Welcome to April
How is everyone doing?
We thought we might do something a little different this month, so we hope our newsletter brings some happy distraction to you at this time, as well as some useful information to help you with future planning.
Good News Digest
HMRC has set up a COVID 19 helpline
HMRC have set up a help line specifically for the self-employed and businesses who will be struggling due to current outbreak of coronavirus. Advice can be given on both benefits and tax you can claim at this time. The Coronavirus Helpline is 0300 456 3565.
DVSA has extended the MOT deadline for vehicles by six months
“Your car, motorcycle, light van or other light vehicle’s MOT expiry date will be automatically extended by 6 months if it’s due on or after Monday 30 March 2020. This means that your vehicle will still have a valid MOT certificate for an extra 6 months. You do not need to do anything for this to happen. However, you must keep your vehicle safe to drive.”
Social Enterprise UK launches a COVID 19 support resources
Social Enterprise UK is the leading global authority and the biggest network of social enterprises in the UK. They have launched a pack of COVID-19 support resources, including a webinar and a briefing to support members during this time.
Free Level 2 online courses available from Lincoln College
Lincoln College offers 28 online courses that you can access through the Government’s Adult Education Budget. If you are over 19 years of age, and a resident of the UK, you may be eligible to enrol. For more information, check out their page here.
Free coaching session available to local SMEs from Action Coach
“John McHale is offering free of charge coaching calls to any business looking for advice/guidance. Specialising in strategic reviews, he can offer guidance to critically analyse and plan for crisis control to ensure longer term success for businesses.
“If any business wants/needs any help with strategic direction, planning, resilience or adaptability, they can book a free thirty minute coaching call by contacting Nicola at johnmchalepa@actioncoach.com.”
GLLEP support for the Business Interruption Loan Scheme
- Colleagues at the British Business Bank are working hard to set-up the Scheme in a timely manner, fully aware of the urgency and exceptional circumstances faced by businesses. The GLLEP are being asked to refer businesses to the website whilst this work is being undertaken.
- Financial support is available for businesses, call the new local Covid 19 helpline 01522 782189 or email businesslincolnshire@lincolnshire.gov.uk to speak to a local business adviser at the Growth Hub
- Manufacturers: if you can switch production to ventilators call 0300 456 3565
- The LEP wants to hear from businesses about what is happening on the ground, gllepbusinessintelligence@lincolnshire.gov.uk We will collate responses and feed back to Government
- For all the latest information, businesses are encouraged to check www.gov.uk
The Prince’s Trust and NatWest Enterprise Relief Fund
“The £5 million Enterprise Relief Fund will offer grants to 18 to 30-year olds across the UK who are self-employed and/or running their own business. In conjunction with cash grants, the initiative will offer one-to-one support and guidance to anyone who needs it and who may be worried about their future.” Read more
Old Palace Lodge open to self-isolating NHS staff for free
“To support the frontline workers in the Lincolnshire NHS, we have made the decision to open up our Old Palace Lodge Hotel (Bailgate Lincoln) for NHS staff free of charge as they help tackle the coronavirus pandemic. This will support staff who need to self isolate away from their family members between shifts. To ensure social distancing during the operation of the site we’ll be utilising remote check ins and continental breakfasts in a bag on the doors. If you know of anyone working in the Lincolnshire NHS / parachuted into this area please share this and have them reach out to NHS team:
Tel: 01476 464487 (10:30am – 1:00pm, Monday to Friday)
Tel: 01476 464576 (1:00pm – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday)
Email: accommodation.bookingclerk@ulh.nhs.uk
For requests and enquiries outside of the hours above, please contact the Staff Accommodation Business Continuity Plan lead on:
Tel: 07393 009016 (8:30am – 8:30pm, Monday to Sunday)
Email: Kubilay.Addison@ULH.nhs.uk”
Free Signal-Boosting from the Good Business Network
“Are you still open for business or know a business who is? Please email me at hello@thegoodbusinessnetwork.co.uk Lauren Coupland and I have been compiling a directory for distribution across the region and regional press will share my list with them.”
Future Forward
Here at LORIC, we are committed to using our social media platforms and other resources to keep spreading good news and useful information. Please keep on sending us your good news stories, initiatives and ideas.
In the interim, we’ve been working hard to publish useful information on both our CKAN and our website.
On the power of cafe style events for fostering conversation. A good read as you are planning your first ever Zoom group chat.
Children and Social Media: Workshop Reports and Toolkits:
For all the parents at home wondering if they are using the iPad and computer to entertain their children, this resource includes reading materials and recommendations for all members of your household.
LORIC Knowledge Exchange: How Easy Is It To Use Open Data?
On open data sources and how you might be able to use those to support your busness.
Productivity in the Workplace: What Does the Data (Not) Say
On what productivity is, why is it so hard to measure and why (perhaps) it shouldn’t be the only way we think about success.
LORIC Update
The team has now moved to full-time working from home and our building is locked down until further notice. However, we are still happy to talk to you – our first consultation is always free, and if you are on our retainer model, you have 12 hours in the year when you can just ring us up and have a good vent about all things data.
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