From Leamington, With Love

From Leamington, With Love

by | Aug 3, 2021 | Latest News

Why we are refocussing on our online communities and why that matters.

 

Reflecting on how the past year has changed the town centre, our community and our role supporting it, we are currently undertaking a review of the town’s ‘Royal Leamington Spa’ and ‘Love Leamington’ brands, and that includes how we create a dialogue with locals and visitors through our social media.

Among other things, the pandemic highlighted the huge amount of LOVE people have for businesses in our town centre. We have also seen the ‘Love Leamington’ brand, the LoveLeam hashtag and www.loveleamington.com take centre stage, and recognise the huge role that digital marketing now plays in supporting local prosperity.

Over the past 10 years we have amassed over 25,000 followers across our channels and, being early adopters of social media some of our older names and accounts such as @LeamingtonGuide on Twitter now feel confusing, while others were created to serve a need that has now shifted. Reflecting the need to consolidate some platforms, and expand into other newer more relevant channels, we are taking our social media followers on a journey. 

And we hope you will join us …

Going forward, ‘Love Leamington’ will become a constant across the town centres’ digital universe. ‘Love’ reflects the wonderful shift towards supporting our local businesses… and the location of those we support – the literal the ‘heart’ of the town.

Importantly, ‘Royal Leamington Spa’ will form a key element in our searchable bios across all our platforms. We will also be aligning our content around our audience needs, and four strategic pillars of: ‘community’, ‘the senses’, ‘service’ and ‘trust’. 

So, look out for these changes, and give us a thumbs up, like or a heart to let us know you’re on board:

@LeamingtonGuide on Twitter will now become @LoveLeamington.

@leamington_town_centre on Instagram will also become @LoveLeamington. This is the most significant change – as we invite you to move.

and we will remain @RoyalLeamingtonSpaTownCentre on Facebook.

Various events (such as the Food Festival) and Facebook pages and groups (such as BID Leamington) will continue as before, and we also have some new platforms coming online soon.

Please continue to tag your posts #LoveLeam so we can find and share your content too. Where relevant, you can also use #TasteLeam and #LeamFoodFest.

Together these changes will help us to deliver more meaningful communications to you and foster even more loyalty, trust and support.

Please stay tuned for further blogs with more detail on our emerging strategy to support town centre businesses, attract investment, keep our community connected, celebrate positive experiences, and continue to ensure our town centre is a community with a real heart.

Our Annual Report, Invoicing & Next Steps

Our Annual Report, Invoicing & Next Steps

by | Jul 5, 2021 | BID Buzz Blogs, Covid-19 News

Our Annual Report, Invoicing & The Next Steps

Afternoon everyone,

As the BID Leamington financial year ended in June, we have naturally begun reflecting on our achievements and planning for the year ahead. This has been captured in our 2020-2021 Annual Report  (please click). This report draws to an end the third of BID Leamington’s five-year term (2018-2023) and whilst we face significant challenges as a result of covid-19, we are well placed to tackle the journey going forwards.

 

Responding to COVID

At the time of writing this, we are in the process of safely reopening our town centre a third time, as a part of our covid-19 recovery strategy. This has hit our business community very hard and close conversations with many of our members over the past year have revealed the enormous strain that many businesses are under and the varying circumstances they face. At this time, some have been able to trade through the crisis, whilst others remain closed and we are all awaiting government announcements in the lead up to July 19th, 2021.

In general, the whole business community is still managing much ambiguity and uncertainty, and we know that leadership and collaboration is needed to illuminate and navigate the path forwards. We also know that we are well placed to take this journey due to the strength and connectivity of existing local networks and partnerships across the local community.

As described in the Annual Report and across this website, BID Leamington has swiftly embraced the challenge of supporting members and we have now embraced the challenge of guiding our recovery and future transformation. We also remain focused on direct business support and continue to work with partners to lobby for further support as restrictions continue.

 

Our Recovery Approach & Framework

Drawing on knowledge and experience from the High Street Task Force, Institute of Place Management and other place management practitioners we devised a recovery strategy for our town. Specifically, this involved adapting their 4-stage framework that guides places from Crisis, to Pre-Recovery, Recovery and then Transformation. We are also pleased to have played a role in contributing to this framework and having our work showcased within the resource set on the High Streets Task Force website.

The diagram below sets out some of the key actions we have undertaken at each stage, and how we plan to direct our resources going forwards. At this stage, we are in the phase of guiding positive transformation – and as described within our report (p6) and below, there is a lot to look forward to in the coming year. Alongside this, we are working with local partners to coordinate recovery efforts, investments, and strategic decisions that will positively shape our town centre in future.

Reflecting on the path forwards, we have been invited by various partner organisations to discuss our approach and ideas – which can be viewed online. Specifically, the Leamington Society invited us to talk about the future of Leamington, and elaborate on some local issues including the Parade closure. This talk and a number of others can be found here:

We also advocate community placemaking … as a small team of two, much of what we can achieve locally depends on the support of many others in the community. We are very lucky in Leamington to have an incredible community in this respect.

Finally, for a little more insight into our approach and thinking, you may find this interesting – it was our ‘floral approach’ to ‘tactical urbanism’ showcased last year by the High Streets Task Force (HSTF):

 

BID Levy Invoicing

For almost ten years it has been our privilege to serve the businesses of our town. Whilst we have achieved great things and have faced various challenges; the BID Board of Directors and I are aware that the current situation is unique. In the months since the Covid-19 lockdown in March, we have had conversations with a large number of different businesses and understand that individual circumstances vary widely and the incredible strain many are managing. We are also conscious that some businesses have been able to trade through this period, while others remain closed at this time.

