COVID-19 News - Love Business East Midlands

13th January 2021

Expert's plea for compromise on Stamp Duty Holiday deadline

A Derby legal expert has appealed to Government to change its rules around the forthcoming Stamp Duty Holiday cut-off to avoid chaos in the property market.

11th January 2021

Surescreen scoops Government COVID testing supply contract

The UK Government has ordered two million Derby-manufactured rapid lateral flow antigen tests for COVID-19, to be validated by Public Health England for use in asymptomatic testing.

5th January 2021

Firms need inside track to Government’s plan for coming out of national lockdown

Retail, hospitality and leisure businesses are to receive a one-off grant worth up to £9,000 to help them get through the latest coronavirus lockdown.

19th December 2020

Solmar Villas launch ‘Travel Restrictions Guarantee’ as it targets a brighter 2021

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Government Guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, all UK employers will be able to access support to continue paying part of their employees’ salary for those employees that would otherwise have been laid off during this crisis.

12th December 2020

UK Face Masks selects Cema Vending for safer shopping centres solution

Cema Vending is currently undergoing a major project with UK Face Masks Direct, as the two innovative Nottingham businesses partner on a roll out of PPE vending machines across the UK.

1st December 2020

North Notts BID backs "bounce back better" campaign as hospitality industry is hit by new tiered system

North Notts BID has announced its support for the Bounce Back Better campaign which calls for special measures to be introduced to support struggling hospitality businesses amid the new tier lockdown system.

30th November 2020

Leicestershire mortgage firm warns Covid lockdown is creating a challenging borrowing market for self-employed and furloughed workers

Lenders are increasingly turning down mortgage applications from self-employed people, those who have been furloughed and people who work in the hospitality or tourism trade as the squeeze on the country’s finances continues to tighten.

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Covid-19: A message from Love Business

These are challenging times for business and although our ethos is to only shout about good news, we’ve created a Covid-19 Business Support Hub to support you with tips, advice and ideas from your fellow businesses to help you get through the crisis.

26th November 2020

First participant in Leicester’s COVID-19 vaccine trial

The first person in Leicester has joined a COVID-19 vaccine trial sponsored by the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson and run by staff through the new National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Patient Recruitment Centre (PRC) at Lei

26th November 2020

County’s Hospitality Sector to “Feel the Sharp Sting” of Tier 3 Restrictions

Michael Weedon, EM Policy Representative for the Federation of Small Businesses in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire has reacted to today’s confirmation that Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire is set to enter Tier 3 restrictions from next Wednesday:

26th November 2020

Leicester-based company helps shielding and vulnerable patients

Spirit Health Group drives innovation to support the best of health for vulnerable patients and frontline workers during COVID-19

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Focus on what you can do during the COVID-19 Crisis

It's easy to have your energy drained by the constant news feeds and worrying about what might happen. No good comes from spending energy on the things you can't do or have no control over.

25th November 2020

Rising COVID stars support thousands to carry on connecting

Stephen and Philip have helped over 30,0000 businesses and charities, everyday through the pandemic, reach their 250th day of free support services, having given over £16m worth of support that has kept the nation connecting, and with the KuKu boys, it ha

25th November 2020

The changing face of town centres

The impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our town centres has been profound. While its effects on the High Street have been well-documented, other town centre businesses have also had to adapt to this rapidly changing landscape.

18th November 2020

SureScreen leading the fight against COVID spread in Europe

While further tests are being carried out on exciting vaccines against COVID-19, SureScreen Diagnostics is leading the way with essential testing for the virus in Europe.

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Your people and their wellbeing during COVID-19 Crisis

Everyone's primary focus should be on the health and wellbeing of those around us, which is why the Government's advised restricting non-essential business travel and working from home where practical and possible.

16th November 2020

Leicestershire food safety specialist hosts free sessions for takeaways operating in lockdown

Navitas Safety is offering expert advice on how to operate safely as a takeaway due to an increase in uptake among businesses seeking a means to survive the UK’s second lockdown.

16th November 2020

People struggling in mental health ‘crisis’ are victims of second lockdown after Newark wellbeing sessions cancelled

Anxious people who suffered under the first lockdown have now found wellbeing sessions organised at a Newark café cancelled under lockdown 2.

16th November 2020

Top tips for electricians struggling with their mental health

With a high percentage of electricians either self-employed or accustomed to working alone, it is unsurprising many struggle with mental health issues.

