Development

Kakou CIC raise funds for frontline staff at Chesterfield Royal Hospital through sales of ‘Pride’ products

A local social enterprise has released a range of bespoke products and designs, with proceeds from sales going to frontline workers at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Kakou is a social enterprise looking to identify and remove barriers that exclude the disabled from accessing mainstream music and creative arts participation.

The group specialises in the design and manufacture innovative products, offering mainstream features that are inclusive and accessible to all, without the need for special adaptation.

It also provides research and development into new ways to provide disabled people with opportunities to participate and collaborate in inclusive environments and hosts workshops suitable for all ages and abilities that stimulate the mind in a vast range of original, creative, practical and engaging ways.

Last year, Kakou CIC were commissioned by the University of Derby to produce a piece of community artwork to be displayed at their Chesterfield Campus.

Now, Kakou are selling prints of the St. Helena canvas, alongside rainbow inspired t-shirts and tote bags, with the proceeds going to #ProtectYourNHS – the charity of Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

With the help of the students, teachers and staff of St. Helena, and the festival-goers of Chesterfield Pride 2019, the group created a giant canvas of the St. Helena campus (home of the University’s College of Health and Social Care).

Originally painted in Pride colours, the rainbow has become a symbol of support for people wanting to show solidarity with NHS workers on the front line.

Director of Kakou, Ann Fomukong-Boden said “during the Covid-19 pandemic many of the nursing and allied healthcare students from St. Helena have taken to the frontline, working in hospitals as part of our NHS and Care Heroes.

“Having produced this amazing piece of art, it felt right as a thank you and acknowledgement of all the work the NHS has done during the pandemic to use it to help raise money for our local NHS charity.”

To shop the collection visit – https://kakou.co.uk/collection/chesterfield-pride/

Kakou CIC supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Uncategorised, Visiting

Businesses desperately require answers as Brexit negotiations reach decision point, says East Midlands Chamber.

With the UK and EU yet to agree a trade deal, businesses are being left to “pick up the pieces” as they attempt to plan for 2021 amid huge uncertainty, believes the Chamber.

It comes as the latest analysis by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) showed that with just 24 days to go until the end of the transition period, businesses still have insufficient official information available in 24 critical areas.

Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “Businesses are hooked to the news waiting for a positive update from the negotiations because the current stalemate is undermining their ability to prepare for change on 1 January.

“We know our trading relationship is going to look a lot different and many businesses have been managing their ‘known unknowns’, helped by organisations like the Chamber via our Readiness for Change programme.

“But there’s still many critical areas where they need answers, and they need them now, because they are being left to pick up the pieces while uncertainty rules.

“While it appears we are edging towards a decision either way on whether we will have a deal in time for the end of the transition period, the BCC’s Brexit Guidance Dashboard shows there are too many questions that remain unanswered – despite these issues not actually being impacted on the resolution of the trade negotiations.

“There is therefore no excuse for the UK Government not to do everything in its power to ensure the changes from 1 January will be as seamless as possible.”

BCC’s analysis finds 24 questions remain unanswered

The BCC’s Brexit Guidance Dashboard – long used by both business and government to evaluate the quality of official UK Government guidance – compiles 35 questions most frequently raised by businesses, which apply in both “deal” or “no deal” scenarios.
It has assessed the information available to firms and rated it green (information is sufficient), amber (some information is available) and red (information is wholly inadequate).

The BCC last evaluated the quality of official HM Government guidance to assess whether it provides sufficient, clear and actionable information that businesses can use to prepare for the coming changes in September and has now provided its latest assessment.
Government guidance has only been upgraded to a “green” rating in two areas – duty deferment accounts and the paperwork needed to import under a Generalised System of Preferences programme – since its last update, with 24 of 35 key questions still flashing “amber” or “red”.

Among the unresolved issues are:

• Firms still do not know what rules of origin will apply after the transition period, preventing them and their customers from planning – which could potentially create unprecedented new administration and costs
• There remains very limited guidance on procedures for the movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland
• Ten-digit tariff codes have still not been published and there is still doubt about the final World Trade Organisation’s most favoured nation (MFN) tariff rates
• There is no information on how UK tariff rate quotas will be administered or how businesses can access them beyond the transition period.

