Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources and information
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Marketing Lancashire supports a wide range of businesses across the county and is in close communication, on their behalf, with government agencies and VisitEngland/VisitBritain to monitor the situation surrounding Coronavirus (COVID-19).
We aim to update this page with the latest news and opportunities for Lancashire businesses.
February 2022:
UK Government announces plan for living with Covid-19 (19.02.22) – including removal of all domestic restrictions in law in England.
December 2021:
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partners’ Covid-19 Business Survey – invitation to take part in a short survey. This will be fed directly back to central government policy makers to help shape how best to support businesses going forward. Deadline 07.01.22
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partners’ Update following updated guidance (21.12.21) – announcement that additional support will be available for businesses who have been impacted by the Omicron variant.
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partners’ Update following updated guidance (09.12.21) – announcement of England moving to plan B including the re-introduction of guidance for everyone who can to work from home and face coverings compulsory in most public indoor venues.
September 2021:
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partners’ Covid-19 Update (21.09.21)– announcement of measures to simplify international travel.
August 2021:
Updated government guidance on self isolation available (16.08.21) – if certain criteria apply, from 16 August, you will not be required to self-isolate if you are notified you have had close contact with someone with COVID-19. Please check the criteria.
July 2021:
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partners’ Update following updated guidance (30.07.21) – including the UK Government waives quarantine for arrivals fully vaccinated from Europe and USA to England, international cruise restart and NHS Test & Trace COVID-19 compliance checks in hotels and other guest accommodation.
New Government hospitality strategy to help pubs, bars and restaurants build back better from the pandemic – Hospitality Sector Council set up and co-chaired by entrepreneur Karen Jones and Minister Scully to oversee delivery of the strategy.
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partners’ Update following updated guidance (20.07.21) – including announcement of the intention to make full vaccination a condition of entry to nightclubs and other venues where large crowds gather by the end of September.
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partners’ Update following updated guidance (15.07.21) – The Working Safely during coronavirus guidance for England has been updated to reflect the changes from step 4. Summary of the contents of the guidance available. Priority actions to take: Six steps to protect yourself, your staff and your customers.
Guidance for offices, factories and labs (14.07.21) – for those who run or work in these settings. Including risk assessment, ventilation, tests and vaccinations.
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partners’ Update following updated guidance (13.07.21) – update following government announcement on 12.07.21. Confirmation that England will move to Step 4 from 19 July. While cases are high and rising, everybody needs to continue to act carefully and remain cautious.
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partners’ Update following updated guidance (06.07.21) – update following government announcement on 05.07.21 outlining more details about step 4 of the England roadmap (expected to start on 19 July). Removal of outstanding legal restrictions on social contact, life events, and opening of remaining closed settings.
June 2021:
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partners’ Update following updated guidance (18.06.21) – round-up of the latest official COVID-19 updates.
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partners’ Update following updated guidance (15.06.21) – Step 4 of the Government roadmap has been delayed until July 19th, with the exception of weddings and commemorative events
Covid-19 Impact & Business Performance Survey – tourism businesses are asked to take a short survey.
May 2021:
Covid-19 Impact & Business Performance Survey – Marketing Lancashire, in partnership with Global Tourism Solutions (UK) Ltd, are undertaking a survey to estimate the economic value of tourism across Lancashire for 2020. We hope you can take part, all information supplied is anonymous and wholly confidential.
Visit Lancashire Partners are invited to be part of the Rediscover Lancashire Escape the Everyday campaign (18.05.21) – next week the new campaign will launch, supported by funding secured from VisitEngland Destination Management Organisations’ Recovery Marketing Fund, which supports recovery during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partners’ Update following updated guidance (15.05.21) – the heritage locations guidance has been updated for Step 3 of the roadmap (from 17 May)
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partners’ Update following updated guidance (12.05.21) – the hotels and other guest accommodation guidance has been updated to include measures that will apply from Step 3 from 17 May in England.
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partners’ Update following updates guidance (11.05.21) – The Prime Minister confirmed England will move to Step 3 on 17 May. Details are included in the update.