Warwick District Council is the collection agent for the annual BID Levy that was issued annually in July. Whilst there is a legal imperative to issue BID levy invoices to maintain the BID mandate, we acknowledge the varying circumstances facing businesses and have a strong desire to avoid adding further strain at this time. Reflecting this, the BID Board of Directors and Warwick District Council have agreed to some flexibility with respect to the payment terms this year. By request, you can defer the first payment until October 1, 2021. Also, if desired, businesses can request to set up a monthly payment plan from July or October as required. Of course, if you are in a position to pay the full amount in July, we would be very grateful.

If you wish to take advantage of either or both of these options, we ask that you contact us to let us know your plans as soon as possible. Please do this by phoning 01926 470 634 or emailing info@bidleamington2022.mystagingwebsite.com. You can also contact Warwick District Council directly (as per the invoice details).

 

Our Transformation – Planning the Path Forwards 

As set out within our Annual Report 2020-2021, the value of your BID is more important than ever. Building on our excellent track record of delivery, many of you have experienced or seen how valuable our work has been. We have been front and centre, working with partners to get critical grant funds to members, helping businesses to adapt, providing professional advice and solutions, lobbying for additional support, maintaining links with our customer base and planning for re-opening our town.

Looking forwards, our town centre will inevitably change and we have begun gathering data to inform this. There are also some exciting plans on the horizon which are important to highlight.

This includes the Commonwealth Games in July 2022, which will see Leamington Spa host the bowls competition, as well as significant investment coming forward through the Future High Streets Fund (£10 million) and other private schemes. The work builds on our existing town vision and will be adapted to meet emerging needs and embrace local creativity and innovation. Already 1.8 million pounds of funding has been secured to upgrade local parks, improve wayfinding and our railway station gateway in advance of this.

Alongside this, we continue to roll out creative interventions and activities to ensure our town centre is inviting and welcoming, whilst continuing to support conversations with Local Authority partners to influence how our town centre is changing.

Though we face challenges ahead, the BID team have the experience and leadership to steer our town through the transition process. Together we have done a huge amount over the years and I believe it is the strength and resilience of this groundwork and our approach to partnership working that will help pave the way forwards. Please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or Alison to discuss your individual needs.

THANK YOU! … as always … we remain inspired by everything we can see you doing to navigate a path forwards.

Don’t forget to join our Leamington Town Centre Facebook Group if you haven’t already. We will also post updates on the BID Leamington Facebook Page – and the Royal Leamington Spa Town Centre Facebook page is where we will showcase what you are now doing.

Best wishes and we look forward to seeing you out and about,

Steph & Alison

 

 

The Great Easter Egg Hunt

The Great Easter Egg Hunt

by | Apr 2, 2021 | BID Buzz Blogs

The Great Easter Egg Hunt

An Easter egg hunt in Leamington town centre this April is aiming to hatch a bit of fun while encouraging families to support their high street as lockdown restrictions ease.

Encompassing 50 shops, The Great Easter Egg Hunt will run from Thursday April 1 to Wednesday April 28 and will also introduce treasure hunters to some new businesses as well.

BID Leamington has organised two trails around the town centre where colourful eggs will be displayed in shop windows.

There are two ‘golden eggs’ to be found, one on each route. Once found, the treasure hunters just have to jot down the name of the shop onto the entry form to be entered into a grand prize draw to be in with a chance to win one of five £50 vouchers to be spent in Leamington Spa town centre shops.

There is also an adaptation of the trail online at www.loveleamington.com for those who cannot make it into the town centre.

The Great Easter Egg Hunt coincides with the planned reopening of shops on April 12, and Alison Shaw, BID Project Manager at BID Leamington, hopes it will encourage people back into the town.

She said: “We wanted to spread a bit of Easter fun around Leamington and give families a reason to come back into the town and visit our fantastic shops.

“It’s a great way for people to explore the town again, visit a wide range of retailers and enjoy themselves after what’s been a tough year.

“We hope plenty of people give The Great Easter Egg Hunt a go, and we’re looking forward to seeing our shops welcome back their customers once again.”

Treasure hunters can also view artwork from youngsters who participated in the ‘I Love Leamington’ campaign organised jointly with Go Go Makers, who asked children to create a self-portrait inside a heart – including the words ‘I Love Leamington’.

Their pictures are now on display in a selection of shop windows until April 6, and will then be displayed in the Royal Priors Shopping Centre after April 12.

Alison added: “We’re delighted with what the young artists have created. Their work and the Great Easter Egg Hunt will both help to encourage people into town as our shops reopen.”

Entry forms for the Great Easter Egg Hunt can be downloaded online at www.loveleamington.com, can be picked up from the white unit on the Lower Mall of Royal Priors, or can be found in the Leamington Observer. Forms will also be available from shops once they have re-opened. A post box for posting entries will be located at Coffee Break on the Upper Mall of Royal Priors, or entries can be posted directly to BID Leamington.

Closing date for postal and online entries is Wednesday, April 28 and the winner will be notified by Wednesday, 5 May.

Further information can be found on www.loveleamington.com.

Image: Alison Shaw (left) with Esquires owner Martin Brown.

Business Update: Restart Grant – Applications Open

Business Update: Restart Grant – Applications Open

by | Apr 2, 2021 | Covid-19 News, Latest News

Business Update: Restart Grant – Applications Open

We hope you are all well and able to enjoy the start of the Easter and lighter evenings …Below is some important and welcome information relating to the ‘restart grants’ … you do need to apply online this time…

1.  Business ‘Restart Grant’ – Applications Now Open

The restart grant relates to the announcement of further grant funding for retail, hospitality and leisure sector businesses in the Chancellors budget on 3 March. For eligible businesses (please see the link below), there is 1 x grant per rateable premise. There are two ‘stands’ of funding, offering different lump sum amounts as follows:

  • Strand one – Non-essential retail (rated premises – please see eligibility lists)
    • RV of £15,000 or under – One off payment of £2667
    • RV of over £15,000 and less than £51,000 – One off payment of £4000
    • RV of exactly £51,000 or over – One off payment of £6000
  • Strand two – Hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym (rated premises – please see eligibility lists)
    • RV of £15,000 or under – One off payment of £8000
    • RV of over £15,000 and less than £51,000 – One off payment of £12000
    • RV of exactly £51,000 or over – One off payment of £18000

It has now been confirmed you do need to complete a new online application for this scheme.

