Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Recovery plan
Bristol City Centre BID has focused its efforts to support its levy payers during these unprecedented times.
Recovery plan
This document summarises our response to the global pandemic and its impact on the businesses within the area, covering:
– Phase one: Our activity
– Phase two: Reopening
– Phase three: Recovery
– Government guidance
LATEST NEWS
We'll keep you updated with the latest news as the coronavirus outbreak evolves here in the UK.
The Small Business Grants Discretionary Fund
The Small Business Grants Discretionary Fund provides a discretionary grant up to a value of £5,000 to eligible businesses, charities and community organisations.
The grants will support small and micro businesses directly impacted by the crisis that meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Businesses with relatively high ongoing fixed building-related costs
- Businesses which occupy property, or part of a property, with a rateable value or annual rent or annual mortgage payments below £51,000
27/05/20 - Grant funding: local authority payments to SME's
Local authorities have received and distributed funding to support small and medium businesses in England during COVID-19.
As of 26 May, £9.9 billion has been paid out to over 804,000 business properties.
READ MORE20/05/20 - Applications open for the Future Fund scheme
The Future Fund scheme will issue convertible loans between £125,000 to £5 million to innovative companies which are facing financing difficulties due to the outbreak of COVID-19. The scheme is open for applications until the end of September 2020.
FUTURE FUND12/05/20 - Furlough Scheme extended until October
The Chancellor announced that the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will remain open until the end of October 2020.
Furloughed workers will continue to receive 80% of their salary, up to £2,500 and new flexibility will be introduced from August to get employees back to work.
READ MORE04/05/20 - Applications open for 100% Government-backed loan scheme for small business
The new fast-track finance scheme, announced by the Chancellor on 27th April, will allow businesses to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000 and access the funds within days for immediate support.
Businesses can borrow between £2,000 and £50,000 through the new scheme. Loans will be interest-free for the first 12 months and businesses can apply online now.
APPLY20/04/20 - Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is up and running
Opening 10 days ahead of schedule, the Job retention Scheme will enable businesses to claim up to £2,500 a month towards staff wages.
Employers are encouraged to go online to claim cash grants worth up to 80% of wages, capped at £2,500 a month per worker.
FIND OUT MORE15/04/20 - Bristol City Council: Total processed grant value of £33.9m
Bristol City Council has now received over 5,000 small business grant applications. The total value of grants processed, as of midday on Tuesday 14 April, is £33.9m.
They are actively contacting those who can benefit and asking them to confirm their business rate number and bank account details so they can quickly send out funds.
Please note businesses can only apply for either the Small Business Grant Fund or the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant, not both. This simple form ensures that the grant is distributed correctly.
APPLY HEREUpdated - 09/04/20 - Claim for your employees' wages
The guidance for employers has been further updated, releasing more information on:
– Switching from sick pay to furlough and vice versa
– Visa conditions
– Employers of newly TUPE’d employees
– Reclaimable National Insurance and pension elements
– Payroll consolidation schemes
Updated - 04/04/20 - Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
The guidance for employees has been further updated, releasing more information on:
– Scheme eligibility
– How much your employer can claim through ‘furlough’
– How much you’ll get
– Guidance for specific customers
03/04/20 - Chancellor strengthens support for businesses
Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, is taking further action to support businesses affected by COVID-19 by bolstering business interruption loans, as well as announcing a new scheme for larger companies.
– £90 million of business interruption loans have been approved for nearly 1,000 firms
– £1.9 billion of corporate finance provided
– The current loan scheme has been extended so that more can benefit
– Lenders are now banned from requesting personal guarantees on loans under £250,000
– A new scheme has been announced to bolster support for larger firms
– The importance of banks is emphasised
30/03/20 - The latest guidance on Grant Funding Schemes
The most recent information released on the small business grant fund and retail, hospitality and leisure grant fund guidance, including:
– How will the grants be provided?
– How much funding will be provided?
– Managing the risk of fraud
– Rating list changes
– Post-event assurance
And more.
30/03/20 - Grant Funds for small business, retail, hospitality and leisure
In response to COVID-19, the Government has announced two grant funding schemes to support small businesses and businesses working in the retail, hospitality & leisure sectors. Applications are now open via Bristol City Council.
