Stockport Grants Scheme
“Applications for the ARG discretionary grant funding for businesses that continue to be negatively affected by the pandemic, which is being administered on behalf of the government by the Council, continue to be received and are being processed as quickly as possible. The applications are processed in the order in which they have been received.
“Due to the high level of applications received, the ARG funding provided is going to be fully used and the scheme will not be able to support all of the applications made. Please be reminded that applying for an ARG grant will not guarantee that a grant will be paid if the ARG funds have been fully used before an application is processed.” Scroll down for more information
UK NEWS UPDATES:
KPMG celebrates ‘robust’ performance despite Covid
KPMG has hailed a ‘robust’ performance in its annual results, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, and outlined plans for investment to support future growth. Manchester senior partner Warren Middleton also hailed the strong performance from its deals, tax and consulting teams in the North-West.
The firm posted growth of 10 per cent, with revenue rising from £2.14bn to £2.35bn, and profit before tax increasing from £288m to £436m. Growth in FY21 was driven by the resurgence of the M&A market, with net sales in the firm’s deal advisory practice increasing by 31 per cent to £357m. Demand from private sector clients for digital transformation services drove a 13 per cent increase in net sales in the consulting practice to £646m. The firm’s audit practice grew net sales by 5 per cent to £634m, while its tax and legal division achieved growth of 8 per cent with net sales reaching £402m. During the year, KPMG completed the sale of its restructuring business and unveiled a transformation programme to invest in the firm.
UK’s Levelling Up Plan revealed
Long-promised plans to close the gap between rich and poor parts of the country have been announced by the government. The strategy, unveiled by Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove, will take until 2030 and aims to improve services such as education, broadband and transport. Mr Gove said it would
“shift both money and power into the hands of working people”.
Mr Gove told the BBC the strategy was not aimed at providing new funding but ensuring it is spent effectively on local priorities. Prime Minister Boris Johnson put “levelling up” at the heart of the Conservatives’ election-winning manifesto in 2019.
Covid vaccines offered to vulnerable five-to-11-year-olds
Young children between the ages of five and 11 considered most at risk of coronavirus will be offered Covid jabs from Monday in England.
The move comes after the UK drugs regulator approved a low-dose version of a Covid vaccine for children last month, deeming it safe and effective.
Eligible children include those with learning disabilities and long-term conditions, such as diabetes. Cases in young children are rising, but for most, infections are not severe. Some of those most at risk are more vulnerable to serious illness, and those living with vulnerable adults could pass the infection on.
In December 2021 the government’s vaccine advisers, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, recommended around 500,000 young children at highest risk be given the jabs.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Greater Manchester adults who test positive for COVID-19 urged to sign up to world-leading study for antiviral treatments
Researchers in Greater Manchester are encouraging adults who test positive for coronavirus to sign-up for a world-first study investigating the effectiveness of new oral antiviral treatments which can be safely taken at home. The Platform Adaptive trial of NOvel antiviRals for eArly treatMent of COVID-19 In the Community (PANORAMIC) study has already enrolled over 6,400 participants from every corner of the UK since it opened in December. However, the research team still needs thousands more participants to achieve the trial’s first recruitment target and generate the evidence to enable the antiviral drug molnupiravir to be clinically deployed to those who will benefit as soon as possible. The government and leading charities, including Kidney Care UK, Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Diabetes UK and the British Liver Trust, are also calling on eligible people to take part.
Manchester Airport Jobs Fair to highlight hundreds of live vacancies
Jobseekers will have the opportunity to learn about hundreds of live vacancies at Manchester Airport at a jobs fair taking place on 10th February. Manchester Airports Group (MAG) is looking to recruit for over 500 staff in passenger security, in addition to further customer service, car parks and hospitality positions at the Northern hub. Further jobs are also available with over a dozen businesses operating out of Manchester Airport, including airlines, contractors and retailers.
Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund invests over £300m in northern-based firms
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF) has directly invested more than £300m into 952 businesses across the North of England. The investment is alongside an additional £400m of private sector co-investment, taking its total delivery to in excess of £700m. Launched in 2017, the fund aims to address market gaps and regional imbalances in access to finance. The milestone is a result of 1,280 investments into businesses across a range of size, sectors and locations spread widely across the NPIF region. In total, the fund has provided £122m in equity finance, £162m in debt finance and £19m in microfinance. The most active sector for NPIF investments to date has been advanced manufacturing, with support provided to companies working in a dynamic range of sectors. This includes renewable energy and ecommerce, technology, media and telecoms and health and life sciences.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Three drivers behind H&M’s post-Covid recovery as profits soar
Covid-19 has hit the fashion industry hard over the past two years but one of the world’s largest clothing retailers, H&M, heralded a “strong recovery” last week as full-year profits increased nearly sevenfold in the year to November 30, 2021.
H&M is now focused on growth and chief executive Helena Helmersson has set out ambitious plans to double group sales by 2030 while halving its carbon emissions. Retail Gazette looked at ways in which the fashion retailer has managed to bounce back from the effects of the pandemic including investing in online; attracting Gen Z shoppers and building an agile supply chain.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection – added information on what to do if someone has a negative follow-up PCR test after a positive LFD test. Updated information on the exemption from self-isolation for those aged between 18 years 0 months and 18 years 6 months.
Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
For contacts of a person with a positive test result for COVID-19 who do not live with that person.
CONSTRUCTION:
Post Covid: Half of main contractors paying in 30 days or less
The country’s main contractors have dramatically improved payment times with around half on average now paying at 30 days or less.
The sharp improvement in average payment of invoices among the 34 leading contractors quashes fears the industry was set to return to poor payment practices because of the pandemic. Much of the improvement is being driven by a cluster of contractors paying much faster at 25 days or less. There are also now fewer outliers clinging on to draconian payment regimes as the Government seeks to roll-out construction playbook best practice.
EDUCATION:
Get help with technology: conditions of internet access and device grants
Information about the eligibility criteria and payment process for connectivity and device funding – his page has been updated to include the devices and connectivity grant claim form and guidance on how to complete the form.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK: characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19, 2 February 2022
Characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19 from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey. This survey is being delivered in partnership with University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England and ?Wellcome?Trust.?This study is jointly led by the ONS and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) working with the University of Oxford and Lighthouse Laboratory to collect and test samples.
Coronavirus and behaviour of the vaccinated population after being in contact with a positive case in England: 10 January to 15 January 2022
Behaviour of fully vaccinated individuals not required to self-isolate after being in contact with a positive case of COVID-19, from the COVID Test and Trace Contacts Behavioural Insights Survey. Experimental Statistics.
UKHSA data series on deaths in people with COVID-19: technical summary
Summary of the UKHSA data series on deaths in people with COVID-19, outlining what the changes mean and how the data compares to other COVID-19 death data series.
PROPERTY:
Levelling Up housing reforms to change economy by 2030
The government’s new Levelling Up White Paper revealed this morning includes a radical reshaping of the private rental sector. Section 21 eviction powers will be removed, and Housing Secretary Michael Gove says this will “end the unfair situation where renters can be kicked out of their homes for no reason.” In addition, all homes in the private rental sector will have to meet a minimum standard to be known as the Decent Homes Standard. The White Paper does not stop there. It adds: “We will consult on introducing a landlord’s register and will set out plans for a crackdown on rogue landlords – making sure fines and bans stop repeat offenders leaving renters in terrible conditions.”
TRANSPORT:
TRAVEL:
GOV & BBC UK daily coronavirus data:
There have been 17 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 156,000 people have died, government figures show. Over 52 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, 91% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. 84% have had their second and 65% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 17,428,345 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 112,458 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 15,669 (336 more than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 219
Total UK deaths: 156,875
England Cases per 100,000: 1,100
R number in UK: 0.8-1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 52,360,487 – 91% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 84%
Daily 1st doses: 15,329
Daily 2nd doses: 24,275
Daily Booster doses: 39,062
The R value and growth rate
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19).
ThThe R range for England is 0.7 to 0.9; the growth rate for England is -6 to -2 as of 28th January
COVID-19: estimated administrative vaccine uptake for people aged 18 and over
Daily percentage of the UK population aged 18 and over who have received a first dose, second dose, or third or booster dose to date.