You will see there are a number of questions, as well as some mandatory information that has been added by BEISS this time around.

Payments to businesses will begin being made after the 6th of April, 2021.

ALL WDC Information and Eligibility Criteria can be found here: https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20068/business_awards_and_grants/1683/restart_grants

The Online Application Form is here: https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/xfp/form/244

We hope this is welcome news for many of you – but we are always conscious of those who are not eligible / excluded and fall through the funding gaps. Reflecting this, we have already reached out to WDC to make a case for additional support for these businesses and we will keep you informed, however we always welcome your thoughts.

Full government guidance on the ‘restart scheme’ can be found by clicking here (PDF) doc.

To check your rateable value on the VOA please click here: https://www.gov.uk/correct-your-business-rates

 

2. Other Existing Grant Schemes

‘Closed Business Grant’ Scheme (16th February to 31st March, 2021)

WDC notified us around 3rd March that they had made a bulk payment to ‘closed businesses’ for the ongoing closed grants to cover the period from 16th February to 31st March. For many businesses this payment was automatic, based on you having previously applied for earlier grants, however for those that are new or had not previously applied, you still have up to 31 May 2021 to apply (if you have not done so already).

The details of the grant scheme, including amounts and links to apply retrospectively are here: https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20068/business_awards_and_grants/1684/closed_business_payment_from_16_february_to_31_march

New ARG Grant Scheme for Taxi Drivers and Private Hire Firms

We appreciate this may not be relevant to most of our members, but if you know anyone who may benefit from their please forward on the details. There is a new ARG scheme starting at Midday Friday 9th April. This ARG part F is exclusive to taxi drivers and private hire firms only. Details and eligibility criteria are here: https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20068/business_awards_and_grants/1638/additional_restrictions_grant_arg

Any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask …

 

3. Looking Forwards 

We continue to look toward April 12th with our fingers crossed and are working on a variety of plans to support the safe opening of our town centre.

In the meantime, please reach out if there is anything we can support you with. Don’t forget you can find a range of support information contained in previous emails and on our website including:

 

Also, the Royal Leamington Spa Town Centre Facebook page, Instagram, twitter and www.loveleamington.com is where we showcase what you are now doing, so please keep us updated on your plans.

Please join our Leamington Town Centre Facebook Group if you haven’t already and share your ideas, information, promotions etc. We also post updates on the BID Leamington Facebook Page and information on our website: www.bidleamington2022.mystagingwebsite.com.

Best wishes – please take care and stay in touch.

Best wishes – please take care and stay in touch …

Steph & Alison

Business Update: Grants, Rates, Closures, Outside Trading

Business Update: Grants, Rates, Closures, Outside Trading

by | Mar 17, 2021 | Covid-19 News, Latest News

Business Update: Grants, Rates, Closures, Outside Trading

Morning everyone,

I hope you are all well.

We are looking towards April 12th with our fingers crossed and working on a variety of plans to support the safe opening of our town centre. This quick update covers the following:   

  1. Grant Funding & Business Rates Relief
  2. Parade Road Closure Update
  3. Pavement & Highway Trading Licencing – Hospitality Sector
  4. Next Steps, Events, Please Stay in Touch…

 

1.  Grant Funding & Business Rates Relief

Business Restart Grant (April onwards)

WDC grant updates and information is here: https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20068/business_awards_and_grants.

Following the announcement of further grant funding for retail, hospitality and leisure sector businesses in the Chancellors budget on 3 March, WDC are still awaiting guidance from BEIS on this scheme. Accordingly they are unable to provide businesses with detailed information about applicable amounts or qualifying criteria.

The expectation is that guidance will be published on March 22nd and that no payments can be made before April. We are not yet sure if there will be an application process either. We know this support funding is urgently needed and will keep you updated.

Retail Relief for 2021/22

Also announced in the Chancellors March 3 budget, was an extension to retail relief and nursery relief. Eligible businesses will get 100% of retail or nursery relief until 30 June 2021. After this date, 66% relief will be awarded.

WDC have confirmed that businesses will not be issued with a bill for the 100% relief period until June. A new bill will be issued in June showing the 66% relief and the instalments for the rest of the financial year.

If you wish to opt out of these reliefs being applied to your account, please send an enquiry form to the business rates team, clearly stating you wish to opt out and stating your business rate reference number.

Grant Closing Dates:

Please note, all of the existing grant schemes have closing dates.

So, if you have not applied / received any grant funding to date, or know someone who has a business who has not applied, please encourage them to make contact with Warwick District Council. This is particularly relevant to new businesses. Please see this link for relevant closing dates and details: https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20068/business_awards_and_grants.

Of note, all of the LRSG payments end on 31st march for new applications, except for the payment period of 16th Feb – 31st March, which closes for new applications on 31st May. So effectively, if someone applies on 1st April for retrospective closed payments, they’ll only be able to have paid the period from 16th Feb – 31st March, regardless of if they’ve been closed since 5th November.

Any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

 

2.  Parade Closure Update

Thank you to those who took part in our survey. The closure of the Parade continues to divide the opinion of businesses, residents and customers. You may have seen some recent press on this – both in respect to a local petition (please click here to view) and more recently a statement from Warwickshire County Council confirming their position now and in the future.