Read more to find information on:
– Who can get a grant
– Types of grant
– How to apply for one
23/03/20 - Business support launched
Businesses will now be able to access support from the Government in order to keep operating during the current crisis. Support available includes:
– Government-backed loans of up to £5 million available to SMEs through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
– The Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility will provide a cost-effective way to raise working capital for large firms
– A new business information campaign has launched to ensure people are aware of the support available to their business
Updated 23/03/20 - COVID-19: Government support for businesses
The Chancellor has set out a package of measures to support public services, the public and businesses through the coronavirus pandemic.
– The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme enables UK employers to access support to continue paying part of their employees’ salary
– For businesses that pay little or no business rates, there will be an additional Small Business Grant Scheme funding which will provide a one-off grant of £10,000 to eligible businesses to help meet their ongoing business costs
– The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme supports SME’s with access to working capital of up to £5 million in value and for up to 6 years
– Under the new Covid-19 Corporate Financing Facility, the Bank of England will buy short term debt from larger companies
03/06/20 - Raise the bar campaign update
The #RaiseTheBar campaign continues to ask Government to increase the business rates threshold from £51,000 to £150,000 to allow retail, hospitality and leisure businesses across England and Wales a fighting chance of survival.
Read the campaign’s progress in the latest update.
READ THE UPDATEUpdated 02/04/20 - Business rates: guidance on expanded retail discount
The guidance provided to local authorities on the expanded retail discount response 2020 – 2021, supporting operation and delivery of the scheme. This guidance outlines the criteria considered to be eligible for the scheme and does not replace existing legislation.
This document includes:
– How the relief will be provided
– Which properties will benefit
– State Aid
– Splits, mergers, and changes to existing hereditaments
01/04/20 - £22 billion grants and business rates package for high streets
From 1st April, high streets will begin to receive £22 billion, with grants of up to £25,000 already being paid into bank accounts of high street businesses.
– Thousands of high street firms will be exempt from business rates from 1st April 2020 as they begin to benefit from the £22 billion benefit
– Eligible properties will not pay business rates for the next 12 months
– Smaller businesses are beginning to receive one-off grants
17/03/20 - Budget 2020: new rate discounts
Information on the new business rate discounts following the 2020 Budget and the Chancellors Statement 17 March. There will be extra relief available to certain business ratepayers to help alleviate effects from the coronavirus.
Rate discounts are available for:
– Retail rate discount
– Child care providers
– Loans and lending
24/03/20 - COVID-19 advice for accommodation providers released
The Government has released advice for businesses providing accommodation to take the necessary steps to close as quickly as possible, whilst following social distancing guidelines. These businesses include hotels, B&Bs, hostels, campsites, caravan parks, short term lets and boarding houses.
Read more to find guidance for families in temporary accommodation, for hostels serving food and for residents showing COVD-19 symptoms.
COVID-19 ADVICE23/03/20 - A new ban on evictions for commercial tenants
There is now extra protection for businesses as commercial tenants who cannot pay their rent because of COVID-19 will be protected from eviction. Aiming to help businesses struggling with their cash flow due to worries around eviction, the measure supports the current conversations between landlords and tenants around voluntary rental payment arrangements.
EXTRA PROTECTION02/04/20 - Extend the deadline for filing your accounts
If you think the impact of COVID-19 will cause delays in filing your company accounts, you can now apply for an automatic and immediate 3-month extension. You must apply for the extension before your filing deadline.
APPLY HERE27/03/20 - Carrying over annual leave rules to be relaxed
Employees will now be able to carry their annual leave entitlement over into the next 2 years so that they don’t miss out due to COVID-19. These new measures will ensure workers won’t lose their leave entitlement and provides businesses with flexibility at an uncertain time.
RULES RELAXED26/03/20 - Deferral of VAT payments
Temporary changes to the VAT payments due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020have been announced to help businesses manage their cash flow.
Guidance is available on the following:
– If you choose to defer your VAT payment
– What happens at the end of the deferral period
– What to do if you’re experiencing financial distress due to COVID-19
Updated daily - COVID-19: track coronavirus cases
The Public Health England dashboard currently shows 694 cases in Bristol, with the total cases in the UK at 261,184 as of 26/05/20.
