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 Wednesday 3rd June:
Total tests: 4,786,219 UK tests have been carried out (+ 171,829)
Positive tests: 279,856 have tested positive – (+ 1,871 on previous day)
In hospital: 7,485 are currently in hospital – (-16% from 8,921 last week)
Loss of life: 39,728 across all settings, (+ 359 on previous day)
Cases in Stockport: 1,054 (no new cases in last 24 hours )
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.
Government daily briefing by the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson:
“Update on three steps to preventing a second wave of infections”:
- NHS test and trace vital to control the spread of the disease. Data gathered from test and trace initiative will inform and help to replace national lockdowns with individual isolation and / or local action in the event of a localised outbreak
- Introduction of public health measures at UK borders from Monday 8th June to prevent import of the virus from abroad. Arrivals to the UK will self-isolate for 14 days. Exemptions include medics and essential services. Policy to be reviewed in 3 weeks. Possibility of introducing air-bridges with other countries
- Effective international action required to reduce global impact of coronavirus and prevent return of the virus to the UK. UK to host 50 countries at Global Vaccine Summit to raise $7.4 billion for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance to fund immunisation of 300 million children in poorest countries against deadly diseases, to help shore up poorer healthcare systems and stem the return of the virus to the UK
Transcript of PM’s full statement on Wednesday 3rd June
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 3 June
Press conference slides used by 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
UK HEADLINES:
Travel Industry warns of job losses as new UK quarantine rules confirmed
“The concept of ’air bridges’ must be looked at with urgency to allow travel to low-risk countries while protecting the public from high-risk arrivals.
“We urge the government to devote the resource necessary to move to this more targeted, common sense approach to international arrivals as soon as possible – as our competitors are doing.
“As the aviation sector faces yet more uncertainty and reduced traffic numbers, due to the quarantine policy, the chancellor needs to provide further financial and business support to an already struggling sector.
“Another prolonged period with limited to no revenue will damage the sector and hinder the UK’s overall economic recovery.”
Consumer confidence post-Covid-19: new research highlights importance of measures to reassure customers
As France reopens its cafes, bars, restaurants, campsites, gyms, swimming pools, beaches and lakes today, new research commissioned by People 1st International provides encouraging signs that Britons are ready to return if the correct measures for health and safety are in place. The findings also highlight that the younger generation will be a driving force when it comes to kick-starting the visitor economy.
Two thousand people aged 18 and above took part in the research, which focuses on the behavioural attitudes and factors impacting a return to leisure activities such as pubs and bars, restaurants, holidays, non-food shopping and visiting local attractions.
Asked about what would influence their decision to take part in these activities, more than half of respondents cited the importance of the following five factors:
• Crowd levels (69%)
• Ability to social distance (64%)
• Confidence in infection control measures (63%)
• Cleanliness and hygiene (61%)
• Confidence that staff have been trained in these new measures (54%)
Whilst both men and women consider these factors important, women appear to be more cautious. For example, 73% of women are concerned about how crowded a location might be, 66% (women) are concerned about cleanliness and 60% of women want to be confident that staff have been trained in safety and hygiene.
IOD Survey: Business debt will slow recovery without action
The Institute of Directors has warned that business debt will slow the recovery from coronavirus. A survey of directors found that 51% think debt taken on during the crisis will harm their organisation’s recovery, while 57% said it would hold up their investment plans for the next two years. It is proposing that loans to small companies are turned into ‘student loans’, with companies repaying them when they return to profit and paying a percentage of what they earn over a certain time period.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
2 Stockport Exchange completed despite coronavirus restrictions
As the programme of invest and regeneration continues across the town centre, a second new Grade A office building has been completed, despite the restrictions imposed by Covid-19. 2 Stockport Exchange, a 61,500 sq ft office building forming part of the wider £145m transformation of the new business district, will become the UK headquarters of global chemical company, BASF, who are moving from their current base in Cheadle Hulme. The scheme is being delivered by Stockport council in partnership with Muse Developments and is central to the council’s ambitious £1bn town centre regeneration programme, including a new transport interchange. Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation, set up last year, will spearhead the regeneration which will also create new mixed-use urban quarter with 3,500 homes and up to 1 million sq ft of commercial space.
Stockport ecommerce start-up grows team 50% during lockdown
Stockport based start-up, Shopblocks, has grown its team by over 50% during the last two months due to increased customer demand for its ecommerce platform. Shopblocks’ platform allows businesses to create their own ecommerce website using their own technology which offers greater flexibility to businesses to manage their site compared to traditional template-based products, reducing developer costs of launching an online store. The Stockport start-up also offers an optional onboarding service to manage the entire set-up of a customer’s ecommerce site.
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for Q2 2020 is now open. From late March, when COVID-19 was declared a pandemic and the government was required to enforce lockdown measures, the Chamber has been running the GM Business Monitor series of surveys Earlier this week, we combined the Economic Survey for Q2 2020 with the Business Monitor. This is a vital piece of research that has tracked economic activity since the onset of COVID-19 and the results will form part of over three decades of economic data gathered through our Quarterly Economic Surveys. Now, more than ever, the voice of business is important because this quarter’s survey is one of the most important in a lifetime, and one that local and national government will refer to, while making important decisions that affect businesses and their workers. Please take five minutes to fill in the survey and we will make sure that your views are heard!
