Business Grants Update
Following last week's bulletin, the Government have provided the Council with some further information in relation to latest business support grants to be paid. As a result of Broxtowe first entering Tier 4 and shortly after National Lockdown, further financial support will be made available to affected businesses.
How much will my business receive?
Tier 4 payments - Businesses in Broxtowe were subject to Tier 4 restrictions for 5 days.
On the date of the commencement of the Tier 4 local restrictions:
- Businesses occupying hereditaments appearing on the local rating list with a rateable value of exactly £15,000 or under, will receive a payment of £238.21
- Businesses occupying hereditaments appearing on the local rating list with a rateable value over £15,000 and less than £51,000, will receive a payment of £357.14
- Businesses occupying hereditaments appearing on the local rating list with a rateable value of exactly £51,000 or above, will receive £535.71.
National Lockdown payments - Businesses in Broxtowe were subject to National Lockdown restrictions from 5th January 2021 and will be paid a grant amount based on the period up to 15th February 2021 (42 Days).
On the date of the commencement of the national restrictions:
- Businesses occupying hereditaments appearing on the local rating list with a rateable value of exactly £15,000 or under, will receive a payment of £2,001.00
- Businesses occupying hereditaments appearing on the local rating list with a rateable value over £15,000 and less than £51,000, will receive a payment of £3,000.00
- Businesses occupying hereditaments appearing on the local rating list with a rateable value of exactly £51,000 or above, will receive £4,500.00
Further financial support
- In addition to the above, the Government have also announced a one-off payment for businesses with a Business Rates account, that have been legally required to close.
- The Council has also opted to make a top-up payment to those that have previously received a payment through the Additional Restrictions Grant Discretionary Scheme.
How do I apply / will my business be paid?
The Council will not require any further application from those businesses that previously applied for National Lockdown Grants in November 2020. An email has been sent to all of those businesses advising them of this. All those businesses that did not previously apply will need to, by completing the application.
Further information
More details of all the latest grant support, including the rates of payment for the schemes detailed in the 'Further financial support' can be found by clicking 'More Support' below.
Guidance on Product Safety for Business
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) recently published guidance to help businesses comply with changed regulations.
The OPSS has produced a range of guidance and advice to help ensure businesses understand what is expected of them, including on issues such as the use of the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking.
The guidance now includes a ‘What’s changed?’ summary guide to key changes. It also provides a clear indication of what rules and regulations have come into effect now that the Transition Period has come to an end.
You can view this new product guidance, as well as use the 'Brexit Checker tool' via our EU Exit portal.
 National Lockdown
The UK remains in National Lockdown, with no agreed date currently provided on the lifting of current restrictions.
Only businesses providing essential goods and services can remain open at this time.
Check the full guidance here -https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home
 HSE spot checks
Businesses are reminded that HSE are carrying out spot checks on those that continue to legally trade during National Lockdown. This is to ensure those businesses are trading Covid-securely.
Further guidance for businesses that continue to trade at this time can be found on our 'Open For Business' webpage.
 Rules for Licensed Premises
The new restrictions are outlined below and links to the updated guidance for licensed premises are also provided:
- The new restrictions remain in place until 31st March 2021
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Test and Trace is still mandatory for licensed premises. You MUST collect contact details from your customers. Businesses MUST display the official NHS QR code posters so that customers can ‘check-in’ at different premises using this option as an alternative to providing their contact details.
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Pubs, clubs and restaurants must remain closed for consumption on their premises, but can provide:
- food and non-alcoholic drink on a takeaway basis between 5am and 11pm only. This means that customers can enter the premises to place and collect their order.
- Alcohol may now only be sold for delivery where orders are made online, by telephone or by post and within the terms of their licence.
- Between 11pm and 5am, food and non-alcoholic drink may only be provided via delivery, click and collect and drive through. Goods must be pre-ordered (by phone, online, via a mobile app or by post) and collected without entering the premises.
- Venues offering click-and-collect or delivery services must not include alcoholic beverages if their licence does not already permit it.
- Premises providing food and drink for consumption off the premises are not permitted to allow customers to consume from any adjacent seating (including public seating) or area usually used for the premises.
You should also download, read and implement the updated Government guidance at the following link.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home#businesses-and-venues
Please be aware that non-compliance with the legislation may lead to enforcement action which could include fixed penalty notices or even business closure. We are keen to avoid any such action. It is your responsibility to assess and control the risks depending on your activities and unique premises layout, but should you require any further advice, please contact us.
Licensing matters:
licensing@broxtowe.gov.uk
Environmental Health
Health@broxtowe.gov.uk
Police Licensing Team
liquor@Nottinghamshire.pnn.police.uk
Financial Support
https://www.broxtowe.gov.uk/for-business/business-support-advice/
 Further extensions to financial support packages
Following an announcement by HM Treasury on 17th December, it was confirmed that there has been further extensions to the following support schemes:
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Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (Furlough) - Now extended until 30th April 2021.
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Coronavirus Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) - Now extended until 31st March 2021.
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Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) - Now extended until 31st March 2021.
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Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) - Now extended until 31st March 2021.
 Hands Face Space
Did you know that around one in three people with coronavirus don't have symptoms? Staff and customers could be spreading the virus despite feeling fine.
Remember; Hands, Face, Space, every day.
- Wash hands regularly and for 20 seconds or sanitise hands if handwashing facilities are unavailable;
- Wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult (less than 2m), and where you will coming into contact with people you do not normally meet;
- Stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing a face covering, or increasing ventilation indoors).
Ventilation
As part of the Hands, Face, Space campaign, people are also being urged to take steps in order to increase ventilation in their homes and businesses. This is especially important as more and more people are spending time indoors during the winter months.
By opening a window or door to increase the flow of fresh air to indoor settings, this will help to stop the virus spreading.
Other News and Updates
 D2N2 Growth Hub - Business Events
The D2N2 Growth Hub continue to offer valuable help and advice to businesses in Broxtowe. This includes various events delivered online due to the pandemic.
For a full programme of future events, click 'Business Events' below.
Council services during the COVID-19 pandemic
We have a Support for Business page on our website which has lots of useful information about grants, schemes and links to guidance.
We are also sharing regular updates about affected Council services at https://www.broxtowe.gov.uk/coronavirus
You can also get updates on our social media accounts.
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