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Cashflow and business continuity for COVID-19 Crisis

It's hard to imagine any organisation who has a business continuity plan for COVID-19. But you need to immediately take time out to consider the activities and actions you can take.

6th November 2020

App means beer drinkers won't go thirsty during lockdown

A historic independent family brewer has turned to technology from Derby-based App4 to ensure beer drinkers can enjoy their favourite pint during lockdown.

6th November 2020

New signings as A1 Comms Business steps up during pandemic

A1 Comms Business has hired four new team members as it responds to the needs of clients during the coronavirus pandemic.

3rd November 2020

NHS takes first delivery of game-changing 15-minute Covid antigen test

The first batch of rapid antigen tests, produced by SureScreen Diagnostics, have been delivered to the NHS in the West Midlands.

3rd November 2020

Takeaway is no longer an option for hospitality, it’s essential

A managing director at a national catering supplier has called on any remaining pubs, bars, and restaurants that haven’t pivoted towards takeaway to do so now as the second national lockdown looms.

1st November 2020

Chamber reacts as second UK lockdown looms

England is set to go back into a full coronavirus lockdown on Thursday 5 November, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced.

31st October 2020

Ex Porton Down consultant joins PP-L Health Technology Solutions

Dr Rhys Thomas has joined an East Midlands based health-tech firm that helps organisations manage and reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

27th October 2020

Chamber responds to confirmation of Tier 3 Covid restrictions for Nottingham

Nottingham and its surrounding areas will move into Tier 3 Covid-19 restrictions later this week, it has been confirmed following crunch talks with the Government.

26th October 2020

Businesses urged to reveal post Covid-19 challenges in survey

Businesses from across the UK are being urged to reveal the challenges they expect to face post-Covid 19 in a new survey.

26th October 2020

£22m orders from apps key to saving hospitality jobs

More than one million orders of food and drink have been made through purpose-built apps since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic in the UK.

23rd October 2020

Four things employers need to know about the furlough scheme extension

Designed to prevent mass redundancies during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) is changing from 1 November 2020 and to prepare for this change, here’s what employers need to know.

22nd October 2020

Cold, flu or COVID? As coronavirus cases surge in Nottingham, East Midlands businesses can help staff recognise the differences

13th October 2020

Demand for COVID-19 compliant public space bolsters Midlands landscape architect

Midlands-based landscape architect Influence has experienced business growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, as demand for compliant outdoor space within commercial developments increases.

13th October 2020

HMRC ramps up investigation of job retention scheme claims

Employers in the East of England who may have wrongly claimed support from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) are being warned to act now to avoid significant penalties from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

13th October 2020

Notts' Tier 2 lockdown: What it means for business owners and employees

What Nott's COVID-19 restrictions mean to business owners and employees

12th October 2020

Prime Minister unveils three tier lockdown system

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has unvieled a new three-tier system of coronavirus restrictions for England, which is set to be introduced on Wednesday.

12th October 2020

VITAL LIFELINE HELPS BRITAIN’S BUSINESSES TO ‘BUILD BACK BETTER’

A UK health business is offering a free support package to SMEs in the East Midlands to help them protect their teams as they return to work from furlough and get Britain’s economy back on track.

12th October 2020

Business Recovery Podcast Shares COVID Survival Tips from Industry Experts

Marketing agency, Purpose Media have released a brand-new podcast series, sharing industry insights on the successes and failures that have come out of the coronavirus pandemic.

Listen now

9th October 2020

Local manufacturer announces capacity to produce half a million face masks weekly

An automotive parts manufacturer in Nottinghamshire has installed new equipment which enables them to produce half a million face masks every week as part the company’s expansion into the PPE market.

8th October 2020

Derby based medical manufacturer, Pennine Healthcare, launches two new UK manufactured products in the fight against COVID-19.

The UK manufactured Face Coverings and Sanitiser Stations will be sold on Pennine’s e-commerce site, ARMA Health.

8th October 2020

FCA’s Test Case: Expert Solicitor explains what the judgement means for businesses

THE High Court has handed down its judgement in a case testing whether insurers should pay out on claims for Covid-related losses under business interruption cover.

8th October 2020

Lockdown lifestyles drive growth in EMA cargo operations

People’s increasing reliance on ecommerce during the pandemic, coupled with a reduction in passenger flights, has driven significant growth in air cargo at the MAG (Manchester Airports Group) owned East Midlands Airport.