Over 5,000 Stockport businesses benefited from grant fund scheme
Stockport businesses grant funding payments:
Main Grant Scheme: Over
Stockport Council have administered a further 15 grants bringing the total amount paid to £57,580,000 across 5,002 qualifying businesses and bringing the total now to 91.3% 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 Fund
Phase 1 of the scheme is now closed.
Process of payments begins on Friday 5th June
Phase 1 Applications received to 3rd June: total 212
Bed & Breakfast: 2
Small Charity: 5
Market Trader: 10
Shared Building: 159
Other: 36
Stockport – is your business open for business?
Is your business in Stockport? Are you ‘open for business’?
Many businesses have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak and are currently unable to trade due to Government restrictions but Stockport is still open for business. Are you still providing legal / financial services? Perhaps you have an online business? Or you have a food store. Are you offering a delivery service? Or perhaps you have a restaurant and are now offering take-aways? 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:
https://marketingstockport.co.uk/stockport-open-for-business/
AGRICULTURE & RURAL AFFAIRS:
Rural Payments Agency update – June 2020
Read this update for information about our schemes – Countryside Stewardship, Environmental Stewardship and the Basic Payment Scheme.
Coming to the UK for seasonal agricultural work on English farms
Advice for seasonal agricultural workers coming to England to work on farms and their employers.
CHARITIES:
Financial support for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to respond to coronavirus (COVID-19)
The government has pledged £750 million to ensure VCSE can continue their vital work supporting the country during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including £200 million for the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, along with an additional £150 million from dormant bank and building society accounts – updated to reflect passed application deadlines
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) rough sleeper accommodation survey data: May 2020
New management information about the support for rough sleepers and those at risk of rough sleeping during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Short-term options for health, welfare and financial decisions
Find out about the ways people can make certain decisions for you or do certain things on your behalf – wording altered so as not to discourage people from taking out an LPA at the minute
Making and Registering a Lasting Power Of Attorney, LPA, during coronavirus
If you want to make an LPA now, you can still do so while observing government guidance on social distancing, self-isolating and shielding.
CONSTRUCTION:
Both firms were ousted from the scheme last November for failing to honour their Code commitment to pay 95% of all supplier invoices within 60 days. Kier Highways was paying 79% of invoices in 60 days and that has now improved to 98%. Seddon was paying 19% of invoices in 60 days and is now paying 92%.
Interim Small Business Commissioner, Philip King said:
The current pandemic crisis is placing an extraordinary pressure on the cashflow of businesses and it is more important than ever that Code signatories honour their payment practice commitments. It is encouraging to see suspended signatories now adhering to the requirements of the Code and being reinstated but the companies who continue to treat their suppliers unfairly remains a concern.”
EDUCATION:
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What schools need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak updated to reflect the announcement by the Prime Minister that the government’s 5 tests have been met and the decision, based on all the evidence, to move forward with the wider opening of education and childcare settings.
School governance update
Important news and communications from the Department for Education (DfE) relating to governance in maintained schools and academy trusts in England.
Preparing for the wider opening of schools from 1 June
Updated the planning guides for school leaders to help them prepare to open their schools for more pupils during the coronavirus outbreak, reflecting the announcement by the Prime Minister about the decision, based on all the evidence, to move forward with wider opening of education and childcare settings. Links have also been added in the primary schools guide, to the planning guide for early years settings, and the updated attendance reporting guidance.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
Global stocks hit three-month highs on economic recovery hopes
Global stock markets are marching higher, cheered by better-than-expected economic news in the US, Europe and China which boosted hopes of economic recovery from the Covid-19 crisis. Markets have shrugged off the growing protests against police brutality in the US after the killing of George Floyd in police custody. The protests have been largely peaceful, despite a forceful police response. Oil prices also rallied to three-month highs, with Brent crude rising above $40 a barrel, before falling back as doubts crept in over the timing and scale of a potential extension of production cuts agreed between the Opec cartel and its allies. Gold and silver prices, which rallied at the start of the week amid safe-haven buying, fell, with spot silver down 3% to $17.49 an ounce.
The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill debated in the House of Commons The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill will implement reforms to the insolvency and corporate governance framework, together with temporary measures to support continued trading through the crisis. This Bill will help companies by:
- Giving them breathing space in this uncertain time of coronavirus;
- Ensuring they are temporarily protected from creditor action during the coronavirus emergency; and
- Reducing pressures on directors so they can focus on keeping their businesses going.
Coronavirus support from Business Representative Organisations and Trade Associations
Business Representative Organisations and Trade Associations are providing coronavirus related support for specific sectors.