Warwickshire County Council Statement in the Courier: https://www.warwickcourier.co.uk/news/people/parade-in-leamington-to-remain-temporarily-pedestrianised-to-support-the-safe-reopening-of-the-town-centre-in-april-3166861

In summary, County Council Officers and Local Councillors agreed that the temporary closure will remain in place, to facilitate social distancing and outdoor trading while Covid restrictions, until June 21 at the earliest. After this time, assuming the roadmap does not change, it will be removed.

Officers and Councillors are in agreement that the closure is temporary, and any discussions or options for future changes will be done separately, as there remains a large number of unresolved challenges with the current scheme. This will be developed with stakeholder input and will be widely consulted on.

If you have not completed our survey yet, we would still be grateful for your feedback. You can find it here:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6HB8P3Q

 

3.  Pavement Licensing – Hospitality Sector

Yesterday we emailed hospitality sector businesses a PDF guide to applying to a licence to trade on the pavement or highway. Please get in touch if you missed this email, or need further support or advice.

Key points are:

  • Placing seating on the pavement or highway requires a licence from Warwick District Council (WDC).
  • In the case of highway applications (e.g. parking spaces, loading bays, vehicle lanes) we recommend you obtain pre-application advice from Warwickshire County Council (WCC) in advance of applying. Once you apply, WDC will consult Warwickshire County Council (WCC) when assessing your application.
  • Applications cost £100. This is non-refundable (even if refused) and there is no legal appeal procedure but WDC will help you as much as they can.
  • Once submitted, the process takes 10 working days.
  • Within this, there is a 5 day public consultation period, where you have to advertise your application on your window.
  • To have outdoor seating approved by April 12th, and accounting for public holidays, applications should be submitted by March 24th.
  • You require a range of supporting plans and insurance documents.
  • BID Leamington is happy to support you.

Key Links and Contacts are:

 

4.  Next Steps, Projects, Getting Involved

BID Projects – Easter, Food Festival, Opening Support:

As mentioned in our last update, we are tentatively preparing for a range of promotions and future events.

  • Our Mother’s Day online promotion is currently live and runs until 31st March.
  • Over 50 businesses have signed up to the Town Centre Easter Egg Hunt and the list is now finalised. This will be delivered via egg shaped window vinyls for those that signed up, and also online. There will be two town centre trails based around a hunt for the golden egg.
  • We are tentatively beginning preparations for the Food & Drink Festival. If permitted, it will be 11th and 12th September, 2021. If you are interested in attending, please make contact with us by the 10th of April. Please email: alison@bidleamington2022.mystagingwebsite.com.  
  • Finally, please get in touch if you need any fresh social distancing stickers or posters.


Other Activities – WDC Spark 2021 Online Talks:

Recently, I was pleased to deliver a presentation on local ‘placemaking’ and the role the local community can play in supporting renewal, at the Warwick District Council ‘Spark Ignite’ 2021 conference. Many fascinating talks are now available online and cover a variety of topics.


BID Support / Advice:

In the meantime, please reach out if there is anything we can support you with. Don’t forget you can find a range of support information contained in previous emails and on our website including:

 

Also, the Royal Leamington Spa Town Centre Facebook page, Instagram, twitter and www.loveleamington.com is where we showcase what you are now doing, so please keep us updated on your plans.

Please join our Leamington Town Centre Facebook Group if you haven’t already and share your ideas, information, promotions etc. We also post updates on the BID Leamington Facebook Page and information on our website: www.bidleamington2022.mystagingwebsite.com.

Best wishes – please take care and stay in touch.

Best wishes and stay safe,

Steph & Alison

Hospitality: Outdoor Trading Licensing …

Hospitality: Outdoor Trading Licensing …

by | Mar 16, 2021 | Covid-19 News, Latest News

Hospitality: Outdoor Trading Licensing …

Hi everyone, 

I hope you are well.

You are no doubt aware of the continuing restrictions facing hospitality sector businesses from April 12th until at least May 117th whereby trading is only permitted outdoors.

Alongside this, regulations licencing trading on pavements and highways have been updated and extended.

Specifically, the process for licencing businesses to trade outdoors was transferred from Warwickshire County Council (WCC) to Warwick District Council (WDC) – though WCC remains in charge of highways (parking space, loading bays, lanes etc). 

Then on the 8th March 2021, Secretary of State, Robert Jenrick issued a letter to Local Authorities extending national guidance and making it easier and cheaper for pubs, restaurants and cafes to continue to make al fresco dining a reality with outside seating, tables and street stalls to serve food and drinks.

After reviewing the guidance, consulting WDC we have produced the attached guide. Please email us on info@bidleamington2022.mystagingwebsite.com to receive a copy. 

This walks through the key steps, links, contacts and some helpful information to consider if you are thinking about applying for a pavement or highway trading licence and obtaining equipment.

Please note, if applying to trade on the highway we recommend you consult the highway authority (Warwickshire County Council (WCC) first. This will mean that any subsequent application to WDC (the licencing authority) will not be stopped in its tracks. We are happy to help and / or be cc’ed into any emails etc.

Key points in the attached presentation are: 

  • Placing seating on the pavement or highway requires a licence from Warwick District Council (WDC). 
  • In the case of highway applications (e.g. parking spaces, loading bays, vehicle lanes) we recommend you obtain pre-application advice from Warwickshire County Council (WCC) in advance of applying. Once you apply, WDC will formally consult WCC when assessing your application.
  • Applications cost £100. This is non-refundable (even if refused) and there is no appeal procedure, but WDC will do what they can to help you.  
  • Once submitted, the process takes 10 working days.
  • Within this, there is a 5 day public consultation period (which you must advertise on your business).
  • To have outdoor seating approved by April 12th, and accounting for public holidays, applications should be submitted by March 24th. 
  • You require a range of supporting plans and insurance documents.
  • BID Leamington is happy to support you where we can – please see within for details.

