w/c 16 March 2020
Like all other businesses across the town and country this week, here at Southend BID we have been keenly watching the news for the latest updates on the COVID-19 Coronavirus.
We’re all clear on the guidelines to regularly wash our hands (to the tune of your choosing), use the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ guide in response to coughs and sneezes, avoid close contact and self-isolate if you or members of your household are experiencing any of the symptoms. Thankfully most people are heeding the social distancing advice set out by health professionals and the government but it has had an unsurprisingly rapid impact on businesses.
It is with this in mind that I was pleased to hear of the Government’s announcement of business support earlier in the week. Some of the benefits include including access to the use of a £330 billion budget for business loans, interruption insurance cover of up to £25,000 for applicable businesses and exemption for all retail, hospitality and leisure operators from business rates for the 2020/2021 financial year.
For this to work the application process for local businesses needs to be simple and the provision of any funds needs to be fast. It is also vitally important that the Government continue to be flexible with their support as business needs change with the developing situation in the upcoming days, weeks and months.
Our local businesses are working hard to keep staff and customers safe whilst still being able to operate on some level. If you are looking for a way to show your support in these difficult times then consider buying a voucher from a place that you would normally shop at or visit. The voucher can be spent when we’re all let loose again and it will ensure the businesses we love are still there when social distancing is a thing of the past.
- Suzanne Gloyne
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