1. Applications for the second and final round of the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme are now open; full details on eligibility and timescales can be found here.
2. The UK Government has recently updated its guidance on making workplaces Covid-secure. The page includes a tool to help you find the most relevant advice; more here. And access the latest UK Government guidance on which businesses and venues need to remain closed here, and places where it is mandatory to wear face coverings here.
3. The Buy Social West of England project will support large public and private sector organisations to develop accessible processes that enable social purpose businesses and social enterprises to gain access to new markets via procurement. Find out more at an online event on Thursday 20 August (5.30pm-7.30pm); book here.
4. Under the UK Government’s Green Homes Grant scheme, homeowners in England can check if they’re eligible for vouchers worth up to two-thirds of the cost of hiring tradespeople to upgrade the energy efficiency of their home – the maximum contribution will be £5,000, or for those on lower incomes, a 100% grant up to £10,000 will be available for certain work. Energy-saving improvements carried out under the scheme must be completed by a TrustMark Registered Business, giving householders quality assurance. Find out more here and here.
5. Bristol Food Union have produced a short film telling the amazing story of how Bristol restaurants and food projects came together to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. It also includes union members’ thoughts on the future of hospitality; view it, and other union initiatives, here.
6. Business West has released the results of its COVID-19: Business Impact Survey. Over 500 businesses from across the South West responded, sharing how they have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and how they feel they will recover. You can read more and download the full report here.
7. A second wave of major transport improvements is being proposed to make it easier to walk, cycle and use public transport as part of work to cut air pollution and support social distancing in Bristol. Many ideas have been suggested by locals using the online interactive map that was launched following the announcement of phase one. Read more here and access the interactive map here.
8. Following the Spirit Up digital event in July, St Pauls Carnival are carrying out a short online survey to better understand their audience. The Carnival would like to know how you engaged with their digital work, what motivates you to do so, what elements you liked as well as how they could improve content and future events; take the survey here.
9. BetterByBike is working with Love To Ride Bristol to get even more people cycling in Bristol – by inviting you to take part in Cycle September. Ride your bike and encourage others for a chance to win amazing prizes. Sign up here before Tuesday 1 September to go into the draw for a Cannondale bike worth £3,400!
10. Due to Covid19, Bristol Pride 2020 will take place as a virtual festival between Tuesday 1 and Saturday 12 September. A host of exciting events are planned, including a dog show, theatre and comedy nights, wellbeing and family days and a spectacular Pride Day broadcast featuring a Virtual Parade March and Pride Day broadcast bringing all the action from the festival on The Downs to you; more here.
11. As mentioned in previous bulletins, Bristol City Council has launched a new regular email for businesses in Bristol, and it is our intention to merge Items of Interest with it. The last edition of Items of Interest is therefore scheduled for week beginning 31 August, with the first issue of the newly merged newsletter scheduled for week beginning 7 September.