Key Links and Contacts are:

 

We appreciate this is a lot and it will not be viable for everyone, but we hope it helps. As contained within, this is a developing document, so please keep us updated with your experiences and we will update this information as required. There are also a number of parallel ongoing discussions about the use of certain green spaces and road closures, so we will keep relevant businesses updated.

As always, please drop us an email if you need support and we will do our best to help – and please keep us updated with your opening plans and preparations. 

Best wishes and stay safe,

Steph & Alison

Business Update: Budget, Road Closures, Insurance

Business Update: Budget, Road Closures, Insurance

by | Mar 3, 2021 | Covid-19 News, Latest News

Business Update: Budget, Road Closures, Insurance 

Morning everyone,

We hope you are safe and well.

The ground is once again moving fast as we look to understand existing and future grant funding arrangements and navigate the governments roadmap out of lockdown published on the 22nd of February. Like many, we welcomed this with a mixture of hope and caution as we map a recovery path for our town centre business community.

We are pleased to see some light at the end of the tunnel, though we are mindful there is still a long road ahead. Accordingly, following extensive industry lobbying efforts, we are eagerly awaiting further details of the Chancellors, budget announcement today. We know the furlough scheme will be extended, and there is an expectation of further grants, so we will update you with details when we know more.

Locally, we are pleased to see that the local vaccination programme is progressing, though we find recent rises in infection rates concerning. Alongside this, conversations with Warwickshire County Council about the Parade road closure are ongoing – and we welcome your feedback via the survey link here and below.

As always, there is much to digest, so please do not hesitate to reach out and please read on for further information on grants, our road closure survey, insurance claims and upcoming plans.

 

1. WDC ‘Closed Business’ Grant Information – 16th February to March 31st

All WDC Grant information and updates can be found at this link:

https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20068/business_awards_and_grants

In respect to forthcoming national lockdown grant payments, WDC have confirmed that they can make another bulk payment to closed businesses for the ongoing closed grants to cover the period from 16th February to 31st March. This process has now begun.

Amounts are below: 16 February – 31 March 2021

  • RV £15,000 or under : £2096.29
  • RV £15,001 – £50,999 : £3143.86
  • RV £51,000 and over: £4714.29

Anyone that’s already had a 2nd or 3rd lockdown payment or ongoing closed grants from WDC, does not need to reapply as you will be automatically paid.

After the 31st March … WDC will let us know and update their website when they have details of the new payment schedules for any businesses that remain legally mandated to close after that point. Please get in touch if you have any concerns or questions about your grant funding allocation as we are happy to help you look into this.

 

2. Other Grants

A new ARG-Part E’ grant is now open. This is for businesses who are mandated to be ‘open’, but who are suffering hardship as a result of this lockdown (please see below).

Also, we are aware that a recent Warwick County Council grant closed almost as fast as it opened, causing some frustration. We have fed this back to the County and will continue to notify you if we see other opportunities open.

ARG Scheme E:

For information:

  • The full list of businesses mandated to ‘close’ can be found by clicking here (please click).

 

3.  Road Closure Survey – Please help us by responding

As you know, the Parade and associated side streets (Regent and Warwick Street) have been closed to vehicular traffic and buses since June 2020. This was implemented as a temporary measure by Warwickshire County Council to facilitate Covid social distancing in high footfall areas.

We have been collecting business and customer feedback for some time (thank you to those who have fed back!), and regularly provide feedback to the County Council. We have learnt that whilst some customers, residents and businesses welcomed the changes, there are also significant unresolved challenges, particularly around bus stops, disabled access, amenities, impact on businesses on side streets and deliveries. Also, many cafes and restaurants who might benefit from additional road space for alfresco dining, are located beyond the closed area.

Another review of the scheme is being undertaken next week, so we wanted to update our understanding of your needs and views. It is very important that we can accurately speak on your behalf, so thank you in advance. This should take no longer than 5 minutes…

Please complete our short road closure survey here (please click below):

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6HB8P3Q

We are also aware of a local petition seeking the retention of the Parade closure in the future, and attracting a mixed response on the Leamington Courier Facebook page. At this point, Warwickshire County Council have confirmed to us that current measures are temporary, and any future changes must go through a formal process of stakeholder consultation taking full account of business and community needs and views.

Reflecting this and the complexity of the issue, we will monitor this and other development plans (detailed below) closely. On balance, we support a consultative approach and feel that future changes to the highway and public realm must be carefully considered, as part of a renewed vision and strategy for our town. This must include a sustainable town-wide transport, parking and logistics strategy that is consulted on, designed and costed alongside other critical town centre needs.

Your views and thoughts are gratefully appreciated.

 

4. Insurance Claims – Business Interruption

Recently, the UK Supreme Court has handed down its judgment in the Financial Conduct Authority’s COVID-19 business interruption insurance test case, providing much-needed clarity regarding the coverage generally afforded to businesses for their COVID-19 related financial losses.This is a complicated area of insurance law and not something we have expertise in, however we have been researching avenues for your to find out more. The two most useful sources of information we can see are as follows:

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB):

The FSB have some useful summary details and webinar links found below and offer an advice service to members:


The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA):

The FCA have produce a policy checker tool below and the attached draft guidance (found here – please click).

We know of at least one business looking into this and are interested to know if there are more? … also, please remember to review and update your existing polices if you make changes to how your business is operating.