Further easing of COVID restrictions confirmed for 17 May (10.05.21)- planned Step 3 easements will go ahead as planned including limited indoor social mixing; reopening of indoor hospitality and entertainment venues and 30 guests permitted at weddings.
Mental Health Awareness Week 10 – 16 May – you can download the Every Mind Matters campaign toolkit for resources to support the activity and raise awareness of the guidance and tools available to help adults during this time and beyond, and seek support if needed.
Free VisitEngland business recovery webinar on Tuesday 11 May, 11am – hear about the upcoming Escape the Everyday summer campaign and how to get involved and encourage visitors this summer and to do so responsibly.
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partners’ Update following updates guidance (06.04.21) – update to restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services guidance. Updated information for Step 3 (no earlier than 17 May) including entertainment indoors and outside venues.
April 2021:
April Partners’ newsletter (29.04.21) – including the Pink Book of legislation, food standards, al fresco dining and the annual attractions survey.
Take Part in VisitEngland’s Annual Attractions Survey – this year’s survey is particularly important as it will help to understand the impact of the pandemic on the attractions sector in 2020. If you’ve received an invite to the survey please do respond as soon as you can.
Food Standards Agency advice for re-opening – as hospitality businesses across England re-open their doors, the Food Standards Agency has provided refreshed guidance for the sector as they begin to serve the public again. The guidance aims to support food businesses prioritise food safety as well as customer and staff wellbeing, when restarting.
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partners’ Update following updates guidance (09.04.21) – the visitor economy, hotels and other guest accommodation and restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services guidance has been updated with more detail on step 2. Other updates to note also include events guidance for local authorities and additional information on NHS Test and Trace for hospitality venues and other settings.
Visit England Business Recovery Webinar, 13 April, 11am – join the free session reviewing the latest data on domestic consumer sentiment, inbound prospects, and the latest wave of EU exit consumer sentiment post the end of the transition period.
Launch of Fisheries and Seafood Scheme – applications now open to a new £6.1m scheme to support the sector adapt to life outside the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy and recover from the impacts of Covid-19.
Launch of new Recovery Loan Scheme – businesses ranging from coffee shops to gyms can now access loans from £25,000 – £10m. Include an 80% government guarantee and interest rate cap.
Step 2 of the Government Roadmap for easing Covid-19 restrictions will take place as planned from 12 April – gyms, outdoor attractions, libraries , personal care premises, all retail, outdoor hospitality, self-contained accommodation can open. Weddings can take place with up to 15 guests. Click here for guidance on opening safely.
Check if you are eligible for the Restart Grants Scheme – scheme administered by local authorities. Non-essential retail sector, hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym sector businesses may be eligible.
Twice-weekly rapid testing announced – everyone in England will be able to take free Covid tests from 9th April. Business can still apply for workplace testing until 12th April.
Second round of Government’s Culture Recovery Fund recipients announced – £400m to help over 2,700 organisations survive and thrive.
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partners’ Update following confirmation of continuation of Govt. roadmap (06.04.21) – some Covid restrictions will be eased from Monday 12 April, including opening of self-contained accommodation, outdoor hospitality venues and outdoor attractions such as zoos and theme parks. None essential retail will open and weddings can take place with up to 15 guests.
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partners’ Update following updated guidance (01.04.21) – including further guidance for the visitor economy and hospitality sector along with clarification shared by DCMS in response to a number of questions that have been raised by the sector.
March 2021:
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partners’ Update following updated guidance (24.03.21) – including clarity on guidance on the reopening of accommodation.
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partners’ Update following updated guidance (23.03.21) – update on new guidance for businesses in the hospitality, accommodation and leisure sectors to check their eligibility for Restart Grants.
Marketing/Visit Lancashire March Partners’ Meeting – a virtual meeting will take place on Wednesday 24 March at 10am (open to all partners). The meeting will include a guest speaker – Jenny Heyes from Napthens Solicitors – who will present and answer questions on specific HR considerations related to the impacts of Covid-19.
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partners’ Update following updated guidance (11.03.21)– including on Covid grants and outdoor dining/events.
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partners’ update following budget announcement (04.03.21) – summary of highlights for the tourism and hospitality industry including extension of the job retention scheme, restart grants, extension of VAT reduction and business rate relief.
