London has moved into the “high” alert level (Tier 2) Covid-19 restrictions, meaning those in Waltham Forest cannot socially mix with friends or family from other households in pubs and restaurants.

Waltham Forest moving into the “high” alert level means the following key measures are in place:

• All businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a "Covid-secure" manner, other than those that remain closed by law, such as nightclubs;
• Certain businesses are required to ensure customers only consume food and drink while seated, and must close between 10pm and 5am;
• Businesses and venues selling food for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm, as long as this is through delivery services, click-and-collect or drive-through.

Check for full information and guidance on Covid-19 alert levels

As part of the Chancellor’s Winter Economy Plan, extensions to Government-backed loan schemes have been announced, meaning businesses now have until 30 November to arrange loans.

There are four main lending schemes:

• Bounce Back Loans are available from accredited lenders with loans of £2,000 - £50,000 available;
• Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans offer finance of up to £5 million to businesses with a turnover of up to £45 million;
• Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme offers loan finance of up to £25 million to businesses with an annual turnover of between £45 million and £500 million;
• The Covid Corporate Financing Facility issues convertible loans of £125,000 to £5 million to innovative UK companies with good potential that typically rely on equity investment.

We have also compiled a list of alternative funds that small businesses and social enterprises may apply for, in order to mitigate their financial losses during the Covid-19.

Check for alternative funding solutions 

Since its launch in April this year, nearly 400 businesses have signed up to use the Waltham Forest Connected Business Directory.

Businesses say this has been a useful tool to keep existing and prospective customers up-to-date on their operations.

Kojo Ashanti, founder of CEMNA Services, said: “The Waltham Forest Connected Business Directory could not have been more useful to us as a business, particularly in the challenging times we find ourselves in because of the global pandemic.”

The directory is dedicated to promoting your business while allowing prospective customers to find local products and services. 

Waltham Forest Connected case study

Add your business to the directory

Calling all creative sector SMEs! Business support network 'Echo' is hosting a new #PeerNetworks programme, bringing together creative business leaders to build a support network, share collective wisdom and overcome business challenges. 

You’ll join a small curated group of business peers for action-focused workshops and 1:1 support designed to help you build business resilience, hone your leadership skills and ensure your business thrives through Covid-19 and beyond.

If you are a London-based creative SME, established for at least one year with a turnover of more than £100,000, this might be just what you’re looking for. 

Find out more and apply for networking opportunities

The UK Government's £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund awarded £257 million across the country last week.

Arts Council England is working with the Government to support organisations and people working in arts and culture at risk due to the pandemic. The arts body is delivering the Government emergency funding packages and complementing it with its own grant programmes.

Guidance on Arts Council England funding for creative businesses 

The latest webinar from Save The High Street Waltham Forest is now open for bookings. 

Next week's session includes techniques used to build long-term relationships with customers and tips on how to turn new shoppers into long term fans.

Click on the links below to book your place. 

Tuesday 27 October – 5:30pm

Bringing your customers back for more – customer loyalty

You can also view the full programme of pre-recorded sessions quickly and easily on Save the High Street Waltham Forest's website.

Visit Save The High Street Waltham Forest

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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