7th October 2020

Small firms celebrate partial FCA business interruption victory amid jobs shock

This ruling marks a big step forward. It can only be celebrated as a partial victory, however, as it still leaves many with little certainty around whether they will receive pay-outs for policies that have cost them thousands.

7th October 2020

Silverstone experience receives £250k National Lottery support to help with impact of COVID-19

The Silverstone Experience has received £250k from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to ensure it is able to remain open during the winter and continue its mission of preserving the heritage of British motor racing.

7th October 2020

Automotive manufacturer announces capacity to produce half a million face masks weekly

Nottinghamshire-based manufacturer Interflex has invested in specialist machinery which enables it to manufacture up to 500,000 three-ply surgical style face masks every week.

24th September 2020

My Future launched to support post 16 recruitment during Covid crisis

Post 16 virtual careers fair launched to support Chesterfield and North Derbyshire recruitment during Covid crisis

24th September 2020

Chancellor outlines winter economy plan in response to latest coronavirus developments.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak today outlined additional government support to provide certainty to businesses and workers impacted by coronavirus across the UK.

24th September 2020

Help programme launched for workers facing redundancy during coronavirus pandemic

Workers facing redundancy will be helped to find new jobs, develop skills or start their own businesses through a comprehensive programme of free support being co-ordinated by Derby City Council.

23rd September 2020

Business leaders react to latest COVID-19 measures announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Business leaders from across the East Midlands have been giving their reaction to a raft of new measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night.

22nd September 2020

Disability Direct receives £100,000 COVID relief grant

Disability Direct has received £100,000 from Barclays Bank’s Covid-19 Community Aid Package as recognition of its impact during the crisis.

21st September 2020

Local business printing free NHS Track and Trace Posters to support businesses in Leicestershire.

16th September 2020

Rhodes Wealth Management plays key part in keeping vulnerable African families fed during coronavirus crisis

Food has been delivered to hundreds of deprived people in an African community thanks to a charity which is backed by Derbyshire financial advisors.

13th September 2020

‘Rule of six’ law could impact business confidence just as it was rising, says East Midlands Chamber

Commenting on the introduction of the so-called rule of six' law, East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: "We empathise with the Government’s difficult position but the ‘rule of six’ law is going to prolong the economic recovery."

20th August 2020

An employers’ guide to managing travel-related quarantine

New coronavirus regulations mean that any travellers arriving in the UK from countries with a high number of Covid-19 cases must enter an immediate 14-day period of self-isolation. Here's what employers should bear in mind.

4th August 2020

Ensuring business survival during Covid-19

Manufacturers have been hit hard by the impact of Covid-19. Jim Griffin, Managing Director of Nottinghamshire automotive parts manufacturer Interflex, explains how his company is taking proactive steps to ensure survival.

4th August 2020

High-tech projects to create thousands of new jobs in Derby

The Government has agreed to provide £12m in funding to help launch a revolutionary high-tech food manufacturing campus in Derby, which will create up to 4,500 jobs.

24th July 2020

Fans to share a brew with X-Factor star Sam Bailey's 'cuppa crew' in aid of Rainbows Children's Hospice

X Factor’s Sam Bailey has been boosting lockdown morale with her own fan-based interactive video group online. And the Facebook Live segment, dubbed Bailey’s Cuppa Crew, has one eye on raising funds for children’s charity Rainbows later this year.

24th July 2020

Should office workers be made to wear face masks?

In something of a surprise U-turn, the government announced earlier this month that it will be mandatory to wear a face mask in shops in England from today.

23rd July 2020

Derby set to launch £5m business growth fund to help create new jobs

City leaders in Derby today announced their intention to launch a £5m growth fund to help businesses expand and take on more staff following the coronavirus crisis.

17th July 2020

City’s bid to boost jobs and business growth with new advanced manufacturing centre

Derby city leaders have launched a bid for Government funding to establish a new advanced manufacturing research centre in the city – creating 70 jobs and helping to reboot the local economy after the coronavirus crisis.

17th July 2020

Chamber responds to Prime Minister’s speech regarding measures to ease national lockdown

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set out a plan for a “significant return to normality” by Christmas with a series of new measures to ease lockdown restrictions over the coming months.

