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In a move to slow the current rates of infection across the county, from Saturday Essex will be placed into the high level of restrictions (tier 2 on the new COVID system).
We know this will be hard for businesses, but action now will help prevent a worse situation in the coming weeks and help reduce cases sooner.
All businesses and venues should follow COVID-secure guidelines to protect customers, visitors and workers.
Restrictions on businesses and venues in high alert level areas include:
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certain businesses selling food or drink on their premises are required to close between 10pm and 5am. Businesses and venues selling food for consumption off the premises, can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through. Orders must be made via phone, online or by post. Hospitality venues in ports, on transport services and in motorway service areas do not need to close at 10pm, but must not serve alcohol after that time. There is full guidance on what businesses are permitted to remain open
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businesses must ensure that they operate in a COVID-secure manner, including restrictions on table service and group bookings
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certain businesses and venues are required to collect customer, visitor, and staff data to support NHS Test and Trace
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the wearing of face coverings for customers and staff in certain indoor settings
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businesses must ensure that if their workers are required to self-isolate, they do not work outside their designated place of self-isolation
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businesses and venues must ensure people do not meet in their premises with people from outside of their household or support bubble
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businesses and venues that fail to comply with these restrictions may face fines of up to £10,000, prosecution, or in some cases closure.
 If you are losing income after being asked to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace scheme, you may be eligible for a lump sum payment of £500.
What help is available?
From 28/09/2020, low-income residents can receive a lump sum payment of £500 if:
a) self-isolating after testing positive
b) have been identified as a positive contact for COVID-19 and have been asked to self-isolate by the NHS.
 You may be able to claim tax relief for additional household costs if you have to work at home on a regular basis, either for all or part of the week. This includes if you have to work from home because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
You cannot claim tax relief if you choose to work from home.
Additional costs include things like heating, metered water bills, home contents insurance, business calls or a new broadband connection. They do not include costs that would stay the same whether you were working at home or in an office, such as mortgage interest, rent or council tax.
 A key milestone in the reimagining of Basildon town centre has been celebrated as the steel structure of the new cinema in East Square reaches completion.
A virtual topping out ceremony to mark the achievement was held via video link this week following the changes to Government guidance in relation to Covid-19.
Leader of Basildon Council Gavin Callaghan said: "This is a real moment for Basildon town centre and local residents and one of many to come in the future of this town centre. We are delivering our promise to transform this town and bring a night-time economy to Basildon that it's been lacking. This 10 screen cinema and restaurants complex is the first sign of what is to come. Big changes for maximum impact that will breathe new life into the town and bring opportunities for businesses and residents.
"It's been a difficult seven months for everyone but with the strong partnerships we have built with McLaren Construction and Empire Cinemas this project is still on track with the build phase scheduled to complete next summer."
Construction is set to be a growth industry in the coming years, and a huge amount of infrastructure and housing development is planned. Small and medium-sized businesses, through their specialist knowledge and innovative products and services, could benefit from accessing new business opportunities in this growth market.
Could your business be part of this future?
What is I-Construct?
Delivered across Essex by the Haven Gateway Partnership, I-Construct is a supply chain development project designed to help local companies access the construction market.
I-Construct will introduce companies to new ways of doing business, offering expertise and influence in areas as diverse as offsite construction, renewable energy, digital technology, zero-carbon targets, business development, robotics, and more.
I-Construct will help small businesses join local supply chains, access bidding opportunities, explore new client groups or business models, tap into technology, and launch products or services.
Who is it for?
- SMEs in the construction and built environment sector
- Entrepreneurs wanting to enter the sector
- Companies wanting to join the sector’s supply chain
- Companies from other sectors, that are already in the construction and built environment supply chain
- I-Construct also works with larger companies and organisations to help develop their supply chains by connecting them with local SMEs through its network.
What support is available?
- Business development support: up to 9 hours of free 1:1 business mentoring and advice from industry experts worth £1,200;
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30% Grant funding between £1,000 and £20,000 to part-fund the development and launch of a new product or service; this is for consultancy, to upgrade or purchase a new system, associated hardware and a new employee.
- Access to webinar and events programme, meet new clients and industry experts
To register your interest, contact the programme team via i-construct@haven-gateway.org
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