 

5.  Upcoming Plans & Activity

BID Projects:

Alison and I are preparing our spring / summer marketing and events programme. This will include a range of creative and inspiring online and town centre based promotions and activities designed to:

  • Thank our local community for supporting local businesses;
  • Showcase new and existing town centre businesses;
  • Welcome back customers and support relevant sectors to open, in accordance with government guidance;
  • Further develop the town’s online and social media presence; and
  • Prepare for the return of future events, so we can safely attract and welcome visitors with open arms.

Coming up is our Mother’s Day online promotion and our Town Centre Easter Egg Hunt, so please look out for Alison’s emails with more details on how to get involved.

Other Activities:

We continue to represent business interests with respect to a large amount of development and activity around the region and town centre, which we hope will support job creation and economic stability. This includes the possible development of the UK’s first Gigafactory, the Coventry City of Culture programme, and in Leamington a mega-lab for testing, works around the town centre in advance of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, development in the Town Hall and south town as a part of the Future High Street Fund.

Recently, I was also pleased to deliver a presentation on local ‘placemaking’ and the role the local community can play in supporting renewal, at the Warwick District Council ‘Spark Ignite’ 2021 conference. This will be available to view online soon.

BID Support / Advice:

In the meantime, please reach out if there is anything we can support you with. Don’t forget you can find a range of support information contained in previous emails and on our website including:

Also, the Royal Leamington Spa Town Centre Facebook page, Instagram, twitter and www.loveleamington.com is where we showcase what you are now doing, so please keep us updated on your plans.

Please join our Leamington Town Centre Facebook Group if you haven’t already and share your ideas, information, promotions etc. We also post updates on the BID Leamington Facebook Page and information on our website: www.bidleamington2022.mystagingwebsite.com.

Best wishes – please take care and stay in touch.

Steph & Alison

Business Update: Grants, Timing, Info & Links

Business Update: Grants, Timing, Info & Links

by | Jan 26, 2021 | Covid-19 News, Latest News

Business Update: Grants, Timing, Info & Links

Afternoon everyone,

We hope you are safe and well.

We are aware that many of you are awaiting information about the timing of desperately needed 3rd lockdown grants – and any further support that is available. Please see some details recently received from WDC below.  

1.  WDC Grant Information

All WDC Grant information and updates can be found at this link:

https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20068/business_awards_and_grants

2. Third Lockdown Grants (LRSG and Lump Sum Payments of £4K, £6K or £9K depending on RV)

There are currently two grants available to businesses that are ‘mandated to close’. This includes the ongoing LRSG (closed) payments from January 5th and the ‘one-off top up grants’ for closed businesses announced by the government on January 5th. Payment of both these grants is expected to be automatic to any business that has already received previous grants. Please get in touch if you have questions about this.

Please see the WDC link below for up to date information:

https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20068/business_awards_and_grants/1654/national_lockdown_grant_funding_schemes/2

In terms of timing, as per this link above, the LRSG (closed) payments to cover the 6 week period until February 15th were made on the week commencing January 18th. Please get in touch if you have not received this.

Unfortunately, WDC have not yet received the government software to make the £4K, £6K, or £9K lump sum payments , and as of today, are hoping to have this within 1 week in order to begin making payments as soon as possible next week. WDC officers are aware of the urgency and doing what they can to speed this up. We will keep you updated on progress.

For information:

  • The full UK Government guidance to Local Authorities on eligibility can be found by clicking here (please click).
  • The full list of businesses mandated to ‘close’ can be found by clicking here (please click).

3. Other Grants

A number of business specific grants are still open – and we are lobbying for support for businesses that have ‘not’ been mandated to close, but who are suffering hardship as a result of this lockdown. This grant, when it is ready this will be known as ‘ARG-Part E’. Further details are below.

Wet Led Pubs Grant


ARG Scheme D 


ARG Scheme E (New)

  • As noted above, the full criteria are not yet set, but we hope it will cover those businesses who aren’t mandated to close but are suffering financial hardship due to restrictions.
  • WDC have advised that it will be ready in the week commencing 8th February. We will notify relevant businesses when we know more.

Please also note, we continue to work with industry bodies to lobby for further business support as we are very concerned about the considerable strain that continues restrictions and uncertainty are causing. Locally, progress is being made to bring down Covid transmission rates and increase testing and vaccinations. As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch if you feel there is something we can help with.

Best wishes and stay safe,

Steph & Alison

Business Update: Grants, Timing & Wellbeing

Business Update: Grants, Timing & Wellbeing

by | Jan 16, 2021 | Covid-19 News, Latest News

Business Update: Grants, Timing & Wellbeing

Hi everyone, 

We hope you are all staying safe and coping as best as you can. This is a quick update on grants, timing of payments and other business support. We appreciate some grant information has been confusing at times, so please take a minute to read this and get in touch if there is anything we can help you with.

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Grants Update

Over the last week Warwick District Council has been preparing for the next round(s) of business grants and we are able to update you with the following. This is a helpful link, and the summary is below:

https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20068/business_awards_and_grants/1654/national_lockdown_grant_funding_schemes/2

There are 2 schemes under part 3 of the National lockdown from 5 January 2021 onwards as below:

1. National lockdown part 3 grant scheme

Ongoing 14 day payments to all rated businesses mandated to close due to the third lockdown. If you have already received your second national lockdown payment, LRSG closed, sector or open payment you do not need to do anything further. WDC will automatically pay you a 6 week bulk payment of these closed payments by the week commencing 18 January. Please see the link above to find out the values.

2. One off top up grant to all rated businesses mandated to close due to the third lockdown.

The government announced a one off top up payment for all businesses mandated to close during the third national lockdown. This scheme will end on 31 March 2021.

WDC are able to make these payments to you automatically – you do not need to reapply. The only businesses that need to complete an application form are those that have not already had their second national lockdown grant (for the November lockdown).