February 2021 updates:
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partner’s update following government announcement (26.02.21) – further summary and clarification of the 22.02.21 announcement
Changes to the Kickstart Scheme – the funding creates new job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment. A minimum of 30 job placements are no longer required to apply directly for a grant.
Guidance: Covid-19 Response – Spring 2021 Executive Summary – full government report available.
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partner’s update following government announcement (22.02.21) – a summary of the announcement
Roadmap for easing of restrictions in England announced– a four step plan commencing on 08.03.21.
2020 Heritage and the Economy report demonstrates the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the heritage sector – Historic England have been collaborating with a number of heritage organisations throughout the pandemic to understand the impact on the sector.
Marketing Lancashire are supporting Hospitality UK in their drive for businesses to write to their MP asking the Government to provide support for tourism businesses as part of this year’s budget – Lancashire businesses are asked for their support.
Marketing Lancashire launches Covid-19 recovery plan for Lancashire – a tactical plan, developed in consultation with local authority stakeholders, the LEP’s Tourism, Culture and Place sector group, Marketing Lancashire’s Board and Visit Lancashire partners. Key priorities to help the sector through 2021 and into 2022.
Drive to increase workplace (no symptom) Covid-19 testing – businesses, both private and public sector, with 50 + employees are encouraged to sign up. This is free with full support from NHS Test & Trace.
Government introduce new quarantine for passengers into the country – tighter measures and enforcement will apply from 15.02.21. Including 10 days quarantine in a hotel following arrival from certain locations and two tests. New penalties for none compliance will apply.
January 2021 updates:
National Careers Service Virtual Jobs Fair to take place on 27 & 28 January – Exhibition Day takes place on day 1 and the Virtual Jobs Fair on Day 2. A chance to hear about opportunities and see vacancies in the North West.
Department for Education launch new campaign for The Skills Toolkit – An Hour to Skill (14.01.21) – to inspire the nation to spend one hour a week learning online. Free, high-quality online courses.
SMART lateral flow Covid-19 test programme expanding in Blackburn with Darwen (13.01.21) – available for people without symptoms of coronavirus who have to leave their home to work during the lockdown, including essential and frontline workers.
Marketing Lancashire invites partners to Virtual Partners’ Meeting – taking place on Tuesday 19 January at 2pm. This will include sharing the outline of the Recovery Plan for Lancashire Tourism & Hospitality.
£4.6 billion in new lockdown grants to support businesses and protect jobs announced (05.01.21) – one-off top up grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses worth up to £9,000 per property to help businesses through to the Spring.
Marketing/Visit Lancashire Partner’s Covid-19 Updated Guidance (05.01.21) – guidance for retail, hospitality and leisure sectors as lockdown begins.
National lockdown announced for England (04.01.21) – the lockdown restrictions apply from 06.01.21.
December 2020 updates:
- Marketing Lancashire Partner’s Covid-19 Updated Guidance (30.12.20)– information as Lancashire is placed in Tier 4 Alert Level.
- Lancashire placed in Tier 4 alert level – in place as of 00:01 on 31.12.20. Stricter restrictions will apply.
- Marketing Lancashire Partner’s Covid-19 Updated Guidance (24.12.20) – including details of Tier 4 restrictions in place in some parts of England.
- Govt. make further announcement on Tier restrictions (23.12.20) – some areas will be moving tier on Saturday 26 December. Lancashire remains in Tier 3.
- Marketing Lancashire Partner’s Covid-19 Updated Guidance (21.12.20) – guidance for Lancashire accommodation providers opening over the Christmas period.
- Revised guidance for Christmas period – in England Christmas Bubbles can meet on 25th December only. Overnight stays at hotels, B&Bs or private rented accommodation for this purpose is limited to 24th (check in) – 26th (check out).
- Prime Minister’s announcement (19.12.20) – announcement of new Tier 4 restrictions for parts of London, the South East and the East of England. Also, revisions to planned Christmas easing of restrictions for all Tiers.
- Message from Marketing Lancashire, CEO – a Christmas message from Rachel McQueen including a thank you and review of 2020 activity.