TRACK COVID-1926/05/20 - The Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy
The Government has released a roadmap for how and when the UK will adjust its response to the COVID-19 crisis. This includes a plan to ease existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling, measuring and reacting to the virus.
The roadmap will be kept under constant review as the situation evolves here in the UK.
READ MORE25/05/20 - Prime Minister sets out timeline for retail to reopen
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that thousands of high street shops, department stores and shopping centres across the UK are set to reopen in June once they are “COVID-19 secure” and can show safety for customers.
PRESS RELEASE06/04/20 - Regulatory status of PPE
The different regulations that apply to devices and equipment, including hand gels and PPE (personal protective equipment), have been outlined to ensure everyone’s safety.
Read more to find the regulations on:
– Antimicrobial hand sanitisers and gels
– Face masks
– Gloves
– Donating healthcare equipment to healthcare providers
– Failure to comply with the regulations
30/03/12 - Coronavirus press conference slides
Press conference slides and datasets used by Sir Patrick Vallance, to accompany the coronavirus press conference that took place on 30 March 2020. The slides include:
– Transport use change
– New UK cases
– Hospital admissions
– Global comparison of deaths
23/03/20 - PM announces strict lockdown for the UK
Boris Johnson has announced a UK lockdown, saying people can only shop for basic necessities and limit exercise to one form a day. People must also restrict travel only to and from work if it’s essential.
This BBC news article includes:
– The restrictions set out by the PM
– The businesses that will not need to close
– How to stick together, by staying apart
– The current challenge for police forces
– Other key developments
22/03/20 - National Crime Agency warning
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has warned that organised crime groups may try to exploit the coronavirus outbreak to target the UK. Their proactive approach includes:
– Continuing to protect the public and leading the UK’s fight against organised crime throughout the pandemic
– Continuing work to protect children from online abuse
– Identifying that criminals are already looking to exploit the UK by running intelligence assessments
– Recognising and investigating coronavirus-themed malicious apps and websites, as well as email phishing attacks aimed at stealing personal information
22/03/20 - Government sets out plans to enforce closure of businesses and other venues
Guidance issued states that the local government will be responsible for enforcing regulations requiring businesses asked to close on 20 March 2020. Regulations include:
– Businesses who do not follow the restrictions will be issued with prohibition notices
– Fines will be issued to businesses who fail to comply
– Businesses could face the loss of their alcohol license
– There will be no limit to the fines of businesses who continue to ignore restrictions
20/03/20 - Government announces further measures on social distancing
To limit the spread of coronavirus, measures to close entertainment, hospitality and indoor leisure premises across the country will take place from the end of trading hours on Friday 20 March.
– Social contact will be limited further by new measures taken from scientific evidence
– The public are urged to stay at home and limit travel
19/03/20 - Avon and Somerset Police respond to the coronavirus outbreak
Avon and Somerset Police respond to COVID-19 to reassure the public that they’re taking all necessary steps to maintain critical functions, including:
– Expanding the Incident Assessment Unit by increasing the number of supervisors and staff
– Keeping the neighbourhood policing teams in place and safeguarding them to reassure local communities and maintain a visible presence
– Enquiry offices and public-facing police posts remain open to the public but this is under constant review
– Focussing messages to the public on encouraging people to report non-urgent offences online instead of through 101
– Giving daily updates to their officers with the latest advice and guidance from Public Health England and the Government
17/03/20 - Government to grant permission for pubs and restaurants to operate as takeaways
The Government will relax planning rules to allow pubs and restaurants to operate as hot food takeaways during the coronavirus outbreak.
READ MOREUSEFUL LINKS
Stay informed with useful links to ongoing advice related to COVID-19 (coronavirus).
Restaurants offering takeaway or delivery
Government guidance for people who work in or run restaurants offering takeaway or delivery services.
GUIDANCEShops and branches
Guidance for people who work in or run shops, branches, stores or similar environments.
READ MOREOffices and contact centres
Guidance for people who work in or run offices, contact centres and similar indoor environments.
GUIDANCEConstruction and other outdoor work
Guidance for people who work in or run outdoor working environments.
