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 to Tuesday 23rd June:
Total tests: 8,029,757 tests +280,172
Positive tests: 306,210 have tested positive + 921 in last 24 hours
Loss of life: 42,647 across all settings, (+ 171 on previous day)
Cases in Stockport: 1,083 positive tests; 325 people have lost their lives
Stockport Business Recovery – FREE hospitality seminar – Thursday 25th June
Now that the Prime Minister’s next phase to ease out of lockdown has been announced, we are asking whether the new guidelines are a lifeline for the hospitality sector. What else can be done to protect our brewers, restaurants, bars and pubs, chefs and hoteliers, to save jobs and ensure they can survive and thrive?
SK Business Recovery’s next webinar focuses on the hospitality industry with an impressive panel passionate about lobbying to get the businesses up and running again including Emma McClarkin – CEO – The British Pub and Beer Association;
Sacha Lord – co-creator of the Parklife festival and The Warehouse Project and Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester; William Robinson – managing director of Robinsons Brewery (Pub Division) and Ian O’Donnell – head of service, public protection, SMBC.
You are welcome to forward questions prior to the panel to helen@marketingstockport.co.uk and questions may also be put to the panel on Thursday, time allowing. Time: 2pm – 3pm
Venue: via Zoom webinar (a link will be forwarded following registration)
Free to attend. Places are limited so please reserve your place
UK HEADLINES:
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced new measures as part of easing of lockdown in England:
- 2m distancing rule reduced to 1m from 4th July
- From 4th July 2 households of any size can meet in any setting, inside or out
- Reopening of restaurants and pubs from 4th July with new strict guidance
- Hairdressers, hotels, libraries, places of worship, cinemas, museums, outdoor gyms and playgrounds can open from 4th July
- Most tourist attractions may open so long as they can do safely
- All school age children to return from September
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 23 June 2020
Press conference slides and datasets used by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Sir Patrick Vallance.
Answers to the most common topics asked about by the public for the coronavirus press conference
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk level in the UK.
Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers will all be able to reopen from 4 July, the Prime Minister has confirmed, as lockdown measures continue to be eased.
From the same date, two households will be able to meet up in any setting with social distancing measures in place. Accommodation sites will also reopen, as will outdoor gyms and playgrounds, cinemas, museums, galleries, theme parks and arcades. Boris Johnson has set out that where it is not possible to stay two metres apart, guidance will allow people to keep a social distance of one metre-plus. For many, the most welcome news is that two households will be able to gather indoors and stay overnight.
BCC director general Adam Marshall said:
“These steps will enable more companies to reopen and will be cautiously welcomed in our business communities. While the relaxation of the two-metre rule will help more firms increase capacity, we are still a long way from business as usual. Broader efforts to boost business and consumer confidence will still be needed to help firms trade their way out of this crisis. Businesses also need a clear roadmap to recovery, including fresh support for the worst-affected sectors and geographic areas, and broader fiscal measures to get the economy moving again.”
Ged Mason OBE, CEO of the Morson Group:
“While millions of people that are employed in the hospitality sector will breathe a sigh of relief as the 2m social distancing rule is relaxed, it will have a wider impact than in this industry alone. Construction, manufacturing and engineering sectors will also begin to see normality creep back into their working lives, with any loosening of the current legislation providing the opportunity to bring more people back to site and work environments. As social distancing is eased, then projects that are currently relying on just 50 per cent of their usual capacity and resource, for example, will be able to scale up their operations, meaning they are more likely to deliver to original timeframes and budgets. That said, it is imperative that health and safety remains paramount; this process cannot be rushed. The virus is still at large, and any complacency will be a huge risk. It is important to protect jobs, but it is more important to protect lives.”
Jonathan Lamb, chief executive of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum:
The two-metre social distancing reduction is an absolutely vital measure for those in the hospitality industry, including pubs, cafes and restaurants, and has much wider implications for the economy at large. The reduction could represent a huge step towards normality for those businesses where staff cannot work from home or who are unable to fully or partially reopen because of the two-metre restriction. Of even greater significance is the effect it will have on the ability of schools to fully reopen in September, allowing millions of parents to return to work or resume working at full capacity. This is crucial because, if the workforce is not available just as the economy begins to restart, business will be negatively impacted. However, it is important that the government continues to be driven by data and public safety and that the two-metre rule can be relaxed without risking a potential second wave of COVID-19. Ultimately, we have to ensure that if workplaces are planning to reopen, that the health and safety of employees, customers and suppliers is the highest priority.”
