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Supporting Your Business – We’re Stronger Together 

24 March 2020 - Update #4


This is our latest email bulletin relating to the COVID-19 outbreak - for all the latest information about our services, how we can help you and links to national and local updates, please visit our dedicated webpage.


Latest Government Announcements

New measures were announced by the Government last night, instructing all non-essential businesses and premises to close, expanding on restrictions previously announced.


There are some notable exceptions in the retail sector, including supermarkets and other food shops, health shops, pharmacies, petrol stations, bicycle shops, home and hardware shops, launderettes and dry cleaners, garages, car rentals, pet shops, corner shops, newsagents, post offices, and banks.


Businesses offering food delivery/takeaway services can remain operational in line with previous guidance.


Closures are enforceable by law and coincide with strict new rules about staying at home. For more details and for the full list of premises affected, click here.


The Government has also announced a ban on evictions for commercial tenants who miss rent payments - full details here.


New Government Business Support Website

The Government has now launched a new website collating all its information about support for businesses in response to the coronavirus pandemic - find it here.


Our Services

Please see below for an update on the BID's patrolling services:

  • Ranger team - in light of last night's Government measures, our rangers have, as of today, been stood down by The Welcome People (the company who directly employs them) for an initial three week period. The rangers@gosouthampton.co.uk email address will still be monitored and please continue to report any issues
  • Security team - having not been in operation today whilst we clarified some details, our security team will be back in Southampton from tomorrow to support those essential retailers who remain open and will patrol the BID area to prevent and deter crime and anti-social behaviour, including working with Hampshire Constabulary to minimise the risk of commercial burglaries. They can be contacted on 07725 737236
  • Cleaning team - our cleaning team are also still in operation and can be contacted via cleaning@gosouthampton.co.uk 
If your business remains open (in line with Government guidance), please let us know at info@gosouthampton.co.uk so we can ensure our patrolling teams and police colleagues are aware and able to offer support.
 
Our office-based team are currently working from home and we all remain contactable via our usual email addresses / mobile numbers (see contact us link below).


Police Presence

Click here to read a letter from the National Business Crime Centre addressing the impact of the coronavirus outbreak and their response. Locally, we've been reassured by the Acting Inspector for Southampton Central District that police visibility in the city centre has been increased and will continue for as long as possible, particularly around businesses that are closed. If you are currently closed please do all you can to ensure the security of your premises and remove valuables, cash and stock where possible.


Useful Links  

  • For Government guidance for businesses, employers and employees go here
  • Sign up for government updates here
  • View the Council's latest coronavirus information here
  • Sign up for the Council's business e-newsletter here
  • For helpful advice from ACAS on employment issues go here
  • For NHS coronavirus advice and information go here 
  • The Association of Convenience Stores has issued some useful guidance for smaller retailers looking to offer home delivery services - view it here


Our Contact Information  

You can reach the BID team via info@gosouthampton.co.uk. Contact details for individual team members are on our website here.


If you have any queries at all, or if you think we might be able to help you with something specific, please do not hesitate to contact us.