Latest COVID-19 updates as well as useful information from around the city.
COVID-19 Recovery Plan
As the city prepares to re-open, Nottingham BID is here to support it's members in adapting to a new way of working following the COVID-19 outbreak, promoting a safe exit from lockdown and identifying the next steps required to shape the long-term recovery of the city centre.
An overview of what Nottingham BID has put into place throughout the panademic, as well as plans and activities to support the safe and sustainable reopening of Nottingham city centre can be found here.
Collaboration with businesses from all sectors will be key to identify the most pressing issues, potential opportunities and ways in which the BID can support Nottingham’s business community. A committee of business owners and representatives will be created with the intention of collaborating on initiatives that will support the recovery of the city centre. If you would like to be involved please get in touch here.
Window Vinyls
Created in partnership with Nottingham City Council, we are offering free window vinyls to businesses to remind people to maintain social distancing, as well as encouraging people to keep left.
These bright signs encourage social distancing and tie in with the city dressings that can be found across Nottingham city centre.
If you would like to receive a free window vinyl, please complete the form here
Business Re-Opening Packs
If you are in the Nottingham BID area, apply for one of our our free re-opening packs of social distancing floor stickers, cashier desk strut cards, government guidance posters, face masks and anti-bacterial hand gel.
Fill in the form and we will have the pack delivered to your business.
Stock is limited, therefore please bear this in mind when requesting quantities.
Business Reopening Checklist
Click here to download a checklist of issues you may need to consider before opening.
Businesses who offer food and drink should also read sector specific reopening advice from the Food Standards Agency.
Digital map
To help support Nottingham's city centre businesses we've created a handy digital map to highlight to the public which businesses are open and what services are available. These will continue to be updated and promoted through our consumer facing brand, It's in Nottingham.
If you would like us to add your business to the map then please email here.
Street Ambassadors
Some members of our team of Street Ambassadors have returned to work in the city to deliver reopen packs to businesses and are on hand to deal with any enquiries.
If you have any queries or need assistance please email here
Last Chance to Apply for Nottingham Small Business Fund
At the beginning of June, Nottingham City Council was awarded a £3.35m Discretionary Grant Fund from central government. The grants of up to £2,000, £5,000 and £10,000 are available to businesses who were trading prior to 11 March and who have not been eligible for other grant funding. This includes businesses in shared workspaces, market and street traders, charities and other businesses with a rateable value between £15,000-£51,000.
Grant applications need to be submitted to Nottingham City Council for assessment before Monday 15 June 2020 and you can apply here.
Completing the form should take around 15 minutes and you will need to have the following information:
Company details: name, address, contact information
Business rates account number
VAT registration number
Company Number (if applicable)
Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number
Coronavirus Business Support Blog
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy have launched a new Coronavirus Business Support Blog where you can access a number of case studies and find out how other businesses have used government support schemes and working safety guidance.
For the latest up to date information on support for businesses, visit the coronavirus pages on GOV.UK
HR, Employment Law, Training and Guidance
HR and employment law brings with it a number of sensitive issues and consideration, particularly in the current climate with COVID-19. The 2.5 hour session, which is being offered free to businesses within the BID zone, will cover a range of currently relevant topics and will also give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Key areas will include changes to the furlough scheme, varying contracts (flexible hours, furloughing), homeworking, managing redundancies and managing absence. The session will be led by Richard Stace, a solicitor and an experienced employment law specialist.
If you are interested in attending a Zoom session with Richard please us email here to register your interest.
Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs)
You may have heard of Employee Assistance Programme which offer employees in the leisure, retail and hospitality sectors comprehensive care packages, services and benefits. During the coronavirus outbreak we have been offering members the schemes for free, to enable them to support their employees during this period of uncertainty.,
A number of businesses have already signed up to receive the schemes, free of charge, and we still have availability if any other members would like to take advantage of the opportunity. To find out more or to sign up, click here.
COVID-19 Business Recovery Planning Webinar
Last week Nottingham Partners, the membership organisation supporting Nottingham and Nottinghamshire's drive to boost the local economy, hosted their second online webinar and joining the panel of guest speakers was Nottingham BID's manager, Lucy Stanford who provided an update on Nottingham BID activities and what we are doing to support the city and our levy payers. If you missed the event you can catch up with it here.