Source of quotes: Insider / Bdaily
In an open letter published in the British Medical Journal, ministers were warned that urgent action would be needed to prevent further loss of life. The presidents of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons, Nursing, Physicians, and GPs all signed the letter. It comes after Boris Johnson announced sweeping changes to England’s lockdown. The Department of Health said it would continue to be guided by the latest scientific advice and would give the NHS “whatever it needs”
Meeting people from outside your household from 4 July
How you can see people that you do not live with while protecting yourself and others from coronavirus (COVID-19) from 4 July 2020.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
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 5,150 grants bringing the total amount paid to £59,195,000 and bringing the total now 94% 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 2 of the Local Authority Grant fund scheme is now closed.
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: 352
Payments: £217,500
Stockport – is your business open for business?
Is your business in Stockport? Are you ‘open for business’? Whatever your business, we want to support you. And it’s free! Follow the link, fill in the form and we will add you to our directory:
COMMUNITY:
Meeting people from outside your household from 4 July
How you can see people that you do not live with while protecting yourself and others from coronavirus (COVID-19) from 4 July 2020.
£105 million to keep rough sleepers safe and off the streets during coronavirus pandemic
Interim housing for thousands of rough sleepers taken off the streets during the pandemic to be provided.
Staying safe outside your home
The principles you should follow to ensure that time spent outside your home is as safe as possible – updated to reflect newly announced guidance.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Accessing food and essential supplies
How to get food and other essential supplies during the coronavirus pandemic – added guidance on changes to advice on shielding.
Coronavirus and travel to work: June 2020
This release provides contextual data on travel to work patterns from the Census and Annual Population Survey. It provides data on method of travel to work and distance of travel to work split by industry sectors and workplace location.
CONSTRUCTION:
Fit out contractor tests show 53% have had coronavirus
Fit out contractor Collins Construction has confirmed a 53% positive rate after employees, their families and subcontractors were offered Covid-19 antibody tests. The firm linked-up with the private Corona Test Centre to test 231 people last week. Full results shared with the Enquirer show 53% of the tests – which show if you have already had Covid-19 – came back positive. The high level of positive tests surprised the company because most people were unaware they had been ill or showed only minor symptoms.
EDUCATION:
Directorate Children and Young People DCYP COVID-19
This Directorate Children and Young People (DCYP) COVID-19 page provides important advice and updates for service parents – addition of: Directed letter (update 1) – continuity of education allowance (CEA) – regulatory flexibility in response to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Student number controls
The measures to protect students and universities during the coronavirus outbreak, including temporary student number controls and additional places – added Student number controls: further guidance.
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated to reflect that early years providers are now able to open for all children and to provide additional information on protective measures.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services – Guidance expanded from takeaways to venues providing service at the venue ahead of planned opening, reflect guidance on support bubbles, social distancing, test and trace and feedback from industry.
Opening certain businesses and venues in England from 4 July 2020
Guidance on the further easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions from 4 July 2020.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic.
Hotels and other guest accommodation – Hotels and other guest accommodation guide added.
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 – addition of HTML attachment: ‘Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do after 4 July’
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 – updated 21st June
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic – the visitor economy section added.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Heritage locations section added to guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic.
Furloughing of workers across UK businesses: 18 May to 31 May 2020
These tables provide analysis of Wave 6 of the Business Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Survey (BICS). This complements the analysis of BICS by focusing on the workforce furloughed across responding businesses.
ENVIRONMENT:
CBI: Sustainability will help UK build back better by powering a green recovery
Fast-tracking green investment make rapid progress towards net-zero emissions while delivering sustainable jobs must be key to the recovery plan, CBI says.
The Climate Assembly UK has published the interim results of consultations which show that 79% of assembly members ‘strongly agreed’ or ‘agreed’ that steps taken by the Government to help the economy recover should be designed to help achieve net zero. Assembly members’ most frequently given reasons for agreeing included requests for the Government to: limit, or put conditions on, investment in high carbon industries; rethink and invest in infrastructure; support low carbon industries; make the most of the economic opportunities presented by the path to net zero; deal with COVID-19 and climate change together where possible and take advantage of the current opportunities for change.
HEALTH & HEALTHCARE:
The first healthy volunteer has received a new coronavirus vaccine developed by researchers led by Professor Robin Shattock at Imperial College London.
The phase I trials were funded by UK Research and Innovation as part of the UKRI/DHSC/NIHR COVID-19 rapid research response. The study will be the first time the vaccine has been trialled in humans and will test whether it is well-tolerated and produces an effective immune response against COVID-19.