The lack of information with which to plan, and potential deadline fatigue, presents further challenges to firms up and down the UK that have already faced reduced demand, ongoing Government restrictions and sustained cashflow challenges due to the coronavirus crisis.

BCC director-general Adam Marshall said: “Posters and television adverts are no substitute for the clear, detailed and actionable information businesses require to prepare for the end of transition.

“None of the issues businesses are grappling with are new. They have all been raised repeatedly over the past four years, from tariff codes and rules of origin through to the movement of goods from GB to NI.

“The detail and precision of UK Government guidance matters, and will make all the difference as the trading relationship between the UK and EU changes on January 1.

“With the clock ticking down, the Government must do everything in its power to provide businesses with answers as they prepare to navigate a New Year like no other.

“We welcome the fact that UK and EU leaders are still talking, as the overwhelming majority of businesses want the two sides to reach an agreement.

“If a breakthrough happens over the coming hours and days, the two sides must immediately set to work on pragmatic steps to smooth the introduction of the new arrangements from January, including easements for genuine administrative errors, clear procedures at ports, and fast help from customs authorities.”

Easements and temporary waivers needed to help firms adjust
In addition to clarity on the new arrangements in any deal, the BCC said it is crucial the UK and EU member states agree to implement changes in a way that helps businesses to adjust to the new procedures and systems that will come in to force from January 1.
Example UK easements could include:

• A temporary waiver of the £300 fine for hauliers arriving at Channel ports that aren’t border-ready due to genuine errors in the preparation of their documentation
• Flexibility in the requirements for EU companies to be registered in the UK for paperwork purposes
• A mandatory grace period for all companies that have inadvertently shared personal data unlawfully between the UK and the EU (whether with third parties or subsidiaries) without adequate legal authority – unless there has been a substantive breach of data subject rights

On areas such as the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, the BCC said the Government should be prepared to act unilaterally to maintain the provision of services within the UK while also working with the EU and member states on reciprocal provision.
If no agreement can be reached, the organisation has urged both the UK and EU to take steps to help keep trade flowing in the interests of businesses on both sides.

Brexit business support chesterfield

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Just half of local businesses have applied for the latest business grant from Chesterfield Borough Council

Local businesses have received almost £1 million in Government grant support from Chesterfield Borough Council to help them deal with the impact of Covid-19 restrictions – but only half of eligible business have applied so far.

The council has identified more than 1500 local businesses that are eligible for the Government’s Local Restrictions Support Grants but has only received 750 applications since early November.

These grants aim to provide much needed support for businesses affected by the national lockdown which began on 5 November and eligible companies are now being urged to put forward an application.

Councillor Dean Collins, cabinet member for economic development, said: “We understand that this is an incredibly difficult period for many local businesses and there is a lot of uncertainty about the future. For many businesses these grants are a lifeline that can help them survive through ongoing restrictions.

“So far almost £1 million has been paid to local businesses through this support grant, but we are aware that there are still lots of businesses that need to apply. The application process is straightforward and can be completed online. We are prioritising processing and making these payments, so I would encourage every local business owner to check if they are eligible and get their application in as soon as possible.”

Businesses will qualify for support grants if they are a Chesterfield Borough Council rates payer and meet all the following criteria:

• the business was open and trading as usual on 4 November 2020
• it was registered for Business Rates on 5 November 2020
• it is one of the types of business that have been instructed to close

The amount that businesses can receive is dependent upon the rateable value of its premises. Find out more details about the amount of funding available here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/businessgrants
Business owners can apply for these grants using the digital form on the Council’s website, but they will need to register for a My Chesterfield account. This will also allow the management of business rates accounts online.

As part of the application process some evidence is required, these will need to be uploaded as electronic copies, scanned images or clear photos of the following documents:

• Business Rates account reference – this is an eight-character reference beginning with five, you can find this on your annual bill
• Business bank account details – this is the account the grant will be paid into
• Proof of business bank account – the most recent statement or a screenshot of online banking, which shows the business bank details, is from within the last month and shows business transactions during this period

Find out more about the eligibility criteria and apply online here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/businessgrants

You can also find out more about the support available to local businesses here: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

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Chesterfield community group to provide ‘Tips for a Plastic Free Christmas’

As the festive season gets underway, single-use plastic group, Plastic Free Chesterfield, are launching their new campaign providing tips on how to have a greener, plastic-free Christmas.

