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Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant
Rochford District Council now has the guidance on how to administer this ratepayer only part of the funding and our Business Rates Teams are currently developing an online application form which will be published in the coming days. Government funding is expected to be passed to Rochford District Council by 7th January 2022 and when received we intend to start making payments to any successful applicants for this grant shortly after. Please continue to regularly check this webpage here if you think your business may be eligible.
The full Government statement can be found here £1 billion in support for businesses most impacted by Omicron across the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
A Grant Support Fact Sheet detailing what we know so far, can also be found on the gov.uk website.
 HM Government image stating £1 billion of grants for businesses affected by Omicron, as well as support via the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme
Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) Round 5
Please note ARG is a separate grant scheme from the above Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant, (which is aimed at businesses in that sector with rated premises) and will therefore have different eligibility criteria. This is a discretionary grant scheme and the criteria is still to be finalised, as we are awaiting confirmation of our Rochford District allocation from government.
Please be assured that all business grants, once launched, will be available to apply for online securely on this webpage on our Council website. You can also stay informed by remaining signed up to receive these bulletins and check your inbox regularly and via our social media channels. You are welcome to keep checking the above webpage for the latest information, which will be regularly updated as and when we have new information to report. However, in the meantime we thank you for your continued patience whilst the schemes are being designed and further guidance received from Government.
Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
A reminder following the Chancellors announcement in December, that as increasing numbers of Covid-19 cases means more workers taking time off work. The government will also reintroduce the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme (SSPRS) from mid January 2022.
The SSPRS will help small and medium-sized employers – those with fewer than 250 employees – by reimbursing them for the cost of Statutory Sick Pay for Covid-related absences, for up to 2 weeks per employee.
Please read further information on .gov.uk website, where latest guidance will be available as soon as possible: Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
The SELEP COVID-19 Recovery Fund Programme is still available offering bespoke programmes and training for businesses in the areas of digitising business, supporting retail and e-commerce, starting and growing a business and for individuals in the areas of retraining for digital roles across all sectors, basic digital skills, kit and connectivity and work readiness.
The £4.4 million COVID-19 Recovery Funds have so far helped 700 businesses and individuals and will continue this year in 2022. For more details, visit the South East Local Enterprise Partnership website here.
 A SELEP image promoting their Covid-19 Recovery Funds
Businesses moving goods from the EU to Great Britain (GB) are now subject to import control changes which took effect from 1 January 2022.
New requirements - Customs Declarations
From 1 January 2022 you must complete customs declarations on imports from the EU to GB at the time you or your courier/freight forwarder bring them into GB. This means you can no longer delay making import customs declarations and must make them at the time of importing.
Visit gov.uk/import-goods-into-uk and follow the step by step guide to make sure you’re prepared for new customs declaration rules. The guide provides information on how to bring goods into the UK from any country, including how much tax and duty you’ ll need to pay and whether you need to get a licence or certificate.
The Council have also updated our UK Transition page on our website here, where you can obtain the latest information from HMRC, BEST Growth Hub and other external agencies that can support your business.
 HM Government campaign image to help businesses import goods from the EU from 1 Jan 2022
National Highways have committed to spend at least £1 in every £3 with SMEs and we want to make sure local firms benefit from the Lower Thames Crossing project.
The Lower Thames Crossing SME Directory holds a list of contact details of local businesses from a range of disciplines which the main works contractors will use to build a local supply chain. Almost one year on and the directory has over 500 businesses registered!
Watch their latest video regarding the SME Directory here on their YouTube channel and sign your business up today!
Group2Grow peer groups bring together cohorts of business professionals to learn, grow, and solve common problems using each other’s knowledge and experience, with the support, guidance, and mentoring of a Business Coach.
Over 8 x 2 hr group sessions and 3 hours of individual 1-2-1 sessions with an expert mentor, Backing Essex Business will through discussion and discovery, uncover the challenges faced by your business and work together to find logical and practical solutions. If you think you could benefit from being a part of the Group2Grow Peer Network Programme, applications for the next cohorts (starting 2022) are now open. Register via Backing Essex Business website here.
Let's Do Business Groups' Backing Essex Business logo
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