- Extension of the furlough and business loan schemes – further extension until the end of April 2021.
- Marketing Lancashire Partner’s Covid-19 Updated Guidance (17.12.20) – including confirmation of Lancashire remaining in Tier 3 and guidance for over the Christmas period.
- Government launch Cyber Aware campaign – as more of us are working from home and shopping online during COVID-19, this aims to help individuals and organisations protect themselves online.
- Further guidance for Christmas period – includes arrangements for visiting places such as shops, Christmas markets and events between 23 and 27 December.
- Updated guidance for people who work in or run restaurants, pubs, bars, cafes or takeaways – updated 14.12.20
- Marketing Lancashire December partner’s newsletter (14.12.20) – updates include Lancashire 2025 City of Culture, North West business barometer, Eden Project North, tourism VAT campaign, disability awareness and online market opportunity for partners.
- Loan Fee Fraud – the Financial Conduct Authority have launched their Loan Fee Fraud Campaign to raise awareness of the issue and encourage people to go through the 3-step loan fraud checklist to protect themselves.
- Reduction of Covid-19 self isolation period – from 14.12.20 there will be a change to the self-isolation period from 14 to 10 days in England.
- The Jewish festival of Hanukkah (10-18 Dec) – Assets available to encourage safe celebration.
- Details of priority Covid-19 vaccine roll out – The NHS is currently offering the vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus.
- Details of National Skills Fund Announced – aims to help adults to train and gain the valuable skills they need to improve their job prospects and support the economy.
- Measures announced to help passengers plan safe journeys over the Christmas period – government comprehensive plan for the Christmas travel window, between 23 and 27 December, to increase safety and avoid disruption.
- Updated guidance for people who work in or run shops, branches and stores (03.12.20) – in relation to handling goods, merchandise and other materials to reduce transmission through contact with objects arriving in store.
- Marketing Lancashire Partner’s update (03.12.20) – including latest government guidance and deadlines for job retention scheme claims.
- Christmas grant available for ‘wet-led pubs’ – one-off £1,000 grant for ‘wet-led pubs’ (predominantly serve alcohol) across tiers 2 and 3 in lieu of Christmas trade.
- Prime Minister’s statement (02.12.20) – more details on the first phase of the Covid-19 mass vaccination in the UK. Starting in December 2020.
- Small Business Saturday Saturday 5 December #SmallBizSatUK – national, annual, grassroots, non-commercial campaign that encourages people to support small businesses in their communities. See toolkit
- Extended opening times for Christmas period – From 02.12.20 planning rules will be eased to allow shops to be open for longer (Monday to Saturday).
- Marketing Lancashire Partner’s update (01.12.20) – guidance for Christmas operating and Tier 3 restrictions.
November 2020 updates:
- Message from Rachel McQueen, CEO, Marketing Lancashire – ‘Resilient and proud – Lancashire Day 2020’.
- Visit Lancashire issue update (26.11.20) – Lancashire will be placed in Tier 3/Very High alert level from 03.12.20. Please check the restrictions in place under this tier.
- Christmas Restrictions – the government is changing some social contact restrictions between 23 – 27 December. Guidance such as forming ‘Christmas Bubbles’ and travelling during this time has been issued.
- Visit Lancashire issue update (24.11.20) – summary of recent announcement for partners.
- North West England Tourism Business Barometer Survey results (23.11.20) – confirms Covid-19 ‘tectonic shift’ across north.
- Government publish winter plan (23.11.20) – involves a return to the three tier system of restrictions across England from 03.12.20. The tier/restrictions that will apply across Lancashire are yet to be announced.
- Importance of fresh air – a new film has been designed to explain the importance of letting fresh air into your home to stop the spread of coronavirus.
- Free training for independent retailers in Lancashire – takes place in November. Increase profitability with effective social media promotion and online discoverability and visibility.
- Freedom to offer takeaway services extended – restaurants, pubs and cafes will get automatic freedoms to provide takeaway services for another year.
- Marketing Lancashire partners update 13.11.20 – announcement regarding grant payments to businesses affected by Covid19 restrictions.
