the Local Government Association’s annual conference 2020.
MEDIA & THE ARTS:
Selected sporting events, TV and film exempt from quarantine
Culture Secretary announces agreements to allow selected sporting events and production on film and television to get underway safely
PROPERTY:
Stamp duty changes being considered to boost property sector
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is to unveil his latest Coronavirus recovery measures on Wednesday and some sources claim they will include a six month stamp duty holiday – other sources suggest that with estate agents currently reporting good business, such a measure may be delayed until the autumn. Another option under consideration is to lift the threshold at which stamp duty starts to between £300,000 and £500,000. That would mean hundreds of thousands of properties in the ‘Blue Wall’ Midlands and north of England area – which helped the Conservatives to a General Election victory in December – would be lifted out of the duty completely.
Could changes to UK Planning laws open opportunities for investors?
Boris Johnson has outlined a number of proposed changes to Britain’s seven-decades old planning system. This included a relaxation of planning rules to make it easier for land and buildings to be converted quickly, with developers granted the ability to change vacant shops to homes, and builders able to demolish vacant shops and build homes in their place, without planning permission. New regulations will be implemented which will allow for buildings and land in town centres to change use without requesting planning consent, while new homes will be able to be created from empty buildings. As an example, struggling high street stores that due to the coronavirus crisis have been forced to shut their doors permanently could be transformed without needing permission from the authorities. These changes are set to come into effect by September. Some believe this represents a huge opportunity for investors and developers, with potentially transformative changes to the nation’s high streets which have been so badly damaged by the coronavirus crisis. In the last week, the economic toll of the pandemic has started to show, with many companies beginning to lay off staff despite the ongoing support of the furlough scheme.
Reasonable worst-case planning scenario, 29 March 2020
Paper prepared by Cabinet Office.
RETAIL:
Insider: Creditors have approved Poundstretcher’s plans for a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) as part of a turnaround plan for the business. The discount retailer set out plans for the CVA in June 2020. The Huddersfield-headquartered company currently has 450 stores across the UK, and a distribution centre in Leicester, employing about 5,500 staff. It is seeking to restructure its UK store portfolio, stemming losses from underperforming outlets, realigning head office costs and paving the way for investment in its core estate and product offering.
Wetherspoons agrees to defer rent payments until 2021 or go monthly
Wetherspoons, which operates 875 pubs across the UK, has unveiled plans to reopen 750 branches in England on 4 July after the UK lockdown forced them to close on 20 March. “We have contacted all our landlords and have agreed individual deals,” a spokesperson from JD Wetherspoons told Property Week. “In some cases, we’ve agreed zero rents while pubs are closed. In other cases, especially involving smaller landlords, we’ve asked for rent deferrals to be paid back in 2021, sometimes with interest. “We’ve usually asked for monthly rents for the next 18 months or so. Landlords have generally been helpful and cooperative, for which we are grateful.”
TRAVEL & TOURISM:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations – added information about providing transport services in areas under local lockdown.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak – added information about travelling into, out of and within areas under local lockdown.
Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for British people travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated as the exemptions to the global advice against all non-essential travel come into effect
Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for British people travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated with a new checklist following the change in travel advice, where some countries will be exempted from the global advisory against non-essential international travel from 4 July.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
You do not have to self-isolate on arrival in England if these are the only places you have been to or stopped in during the previous 14 days.
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 – updated as the travel exemptions come into effect
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak – linking to the list of countries and territories on the travel corridors exemption list.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer air travel for passengers
How to travel safely in airports and on aircraft during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – linking to the list of countries and territories on the travel corridors exemption list.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations – linking to the list of countries and territories on the travel corridors exemption list.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer aviation guidance for operators
Safer travel and working principles for airports and aviation operators – linking to the list of countries and territories on the travel corridors exemption list.
Covid-19 Webinars:
Monday 6th July @ 9am
Transport for the North – How can we build back better
Transport for the North has been busy developing a Northern Infrastructure Pipeline to help the North Build Back Better, and will enable the region to lead the national economic recovery through transport investment, closing the persistent productivity gap between the North and the rest of England. We will also hear about wider infrastructure interventions that can help accelerate Northern growth. Join panellists Andy Burnham, Lord Jim O’Neill, Sarah Longlands and Miranda Baker
Thursday 9th July @ 2pm
The Science of Returning to Work
As organisations plan to return to work following a long period of work from home or shut down, it’s crucial to find the right approach to support workers and ensure a successful return to work. From the right communication to official manager support. Achievers Workforce Institute has looked at the Science of crisis recovery to help guide your return to work processes. Join Dr. Natalie Baumgartner and learn what the latest research and experts are saying about finding a new normal so you can keep your teams engaged and productive. Dr. Natalie Baumgartner is an engagement and culture thought leader and evangelist. She has spent over a decade focused on driving the translation of engagement / culture research and theory into SaaS based software, working to help make it possible for organisations to solve problems and achieve goals that advance their performance. Register HERE
Wednesday 15th July: Northern Powerhouse Education, Employment and Skills Summit (NPEESS2020)
The summit will provide an early opportunity to kick start the debate on what the North needs to do to reboot, rebuild, recover and rebalance
NPEESS2020 brings together policy makers and influencers to look at the impact on education, employment and skills and discuss what the North needs to do to unlock opportunities, deliver growth, boost prosperity and rebalance the economy.
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 links:
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