Check out our roundup of the latest updates for the week ending 11th Sepetember 2020 in the small business world, including details of a new grant to support small businesses forced to close due to local lockdown restrictions, and where you can register for a free test and trace platform, after the government announced it is to become mandatory in certain venues.
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Small business owners who have been forced to close their premises due to local lockdown restrictions are set to receive a government grant to support them through the pandemic. With businesses in certain sectors still subject to local restrictions in locations such as Leicester and Bolton, the government has responded to calls for further support with this grant.
See the details below:
The government states that the scheme provides a safety net to further protect jobs where a business is required to close. Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed that grants are currently available in the following locations:
If you’re a business owner in one of the above locations, contact your local authority to apply now.
If your business has been forced to close due to localised lockdowns or if you are preparing for the return of employees to the workplace, you should take the appropriate steps to limit the risk of the spread of infection before re-opening your doors.
We’ve listed 7 steps you can take to help make your workplace Covid friendly:
Read the article for an in-depth explanation on each step and a free downloadable checklist to record your progress.
Business owners in the hospitality industry must adapt their premises to adapt to new guidelines, after the government placed a ban on social gatherings of more than six people. The rule, which applies to indoor and outdoor spaces, means adjustments will have to be made to seating arrangements in pubs, restaurants, cafes etc to ensure that groups of 6 maintain social distance from other groups.
Visit here for the full implications for restaurants and pubs.
With the Eat Out to Help Out scheme drawing to its close last week, the platform to claim reimbursements for discounts given is now live. With the 57,000 registered restaurants providing 51 discounted meals in England alone, vast amounts of the government is set to reimburse participating businesses. See below for information on how and when you can receive your funds.
Log on to your government gateway to submit your claim in time.
Small businesses are continuing to be affected by Coronvairus, particularly in The North of England and Leicester where certain sectors are subject to lockdown restrictions.
See below for the guidelines in the two locations:
Visit gov.uk for the full guidance, relating to Leicester and the North of England.
As small businesses continue to feel the financial impact of Coronavirus, we’ve added to our business toolbox to highlight free digital solutions for your business to help cut your costs. With options available for your website, finance, design and more, check out the article for the digital solution for your business.
See below for the latest additions:
Business owners in the hospitality sector will soon be forced to collect and store the records of visitors to their venue, after the government announced that Test and Trace will become compulsory to certain hospitality businesses in England. Test and Trace stores the contact details of customers, helping to trace close recent contacts of anyone who tests positive for coronavirus.
See below for what is currently known:
With previous government advice encouraging food venues to support Test and Trace, some hospitality businesses already have a system. If this does not apply to your business, sign up for Sprout’s free platform, where you can register customers, store their details and access records efficiently.
Register here.