- National Careers Service, North West Virtual Jobs Fair on Friday 13 Nov – see vacancies near you and get tips and tools to help you apply.
- Coronavirus Resource Centre assets have been updated for upcoming celebrations and festivals such as Diwali. These can be downloaded from the Public Health England website.
- Business Support Finder – employers and the self-employed, including sole traders and limited company directors (open or closed) are encouraged to use this tool to see what support is available (loans, tax relief and cash grants).
- Increased support for businesses announced (05.11.20) –available across the UK. The furlough scheme will now be extended until the end of March. The next self-employed income support grant will also increase.
- Furlough scheme extended and further economic support announced – Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will remain open until December, with employees receiving 80% of current salary for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500. Business premises forced to close are to receive grants worth up to £3,000 per month under the Local Restrictions Support Grant.
- Message from Rachel McQueen, CEO, Marketing Lancashire – message to partners regarding November restrictions announcement.
October 2020 updates:
- 30.10.20 government announce new national restrictions – beginning on 05.11.20 people are required to stay at home (except for specific purposes), prevent gathering with people they do not live with (except for specific purposes). Certain businesses and venues are required to close. Applies throughout England.
- 22.10.20 government announce increases to financial support for businesses and workers (for businesses that remain open but experiencing considerable difficulty)- announcement includes business grants, enhancement of the Job Support Scheme and support for the self-employed.
- Frequently Asked Questions updated for visitors to Lancashire (16.10.20) – in response to increased alert level.
- Message from Rachel McQueen, CEO, Marketing Lancashire & guidance for partners – issued 16.10.20 as Lancashire prepares to move to Very High Alert Level/Tier 3.
- Business support finder – find out what support could be available for your business including Job Support Scheme and Local Restrictions Support Grant.
- From 17.10.20 Lancashire will move to Very High Alert Level/Tier 3 – restrictions apply including the closure of certain types of businesses.
- Alert Level postcode checker now live – quickly find out the latest restriction in the areas that you live and work.
- Government guidance for the visitor economy has been updated 15.10.20 – latest guidance for those who work in the sector.
- Job Support Scheme extended – to support businesses required to close. The government will pay two thirds of employees’ salaries and cash grants for businesses. Begins on 1 November.
- Lancashire confirmed as Tier 2/High Alert Level – on 12.10.20 Lancashire is placed in Tier 2 in the new government alert system.
- New Government local alert levels announced (12.10.20) – information for local authorities, residents and workers on how to manage an outbreak in their area.
September 2020 updates
- Free courses available via The Skills Toolkit – opportunity to build skills, progress in work and boost job prospects. You can sign up to this government tool now.
- Boost Lancashire launch free online tool to help businesses identify risks related to COVID-19 – the Risk Dashboard software makes it easy for SMEs to identify vulnerabilities, gaps, and opportunities from different viewpoints within their organisation.
- New restrictions for Blackpool area – apply from midnight on 26.09.20. Restrictions on mixing of households will apply.
- Government winter economy plan – including VAT rates and new job support scheme.
- Lancashire hospitality businesses can now download a restrictions flowchart to support their operations – produced by Marketing Lancashire.
- Visit Lancashire release guidance for tourism/hospitality businesses (24.09.20) – including how to support the new NHS Covid-19 app.
- Visit Lancashire release statement for visitors and residents (22.09.20) – following announcement of restrictions.
- NHS Covid-19 app support information & resources. – can be hosted on websites and/or displayed at venue.
- New regulations for hospitality venues in England published 18.09.2020. From today 18.09.2020 hospitality venues in England are legally required to enforce the rule of 6 or face a fine of up to £4,000….(please read more about this and further new regulations in the above link)
- New restrictions from 22.09.20 in Lancashire (excluding Blackpool). Leisure and entertainment venues must close between 10pm – 5am. Food & drink service restricted to table service only. No socialising outside of household or support bubble in homes or gardens.
- Restrictions from 14.09.20 – social gatherings of more than 6 people will be breaking the law – venues including hospitality venues must not host individual groups larger than 6 (but can hold more than 6 people in total). See update above.
