Welcome to this week’s business newsletter on the support and guidance available during the Covid-19 pandemic.
This issue features the following articles:
- "Choose Local. Support Everyone." exclusive video
- New support programme for fashion businesses
- Latest Covid-19 Home Office announcements
- Free London Growth Hub Events
- Yonder climbing centre to reopen
- Culture News from City Hall
We know Covid-19 is going to hit local businesses particularly hard and in the coming weeks and months, they will need support to not only get back on their feet, but thrive in a post-pandemic environment.
We want people to shop locally and support local businesses. Our Choose Local. Support Everyone. campaign will showcase some of the best of Waltham Forest, highlighting those with strong ties to their local community and a passion for what they do.
This week, meet the fabulous Adrienne from Leytonstone Mini Market, who provides some top-tips on her Leytonstone hotspots.
Got a good story to tell? Please email our media team as we would love to hear from you.
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A new programme has been launched to help 30 of Waltham Forest’s fashion and textile businesses to thrive sustainably.
Delivered by Creative United in partnership with Waltham Forest Council and The Fashion District, Forge Fashion will provide tailored business support through workshops, one-to-one advice and networking.
It will support a mix of new and existing businesses from across the fields of fashion and textiles. Each will gain a better understanding of the strengths of their businesses, the chance to extend their network and create a bespoke action plan for sustainable growth.
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In a briefing on 17 July, Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave employers the option to decide whether it’s safe to bring employees back to work. People are also permitted to use public transport for non-essential travel, but alternative methods of transport should be considered first.
From 24 July, wearing a face covering in shops and supermarkets will become mandatory. Those who fail to comply with the new rules face fines of up to £100. Find out what this means for your business.
Other significant developments include:
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Indoor pools and gyms can open their doors from 25 July
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Bowling rinks, skating parks, casinos and beauticians can resume work from 1 August
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Indoor arts performances can be held from 1 August and gatherings at sports venues will be trialed
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Nightclubs and soft play centres must still stay shut, and conferences / business events may take place in October.
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Free upcoming London Growth Hub events include:
SUPERCHARGE YOUR SALES – COVID-19 BUSINESS HELP SERIES (28 July 10am-1pm)
Hear expert advice on how to adapt your sales strategy in the current Covid-19 landscape. This free webinar is designed to offer guidance to help transition your sales team to new ways of operating, navigate current roadblocks and help drive potential future sales opportunities.
MANAGING YOUR CASH FLOW (30 July 10am-1pm)
The impact of Covid-19 has severely affected many SMEs. What are the practical steps your business can take to mitigate a cash flow crisis? During this intensive webinar, our experts will be sharing advice and guidance that businesses can action to assess and manage their cash flow quickly.
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The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has recently updated safety guidance for people who work in performing arts, including arts organisations, venue operators and participants.
Check out some helpful guidance on holding events during COVID-19 put together by the GLA, Newham Council and London Legacy Development Corporation.
March Network has also collated some home-based, creative ways to support mental health during lockdown.
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You can list your business on our directory, a resource for residents to find everything from local cafes to breweries to home delivery services. The directory currently lists 310 businesses and the site is averaging 4,000 unique visits per month.
Our Business Support Team is also available to provide advice and guidance at this tricky time. They can:
- Signpost you to business help
- Advise on the availability of workspace and property
- Connect you to networking organisations in the borough
You can find more information on what other programmes and schemes we are in partnership with or email the team.
We will continue to update you as new information is available. We know that this is a fast-moving situation, but we are confident staff will continue to provide support and guidance to local businesses in Waltham Forest.
You can sign up to our email newsletter with up-to-date information about Covid-19 below.
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