Tuxford Town Council

So, turning to Tuxford…..

Social distancing signs were erected on Saturday around the town centre, however it was noted that some of the businesses were not open on that day.

Shops were issued with non-slip floor markers and were advised them to replace the worn bits of tape etc at 2 metre intervals. They want to operate a safe town centre but also one that looks tidy and clean too. If there are any other businesses that would like the floor markers then they will happily supply. It must be noted that they can only offer this signage and floor markers for areas external to business premises as government has restricted the interventions in that regard.

They have produced a business support pack to help our businesses in this challenging time and all the info contained in it can be found on the Councils website (Bassetlaw District Council or below). If you are aware of any businesses that need hard copies please let them know and they can issue those too. They are able to offer guidance of business resilience and diversification potential, e.g. moving to a digital shopfront or how to organise click and collect etc..

Here is some useful info that you could help…..

Supported by the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund

Guidance & Business Support
- Reopening our High Streets

Bassetlaw District Council, in partnership with North Notts BID is working to support our town centres and local businesses to re-open safely. The following message contains information, guidance and contacts to assist retailers and businesses to trade safely.

Recovery Guidelines

The Government's COVID-19 recovery strategy is being regularly updated. As part of this strategy the Government, in consultation with industry, have produced guidance to help ensure workplaces are as safe as possible.

5 Steps to working safely details practical actions for businesses to take based on 5 main steps.

1. Carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment
2. Develop cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures
3. Help people to work from home
4. Maintain 2m social distancing, where possible
5. Where people cannot be 2m apart, manage transmission risk
   Find out more via: 5 steps to working safely

Shops and Branches details guidance for people who work in or run shops, branches, stores or similar environments.
Find out more via: Shops and branches

The Government have also published a series of webinars to help businesses understand the support and guidance available.
Find out more via: Shops and branches webinar

Other useful resources for the workplace

COVID-19: cleaning of non-healthcare settings

Businesses that should be closed

Health and Safety Executive

Public Health England

NHS Guidance on COVID-19

Test and Trace Service

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service Guidance

Changes in our Town Centres

The Council has published a Recovery Action Plan for re-opening our town centres safely and our town centre response is being led by the Head of Service for Regeneration, Beverley Alderton Sambrook, who sits on the Nottinghamshire Councils Public Realm group.

You will notice changes some in our town centres to enable us to implement COVID Safe guidelines including new signage and safe queuing measures. In addition, Nottinghamshire County Council have also announced some new highways measures.

The Council has published a Recovery Action Plan in Response to Covid-19 which you can access on the Council website https://www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/reopening-town-centres-safely/

For all the latest town centre information from Bassetlaw District Council including signage, markets, toilets and cleaning, please visit: www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/towncentres

We are also recruiting Covid Support Team Volunteers to engage, encourage and explain the changes that are taking place within the town centres to residents, shoppers and visitors. They will look out for more vulnerable members of our community including the elderly; those that are visually impaired or have a disability to navigate the changes within the town centres and be a point of contact to obtain information. They will also play a crucial part in feeding information from business owners and members of the public to the Community Safety Team; CCTV; the Council's Town Centre Team; BID Ambassadors and the Emergency Services.

The Covid Support Team Volunteers will be clearly seen at peak times such as lunchtimes and market days in our larger settlements. You will be able to identify the volunteers as they will wear a high-vis jacket. All volunteers will be trained by the Lead BID Ambassador. Anybody wishing to sign up to volunteer can find more information via: https://www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/town-centre-covid-support-team-volunteers/

Local Business Support

There is a range of business and financial support initiatives available to help businesses, with provision being introduced on a daily basis. A member of staff from the Council's Economic Development Team and the North Notts BID will be visiting independent retailers in the coming weeks to offer advice, hear about any issues and ensure we can contact you. Support provided by North Notts BID has been directly commissioned by the Council and is separate to the work they deliver for North Notts BID members.

Bassetlaw District Council's Economic Development Team – 01909 533 223
North Notts BID – BID Ambassador (for levy paying businesses) - 07776 511222
Retford Business Forum

Worksop Business Forum - 01909 262 263

Retford Shop Local

D2N2 Growth Hub - 0333 006 9178

Building Business Resilience Support Programme

Employer help from Jobcentre Plus

For help and assistance with Bassetlaw District Council services please contact:
Economic Development and Business Support - Julie Beresford, Economic Development Manager – 01909 533533
Markets - John Simmonds, Markets Manager - 01909 533 533
Community Safety - Gerald Connor, Community Safety & Safeguarding Manager - 01909 533253
Environmental Health - 01909 533 219
Communications - Jonathan Brassington, Communications Manager

The Council will be updating it's social media accounts with town centre information over the coming days and weeks. You can follow us on:

Instagram
Facebook
Twitter

D2N2 is carrying out a COVID-19 Business Survey that is helping to inform delivery partners, including the Council on support required by businesses to help with the recovery and rebuilding process. COVID-19 Survey

Business and Financial Support

Government Coronavirus Business Support Finder
Job Retention Scheme
Employee Statutory Sick Pay
Deferral of VAT Payments due to COVID-19
Deferral of self-assessment tax bill due to COVID-19
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
Small Business Grant
Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant
Local Discretionary Grant Scheme – closing date for applications 30th June 2020
Coronavirus Bounce Back Loan – this is a loan and not a grant
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan - this is a loan and not a grant
D2N2 Recruitment Triage Service - 0800 917 9419

PPE/Safety Screens/Deep Clean - For details on local companies that are supplying PPE, safety screens and deep clean services please visit the North Notts BID website www.northnottsbid.co.uk.

BID levy payers can access support on the North Notts BID website or by contacting them on 07776 511222 or info@northnottsbid.co.uk

Other useful links for retail businesses

Association of Convenience Stores (ACS)
ACS Resource Centre
British Independent Retailers Association
Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN)
UK Hospitality
National Market Traders Federation (NMTF)
Federation of Small Businesses
East Midlands Chamber of Commerce
Be the Business
Mental Health at Work
Mind » Less