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27 January 2021
LEAP Small Business Grants
Calling all new and start-up businesses!
Applications for the next round of Local Enterprise and Apprenticeship Programme (LEAP) small business grants funding are now open until 28 February 2021.
LEAP grants are a small injection of funding of up to £2,000 aimed at start-ups and small businesses based in the Horsham District.
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Setting up a pre-order system for your business
Under the current COVID restrictions we encourage all retail businesses to set-up and operate a pre-order and collection system in whichever ways are practical to do so.
This enables businesses to continue to access sales opportunities even with minimal passing footfall. It also enables queuing to be minimised, helping with safe distancing of staff and customers purchasing goods or products.
What is remote ordering?
Remote options include:
- Telephone orders
- Direct messaging using phone and social media platforms
- Ordering through an online purchasing facility
This gives you the option to control your opening times for collections to maximise your efficiency or to offer home deliveries, again at times or within certain distances to suit you.
Communication of what you are offering is obviously vital - given that you cannot currently rely on passing footfall.
You can, of course, use your own social media, website pages and online stores and home delivery services - if you have them, to broadcast your offer.
Register with Virtual Horsham
If you are an independant business in Horsham District you can also register for a free profile on www.virtualhorsham.co.uk which the Council are supporting and widely promoting as being the public's portal for local remote ordering and online purchasing.
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Safety measures for walk-in customers
The Council's Environmental Health and Licensing team have updated their COVID-19 safety measures with new posters and floor stickers available upon request by email.
At or around the point of sale
Display the posters provided by our licensing team reminding people to socially distance. We suggest a call forward for maximum safety.
At the point of sale - by issuing a ticket or order number verbally, asking the customer to stand away while the order is prepared - to then be called forward again only when their order is ready. If practical a separate 'collections only' point should be established to minimise crowding at the till point.
Floor stickers
We advise you lay down your own queue distance markers. The Council have new stock of our 'keep your distance' floor stickers - which are available on request. Simply email us your business name and address and tell us how many floor stickers you need.
Horsham Market Towns Programme
The Council has a series of free webinars available online to support local high street businesses adapt during this period of unprecedented change.
In partnership with leading practitioners from Solent University and the Chichester College Group, the webinar series provides insights into staying COVID safe, developing business skills and models and emerging high street trends.
COVID-19 Business Grants
Grant funding is still available for businesses who have been forced to close during the National Lockdown period. This funding is available between now and February 15 for businesses that have had to close and receive a rates bill.
Click the button below to begin your application and select the Business Support Package.
Businesses that have had to close but do not receive a rates bill and businesses that can remain open but are struggling can apply for the discretionary scheme. The discretionary scheme is currently being reviewed.
COVID-Secure advice for your business
National lockdown restrictions are currently in place. As a business, you must keep on protecting your customers and helping them to protect themselves.
The roll out of public vaccination is now underway which is fantastic news. However, the need for vigilance is just as great now as it was at the start of 2020.
Public health guidance tells us that we should now act as if people have COVID-19 and this will lead to people behaving appropriately.
If you are in any doubt as to what you should be doing, you can look at the full government guidance for shops here:
There is also government guidance for all workplaces involved in the manufacturing, processing, warehousing, picking, packaging, retailing and service of food:
Officers from the Council are continuing to visit local food businesses to check that business operators have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and that all the necessary controls are in place to ensure that they are COVID-19 safe.
How to deal with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases in the workplace
If any staff within your premises develop symptoms you should:
- Ensure they isolate at home and get tested.
- Deep clean the areas they’ve worked in the 48 hours prior to symptoms.
- If the staff member tests positive, ensure they isolate for 10 days, and identify all close-contacts.
- If close-contacts of a positive case have been identified, call 020 3743 6715 as soon as possible so that contacts can be formally logged with NHS Test & Trace. You will need the CTAS ID of the person who has tested positive when calling.
For further information COVID-19 cases at work:
Upcoming training and business opportunities
Check out our list below to see some of our recommended free training workshops and business events you should try next month.
The Power of Storytelling for Business
Thursday 4 February 2021, 11:00 - 13:00
At this free, interactive workshop, you get insights and practical tools that you can use in your own storytelling to grow your business and build a following.
Building the Future with Degree Apprenticeships
Wednesday 10 February, 10:00 - 10:20
Join the University of Brighton as they explore how higher and degree apprenticeships can help organisations to develop their future workforce efficiently.
Business Model Canvas
Wednesday 17 February, 9:30 - 12:00
Learn about the famous Business Model Canvas to help you develop your value proposition and learn about identifying your ideal target market with market research.
Lead out of Lockdown
A purpose-built programme of virtual workshops, original insight briefings and agile decision-making tools, facilitated by our expert advisors to help you and your team adapt to the new normal.
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