The amounts you will get are as follows:

  • RV £15,000 or under : £4000
  • RV £15,001 – £50,999 : £6000
  • RV £51,000 and over: £9000

To find out your RV please click here. 

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Grants: Last Call – Tier 3 OPEN Scheme Grants  (Gyms, Fitness Centres, Catering Companies, Hotels, etc)

The WDC retrospective ‘open’ scheme hasn’t had much uptake. This related to the period from December 2nd to 30th for businesses who were NOT mandated to close during Tier 3. The criteria was set by the government and quite narrow, but it will apply to some of you.

The finding is allocated on a first come first served basis, so if you meet the criteria below, please use the links to apply. The business must be:

  • Either rated or non-rated
  • Wedding caterers and organisers/planners
  • Corporate events organisers – including caterers that supply corporate events
  • Hotels, guest accommodation that remained open for key workers but did not get the CLOSED grant
  • Gyms, fitness centres and spas (not personal care services though)
  • Businesses affected by the cancellation of sporting events or spectators at such events
  • Riding schools, public halls, arena, farm parks and outdoor adventure activities

We are certain there must be companies that need these funds. The business does not need to be rated in order to apply. It’s a one off payment for the period above as the open scheme has finished now we’re in lockdown.

The website details are here:

https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20068/business_awards_and_grants/1626/local_restrictions_grant_funding_schemes/3  

Here is the link to the application form:

https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20068/business_awards_and_grants/1626/local_restrictions_grant_funding_schemes/5

Here is the actual application form:

https://openportal.warwickdc.gov.uk/scripts/OPENPortal-Live.wsc/ndr/ndrlrsgrant.p    

Additional NOTE on ARG-Part D: You will also see information on WDC’s website at this link (please click here)  about ARG-Part D funding. This is for Non-rated retail, leisure and hospitality businesses, which does notinclude the majority of our members (as you have rated business premises). That said, please pass this information on to any non-rated suppliers, friends or collaborators if you know them.  

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Timing of Payments – And Follow-up

For the most part, if you have received previous grants into your bank account – including the second lockdown grant, further funding should come through automatically. However, if you have still not received anything – or think something is missing, please email: visiting.officers@warwickdc.gov.uk. Please include all your property details and the details of the grants in question above. We are happy if you ‘cc’ us.

In terms of timing and amounts, as you will see below, this depends on if we were in Tier 3, 4 or locked down – and on if the business was open or closed (so retail or hospitality). These schemes have also over-lapped, and payments will be combined as follows: 

  • As of Tuesday afternoon (12th Jan), WDC had processed grant payments to everyone eligible who has already received either a second national lockdown grant or a Tier 3 Closed grant, that will cover the period from 30/12/2020 to 15/02/2021. Payments will hopefully be in businesses accounts by the end of the week (Jan 16th). (Please note, payments up to 29/12/20 have all already been made).
  • If a business was closed in Tier 3, it will receive 1 day’s grant for the 30/12/20 (this was an extra day that we were in tier 3, so on top of what was already had).
  • Closed businesses in Tier 4 will receive 5 day’s grant for the period 31/12/20 – 04/01/21.
  • Closed businesses in 3rd National lockdown from 05/01/21 – paid in advance up to 15/02/21 (3 x fortnightly grants) – so are being paid in a lump sum instead of every 2 weeks.

All these payments (above) will be lumped together when they hit the businesses bank account and show as one payment from WDC.

(However, this does not include the ‘One off top up grant of £4K, £6K or £9K’ at No 2 above, which we understand will be separate, but also processed automatically).  

In addition to the above, a number have asked about ARG-Part C grant payments. These were the one-off £2000 grants for hospitality businesses. As per the update at this link (please click here), WDC are still in the process of making payments. We are however happy to try to follow these up if we can.

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Closing the Grant Gaps – Those Not ‘Mandated to Close’

We are aware that some important businesses are falling through gaps in the ‘grants’ system and not receiving anything. Typically these are businesses that are ‘deemed’ essential and are therefore ‘open’ but who are suffering huge drops in trade / or no trade (e.g. drycleaners, bakeries etc). We are actively speaking to WDC to try to address this. If this sounds like you please get in touch if you haven’t already. 

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Health, Wellbeing & Support

We are mindful that we are facing worrying circumstances, both personally and in respect to staff. There are a variety of support options available – so please reach out if this would be helpful.

Warwickshire County Council has extended its Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support owners and staff in town centre micro and small businesses with their health and wellbeing. The programme will be available to businesses with 10 or fewer employees operating in the towns of Warwickshire who may need help. This includes access to information, support and guidance (including coaching and counselling where appropriate) on a wide range of topics including work, career, relationships, family, money management, debt and health and wellbeing. Please get in touch with us or email business@warwickshire.gov.uk if you would like to learn more about this. All enquiries are confidential.

Alongside this, our HR provider ‘Absolute Works’ has produced some information, hints and tips on supporting employee wellbeing as we move through 2021. This is in the form of a practical tool that you can use yourself – or in partnership with employees. To access the wellness action plan (pdf), please click here.

Finally, please get in touch if you need HR, financial or legal support as our partners have been generously supporting members over this time.

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As always, we continue to lobby for additional support and represent business interests locally and nationally. We are open to ideas to help build community spirit, positivity and support each other. We also continue to support your activities online so, please do not hesitate to keep us updated on what you are doing and reach out if you have any queries. 

Best wishes and stay safe,

Steph & Alison

2021 Update: Grants, Lobbying & Deliveries

2021 Update: Grants, Lobbying & Deliveries

by | Jan 4, 2021 | Covid-19 News

2021 Update: Grants, Lobbying & Deliveries

Hi everyone,

Firstly, we wish to extend our best wishes to you for the New Year. Despite further uncertainty as we enter 2021, we hope that you are safe and healthy, and have enjoyed some time with those closest to you.

