On Thursday, 13th August, the Government announced stronger enforcement measures targeting the most serious breaches of social distancing restrictions:

• Fines will double to a maximum of £3,200 for those who repeatedly flout face covering rules
• New fines to be introduced for people hosting raves or other unlawful gatherings of more than 30 people

The Prime Minister also announced further easing to restrictions from tomorrow 15th August:

• Bowling alleys, skating rinks and casinos will be able to reopen for the first time as well as indoor play and soft play centres.
• Beauty salons, tattoo studios, spas and barbers will be able to offer all close contact services including treatments to the face.

All staff offering close contact services, including hairdressers, should now wear a face mask (type 2 surgical), in addition to a clear visor that covers the face.

• Wedding receptions in the form of a sit-down meal for up to 30 guests will now be permitted.
• Indoor theatres, music and performance venues will be able to reopen with socially distanced audiences. This follows a successful series of pilots and marks stage 4 of the government’s 5-stage roadmap for the return of professional performing arts.

All the businesses that reopen must comply with new COVID-19 secure guidelines.

For the updated working safely COVID-secure guidelines

The Government also announced that the piloting of sporting events to test the safe return of spectators will resume and a number of pilots will take place at event venues to help plan how to best restart business events.

Nightclubs, dance halls, and discotheques, as well as sexual entertainment venues and hostess bars, remain closed in law.

Read the full announcement here.

New small business leadership and problem-solving programmes

Two new leadership programmes to help small business leaders grow their companies in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic have been launched:

• The Small Business Leadership Programme will equip business leaders with the confidence and leadership skills to plan for the future of their business, and ensure that they are in a great position to recover from the impacts of coronavirus.
• The Peer Networks Programme will focus on helping business owners improve their problem-solving skills, through a series of guided exercises. Members of the programme will be given skills in areas such as leadership and management and sales and marketing. These skills will help businesses tackle their challenges head-on while growing their business.

Culture Recovery Fund for the Arts: Grants now open

The application portal for the Government’s £500 million Culture Recovery Fund for the Arts is now open.

This fund offers financial support to cultural organisations that were financially stable before COVID-19, but are now at imminent risk of failure.

Round two is open from Friday, 21st August until Friday, 4th September.

More information on how to apply can be found here.

Getting Help for your Business

You can call the government’s helpline on FREEPHONE 0800 998 1098 for free, impartial advice and business support.

You can find free support, advice and sources of finance through your local growth hub or speak to an advisor on webchat about support for your business.

This useful financial tool can also help you find the right support for your business.