- Restrictions lifted in Burnley & Hyndburn – from 02.09.20, two households will be able to mix, as cases of the virus continue to decrease.
- Customer logging toolkit – available for businesses that have been advised to collect customer, staff and visitor details.
- British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans – lending and mentoring support for aspiring business owners.
- Kickstart Lancashire tourism grant – medium sized businesses who have suffered as a direct result of COVID19, may be eligible to receive between £1k and £5k. Formal expression of interest stage is now open
August 2020 updates
- Blackburn & Pendle – targeted action to curb the spread of coronavirus, takes effect 22.08.20 – restaurants encouraged to halt walk-ins and only seat advanced reservations (maximum of 6 people per table).
- Resumption of the easement of restrictions from 15.08.20 – applies to some leisure activities, indoor performances and wedding receptions. This does not apply in areas under local restrictions.
- Guidance on holidays in areas with local coronavirus restrictions – questions answered for residents and visitor economy.
- COVID19 local restrictions extended to Preston – apply from midnight on 07.08.20.
- Further funds for available businesses in Ribble Valley – aimed at businesses not eligible for assistance from the Small Business or Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Funds, who can demonstrate they have suffered a significant fall in income. Businesses are advised to act fast.
- Shop Local Week 10 August – 17 August – encourages people to visit their local shops, by demonstrating businesses are safely welcoming customers back. Toolkit available. #Shoplocal
- Office ‘How To’ guide – a guide on returning to the office safely.
- Leadership Programmes – Government launched two new leadership programmes to help small business leaders grow their companies.
Applications now open for Zoo Animal Support Grants– guidance on how to apply has been published. - Update for visitor economy on postponement of reopening and changes to guidance – clarification and answers to specific questions.
- Extension of the requirement to wear a face covering – extended to indoor settings such as museums, galleries, cinemas and places of worship. Enforceable in law from 8 August.
July 2020 updates:
- Government announcement 31.07.20. Postponement of reopening of high risk settings to 15 August – applies to some leisure facilities/activities, indoor performances and wedding receptions.
- Details of local new restrictions – apply from 31.07.20 in East Lancashire boroughs of Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale.
- Grants available for small to medium sized businesses – grants of between £1,000 – £5,000 to help access new technology and other equipment as well as professional, legal, financial or other advice to help get back on track. Lancashire businesses please contact Boost on 0800 488 0057.
- COVID-19 early outbreak management information – created to make sure businesses know how to recognise and report an incident and aware of measures to contain it. ‘Action cards‘ have been developed to provide specific advice on the issues each type of business may face now lockdown restrictions have been eased.
- Culture Recovery Fund – launch of a Government-backed scheme worth half a billion pounds for domestic film and TV productions struggling to get coronavirus-related insurance.
- Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme updates – a new calculator to help employers with their next CJRS claims. Work out how much to pay furloughed and flexibly furloughed employees, how much they can claim for employer National Insurance contributions and pension contributions and how much they can claim back.
- Launch of Emergency Grassroots Music Venues Fund – The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) have announced a new fund to support grassroots live music venues at imminent risk of insolvency. Open for applications until midday on 03.08.20. Funding from £1,000 up to £80,000.
- Customer Track & Trace logging toolkit for businesses – from Public Health England. Businesses should be storing the information securely for 21 days and sharing with NHS Test and Trace if asked to do so.
- Government COVID-19 Recovery Plan next step announced – including lifting of restrictions on remaining leisure settings and allowing wedding receptions of up to 30 guests from 01.08.20. Plans to allow business and conference events from 01.10.20.
- Advice and support for businesses and households in Blackburn with Darwen
- Update on use of face coverings – from 24.07.20 the wearing of face coverings is mandatory in shops. Click here for instructions on how to make your own face covering.
- Recovery advice for business – small firms can access free support from experts and help business recover from the impact of COVID-19. Platform now live.
- Enjoy Summer Safely Campaign resources available – downloadable assets with the aim to inspire the public to begin to get back to the things they have missed.
- Performing arts can take place outdoors from 11.07.20 – with a socially distanced audience present. Government guidance available.
- Outdoor swimming pools and leisure facilities able to re-open on 11.07.20 – with indoor facilities able to re-open on 25.07.20 – specific government guidance available.