Latest Stockport coronavirus data:
Despite a drop in Covid rates over the past fortnight, the fall has begun to level off and we are still seeing very high rates in Stockport, which are currently at 797.5* per 100,000 or around 334.3 per day. See the latest published data online.
Total Stockport cases: 86,909 to 1 February
Cases in the latest week: 2,589 (58 less compared with previous week)
Total deaths: 832 to January 28th
Cases per 100,000: 880 per 100,000 (22 to 28 Jan)
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 86% of over 12s to 27 January
2nd dose: 81%
3rd / booster dose: 64%
Stockport Business Rates Related Schemes:
Omicron Hospitality and Leisure grant:
NOTE: The closing date for applications is at midnight on 18 February 2022. We will not accept any applications after this date.
- The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant is a one-off grant to support businesses that offer in-person services in a fixed rate-paying premises.
- Businesses that were trading on 30 December 2021 may be eligible to apply for the grant.
- Businesses that offer more than one service may only be eligible if 50% or more of their overall income comes from hospitality, leisure or accommodation.
How much will businesses receive?
Businesses that have a rateable value:
- of £15,000 or less on 30 December 2021 will receive a payment of £2,667
- between £15,001 and £50,999 on 30 December 2021 will receive a payment of £4,000
- of £51,000 or more on 30 December 2021 will receive a payment of £6,000
What are the Tax implications?
- Grant income received by a business is taxable. The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant will need to be included as income in the tax return of the business.
- Only businesses that make an overall profit once the grant income is included will be subject to tax.
- Payments made to businesses before 5 April 2022 will fall into the 2021/22 tax year. Unincorporated businesses will be taxed when they receive the grant income.
Business Grant Subsidy Allowance:
- Businesses will be subject to the financial limits set out in the Business Grant Subsidy Allowance.
- Businesses will be entitled to receive a grant for each eligible premises.
Applications are now open. Visit Stockport Council website for full information and application – Omicron Hospitality and Leisure grant – Stockport Council
COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF):
The fund will be available to support those businesses affected by the pandemic but that are ineligible for existing support linked to business rates.
The Stockport scheme is currently being developed.
Further details will be on the Council website when available – check this link regularly for updates – Financial support for businesses and employers – Stockport Council
Additional Restrictions Grant:
ARG is a Discretionary Grant Scheme that has been operating over a series of funding allocations from Government.
Round 2 Top Up:
The latest scheme with round 2 top up funding opened in November 2021. Information and application is on Stockport Council web page at this link – https://www.stockport.gov.uk/additional-restrictions-grant
Round 3 Top Up:
Round 3 top up funding allocation has now been received and must be used by 31/03/22. Most businesses are eligible to apply if still experiencing negative impact from Covid pandemic.
Applying for an ARG:
- Businesses can apply for a grant from both top up 2 and 3 allocations but separate need to be submitted from businesses for each round of funding (Government requirement).
- If businesses have applied for ARG before 21/12/21, then they can submit a further application now.
- If businesses applied after 21/12/21 then no need to do anything further – if not applied at all yet then apply ASAP.
- Applications will be processed on first come first served basis until funds are exhausted so applying does not guarantee success in getting a grant if funds have been exhausted at that time
Current status on payments:
Total discretionary grant funding of £2.35m total to be used by 31/03/2022 (includes latest £550k top up)
- 767 applications received by 18th January 2022
- 49% of applications fully processed
- £1.1m grant funding released by 18th January 2022
- Average grant payment of £3,271
- 399 further applications to process
Covid-19 Webinars:
Brexit Webinars:
Exporting: Actions you need to take now: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? ?January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
LATEST LINKS:
Home workers can claim £26 tax relief for job expenses
If you’ve asked your employees to work from home, and you’ve not reimbursed them already, your employees may be entitled to claim tax relief on additional household expenses they’ve incurred, such as heating and lighting.
New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes.
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions for employers and gateways receiving the Kickstart Scheme grant from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online.
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
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.
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.
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
Stockport Council’s FREE job matching website helps 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
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
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.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
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
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
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.
Health updates:
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
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.
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.
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