READ MOREUrban centres and green spaces
Guidance for the owners and operators of urban centres and green spaces to help social distancing.
GUIDANCEPrepare your workplace ready for COVID-19
This useful document from the World Health Organization gives advice on:
– How to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in your workplace
– Managing COVID-19 risks when arranging meetings and events
– Things to consider when you and your employees travel
– Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19
BRC guidance on social distancing
BRC-USDAW Recommended implementation practices for non-food retail stores.
BRC GUIDANCE30-minute, one-to-one sessions with Bristol Chaplaincy
Bristol Chaplaincy provides a range of services to listen to you and help you take positive steps forward. As we continue to face a sustained period of uncertainty, Bristol Chaplaincy is offering free 30-minute telephone or video conference one-to-one sessions.
Aiming to listen, help you find hope, and even provide a solution to the challenge you might be facing, Bristol Chaplaincy are offering free 30-minute, one-to-one telephone and video conference sessions.
FIND OUT MORE111 online coronavirus service
An online service that gives you medical advice and helps you check if you have any coronavirus symptoms.
111 ONLINECoronavirus and your wellbeing
This article by Mind provides useful tips and guidance that you can try to help maintain or improve your wellbeing during the coronavirus pandemic, covering:
– Plans for staying at home
– Taking care of your mental health and wellbeing
– A checklist preparing you to stay at home
Guidance for Better Mental Health
This guide was created to help increase understanding and awareness of all aspects of coping with the stress of the lockdown, as well as bereavement. With the current COVID-19 pandemic, many people who live with depression are struggling to stay afloat during self or mandated isolation.
This informational guide can be one of many stepping stones for those struggling and their loved ones to better understand their situation and lead them to find a safe and supportive environment, especially during these times.
GUIDANCEPoster - Guidance for employers and businesses
A helpful poster offering guidance for employers and businesses to stop the spread of coronavirus.
VIEW THE POSTERCoronavirus and food: What you need to know
What you need to know about food businesses and COVID-19, including useful information and advice on:
– Guidance on food hygiene
– Managing employee sickness
– Social distancing and managing it within specific food business settings
Find financial support for your business
Support for COVID-19 is available to employers and the self-employed. Use this support finder to see if you’re eligible for loans, tax relief and cash grants.
Small Business Support Grant: Frequently Asked Questions
This useful FAQ document covers:
– More information about the scheme
– More information on grant payments
– Using the online form to register
– The helpline to use if you require advice
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) FAQs for SMEs
This helpful document covers FAQs surrounding the Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), covering:
– What is the CBILS?
– How can I access the scheme?
– What are the key features?
– How do I know that I’m eligible?
– What are the fees involved?
And more!
HM Government scheme information
This page by HM Government helps businesses find out how to access the support that has been made available, who is eligible, when the schemes open and how to apply.
SCHEME INFOHospitality Action - COVID-19 Emergency Grant
Hospitality Action have secured enough funds to launch an emergency COVID-19 grant scheme to provide an emergency one-off grant of £250 per household to support eligible hospitality workers impacted by COVID-19. Read more to find out if you’re eligible, how to apply and for frequently asked questions.
FIND OUT MOREBusiness rates relief guidance
Avison Young has released a helpful document that covers the following five business rates issues to consider during the COVID-19 pandemic:
– Is my business eligible for retail rate relief?
– Can I claim the extended retail rate relief?
– Is my current Rateable Value correct and can I reduce it due to the impact of COVID-19?
– Do I have vacant space that I could get business rate relief on?
– Can I claim the grants that have been made available?
Enterprise Nation: How small businesses can access coronavirus support
Enterprise Nation has published latest information on how and when you can access the support available from the Government. It is being regularly updated so keep returning for the latest details.
READ MOREOfficial UK government website
Find out the number of cases and risk level in the UK, what to do if you have symptoms, and what the government is doing about the virus.
COVID-19 INFOABI - Coronavirus Q&A
The Asociation of British Insurers have created a useful Q&A on how different insurance policies are affected by coronavirus, including travel insurance, business insurance, income protection, trade credit insurance and more.
Q&AAdvice from the Federation of Self Employed & Small Businesses (FSB)
Advice and guidance on reducing the risks from the COVID-19 virus to you and your business including the latest news, what the Government has announced, help available, business rates, further actions and more.
