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7 April 2020
The latest bi-weekly Havering Business Briefing to keep you up-to-date on the latest information and guidance from the government, in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Havering Council has launched a new dedicated helpline and webpage to support local businesses through the COVID-19 crisis.
The helpline - 0345 017 0743 - is available Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 4 pm, and launches at 9 am tomorrow (Wednesday 8 April).
There is also a new email address as an alternative way of contacting the Council. This is in addition to the already established Business Rates support email.
The webpage gives businesses access up-to-date information regarding the latest Government support measures and local assistance.
The new services are part of the borough’s ‘Business and Self Employed People Plan’ to help with the economic burden of the coronavirus outbreak.
As part of our support for local businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak, we will be hosting a series of live Facebook Q&A sessions to address some of the common questions and concerns from local businesses.
The first session will take place on Tuesday 14 April at 2 pm, via Havering Council's Facebook page. Councillor Damian White, Leader of Havering Council, will host the session, joined by colleagues from the Economic Development and Business Rates teams.
Follow us on Facebook and keep an eye out for more details in the next Business Briefing.
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We have recently been made aware of companies offering to facilitate claims for business grants during the COVID-19 outbreak, and charging for the service.
Please be aware that it is completely free for businesses to claim these grants, and such organisations could be taking advantage of business owners at a vulnerable time.
We strongly urge you to avoid using these services, and instead apply for grants through official channels. For free business support and advice, visit https://www.havering.gov.uk/covid19business.
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 We urge business owners and employers, and all of your employees, to please follow all the advice coming from the Government and Public Health England, including:
- wash your hands more than usual and for at least 20 seconds with hot water and soap.
- anyone with symptoms such as a cough or high temperature should stay at home for at least seven days. If you live with other people, they should stay at home for at least 14 days, to avoid spreading the infection outside the home.
- take action yourself to minimise your risk of contracting or passing on the virus. That might mean working from home and not doing what you would normally do around the borough.
- wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available. Watch this NHS video for more tips.
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