With so much excitement surrounding many elements of Christmas, being environmentally conscious can sometimes be difficult to think about.

Research shows that waste can double during the Christmas period, and most of it is plastic from gift wrapping and packaging. In the UK we go through more than 40 million rolls of (mostly plastic) sticky tape every year, and use enough wrapping paper to go around the Equator nine times. Along with this around 125,000 tonnes of plastic wrapping used for food is discarded over the festive period.

Plastic Free Chesterfield is working to create a plastic free community in Chesterfield with Surfers Against Sewage. A community dedicated to minimising Chesterfield’s contribution to the single-use plastic crisis. The group has set up the ‘Plastic Free Champions’ scheme for Chesterfield businesses to get support in reducing their use of single use plastics.

Greg Hewitt, Plastic Free Chesterfield community lead said: “About 8 million tonnes of plastic gets into our oceans every year, and plastic production is increasing. We need to change direction. Christmas is an opportunity to spread ideas for alternatives to plastic waste. From decorations, to wrapping paper, to all sorts of reusable or alternative present ideas.”

Greg continued: “Key figures such as David Attenborough have reminded us this year that despite being in a pandemic, we are still facing a huge plastic pollution and climate crisis. The Christmas period is a really great opportunity for individuals to do their bit and take action on this and Plastic Free Chesterfield wants to make this as easy and accessible for people to do as possible.”

The tips are being provided every day starting from 1st December on the Plastic Free Chesterfield social media channels as well as being listed on their website.

Find out more about Christmas activities in Chesterfield here. 

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Chesterfield’s Twist Magazine sets up loyalty card scheme for local shoppers and businesses

Twist magazine responded to the coronavirus crisis by setting up the largest loyalty card scheme in Chesterfield, enabling any local business to offer money-saving offers to its readers – entirely for free.

The publication distributed 15,500 Twist & Save Cards to its readers and each month it publishes a list of local businesses and services where Chesterfield folk can claim discounts or other benefits.

Dozens of businesses have been quick to join the scheme, offering all manner of incentives to attract new customers.

Said Heron Publications director Mike Firth: “We had been considering a scheme such as this for a long while and, with many businesses going through the toughest of times in 2020, this was the perfect time to launch it.

“It’s one way we have been able to put something back into the community which supports our publication so well.

“Businesses can promote their own individual deals and card-holders can take advantage of all manner of special offers. Everyone benefits – and no-one has to pay a penny to be involved.”

Additional Twist & Save Cards are available from the magazine for people wanting to pass them on to relations or friends.

Added Mike: “Everyone knows the importance of dealing with local shops and services. When people can also show their Twist & Save Card to make a saving or pick up a ‘freebie’ locally, it’s a no-brainer for them.”

Heron Publications have launched similar schemes through its other three magazines – Wings, Dronfield Eye and Active8 – with a total of almost 52,000 cards distributed to readers.

The Twist & Save Card scheme is supported by Chesterfield Borough Council. To discover how your business or service can benefit, email twistcard@heronpublications.co.uk or call Mandy Goulding on 01246 416027.

You can find out more about local shopping in Chesterfield here.

Twist Magazine supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Mike Firth, Heron Publications

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Development, Featured, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

GBS work with D2N2 to launch transformative ‘Skills Bootcamps’

The government has announced plans to transform the training and skills system across our region in a bid to make it fit for the 21st century economy and help the country build back better from coronavirus.

In a written Ministerial statement, the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has been confirmed as one of three regions that will deliver an extension of the government’s Skills Bootcamps programme.

The programme will be funded by the Department for Education and developed locally by the D2N2 LEP working with local employers, providers and local authorities.

Skills Bootcamps are short flexible courses of around 12 weeks that have been designed to give people the opportunity to build up their digital skills and fast-track them to an interview with a local employer.

The courses are not for digital experts – participants need a good grasp of the English language and a willingness to learn new skills. The training programme has been developed with local employers and participants who complete the programme will have the opportunity of an employer interview and support to apply for relevant jobs.

The scheme is open to anyone aged 19+ in these local areas, whether they’re looking for work, already in work, or are returning to work after some time out. Courses are particularly being designed to encourage more women into digital roles and training will fit flexibly around existing commitments.

Recruitment for the Skills Bootcamps will start on 7th December, and the courses must be completed by the end of March 2021.

