Shaping Portsmouth to support a ‘new normal’ for high streets
We have commissioned Shaping Portsmouth to lead a new project to help high street businesses operate safely and profitably and to help residents return confidently.
The project will particularly target SME businesses in Fratton, North End, Albert Road and Southsea shopping areas. Shaping Portsmouth will be working closely with businesses and associations in these areas to find out what support is needed and to come up with creative ways to trade safely and profitably. They will also be co-ordinating virtual trader association meetings.
The project is part of the council’s commitment to support the recovery of the local economy as restrictions are eased. A ‘Go Shop, Go Eat, Go Safe, Go Local’ campaign was launched recently to encourage residents to support local businesses.
Hundreds of new manufacturing jobs at Dunsbury Park
Portsmouth City Council’s award-wining business park Dunsbury Park will be a major part of the post-Covid-19 recovery after a major new engineering, manufacturing tenant was announced this week.
The announcement supports the council’s aim to lead the way in the recovery from the global pandemic as it will be building the largest development of a dedicated manufacturing facility on the south coast this year.
Work will start this summer on building the new 120,000 sq ft manufacturing facility for Bio Pure Technologies Ltd – a fluid-path component manufacturer for the biotechnology industry. The building will be completed later next year.
Support to help you prepare for Brexit customs changes
Recent research from the Institute of Directors shows that only a quarter of businesses are fully ready for the end of the Brexit transition period. Portico’s customs agency can help you prepare.
Based at Portsmouth International Port, their experienced and dedicated team has a diverse knowledge base regarding customs requirements and clearance.
So whether you’re importing an aircraft engine, fresh flowers or fruit and veg, they can offer comprehensive advice on all regimes and processes that will come into effect on goods coming from the European Union after 1 January 2021.
Call them on 023 9285 1495 or email imports@porticoshipping.com for more information.
Portsmouth Chamber of Solutions is a series of free events providing a focus on moving from unemployment to self-employment, learning from lock down and financial planning for success.
The first events are:
Tuesday 28 July, 9.30 – 11.30am – Transitioning from Employed to Self Employed – Changing the mindset
Tuesday 11 August, 9.30 – 11.30am – Learning from Lock Down – New Business Models
Tuesday 25 August, 9.30 – 11.30am – Business and Financial Planning for Success
Portsmouth Chamber of Solutions is being delivered by Shaping Portsmouth’s Future Together group with several organisations working in partnership including Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, Shaping Portsmouth, Enterprise Business South and Solent LEP.
Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Restaurants, bars, cafes and other establishments can now sign up to take part in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. The scheme will offer a 50% reduction, up to a maximum of £10 per person, to all diners who eat and/or drink-in throughout August.
Businesses simply reclaim the discounted amount through an online service, supported by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Claims can be made on a weekly basis and will be paid into bank accounts within five working days.
The scheme is UK wide and customers will be able to see who is taking part on GOV.UK. The Eat Out to Help Out scheme will operate as follows:
- all day, every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 to 31 August 2020
- to offer a 50% discount, up to a maximum of £10 per person, to diners for food or non-alcoholic drinks to eat or drink in
- alcohol and service charges excluded and not applicable to takeaway food/drink
- claim the money back from the Government
Is your child moving on through nursery and school?
Starting school for the first time is an exciting experience for all. If your child is moving on through nursery to reception, year 2 to year 3, year 6 to year 7 and year 11 and further education, Portsmouth City Council has released new guidance if you have questions on what to do next.
Nurseries, schools and colleges across the city are following national guidance to ensure environments are as safe as possible when students return this September. If you have specific questions about your child’s next steps, parents/carers are asked to contact the child’s school/college in the first instance. More information on what to do next can be found on the Portsmouth City Council website.