PHE data series on deaths in people with COVID-19: technical summary
A summary of the PHE data series on deaths in people with COVID-19, outlining what the changes mean and how the data compare to other COVID-19 death data series.
Staying alert and safe (social distancing)
New guidance added to the most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives.
MOD funds predictive sepsis test for coronavirus patients
Dstl spin-out firm Ploughshare Innovations funds revolutionary test that can predict whether coronavirus patients will develop Sepsis before symptoms appear
HOSPITALITY:
The British Beer and Pub Association has welcomed the reopening of pubs from 4 July and the reduction of social distancing rules.
While it is disappointed not to have had the three weeks’ notice the industry needed to ensure a full reopening it thinks a ‘good number’ of pubs will be able to do so, though it does have concerns about the collection and storage of customer data. The BPPA said the clear and definitive re-opening date was a much needed boost to the beer and pub sector, giving it the certainty and confidence it needed.
Guidance for DCMS sectors in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport sectors in response to coronavirus.
JUDICIARY:
Courts and tribunals tracker list during coronavirus outbreak
This page holds a tracker list of open, staffed and suspended courts during the coronavirus outbreak – updated
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and prisons
This page provides guidance for families and friends of those in prison in England and Wales during the coronavirus pandemic – updated to say restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic remain in place.
PROPERTY:
Act now on possessions to minimise court delay warns UK law firm
Irwin Mitchell has in recent weeks noted a rise in inquiries from landlords seeking to recover possession of a property still in the infancy of an assured shorthold tenancy agreement, many of which had been entered into since March 2020, when the Coronavirus pandemic gripped the nation. The majority of these situations occurred because the landlord was eager to let the property because it was, or was due to be, vacant. As a result, the landlord’s investigation into a prospective tenant was often reduced, a fact which is coming home to haunt some landlords now.
Changes to notifying an option to tax land and buildings during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Check temporary changes to the time limit and rules for notifying an option to tax land and buildings – extended the time limit from the date the decision to opt was made. This now applies to decisions made between 15 February 2020 and 31 October 2020.
RETAIL:
JD Sports is set to reacquire Go Outdoors out of administration in a move to restructure the outdoor clothing and equipment retailer and “preserve as many jobs as possible”.
Having reported here yesterday that Go Outdoors had been placed in administration and Michael Magnay and Daniel Butters of Deloitte appointed as joint administrators, JD Sports Fashion, via newly incorporated subsidiary JD Newco 1, has re-acquired the business and assets of Go for consideration of £56.5m. JD Sports said that, following the Covid-19 outbreak, the future viability of the Go Outdoors business had become “materially uncertain”.
JD cited the business operating costs of the business, in particular the terms of the property leases, and it was determined that it was “not in the best interests of the wider group” to provide continued financial support to Go in its existing form. The decision to restructure the company was taken after considering a number of strategic options, including a potential sale. On administration, Go operated 67 standalone stores and a trading website. An initial 12 month licence has been taken to occupy all of the outlets. All staff have also transferred to the new company.
TRAVEL:
Second home owners and buyers allowed back to Spain
British holidaymakers, second home owners and prospective buyers of Spanish properties will no longer be required to quarantine upon arrival in Spain – although they will still have to isolate for 14 days when returning to the UK, while Spanish tourists and visitors to the UK will have to do the same. For several months, people were only allowed out of their homes to buy food, and children were not even permitted to go outside for exercise. Since late May, Sanchez has slowly relaxed the restrictions as Spain has got a greater handle on the virus, allowing the country to open up its economy, allowing children back to school in June and now reopening its vital tourism industry. Late on Saturday, Arancha Gonzelez, Spain’s Foreign Minister, confirmed that British travellers would not have to quarantine despite the UK still making people arriving self-isolate.
PM Johnson gives green light to England’s tourism industry
In a Commons statement, the Prime Minister said “self-contained accommodation, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, as well as campsites” could reopen provided they observed hygiene guidelines. Social distancing is also being reduced to one metre. The relaxation of rules means up to two households can stay together in holiday accommodation. He added: “Most leisure facilities and tourist attractions will reopen if they can do so safely.” These included theme parks, museums, galleries, cinemas and arcades. However, waterparks, nightclubs and swimming pools will remain closed.
Covid-19 Webinars:
25th June: Staying healthy at home, move & stretch class More info / Book here
Business Growth Hub webinars:
Find out more details and how to book below or on the website.
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.