Skills Bootcamps are just one of the already announced programmes being paid for over five years by the £2.5 billion National Skills Fund, which will also cover an entitlement to a first, full level 3 qualification for every adult, and now the National Retraining Scheme.

Speaking about the announcement, Elizabeth Fagan CBE, Chair of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership said: “Delivering and increasing skills at all levels is critical to our region’s economic recovery from COVID-19 and our long-term growth. Training in the skills of the future and the skills we know our employers want and need is an important way to help our communities and our people bounce back into employment quickly.

“Today’s announcement will complement the many local schemes that are already up and running across our region. I would urge anyone who is out of work or who is concerned about their future employment, to please see what training and course options are available through the D2N2 website.”

Delivery of this work will be undertaken by a partnership of 10 providers, each with differing specialisms, industry links or geographical focus.

GBS will be offering courses in Digital Marketing, Content Creation and IT. These courses have been developed by our in-house specialists to provide high-quality training to successful delegates.

John Cusworth, Director of GBS Ltd, said: “The suite of programmes developed to support employers in the D2N2 region present a great opportunity for workforces to enhance and grow their digital infrastructure. In a society that’s becoming more and more digitalised, now is the perfect time to embrace the digital era to ensure businesses are maximising their digital and IT capabilities and are adequately resourced.”

Recruitment for the courses will begin on 7th December, but you can register your interest today.

Workshops will also be provided by Dronfield-based Ascento.

These will be focused around:

  • Adwords, PPC & SEO
  • Analytics & Metrics
  • Planning Digital Campaigns
  • Maximising Digital Channels
  • Social Selling

GBS supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

John Cusworth, GBS Ltd.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Central Technology offers free strategic IT reviews for local businesses

Sheepbridge-based Central Technology has announced it will be providing free strategic IT audits to all local businesses throughout December and January

Ian Snow, Managing Director at Central technology, has reviewed the transition of IT over the last few months in a recent blog post.

He commented: “2020 has been a tough business year, but together with our customers we have learnt a lot over the past nine months.
At the beginning of March our service desk helped move over 4,000 people to home working. During this process, it became clear very quickly that some businesses were not equipped for the move to remote working and faced big challenges such as security and communication.

“As the months went on we saw a major transition once again with customers wanting to ensure a flexible future for the business and its employees, looking towards a more long term hybrid workplace model.

“During this period of change, many of our customers used this time, alongside our senior consultants, to review the role technology plays in their business and how by having a comprehensive plan in place to support their business goals now and for the long term was vital for enabling growth and security in the current climate.

“We have seen how customers have benefited from this process and how it has provided vital reassurance and given them a strong technological foundation to hit 2021 and beyond in a far better position than they started 2020.

“We know that many businesses may not be able to justify the cost of this process during this difficult time and that any money spent in 2021 needs to count. With this in mind, in December and January, CT is offering a Free Strategic IT review to all businesses within the S postcode. We want to help businesses in our area by offering something that could make a big difference to their business moving forwards.”

How will this work?

Businesses looking to request a review should do so on the company’s website and a senior member of the CT team will then arrange a remote or face to face meeting. They will use this time to understand your business goals, challenges and risks. They will then carry out an IT audit either onsite or remotely and will deliver their findings back to you. This will be presented as a high level roadmap which will outline the prioritisation of short, medium and long term IT requirements.

Companies undertaking an audit will be under no obligation to take this any further, but it will provide some insight into their current situations and provide guidance that could help individual businesses in 2021 and beyond.

Matt Corbishley, Director of People and Performance, Ashgate Hospicecare said: “We enlisted the services of CT to help us ensure technology provided the foundations we need to support our charitable objectives and long term future goals. The team have worked closely with our IT Manager, leadership team and board of trustees to develop a technology roadmap that met these long term charitable and business objectives. They continue to deliver high levels of customer service at all times and we are confident that should any problems arise they are addressed swiftly and effectively. We are looking forward to continuing our strong relationship with CT into the future.”

Central Technology supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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December blog- Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

Destination Chesterfield chair Peter Swallow has provided an update to businesses and residents in Chesterfield, as we take a look back on the positive developments which have progressed in the town this year and look ahead to Christmas and 2021.

Peter Swallow Chair of Destination Chesterfield

Despite the challenges that 2020 has thrown at us all, we end the year on a positive note and a message of hope.

