Government sets out a timeline for retail to reopen in June

On Monday 25 May, the government announced a roadmap for re-opening a broader range of shops starting from next month. 

From 1 June, it intends to allow outdoor markets to re-open, subject to all premises being made COVID-secure, as well as car showrooms, which often have significant outdoor space and where it is generally easier to apply social distancing.

From 15 June, the government intends to allow all other retailers to re-open, ranging from shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets, if the government’s five tests are metand they follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines. 

Businesses will only be able to open from these dates once they have completed a risk assessment, in consultation with trade union representatives or workers, and are confident they are managing the risks. They must have taken the necessary steps to become COVID-19 secure in line with the current health and safety legislation.

Updated guidance for the retail sector has been published alongside this announcement, detailing the measures retailers should take to meet the necessary social distancing and hygiene standards.  Businesses can also download posters and other assets here to provide reassurance to customers and employees that the guidance is being followed.

We would also like retailers to think about how they can make sure shoppers queue safely outside their stores. Shop owners may want to talk to neighbouring stores about how best to keep queuing customers apart from each other and safe.

We would like to understand how we can help support retail businesses within our district with this transition back to work.  If you are a retail business, please help us by completing this short questionnaire.

► COVID-19 working safely in shops and branches video

► Recorded Webinar: Guidance for people who run shops, branches, stores or similar environments

Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay rebate scheme

The government’s Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay rebate scheme is now live.

If you’re an employer with fewer than 250 employees, you can now claim for Coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). You can also speak to your tax agent about making claims on your behalf.

The repayment will cover up to two weeks of the applicable rate of SSP. The information on eligibility and how to make a claim can be found here.

For more information about this Coronavirus support measure, you can also sign-up to HMRC’s Statutory Sick Pay Scheme Webinar. 

Free Webinar: Grow your business digitally with social media

Small Business Britain & BT Skills for Tomorrow have partnered up to deliver digital skills to small businesses. Todd from Spaghetti Agency will host a webinar covering the social media skills needed to help grow your business. This will include exciting interactive digital training and really practical help, advice and bite sized hints and tips.

The webinar will take place on Thursday 4th June from 11:00 to 12:00. You can register your interest here.

Update on small business and cash grants

Grants have now been issued to 95% of eligible businesses in our district.

We have paid out £27.36 million in small business and cash grants (within the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors) to support 2,343 businesses.

We want to still encourage the small number of businesses in our district yet to come forward to make their claim.

Amounts of up to £25,000 or £10,000 are available and businesses will not need to pay the money back.

You can check your eligibility using this tool.

If you run a business which is eligible, but have not yet made your claim, please email busrates@braintree.gov.uk as soon as possible.

If your business is ineligible, we can still help you find other forms of support. Please email economicd@braintree.gov.uk for that help, advice and support.

Update on the discretionary grant funds scheme

We have been allocated £1.5 million from central government to support certain small businesses which were previously outside the scope of the other grant fund schemes. This additional fund will be aimed at small businesses with ongoing fixed property-related costs.

We are currently developing a scheme in accordance with the guidance issued by the government and details of the criteria and application process will be released via our communication channels soon.

NHS test and trace: workplace guidance 

The NHS test and trace service forms a central part of the government’s coronavirus (COVID-19) recovery strategy, which seeks to help the nation return to normal as soon as possible for as many people as possible, in a way that is safe and protects the NHS and social care sector.

Once launched, this service will also play a vital role in providing an early warning if COVID-19 activity is increasing locally, regionally or nationally. This information will then be used to inform the government’s approach to stop the spread of the virus.

This guidance explains how employers and businesses can play their part in the NHS test and trace programme to slow the spread of the virus, protect the health and care system and save lives.

Horizon 120 takes another step forward

Construction works on the roads at the new Horizon 120 Business and Innovation Park in Great Notley has started.

Balfour Beatty is taking the lead on the build of two access roads and a central spine road on the business park site.

The 65 acre (Horizon 120) site was bought with the aim of creating an employment site fit for the future which attracts new businesses into the district and offers residents high quality jobs.

The business park will offer flexible business accommodation, state-of-the-art energy efficient buildings and electric vehicle charging points. 

The Marshgate Group will take the lead on the delivery of the employment facilities for the park. The commercial property developer is already talking to a number of well-established companies keen to relocate their growing businesses to the future-proofed site.

You can read the full story here.

Businesses interested in finding out more should visit www.horizon120.com

BEST Growth Hub: Free business recovery support webinar

The first webinar in the series covers a number of essential topics, including ensuring businesses are COVD-19 safe for customers and employees. The session will look at operating safely, applying social distancing measures and what will drive sales going forward

Another key aspect for businesses at this time will be demonstrating (and communicating) to customers that businesses are safe, have the goods customers want to buy and that businesses are open and ready to serve them.

The webinar will take place on Thursday, 4 June from 18:00 to 19:00. Please register your interest here. You can find more on the business hub here.

Larger grants are now available from the Heritage Emergency Fund

The Heritage Emergency Fund is welcoming applications for grants of £50,000 to £250,000 from heritage organisations to cover emergency costs during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

These new grants are in addition to the existing £3,000 to £50,000 grants launched back in April.

Applications for both are open until 30 June.

Ros Kerslake, CEO of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are continuing to listen to heritage organisations and adapt our response to their needs, which is why we have brought in this higher level of funding.”

Getting help for your business

A reminder that the government's Business Support Helpline number has changedto FREEPHONE 0800 998 1098. The helpline provides free, impartial business support and signposting services to businesses – which currently includes business advice on Covid-19. 

You can also find free support, advice and sources of finance through your local growth hub or speak to an advisor on webchat about support for your business. 

You can also find the latest government information here.

We will continue to bring you the most up-to-date advice via these emails, our website and on social media. You can also contact us on ecodev@braintree.gov.uk for help, advice and support.

Please join our closed Braintree District Businesses Facebook group to find support from other businesses in our district.