- Details of Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme and how businesses register – registrations open on 13.07.20.
- Chancellor’s economic update announcement (08.07.20) – measures aimed to support jobs and give businesses confidence including a VAT cut on tourism and hospitality activities and an Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme.
- £1.57 billion investment to protect Britain’s world-class cultural, arts and heritage institutions – new access to emergency grants and loans. Further details will be set out when the scheme opens for applications in the coming weeks.
- Enjoy Summer Safely campaign – the government has launched a new campaign to help the public begin to get back to the things they have missed whilst following COVID-19 safety guidelines.
- Anti-littering guidance – reduce littering and anti-social behaviour and encourage the public to clean up public spaces and take their rubbish home.
- Passengers arriving in England from certain destinations will no longer need to self-isolate – including Germany, France, Spain and Italy. Applies from 10 July 2020.
- Take part in Visit England’s ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign – access toolkit here – Download the industry toolkit and assets to be part of the national Know Before You Go campaign to empower consumers to inform themselves before booking a trip.
- Visit Blackpool launches its ‘Know Before Go’ reassurance campaign – an online platform to give visitors an insight into the range of measures that are being taken to ensure their safety and enjoyment.
- UK Hospitality reopening guide – helping businesses plan and prepare their own operational procedures measured against the overarching government guidelines. Please note: this is not a legal document.
- Join the #RedefiningLancashire campaign – call from Marketing Lancashire to share how your business is adapting and ‘redefining’ what you do and the way you do it.
- Marketing Lancashire launch major new campaign –#RedefiningLancashire aims to build confidence and trust in the county’s many and varied businesses, and in turn help to boost the local economy.
- Visit England launch the ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry standard – apply for a free UK-wide industry standard and consumer mark to reassure your customers that your business adheres to Government and public health guidance.
- Communication with Visit Lancashire Partners – ‘now we have a plan’. An update on the latest government announcement.
- Guidelines for arts & cultural sector from 4th July – COVID secure guidelines for leisure facilities and tourist attractions – this includes outdoor gyms and playgrounds, cinemas, museums, galleries, theme parks and arcades.
Guidelines for hospitality industry from 4th July – Updated COVID Secure guidelines now include pubs, restaurants & takeaway services. Including a downloadable poster to display.
Guidelines for opening visitor economy from 4th July – hotels and guest accommodation, indoor and outdoor attractions. - Easing of lockdown restrictions from 4th July
March – June 2020 updates:
- Marketing Lancashire’s submission to the DCMS select committee on the impact of COVID19 on tourism.
- Working Safely Tool – identify the most relevant guidance for your business, carry out a risk assessment and make sensible adjustments to the site and workforce.
- COVID19 Consumer Perception Survey – explore the behaviours, attitudes and perceptions to the pandemic, lockdown restrictions and changes to activities alongside intentions and confidence towards future trips and activities.
- VisitEngland business recovery webinar programme – free webinars will take place throughout June, July and August. Insights and advice from industry experts. Registration open.
- Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Update – guidance on flexible furloughing and how employers calculate claims. Begins 1st July.
- Updated working safely guidance – reflects industry feedback, guidance on Test & Trace, safer travel and managing security risks.
- #OpenForBusiness campaign –
businesses encouraged by BEIS to take photos in front of ‘open’ signs and post on social media channels. - Non-essential retail confirmed to reopen from Monday 15 June – Shops must display visible signage to show they have followed all guidance for opening. Download sign here.
- 5 Steps to working safely
- Timeline for retail reopening 1 June
- Entering or returning to the UK – measures from 8 June
- The Future Fund will open to applications on Wednesday 20/05/2020
- Heritage Emergency Fund launches 1/4/2020
- Arts Council England support package through The National Lottery 31/3/2020
- Government support for self-employed
- BOOST launches #BoostYourRecovery to support Lancashire Businesses
- Government support for business; how to access the support, who is eligible, when the schemes open and how to apply
- Government guidance for employees, employers and businesses
- VisitBritain summary of new support for tourism/hospitality businesses 17/3/2020
- Travel information from Avanti West Coast