It would be very easy to write-off 2020 as an unmitigated disaster. We have all been bombarded with Covid-related bad news throughout the year. However, amongst the doom and gloom there has been some good news, and a common thread of hope throughout the year.

Development and investment, which will lay the foundation for future jobs in the town, has continued throughout 2020. Significant headway has been made on the new Enterprise Centre being constructed on the donut car park, and construction of the new ‘grade a’ offices at Chesterfield Waterside got underway.

Despite the imposed social distancing, I believe that Chesterfield’s communities have become closer and more supportive of each other during the pandemic. Although there are high hopes for the vaccine which has recently been announced, it is important that we maintain the Shop Local momentum over Christmas.

Chesterfield is a resilient and adaptable town and nowhere is this more evident that on our high street.

We have seen businesses adapt overnight – from doorstep deliveries of beer, tea and coffee, drive and buy fruit and veg on the market, to website launches and takeaway gourmet meals to cook at home. These small things have kept us all connected and smiling!

Non-food retailers, restaurants, bars and cafes have had it particularly tough. However, we have embraced the Shop Local message and gone out and supported local businesses enabling the survival of many.

In these challenging times it has never been more important to support each other. I am delighted that Destination Chesterfield and Chesterfield Borough Council have continued to work collaboratively this year on the Christmas in Chesterfield Campaign. Combining our efforts will reinforce the Support Local message.

We may not be able to physically get into the high street businesses, but many independent retailers, restaurants and cafes offer us access to their products and services from the comfort of our homes using our laptops, tablets, telephones and perhaps even carrier pigeons (OK, maybe not carrier pigeons——!)

Making the decision to choose an independent retailer for your gifts and food both now and beyond the pandemic will make a huge difference to our high street.

As we look to 2021, there can be no simpler message for the town other than ‘support each other.’

I wish you all a happy and HEALTHY Christmas and New Year.

 

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‘Shop local to help independent retailers overcome impact of lockdowns,’ says East Midlands Chamber

East Midlands Chamber has stressed the importance of shopping locally now the national lockdown has ended.

Ahead of Small Business Saturday on 5 December, the chamber of commerce says it has never been more important to support local businesses that have been badly affected by coronavirus lockdowns.

Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “As so-called ‘non-essential’ retailers are finally allowed to reopen after a month of national lockdown, it is vital that they receive the support of local people.

“Businesses have invested huge amounts of money into making themselves Covid-secure but have lost out through no fault of their own as they have been forced to close again. Customers who feel safe and comfortable to visit shops again once national restrictions are lifted should be mindful to support small independents in particular.

“At a time when our city and town centres are being decimated by the collapse of chains, these are the businesses that will hopefully remain once stores around them close. They are the beating heart of high streets and a huge part of the character in what makes towns and cities unique.

“Small Business Saturday is a great initiative that highlights the wide variety of businesses that people have on their doorstep, and in 2020 it’s perhaps never been more important to give them our support.”

On Friday 4 December, the Chamber will run a virtual roundtable event with Derby North MP Amanda Solloway to prepare for Small Business Saturday. You can find out more and book your place at the event here

The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy will speak to her local businesses about the impact of lockdown and their plans for the future.

Find out more about shopping locally in Chesterfield here. High street shops and Chesterfield’s market will also be extending their trading hours on the run-up to Christmas. Find out more and plan your shopping trip here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

School workplace tours go virtual for Made in Chesterfield

Virtual tours of businesses operating in the town’s engineering and manufacturing sector, will ensure that young people in North Derbyshire continue to learn about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers during the pandemic.

Tours of three Chesterfield businesses – MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar (UCB) and Woodhead Construction – have been produced as part of the 2020 Made in Chesterfield campaign to ensure that young people do not miss out on a STEM workplace experience during the pandemic.

The films feature a tour of the UCB foundry, MSE Hiller’s workshop and laboratory and Chesterfield Borough Council’s new Enterprise Centre which is currently being built by Woodhead Construction.

The first film, featuring UCB, is now available for education providers to download for free and share with students at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/tours-for-schools/united-cast-bar-virtual-tour/.

Sponsored by Chesterfield College, the annual campaign is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, supported by Chesterfield Borough Council and North Derbyshire Careers Hub.

