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Dear business owner,
Since the opening of non-essential retail, leisure facilities, and outdoor hospitality, we have been delighted to see businesses throughout Islington springing back into life whilst continuing to guard the safety of customers, workers, and residents. We are pleased to report that compliance with guidance has been high and cases are currently low. Please remain vigilant, encourage staff to get tested, and take up the offer of a vaccine.
We know that many businesses, open or closed, continue to struggle in the face of the pandemic and we hope that together we can keep moving towards the revival of our thriving local economy.
If you require any business support, we are here to help. Please email businesssupport@islington.gov.uk
Re-opening safely support
Welcome back pack
We have a free ‘welcome back’ pack that includes social distancing posters for display in your window, bright floor stickers to help you manage queuing and one way systems and additional guidance and advice that will help make sure your customers can shop and socialise safely and with confidence.
If you would like us to send you a welcome pack, please email businesssupport@islington.gov.uk.
You will also find safe re-opening advice on our website including re-opening checklists, risk assessments and working safely guidance.
Covid Safe Scheme for businesses
Join our Covid Safe Scheme so your customers can be confident that your business is safe to go into. Over 700 businesses have already signed up to our Covid Safe business award. Our officers have been carrying out checks on key Covid Safe measures and issuing the award in the borough since 12 April. Awarded businesses can proudly display the award on there window/shop front.
The aim is to promote confidence in our local shopping environment, supporting businesses and increasing consumer confidence in shopping locally. If you are interested in participating in this scheme, please request a quick and simple assessment by emailing Commercial.Envh@islington.gov.uk.
Managing outdoor events and open space post lockdown
With the gradual release from lockdown we expect businesses and communities will want to make more use of open space for social gatherings and activities. This could be any open space such as pavements, highways, parks, forecourts and pub gardens.
Where possible we will use existing Pavement and Tables and Chairs Licences, Premises Licences and Parking Permits to regulate activities outside, but where these controls are not appropriate or the space is not adjacent to the business premises are accepting enquiries for the use of outdoor space.
For more information on how to enquire about outdoor space, potential suspension of parking bays, outdoor events and the use of marquees and temporary structures please see our new webpage.
Apply for a pavement licence
Businesses such as restaurants, pubs, cafes, bars and ice cream parlours can apply for a pavement licence, which will permit them to place removable tables and chairs on pavements adjacent to their premises to sell or serve food or drink.
The licence will allow businesses to use more of the space outside of their premises, helping them to be Covid-19 secure whilst protecting as many hospitality jobs as possible.
QR codes in hospitality venues
From 29 March 2021, all visitors are required to check-in to enter hospitality venues, not just one per group. Hospitality venues are legally required to display an official NHS QR code poster and make sure all individuals check in.
We are here to help
Our Public Protection team continues to visit businesses to help you comply with roadmap out of lockdown rules, but if you need specific advice, please email Commercial.Envh@islington.gov.uk or licensing.compliance@islington.gov.uk if you are a licensed premise.
Financial support
Restart Grants and Local Restrictions Support Grants
Applications for LRSG grants are now closed. Every business eligible for the LRSG grant was automatically paid a Restart Grant on 12 April 2021. We paid Restart Grants to 1,707 businesses, worth a total of £16 million.
If you were previously assessed and found ineligible for the LRSG, or you did not meet the eligibility criteria to apply for one then unfortunately you will not be eligible for the Restart Grant as the two grants use the same criteria.
If you have not applied for the LRSG and believe your business meets the eligibility criteria, you can apply for the Restart Grant via the application form on the Local Restrictions Support Grants webpage.
Additional Restrictions Grant
We are continuing to assess applications for the Additional Restrictions Grant. Following an update of the government guidance for the scheme, businesses who started trading after the 4 November 2020 will now be eligible for the Additional Restrictions Grant.
Businesses who started trading after the 4 November 2020 but before the 12 April 2021 will be eligible for the following grants:
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Number of Employees
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Grant Value
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0-1/Sole Traders and Self Employed
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£1,300
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2-9 Employees
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£4,000
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10-49 Employees
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£6,000
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50-249 Employees
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£9,000
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If you have been rejected for the ARG due to this eligibility criteria, we will re-assess your application, you will not be required to apply again. Please email businesssupport@islington.gov.uk if you have any questions or if your circumstances have changed.
Business support
EU Settlement Scheme deadline
Islington in Europe is running a free online event for EU nationals and their families on Monday 24 May 2021, 6.30-8.30pm. The event will offer information and advice about your entitlement to live and work in the UK and how to apply for settled status.
Solicitors who specialise in immigration law will be on hand to answer your questions, including; what are my current rights, how will the UK’s exit from the EU affect these, when and how can I apply for settled status, when and how can I apply for British Citizenship, can my children apply to be British.
There are limited spaces.
Transitioning to renewable energy with ISEP
Islington Sustainable Energy Partnership (ISEP) is collaborating with Big Clean Switch to help businesses switch to clean renewable energy tariffs.
We have also updated the list of local and UK funding options available for organisations to help with your energy, clean transport or sustainability initiatives.
COVID-19 Health Champions programme
Camden and Islington are looking for Covid-19 Health Champions. Champions will get the latest advice and guidance about Covid-19 so that you can share the information with your family, friends and other community members.
By signing up you get access to trusted information through a weekly Covid-19 update email, WhatsApp, and weekly online drop-in sessions to share ideas and questions.
Simply complete the registration form to sign up!
Dementia Friendly training
In the run up to Dementia Action Week, 20-26 May, in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Society, Islington Council is offering free training to help your business become more Dementia Friendly. Sessions will be held at:
- 7pm on Tuesday 11 May
- 9am on Wednesday 12 May
- 12 noon Friday 14 May
The free sessions are to help you make yourself and your shop friendlier to anyone affected by dementia, so that people living with dementia can continue to live in the way they want to.
The sessions will include a discussion on what small adaptations shops and businesses can make that will make a big difference to someone living with Dementia.
To register your interest and for more info please email: megan.comber@alzheimers.org.uk and cc in barry.causton@islington.gov.uk
Cargo bike scheme for businesses
Islington businesses can hire a cargo bike for one month for free. Embracing the use of bikes will help the borough to become quieter, greener, safer, less polluted, more welcoming and more inclusive.
50% off Santander Cycles
The Zero Emissions Network is offering businesses in Islington 50% off Santander Cycle Hire memberships, saving you £45. The membership gives unlimited bike access for a year, with the first 30 minutes of each journey free. Docking stations can be found across Clerkenwell and Shoreditch as well as all over central London.
There is a limited number of discount codes available so request yours now by emailing elizabeth.murphy@hackney.gov.uk.
If you have any questions, or if you need advice or support, please get in touch with us by emailing businesssupport@islington.gov.uk.
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