16th July 2020

Chamber comments on latest ONS employment statistics

New figures published today by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) showed the number of UK workers on the payroll fell by 649,000 between March and June.

16th July 2020

Mansfield Innovation Centre open for business as lockdown eases

Mansfield Innovation Centre is supporting its customers with a package of measures to help ease their transition back to the workplace as lockdown restrictions start to ease.

15th July 2020

Oberoi and Accenture work together on Covid-19 helpline launched by UK Sepsis Trust

The UK Sepsis Trust has launched a helpline to offer the best possible information to those affected by Covid-19.

8th July 2020

TIS helps businesses to reopen safely

Mansfield-based fire, security and CCTV expert TIS is offering a range of commercial systems helping businesses get back to business post-coronavirus.

1st July 2020

Glenrose supports Rolls-Royce workers with complimentary financial advice

Derby-based Glenrose Financial Planners has offered to support Rolls-Royce workers potentially affected by redundancy by providing complimentary one-to-one consultations to help them plan their finances.

30th June 2020

Chamber responds to extension of lockdown in Leicester

Responding to the news that extended lockdown measures are to be introduced in Leicester, Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “For businesses within the affected areas, this news will come as a significant blow."

30th June 2020

Is your licensed premises ready to re-open safely?

The hospitality industry in no different to any other when it comes to Health and Safety. Here are some key responsibilities licensed premises need to get in place to ensure the safety of staff and customers.

30th June 2020

SureScreen creates new jobs to cope with worldwide Covid-19 test demand

SureScreen has taken on 15 new staff to cope with the worldwide demand for its Covid-19 rapid testing kits.

25th June 2020

Chamber survey shows the devastating impact of coronavirus on local businesses

Business performance in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire took an unprecedented hit in the second three months of the year as the coronavirus pandemic sent shockwaves through the region’s economy.

23rd June 2020

Everything you need to know about today's lockdown announcements

Prime Minister Boris Johnson today announced a raft of measures aimed at easing the lockdown and restarting the economy as it looks to recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

19th June 2020

Understanding your COVID-19 ‘return to work’ legal obligations

19% discount code for the perfect x1 day course for business owners and senior managers planning a return to work code of practice.

10th June 2020

Derby’s £23 million bid to revitalise city centre

Derby is to ask the Government for £23.7m to help fund a series of schemes that will reinvigorate the city centre, attract more visitors and create hundreds of jobs.

29th May 2020

Chancellor unveils furlough changes

Chancellor Rishi Sunak today unveiled more details about changes to the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, including plans to ask employers to contribute 20% of workers' wages, plus National Insurance and pension contributions.

29th May 2020

FREE e-learning course: How to Create a COVID-19 Secure Workplace

As a business owner, you’re probably thinking about your next steps when it comes to opening the doors of your business. In this FREE e-learning action plan, our experts have gathered the top 5 points for you to be dealing with right now.

29th May 2020

More than half of Brits are happy with work life in lockdown

O2 research published this week shows most people working from home as a result of the impact of Covid-19 has proved to be a success.

27th May 2020

Survey set to assess Covid-19 impacts on Derby businesses

Thousands of Derby businesses are to be asked how the coronavirus pandemic is impacting their operations and what help they need to recover.

22nd May 2020

COVID-19 Return to Work Planning - Expert Advice

A stella expert panel discusses the challeneges businesses face returning to work in this special VIDEO PODCAST - with links to the Governments guidance and the actions you need to do about them!

Listen now

22nd May 2020

CITB SMSTS & SSSTS Refresher Deadline

Any delegate whose SMSTS/SSSTS achievement has expired since 15 March 2020 and who hasn’t been able to renew in time due to COVID-19, will be allowed to take the refresher rather than the full course - this amendment will remain in place until 30th Septem

21st May 2020

Future Fund-Now Open to Applicants

The Future Fund, announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 20 April, is now open for applications.

19th May 2020

Launch of new online statutory sick pay scheme

The Government has announced a new online service will launch on May 26th for small and medium sized employers to recover Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees.

14th May 2020

RISK first in UK to deliver Construction industry SMSTS, SSSTS and refresher courses remotely online

As a result of the COVID-19 crisis CITB has implemented remote delivery of training for SMSTS, SSSTS and refresher courses.

14th May 2020

Is COVID-19 driving businesses to embrace existing innovations?

Most businesses are beginning to awaken from the enforced hibernation, to this new norm - but have we benefited from this experience?