The campaign was originally launched in 2015 in response to companies in the sector reporting long term recruitment difficulties. Over the last five years, Made in Chesterfield has helped introduce thousands of young people in North East Derbyshire to careers in the STEM sector.

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group explained:

“Initiatives like Made in Chesterfield are really important to inspire the next generation and illustrate the range of exciting careers available in science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing. It is crucial for employers and educational providers to work together to find new and innovative ways of showcasing the possibilities in these sectors, despite the current restrictions. Learning and development must continue so we can look to the future, which is why virtual tours and interactive sessions to engage young people are so vital.

“Chesterfield College is delighted to be a sponsor of this partnership and we are proud to playing a role in developing the skills of our local experts of the future.”

Pre-Covid-19, as part of the campaign a number of companies in the sector have led and hosted hands-on tours of their sites as well as going into schools to meet students and give talks.

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield’s board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the Borough, commented: “I am delighted that we are able to take STEM experiences into the classroom. Although we are in the middle of a pandemic it is important that we continue to ensure that young people have access to education, training, jobs and work placements in Chesterfield’s STEM sector. With HS2 on the horizon there is the opportunity for the region to become recognised as an international centre of rail research and innovation but only if we have the skilled workforce to meet investor demand.

“Although virtual this year, I am confident that these videos will be successful in bringing together education providers and businesses to ensure local young talent is aware of the myriad of STEM jobs and careers available here.”

Schools throughout North East Derbyshire are now being encouraged to share the films with students and give them a virtual taste of career opportunities in the STEM sector.

To view the virtual tours, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/tours-for-schools

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Chamber chief executive writes to Prime Minister demanding greater clarity for businesses in lockdown decisions

The chief executive of East Midlands Chamber has written to Boris Johnson urging the Government to provide greater clarity to businesses over lockdown restrictions.

Scott Knowles told the Prime Minister yesterday (1 December) about the “dissatisfaction” felt by the private sector in the region regarding plans to place Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire into Tier 3 measures.

He said the East Midlands has been impacted by restrictions longer than anywhere else in the country, with Leicester and parts of Leicestershire the first area to be placed under local lockdown at the end of June, and reminded Mr Johnson of the five tests requested by the chamber of commerce – which represents 4,250 members across the three counties – by which to assess decisions taken.

Commenting on the new tiered approach to restrictions in the letter, Scott said: “I understand the difficult discussions involved in this and the numerous factors that have to be taken into consideration.

“However, I wanted to express our dissatisfaction at the outcome for the majority of the East Midlands and ask for greater clarity over the basis on which decisions were taken, future plans for ending these restrictions and greater support for those businesses impacted.”

Five tests for continued coronavirus restrictions on business activity in the East Midlands

The five tests set out in June, when the Leicester lockdown came into effect, were:

1) Any decisions around closures must be based on evidence that can be shared with those affected and taken on as local a basis as possible

2) Businesses must be given enough time to make the practical preparations needed for closing and reopening

3) An exit strategy, including triggers for changes, must be made available to businesses to support them in their planning and decision-making

4) Businesses adversely impacted must be given additional grant support to compensate them for costs associated with being shut, losing trade and investment into making themselves Covid-secure

5) During closures, steps must be taken locally to reduce the risk of further disruption, including improvements made to testing and tracing

Scott added that clear, timely and consistent communication was vital in underpinning these tests.

While businesses accept the country was still learning about the nature of coronavirus in the spring and early summer, he believes there are no longer any reasons why the tests shouldn’t be met nine months on and asked for feedback from Government on decisions taken that affect the East Midlands.

“To be clear, this is not intended to be a petulant request,” he added. “Working with our members, we see the on-the-ground impact that restrictions are having in terms of business failure, livelihoods destroyed and jobs lost, along with the negative social and health fallout of this – which promises to have a longer-lasting and greater deleterious impact than the virus itself – and believe that our businesses and the communities they serve deserve better.”

The Chamber has also offered to work closer with the Government to ensure communication to and from businesses in the region works better than it has to date.

With recognition the pandemic will continue to impact lives for months to come, Scott added: “A strong, growing private sector will be central to securing our recovery and ultimate success. There is no alternative that anything other than a fully open and functioning economy will right the recovery of the region.

“Right now, businesses require more focused and enhanced support, both financial and to support in planning, in order to ensure as many as possible are fit for growth in 2021 and beyond. Meeting our tests will help ensure this happens.”

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