| More business-related news below from Bristol City Council ______________________________________________________________________________________________ |
| From Monday 12 April, under step two of the roadmap, the Prime Minister has confirmed that outdoor hospitality and non-essential retail including personal care premises can reopen, together with public buildings, indoor leisure facilities and self-contained accommodation such as holiday cottages and campsites. People should continue to work from home where they can and keep domestic travel to a minimum. International holidays are still illegal. There are no changes to social contact rules, and outdoor gatherings must follow the rule of 6 people or 2 households. You must not socialise indoors with anyone you do not live with or have not formed a support bubble with. Visit GOV.UK for a summary of the roadmap out of lockdown, and to read the latest announcement by the government on reopening. |
| Alcohol sales and antisocial behaviour |
| From 12 April, when outdoor hospitality is set to reopen, we expect a high volume of people on our streets as people will be able to socialise outdoors again under the relaxation of lockdown rules. As this is the first time people have had this opportunity for several months, we must be prepared for all eventualities including an increase in antisocial and harassment behaviours. It is essential that businesses continue to follow COVID-secure measures to avoid further spikes in transmission, and we urge you to operate responsibly and to care for your customers. We ask that you: – Only sell limited quantities – Do not sell beer and cider in large volume containers – Replace glass bottles with cans where possible |
| COVID-secure checks for reopening |
| Part of a 10 days of action programme, Regulatory Services officers, marshals and police will be undertaking extra checks on businesses across the city to help support and advise them on how to open safely and in a COVID-secure way from 12 April. This builds on the work we have been doing over the last year where over 8,000 visits have been made. The majority of businesses have been found to be compliant, and advice and support materials have been given to deal with any issues found. Make sure your business is COVID-secure by following the guidance on GOV.UK |
| Mental health wellbeing and support |
| We know the pandemic has had a real impact on local businesses and their staff. The Thrive at Work West of England programme gives small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) the tools and training needed to help embed good mental health practices in your business and support your employees during this difficult time. This includes a free a e-learning tool called ‘Managing Mental Health at Work’, and a range of interactive tools and training resources designed to promote supportive conversations with staff about mental health and wellbeing. You can access the free e-learning and further resources via the Thrive at Work West of England website. For immediate emotional and practical support, you can contact the NHS 24/7 support and connect helpline. It’s a free, confidential service for people who live in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Call 0800 012 6549. If you are worried about someone, learn how to spot signs for concern and find out where you can get the right help on the Are you OK website. April is stress awareness month Millions of people around the UK are experiencing high levels of stress, which is damaging to our health. It plays a significant factor in mental health problems including anxiety and depression and is also linked to physical health problems like heart disease. Visit the Stress Management Society website to find out more and take ‘The 30 Day Challenge’ which encourages you to pick one action each for your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing to carry out every day. |
| Booking your vaccination |
| If you are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination and need to book your first dose during April, please contact your GP direct. Eligible groups for the vaccine are: – People over the age of 50 – People with health conditions that put them at greater risk of a severe outcome from COVID-19 – Health and social care workers who have not had their first dose. If you already have an appointment over the coming weeks, whether for your first or second dose, this remains in place and it’s really important that you attend it as planned. If any changes to your appointment need to be made, the NHS will contact you direct. Even after you’ve been vaccinated, there is still a chance you could pass on COVID-19 to others. It’s important that you continue to follow the public health guidance. That means; washing your hands often, covering your face when you’re out and about and keeping space from people not in your household. |
| Quick updates |
| • We are holding a free webinar on Wednesday 7 April from 4pm to 5.30pm, for all Bristol-based retail, leisure, hospitality and close contact businesses (such as hairdressers). The session will be an opportunity to discuss the latest restrictions and support available, including grants, with council officers. Register for the Bristol-based business webinar on Eventbrite now. • In preparation for the reopening of outdoor hospitality, if your business needs any signage needs such as stickers or bollard wraps to help with queuing or one-way systems, please email business@bristol.gov.uk detailing what you need. • The Bristol: Key Facts 2021 report provides headline facts and infographics on what it’s like to live, visit and work in Bristol. It includes the latest statistics on population, housing, culture, health and wellbeing, education and skills, communities, sustainability, economy and transport, with some initial impacts of COVID-19. Visit our website to read the Bristol: Key Facts 2021 summary. • The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are for outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the categories of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility. Winners have reported benefits from a boost to staff morale, to increased turnover and trade and wider recognition. Visit the GOV.UK website to check your eligibility and to apply. • The National Food Crime Unit has developed a new food fraud self-assessment tool to support businesses in developing and implementing their counter-fraud strategy. The tool covers different areas that food businesses need to be aware of, to better identify and address issues of fraud relating to the food chain. Visit the Food Standards Agency website to find out more and to access the free self-assessment tool. • Organisers of one of Bristol’s most loved public events, St Pauls Carnival, have confirmed that the event, which traditionally takes place on the first Saturday in July, will not be going ahead in 2021. Visit the St Pauls Carnival website for further details of the announcement. • The 2021 FoodTrekking Awards are now open for entries. In recognition of the extraordinary circumstances faced by the travel/tourism industry over the last year four new categories are included: Best Virtual Food or Beverage Experience; Best “Hustle” Award; Best Culinary Destination Showcase; and Best Culinary Storyteller. Visit the World Food Travel Association’s website to apply. • Two virtual networking sessions are coming up as part of the South Bristol Enterprise Support and North and East Bristol Business Support services: Register for Get Social: Women’s Bristol Network on Thursday 8 April from 11am to 12pm. Register for Get Social: Networking on Friday 23 April from 10am to 11am. |