This update is in light of the recent move up into Tier 4. Once again, we are sad to see more businesses having to shut their doors, alongside our leisure and hospitality sector businesses who remain closed. Accordingly, we know that for many, financial matters and adapting to online (collection, delivery etc) is again top of mind, so we wanted to update you on business grants, our lobby efforts and a new delivery service available to local businesses.

Alongside this, you may have read in the press that Leamington has been provisionally awarded some funding as part of the Future High Street Fund, and positive investment plans are coming forward to support preparations for the Commonwealth Games which offers hope. Also, discussions about the ongoing closure on the Parade are ongoing, so we will email soon to update you on all this and seek your feedback.

In the meantime, please reach out if there is anything we can support you with and we invite you to support our continuing lobby efforts. The Royal Leamington Spa Town Centre Facebook page, Instagram, twitter and www.loveleamington.com is where we showcase what you are now doing, so please keep us updated on your plans.

Please join our Leamington Town Centre Facebook Group if you haven’t already and share your ideas, information, promotions etc. We also post updates on the BID Leamington Facebook Page and information on our website: www.bidleamington2022.mystagingwebsite.com.

 

1. Business Grants

Full details of Tier 4 rules and exclusions can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-4-stay-at-home

The following update has been provided by Warwick District Council and further information can be found here: https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20068/business_awards_and_grants/1626/local_restrictions_grant_funding_schemes

In summary, as from 31st December the new Tier 4 (closed) addendum scheme supersedes the other 3 grant schemes that were running (LRSG Closed, Open and Sector).

All businesses that have been mandated to close again, or are still closed from the Tier 3 restrictions, will receive the following payments on a 14 day cycle backdated to 31 December:

  • RV 15,000 and under: £667
  • RV 15,001 – 50,999: £1,000
  • RV 51,000 and over: £1,500

A new application is NOT needed as WDC will auto pay based on the 2nd national lockdown details (5th November lockdown). You only need to do a new application if:

  1. You haven’t already received their 2nd national lockdown payment (WDC will then pay out the 2 schemes together).
  2. You are making a retrospective application for the ‘open’ scheme which was running from 2nd to 30th December (WDC will then pay out the 2 schemes together).

Please note, as per the WDC website update (here), all of the LRSG (closed) payments were made prior to Christmas, however depending on the timing of banks and holidays, it may not hit your account until January 7th. We are not yet sure about the ARG – Part C grants, but the timing may be similar.

WDC offices will open from January 4th, so if you wish to check up on grant payments directly, please email:  visiting.officers@warwickdc.gov.uk. Please feel free to ‘cc’ or contact us, and include the applicant name, business name, full address and postcode and ideally your business rates number. Also please specify what grant(s) as they are dealt with by different teams.

WDC will begin to make the new auto payments on the Tier 4 (closed) grants when they return back to work after 4th January.

 

2. Lobby Efforts

We know the business grants are not enough. Our ‘Make Some Noise’ and the ‘Bounce Back Better’ Campaign got off to a good start before Christmas, and more support is needed now more than ever.

We are inviting BIDs, industry bodies and businesses nationally to support this. Almost all support to date has resulted from efforts to inform decision makers of business challenges and needs – so we will keep doing this. To find out more or get involved, please see the content here:

 

3. Delivered.it.

For some time we have been researching local solutions to support businesses with cost effective deliveries and / or an online marketplace. We know there is a lot of change in the market – and for the hospitality sector, a number of choices, so we are careful about who we identify. Recently we met the founder of Delivered.it,Peter Hazelgrove, who lives locally and you may have seen some fliers come through your door. A number of Leamington businesses have now signed up, delivered.it are promoting themselves to local residents and we have heard good feedback, so we wanted to make you aware in case you are interested.

Specifically, there are two main services:

  1. An online marketplace, to encourage consumers to buy from local businesses (like yourselves); and
  2. An on-demand delivery service – with a separate option for restaurants and food businesses (including takeaways).

Sarah Horne, a local business you may know, has been using both services and features in their video here: https://vimeo.com/484741301.

Below is a short summary of the delivered.it offer:

Online Marketplace:

  • There are no costs to join the delivered it. marketplace, which you can view by clicking here.
  • Each business has their own listing page, with header image, logos, products etc.
  • You can offer ‘Click and Collect’ and / or ‘Delivery’. Delivery can be using yourself / own drivers or the delivered it. logistics delivery team (please see below).
  • Set up and getting online is quick and easy and the team will support you.
  • Cost – you pay an order commission of 10% only if you sell. This includes the cost of delivering the order for you, up to 5 miles.
  • Example business, please Click here to view Sarah Horne Flowers.
  • For more information, please click here.

On-demand delivery service:

  • delivered it. Logistics is an on-demand driver service for local deliveries. This can be a standalone option, or part of the online marketplace above.
  • This allows you to request a driver to deliver any orders you may receive online, or over the phone etc. so you can avoid delivering it yourself, or having a staff member waiting in case.
  • You can use them as much or as little as you wish.
  • They are available 7 days a week from 10:00 – 22:00.
  • Cost – you pay only if you book a driver.
  • For more information, please click here.

Restaurant & Food Businesses:

  • In addition to above, delivered it. have a local offer focused on the hospitality sector, as they want to challenge the commission rates of the ‘giants’. For more information, please click here.

Please note, we are in not connected to this business and if interested, it is important you make contact and explore the offer and costs to ensure they are right for you. To speak to one of their team you can also phone: 020 800 43386.

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As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Alison or myself if you have any queries and we will be in touch again soon.

Best wishes and stay safe,

Steph & Alison