FSB GuidanceTrading through coronavirus
Business West’s hub providing guidance and support on coronavirus (COVID-19) for businesses, employers and employees in the South West of England.
What’s included:
– Support for businesses
– Critical information
– Quick links
– Latest Government announcements
Covid-19 Consumer sentiment tracker
This is a weekly tracking survey to understand domestic intent to take short breaks and holidays both within the U.K. and abroad. Keep referring back to this over the next few weeks for more updates.
Consumer trackerFINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES AND THEIR EMPLOYEES
As the outbreak evolves here in the UK, we are working hard to help businesses cut through the deluge of information and collate up-to-date, practical advice and guidance.
This downloadable infographic hosts collated key financial support information with external links to help you find the relevant information.
FINANCIAL SUPPORTAdvice for landlords amid COVID-19 changes
In a fast-paced changing environment, much is being announced by the Government to support businesses. Gregg Latchams provide advice for landlords during the unprecedented crisis, including what should landlords do in the meantime, gas safety checks, access for repairs, financial difficulties and more.
LANDLORD ADVICECoronavirus: delaying your VAT payments
Many businesses are concerned about VAT payments becoming due in these difficult business circumstances and HMRC have announced a special coronavirus helpline to discuss all tax payments: 0800 0159 5599.
VAT INFOCOVID-19 letter from the NBCC
The National Business Crime Centre (NBCC) are focussing on coronavirus and its significant impact on commercial sectorfiscally and the risk of increased anti-social behaviour to businesses.
The letter includes the following useful crime prevention tips by The Metropolitan Police Business Crime Hub:
– If your staff fall victim to an assault or witness violence in your premises
– Closed Premises/Venues that have been temporarily shut
– Physical Protective Measures
– Large gatherings/Queuing
– Reassurance to customers
Help people affected by coronavirus
This article by Bristol City Council offers guidance on how you can help others during the worldwide pandemic. Learn more about staying safe whilst helping others and receiving support, as well as how you can help through volunteering, groups and donating.
HOW YOU CAN HELPNABCP - Crime prevention advice for empty commercial premises
The NABCP has released useful information on how to prevent crime in empty commercial premises, including advice on:
– Reviewing your property portfolio
– Access and boundary treatments
– Preventing vehicular access on to the site
– Surveillance
– Forensic marking
– Removing the utility supply
– Protecting buildings within your site
Acas: advice for employers and employees
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for employers and employees on self-isolation and sick pay, if the employer needs to close the workplace, if an employee needs time off work to look after someone, good practice steps and more.
ACAS ADVICEThe steps businesses should take to offer a delivery or takeaway service
With the Government’s recent advice against the public attending pubs and restaurants, some establishments have opted to deliver food as part of a takeaway offer. Gregg Latchams have outlined the actions required to offer a delivery or take away service and can provide legal support with licensing requirements.
READ MORESTAY CONNECTED
During these unprecedented times, it's important that everyone feels supported and everyone stays connected.
Coordinating a business community response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We have created three Facebook groups for our levy payers to communicate with other businesses within their area. Please use the groups to share experiences, ask questions and pass on any advice that has proved useful.
Click the links below to request to join the group relevant to your business:
Click here to join the Park Street and Queens Road group.
Click here to join the Harbourside group.
Click here to join the Old City group.
Please feel free to invite employees and other members of staff to the group.
WEBINARS
Our series of free webinars will provide guidance for businesses in the City Centre BID area during this unprecedented crisis.
STAYING IN TOUCH AND CONNECTED: 7 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR LINKEDIN PRESENCE
At a time when many of the usual business communication channels are not available, our online network takes on even more significance.
On Tuesday 7th April, we were joined by independent LinkedIn Coach and Trainer, Greg Cooper, as he explained why it’s really important that we continue to show up and maintain an active dialogue with our customers and our network.
WATCH NOWCORONAVIRUS: RETAIL, RENT AND LANDLORD DISCUSSIONS
Against a back drop of an already struggling retail market, the enforced closure of the majority of retail and leisure businesses has brought new, unprecedented challenges.
