Chelmsford Business e-bulletin 21/09/2020

Government updates

Venues required by law to record contact details

Businesses are reminded that premises and venues across England must have a system in place to record contact details of customers, visitors and staff. Find out more about maintaining records of staff, customers, and visitors to support NHS Test & Trace, including new information for organisations on displaying an official NHS QR poster.

Business urged to prepare for Covid-19 app 

Pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, cinemas and other venues across England and Wales are being urged to download QR codes to prepare for public rollout of the NHS Covid-19 app.  This app launches on Thursday 24th September.  It not only allows for 'proximity tracing' by recording when people pass in close contact with others; it also encourages people to check in when they visit public spaces.  Displaying the official NHS QR code poster will be a legal requirement from the 24th September.

It is also worth noting it is a legal requirement to uphold the rule of six with members of the public in your business.

Reporting outbreaks of coronavirus 

Government has produced guidance for businesses and organisations on how to recognise, contain and report incidents of coronavirus (Covid-19) which include action cards for different types of workplace.

New package to support and enforce self-isolation

A new package has been announced by Government to support and enforce self-isolation from 28th September.  Those on lower incomes who cannot work from home but are required to self isolate will be supported by a payment of £500.

New voluntary calorie guidelines to help industry tackle obesity

Government is encouraging the food industry to help people move towards and maintain a healthy weight by reducing excessive calories in everyday foods by up to 20% by 2024.

Kickstart Scheme employer contacts 

There is now a list of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.

Bounce-Back plans launched for consumer and retail industry

A 'bounce-back' plan of trade measures for the retail and consumer industry has been announced by Government to help support businesses impacted by Coronavirus.

Government extends support to stop businesses evictions this year

Commercial tenants will be protected from the risk of eviction until the end of 2020 helping businesses to protect jobs. 

Transition period

The UK has left the EU- Transition period information.  BEST Growth Hub have produced resources to support  your business through this time.  Essex Chambers of Commerce are running events and training.  EU citizens have until 30th June 2021 to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme.

Help Essex Buy Local campaign

Are you a food and drink producer or retailer?  Put your business on the map!  The Help Essex Buy Local campaign has been launched thanks to funding from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP).  A LEP-wide campaign has been funded which covers Essex, Kent, and East Sussex with the aim of literally putting local food and drink producers and retailers on the map.

The website shows all businesses who have signed up so far, so make sure you are part of it!  It's a great opportunity to publicise your business.  The Essex project has only just launched and the map continues to be populated- the Rural Community Council For Essex (RCCE) would like to see every Essex food and drink producer and retailer represented.  For more information please e-mail.

Training and Funding update

• The Department of International Trade is hosting a series of webinars throughout September and October
• The BEST Growth Hub website lists many other webinars.  Register for the BEST Big Business Briefing II on the 30th September 2pm-4pm.  They can also provide an overview of finance and funding
• South East Cultural, Creative and Digital Sectors (SECCADS, also known as South East Creatives) project provides sector specific business support and match funded grants
• LoCASE is open for business until the end of September 2020 to help SME businesses with grant funding to improve process efficiency, business resilience, waste reduction and for business projects linked to sustainability
• South East Business Boost (SEBB) II offers business support and match funded grants to South East LEP SME businesses who have plans to grow
• A programme led by some of the UK's biggest employers (e.g. Barclays, BT and Legal and General), have launched Fast Futures for young people aged 18-22 who have 12 hours a week to spare.  This offers young people skills and careers mentoring
• The South East Local Digital Skills Partnership looks to build a list of help and support across the region, in terms of digital skills and information.  Please complete their survey on what support you need with digital skills

Successful Chelmsford online Jobs & Skills Fair 2020

Celsius (Chelmsford Education, Learning, Skills, and Staffing group) and Networking Essex would like to say thank you to everyone who attended and exhibited at the first online Chelmsford Jobs & Skills Fair 2020.  This was a successful event with job vacancies, training and skills opportunities, and a wellbeing area delivered on an innovate virtual platform- the first event of its kind in Essex.  Your feedback is greatly appreciated to improve our future events. An evaluation survey will be sent to exhibitors and attendees shortly.  If you have any further comments about the event please e-mail.  

Chelmsford business support partners

• Coronavirus help and guidance for businesses and employers

Chelmsford City Council works closely with a number of partners to offer business support:

• BEST Growth Hub.  If you would like to receive support from your local business navigator please complete their Business Support form
• Colbea provide business advice, training, and counselling to new and existing businesses.  Business Advisor Keith Powell specialises in offering his expertise to companies that are considering smarter digital operations.  Book a slot with a business advisor
• Back to Business Essex provide SME's with up to 12 hours of fully funded advice and guidance
• ARU- Anglia Ruskin University offer a number of initiatives to support businesses.  Learn more about how they can help your organisation
• Writtle University College offers a number of initiatives to support businesses.  Find out how they can support your business
• Essex County Council offers Covid-19 Business Support