Update from the Small Business Commissioner on late payment support through the coronavirus virus
It is more important than ever to ensure small businesses are paid on time. Many small businesses are reaching out for assistance, with disputes over delayed payments or in some cases, non-payment because of the financial hardship being experienced by all sectors during this difficult time. As many small business owners are directly or indirectly impacted by Covid 19, they will be eager to get back on their feet, so keeping on top of the business basics and maintaining cash flow by getting the money in for work carried out or goods supplied is paramount. The Small Business Commissioner has helped small businesses recover over £7.2 million owed to them (Dec 17 – May 2020) and £500,000 specifically during the coronavirus crisis.
Trade Credit Insurance backed by £10 billion guarantee
Government to provide guarantees of up to £10 billion to Trade Credit Insurance schemes for business-to-business transactions
Coronavirus guidance for Companies House customers, employees and suppliers.
From 1 June 2020, there will be an exception to the suspension of strike off activity. In cases where our law enforcement partners have concluded that companies are no longer in operation following an investigation, the registrar will continue with strike off action for those companies.
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. In this latest update there is more news for our boating customers. Meanwhile, we continue to follow the government’s guidance for blue light services to ensure those in critical roles can continue with their essential work.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice to local authorities on prioritising waste collections
A guide to help waste collectors prioritise their collection services during the coronavirus pandemic. Updated the guidance on HWRCs to reflect that there are no restrictions on taking journeys to local HWRCs to dispose of waste.
HEALTH & HEALTHCARE:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice on COVID-19 virus testing for critical workers and their household members who are self-isolating because they’re showing symptoms – both attachments have been updated in the following ways: eligibility criteria has been amended, how to get test results without a valid email or mobile number has been added, detail has been added to the explanation of who gives data to who and a greater emphasis has been placed on informing employers of positive test results.
Public Health England: National COVID-19 surveillance reports
Added sero-prevalence surveillance information to national COVID-19 surveillance reports, including weekly summary of findings monitored through various COVID-19 surveillance systems.
Home Secretary oral statement on health measures at the border
The Home Secretary delivered an oral statement to the House of Commons on health measures being introduced at the border in response to coronavirus.
COVID-19: background information
Updated global case numbers to information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features.
Assessment and procurement of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests
How the government assesses offers of COVID-19 tests from developers for procurement and use in the UK.
COVID-19: PHE laboratory assessments of molecular tests
PHE has undertaken rapid assessments of commercially provided diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection with further evaluations ongoing.
3D printing (additive manufacturing) of medical devices or component parts during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
The requirements on manufacturing 3D printing will depend on whether the item is classed as a medical device or personal protective equipment (PPE).
IT & TECHNOLOGY:
Zoom sees sales boom amid pandemic
At its peak, the firm counted more than 300 million daily participants in virtual meetings, while paying customers have more than tripled. The dramatic uptake has the potential to change the firm’s path. Zoom said it expects sales as high as $1.8bn (£1.4bn) this year – roughly double what it forecast in March.
Academics develop online Covid-19 risk tool
More than 150 experts from 35 countries have developed an online tool to estimate the risk of contracting and spreading the virus. Your Covid-19 Risk collects data internationally, which the team hopes will be able inform governments and health agencies on the best measures to take for their region.
JUDICIARY:
Courts and tribunals tracker list during coronavirus outbreak
Tracker list of open, staffed and suspended courts during the coronavirus outbreak updated.
TRANSPORT:
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Department of Transport provides statistics on transport use by mode, published every Wednesday.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Driver CPC card validity for lorry, bus and coach drivers
Changes to the validity of Driver CPC cards held by lorry, bus and coach drivers – driver CPC card enforcement relaxation revoked.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): how to self-isolate when you travel to the UK
Sets out how to self-isolate if you arrive in the UK on or after 8 June 2020. You will not be allowed to leave the place you’re staying for the first 14 days you’re in the UK.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travellers exempt from English border rules
This guidance explains who will be exempt from new English border rules introduced due to coronavirus and what those exempt need to show at the border to enter the UK. The rules will apply to travellers to the UK from 8 June 2020
Covid-19 Webinars:
4th June: Social distancing in business More info / book here
4th June: Build Back Better More info / book here
5th June: How to keep your team motivated More info / book here
11th June: Employment – CV and interview tips More info / book here
18th June: Thriving through disruption More info / book here
Business Growth Hub:
Find out more details and how to book below or on the website.
Make your workplace COVID-secure:
2nd June: Offices and contact centres
3rd June: Homes – for people working in, visiting, delivering to homes
You can find recordings of webinars covering other types of workplace settings 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/
As part of our offer to clients on EnterprisingYou we provide free training and personal development activities in areas that would enable them to enhance their skills and further develop their business. This is delivered by our own staff and approved partners. The current activities on offer include topics such as managing cashflow, using social media, networking and marketing but we will also try and source niche activities where possible. We are always interested in increasing what we can offer to clients, so if you are, or know, a training provider that would like to come onto our framework, please visit our partners section on the website or access the tender information page at https://in-tendhost.co.uk/manchestergrowthcompany/aspx/ProjectManage/86
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!
Useful links:
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.