On Thursday 9th April, we were joined by James Woodard, Director of Hartnell Taylor Cook, as he talked about how landlords and tenants are already dealing with these issues, offering advice on how to manage these discussions.
WATCH NOWINSURANCE: SUPPORT AND BUSINESS RISK MANAGEMENT
There’s lots of different information on whether you can claim on your insurance for business interruption caused by COVID-19.
On Tuesday 14th April, we were joined by James Woollam, Managing Director at Hayes Parsons Insurance Brokers, as he clearly explained the conditions within insurance policies that you should now be aware of to ensure you do not invalidate your cover.
WATCH NOWMAINTAINING EMOTIONAL WELLBEING IN EXTRAORDINARY TIMES
On Thursday 16th April, we were joined by national mental health GP specialist, Dr Dominique Thompson, in the first of three wellbeing sessions to hear her initial top three tips for staying well and in control in unpredictable and uncertain times.
If you are feeling the pressure and under stress, there are still things that you can do to look after your emotional health. This webinar will explain why you may be feeling more exhausted, more anxious or even overwhelmed and, most importantly, what you can try to help improve the situation.
WATCH NOWJOB RETENTION SCHEME
On Tuesday 21st April, we were joined by Sarah Haynes, leader of KPMG’s Employment Solutions Team in the South, as she provided a valuable update on the current guidance on the Job Retention Scheme, including technical and practical considerations for employers.
WATCH NOW
HOW TO SLEEP BETTER: THE MYTHS AND THE SCIENCE
Sleep – we all need it, but it can be elusive, and especially so in extraordinary times like these.
On Thursday 23rd April, we were joined by Dr Dominique Thompson, a GP and mental health expert, to discover the myths and realities of a good night’s sleep. This short webinar will help you to optimise your sleep and to make sure that, as much as possible, you can get out of bed on the ‘right side’.
WATCH NOWAn Update on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Thousands of employees have been furloughed and employers are starting to make claims under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. There remain a number of unanswered questions and uncertainties around the scheme, relating to who is eligible and what can be claimed.
On Tuesday 28th April, we were joined by Gareth Edwards, an Employment Partner at VWV, who talked through the main issues, finishing the session with a helpful Q&A.
WATCH NOWAdapting to a new normal: Leaving lockdown and other common concerns about COVID-19
On Thursday 30th of April, we were joined by Dr Dominique Thompson to consider how we can best prepare for and adapt to a new normal, and how COVID-19 might still affect our lives in the next few months.
Dominique discussed what you might need to do before ‘leaving lockdown’ longer term, and what practical steps you might take to be ready for life in a ‘post-lockdown’ world.
WATCH NOWProtecting your business against cyber attacks
Businesses are particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks at the moment because of the increase in homeworking and the use of new apps. A cyber attack could have serious financial and reputational consequences at an already stressful time.
On Tuesday 5th May, we were joined by Claire Hall, Senior Associate at VWV, as she talked through some of the important measures that you can take to protect your business against a cyber threat.
WATCH NOWUsing video to market your business
On Thursday 7th May, we were joined by Sunjay Singh, Co-Founder and Creative Director at video marketing agency, Life Media UK, as he talked about practical video marketing tips that businesses can leverage right now to keep up communication with their target audience.
WATCH NOWReliefs, relaxation, rescue and recovery: Government schemes to support businesses through coronavirus
On Tuesday 12th May, we were joined by Anna Thompson, Senior Associate Solicitor at Michelmores, as she provided a brief overview of the different Government schemes available to support businesses through COVID-19.
Discussing business rates reliefs, VAT deferral, Time to Pay arrangements and the various types of loans, Anna talked about how businesses might look to prepare for recovery.
WATCH NOWUsing video to prepare for the bounce-back period
On Thursday 14th May, we were joined by Sunjay Singh, Co-Founder and Creative Director at Life Media UK, as he shared how to make the most of video marketing to prepare for the bounce-back period, post-lockdown.
WATCH NOWContracts and coronavirus
Specialist members from the VWV coronavirus response team, Ben Holt, Ed Rimmell and Stephanie Rickard, joined us on Tuesday 19th May to look at key issues with the inability to perform contracts during the lockdown.
The team covered “force majeure” provisions, frustration and the Procurement Policy Note on payment of suppliers.
