Some Covid-19 business support grants are closing
Two of the grant support schemes being administered by the Council are closing soon.
- Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) is a discretionary scheme and closes to applications at 5pm on Sunday 7th February 2021.
- Christmas support for 'Wet Led' pubs closes to applications on Sunday 28th February 2021.
APPLY NOW!
If you have not applied for the above schemes already, please follow the 'More Support' link below and complete the single application form. Responses to the questions will help staff to determine which of different schemes your business may be eligible for.
Further information on all grant support
More details of all the latest grant support, including the rates of payment for the schemes can be found by clicking 'More Support' below.
 Supporting Local Authorities to adapt to new rules: EU Exit
The government has published guidance on how it plans to support local government tiers, to adapt to the rule changes following the UK's exit from the EU.
The Council will use this resource to update it's own EU Exit page, with up-to-date information.
The Local government transition landing page, brings together key pieces of transition guidance of relevance to Councils, including on Environmental Health Certificates (EHC) and the EU Settlement Scheme.
The new guidance also offers key milestones that will affect businesses and information on how regulatory services will change.
Upcoming Milestone
- April 2021 – new border checks come into force
From 1st April 2021, Port Health Authorities will be able to levy fees and charges for checks on imports of animal products (Products Of Animal Origin and animal by-products) and high-risk food not of animal origin.
View the full government guidance.
View the Council's dedicated EU Exit webpage.
 Shopping for essentials safely
Throughout the pandemic, many businesses have been making the necessary changes within their premises and the way they operate to keep residents safe.
The Council have produced a video urging residents to adhere to the rules when out doing essential shopping and be respectful of the adaptions businesses have put in place to be COVID-secure.
Click below to view the video and feel free to share via your own social media pages and communications to help spread the word!
Check How to Export Goods tool
Earlier this month, the Department for International Trade (DIT) published online tools for UK exporters.
The tools provide product-specific and country-specific information in one place, making it easier to understand the changes that came into effect on the 1st January 2021.
The Check How to Export Goods (CHEG) tool is aimed at UK exporters and pulls together information on the UK border, duties, rules of origin and customs procedures. This tool will be added to the Council's EU Exit page in the coming days, but the can be accessed now by click the 'CHEG tool' button below.
DIT have also now added a 60 second step-by-step explainer video on YouTube.
 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.
 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
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.
 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.
 Other financial support packages for business
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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.
 D2N2 Growth Hub - New Business Events Added
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.
Below are some upcoming events that may be of interest to businesses in Broxtowe and are all FREE of charge.
Event: Employment Law in 2021, an Online Masterclass.
Time: 1.00pm-5.00pm
Date: Thursday 4th February
Sign Up Here: https://www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/events/nbv-employment-law-in-2021-online-master-class/
Event: How to plan a Financial Strategy for You and your Business (Part 2).
Time: 10.00am-1.00pm
Date: Monday 8th February
Sign Up Here: https://www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/events/how-to-plan-a-financial-strategy-for-you-and-your-business-part/
Event: International Trade: Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)
Time: 2.00pm-3.00pm
Date: Tuesday 9th February
Sign Up Here: https://www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/events/international-trade-authorised-economic-operator-aeo/
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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