What does the 'Roadmap to Recovery' announced by Boris Johnson mean for my business?

The Prime Minister has announced the Government’s roadmap to reopening the economy entitled Covid-19 Response – Spring 2021. A copy of the full guidance is here

It introduced a 4 stage plan for reopening the economy starting on Monday 8^th March with the reopening of schools and colleges. Then subsequent stages will follow at 5 week intervals provided the following four conditions are met at each stage before proceeding to the next one:

The coronavirus vaccine programme continues to go to plan
Vaccines are sufficiently reducing the number of people dying with the virus or needing hospital treatment
Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospital admissions
New coronavirus variants do not fundamentally change the risk of lifting restrictions

Which businesses will be allowed to reopen on Monday 12th April?

With regards to the reopening of businesses that are currently closed in your town, the earliest some of them will be able to reopen is Monday 12^th April, when the following will be allowed:

All shops, hairdressers, beauty salons and other “close contact services”
Restaurants, cafes and pub gardens will be allowed to serve customers sitting outdoors, including alcohol. They will also be able to continue to provide takeaway services.
Indoor leisure (including gyms and spas) can reopen for individuals and members of the same households
Children will allowed to attend indoor play activities, with up to 15 parents or guardians allowed to join them
Outdoor attractions such as zoos and theme parks
Libraries and community centres

Will Hospitality and Indoor Group Sports & Exercise set to reopen on Monday 17th May?

Yes, in Stage 3, which will be no earlier that Monday 17^th May, the following should hopefully be allowed to reopen:

Indoor hospitality – for up to 6 people or from two households (with no requirement for a substantial meal to be served alongside alcoholic drinks and no curfew. However, the requirement to order, eat and drink while seated will remain);
Indoor entertainment such as museums, cinemas and children’s play areas
Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can permit household groups
Performances and large events can resume, with some limits.
Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can start up again

When will all legal limits on social contact be removed?

In Stage 4, which will be no earlier than Monday 21^st June it is hoped:

All legal limits on social contact will be removed
No legal limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, funerals and other life events.
Nightclubs and theatres will be allowed to reopen

Contact your Council and your BID to find out what range of actions will be taking to promote your town and consider things you might need to think about in preparation for re-opening.

Hoddesdon Businesses have been thankful for their local BID Love Hoddesdon – feel free to contact BID Manager Tony Cox here: lovehoddesdon@outlook.com who will be glad to help you with any queries.

Will you receive a further grant for your closed businesses covering 16th Feb to 31st March 2021? Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed)

Last night the Government issued updated guidelines on further financial support for businesses that for the moment will remain closed. They announced a second payment cycle for the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed), which covers 16 February to 31 March 2021 and is as follows:

if your business has a property with a rateable value of £15,000 or less, you may be eligible for a cash grant of £2,096 for this 44-day qualifying restrictions period
if your business has a property with a rateable value over £15,000 and less than £51,000, you may be eligible for a cash grant of £3,143 for this 44-day qualifying restrictions period
if your business has a property with a rateable value of £51,000 or above, you may be eligible for a cash grant of £4,714 for this 44-day qualifying restrictions period

Your local council will be announcing more information regarding the timeframe for processing these grant payments, which will hopefully be straight forward as they already hold the necessary bank details.

Hoddesdon Businesses what to do next

Try taking advantage of all the resources available to you. Hoddesdon businesses have Love Hoddesdon BID who providing information almost on a daily basis which has proved invaluable to many local businesses.

HB Accountants would like to thank Tony Cox, BID Manager for the Hoddesdon BID for the information contained within this blog – feel free to contact the BID if you would like to find out how to become a Voluntary Member.

We have been working hard to continue to keep you updated as the Government releases new information and are doing everything we can to support our clients during this uncertain period, please do not hesitate to contact us here if you have any concerns or queries.

Visit our COVID19 Business Hub for more information

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The information contained above is for general guidance purposes only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the contents are accurate, please note that each individual has different circumstances and it is essential that you seek appropriate professional advice before you act on any of the information contained herein. HB Accountants can accept no liability for any errors or omission or for any person acting on or refraining from acting on the information provided in the above

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