WATCH NOWHR: Resilience & wellbeing
As a HR professional for over 30 years, James Maher from Bristol Mind recognises that during these uncertain, ever changing times, HR teams are holding huge responsibility for organisational welfare and wellbeing.
In this webinar, on Thursday 21st May, James introduced some thoughts and insights on how HR teams can practice some self-care & resilience as demand and expectation on HR increases.
WATCH NOWBusiness tenants: Legal protections, myths and tips
On Tuesday 26th May, we were joined by Andrew Baines, Partner Solicitor at Michelmores, as he talked about the recent changes to commercial landlord and tenant law, the announcement on further changes, legal myths and realities, how landlords and tenants appear to be dealing with each other, and helpful tips for tenants.
WATCH NOWReintegration on return to work
The impact of the COVID-19 crisis is unprecedented and the process of “unlocking” will present many novel challenges. Among these will be the reintegration of fragmented teams.
On Thursday 28th May, we were joined by Felix Spender, expert in conflict and collaborative management, as he discussed the potential challenges and opportunities the pandemic brings in order to develop strong cohesive teams to deal with the new normal.
WATCH NOWReopening and operating post-lockdown
This very informative webinar was hosted by our Business Liaison Manager, Paula Ratcliffe, who was joined by Keith Rundle, Operations Director at Bristol City Centre BID, and Steve Bluff, Manager at Broadmead BID.
The team was also joined by members from Bristol City Council and leading retailers in the city centre.
This specialist panel talked through the relevant guidance for non-essential retailers to reopen and operate safely, and what help is available.
WATCH NOWHospitality: Reopening post-lockdown
With many hospitality businesses aiming to re-open in early July, we hosted this webinar with Bristol City Council’s Jonathan Martin (Licensing and Trading Standards), Duncan Venison (Network Operations) and Kurt James (COVID Incident Team) to discuss and answer questions on how Bristol City Council are planning for the next phase of reopening the city centre.
WATCH NOWINFORMATION ON OUR NEXT WEBINAR COMING SOON
Learning portal
Level-up in the lockdown with free online courses
HM Government Skills Toolkit
The UK Government’s free-to-use online skills toolkit allows people to develop their skills during the current lockdown. The toolkit includes a selection of high-quality courses, from social media and coding to programming and digital marketing.
SKILLS TOOLKITBarclays Digital Confidence Lifeskills
LifeSkills is a free programme designed to help young people develop the skills they need for the 21st century workplace and includes valuable content for educators, parents and young people.
LIFESKILLSLloyds Bank Academy
The Lloyds Bank Academy is packed with free digital skills learning for any level, with the option to learn online or face-to-face. Gain skills for everyday life, as well as skills to boost business.
ACADEMYNatWest MentorLIVE
NatWest Mentor are now offering their digital platform – MentorLive – for free! MentorLive is part of a wider range of support they offer as part of their ‘paid for’ services, and is a fully-featured system to manage HR & Health & Safety in your business, with access to:
– Free tools & templates (including Furlough letters & guidance)
– Detailed FAQ’s & policies on SSP, holidays & working from home
– Workplace posters
– H&S templates inc COVID-19 risk assessment template
– Free weekly webinars delivered by their expert consultants
They are also offering the Mentor 90 day Employment Law & HR and Health & Safety Advice Service.
REGISTER FOR FREEBristol Mind YouTube channel
The team at Bristol Mind have put together a series of short, free videos from a variety of local trainers and experts, offering advice and support to help you look after your wellbeing during the pandemic.
The videos are 10-15 minutes long and cover:
– Tips on managing stress and anxiety
– Tips for Managers on supporting remote staff
– Postnatal mental health during COVID-19
– Support whilst working from home
And more!
Google Digital Garage
Use Google Digital Garage to learn at your own pace, with flexible and personalised training courses that are designed to build your confidence in the digital world.
Get access to:
– Online courses
– Free webinars
– Certification
– Face-to-face workshops
Pearson UK Learns
UK Learns provides a curated selection of online courses, from data science to childcare, to help the UK workforce and businesses acquire new skills and earn qualifications and accreditations. Many are free of charge, some for a limited period.
UK LEARNS