13th May 2020

Practical checklist to help SMEs prepare for returning to work post lockdown

Dains LLP has produced a helpful checklist to help SME businesses in the Midlands to help them prepare for returning to work in anticipation of an imminent easing of the lockdown restrictions.

5th May 2020

Returning to Work COVID-19 Guides

Many organisations have started the process of preparing to open up or at least are beginning to think about what happens next.

5th May 2020

Supporting Your Team Throughout Furlough

What Every Employer Should Ensure Employees Know During Lockdown

4th May 2020

COVID-19 Bounce Back Loans Scheme

The bounce-back loans scheme specifically targets small and micro businesses in all sectors, providing loans from £2,000 up to 25 per cent of their turnover with a maximum loan of £50,000.

1st May 2020

Bounce back loans must be live from Monday, say small firms, as interruption scheme disappoints

(FSB) National Chairman Mike Cherry responds to new UK Finance figures which show that 25,262 of the 52,870 small business finance applications made through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) have been processed and approved.

1st May 2020

How COVID-19 has accelerated the digital ecosystem - what this means to your business?

How the UK will re-open the economy is currently unknown, however it's clear that COVID-19 has radically accelerated the digital future. Is COVID-19 the push businesses needed to fast-track technology adoption?

1st May 2020

Help must continue to prevent collapse of thousands of small firms

The first set of figures from the Insolvency Service for Q1 of 2020 showed that both individual and company insolvencies decreased, and the number of individual bankruptcies rose.

30th April 2020

E-commerce sales soar in lockdown

Leicester base web company praised by a designer interiors retailer forced to close its doors due to Covid 19 Crisis and were facing losing everything.

29th April 2020

How will workplace design change after covid-19?

Love Business interviews Rob Day from workplace consultancy specialists Blueprint Interiors.

28th April 2020

New micro business loans will “give hope to thousands”, as £50,000 limit and 100% guarantee unveiled

FSB National Chairman, Mike Cherry, responds to the announcement that the Government is establishing a new micro loan scheme for small businesses

28th April 2020

Could Furlough Leave Affect My Pension Contributions?

The outbreak of coronavirus has led to heightened market volatility and thousands of employees being placed on furlough leave – leaving people across the country concerned about the impact this could have on their finances, including their pension fund.

$Spatial Global moving overseas PPE into the NHS supply chain at a fraction of market price$

27th April 2020

Spatial Global moving overseas PPE into the NHS supply chain at a fraction of market price

Market rates rocket up to 600% more than normal but Spatial Global keeps it’s fees super low to help the NHS

27th April 2020

Increasing guarantees to 100% on emergency loans would be welcome, say small firms, but only “one piece of the puzzle”

FSB National Chairman, Mike Cheery, responds to reports that the Treasury is set to increase its guarantees on Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans

24th April 2020

Government urged to up 80% guarantee on smallest emergency business loans as average value tops £170,000

New UK Finance figures show that 16,624 of the 36,186 small business finance applications for a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) facility have been processed and approved.

23rd April 2020

How are you preparing for the New Normal?

Businesses have never been under more pressure to do more with less. But budgets and hours in the day are finite, so how do you unlock productivity and enable teams to get more done? And that was before the COVID-19 Crisis!

21st April 2020

Derby businesses unite for message of hope and solidarity

Businesses across Derby have come together in a video message of hope and solidarity, keeping connections within the community strong and spirits high amidst the COVID-19 lockdown.

20th April 2020

Apollo 13 v COVID-19 – Businesses can learn and adapt from the experience

Richard McNeilly, Managing Partner of Dains Accountants, reflects on how mission control and the crew of Apollo 13 handled a crisis and how we can adapt their learnings to tackle the COVID-19 crisis.

20th April 2020

Job retention scheme extension throws lifeline to small employers

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chairman Mike Cherry responds to announcement

17th April 2020

Coronavirus: Will I Get Paid If I Take Time Off Work To Look After A Poorly Relative?

The number of coronavirus cases across the UK continues to rise – with some of those who haven’t contracted the virus themselves needing to take time off work to look after poorly relatives.

16th April 2020

Chamber launches £100,000 Covid-19 fund to support members

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) has introduced a £100,000 financial package to help support members affected by Covid-19.

COVID-19 Business Support Hub

Focus on what you can do

Your people and their wellbeing

Cashflow and business continuity