New Tier four restrictions will now apply.

This urgent move is due to a new variant of the virus, which appears to be up to 70% more infectious than previous strains and is spreading more easily, the Prime Minister said on Saturday afternoon.

This will mean the closure of non-essential businesses and services.

Please view the full list of closures and read the full Stay at Home tier four rules and exemptions to find out how this may affect your business.

Runnymede Borough Council’s Environmental Health officers are out and about in our towns to offer advice to businesses on the new rules.

Application window now open!

Applications are now live for all ARG's must be completed no later than the 8th January 2021 by 5pm.

Businesses will be able to apply to Runnymede Borough Council for an Additional Restriction Grant.

Eligibility and information on the Additional Restriction Grant can be found on the Government website.

Find more information on grant and how to make an application should you be eligible.

Keep the date in your diary for 2021!

5th February 2021

Business Runnymede are planning for their next virtual budget consultation. Details of this event will be confirmed in the new year.

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced on Thursday 17th December, the furlough scheme has been extended until the end of April 2021.

The government says it should give businesses and employees certainty into the New Year.

The government will continue to contribute 80% towards the wages of staff furloughed. Employers will only be required to pay wages, National Insurance Contributions (NICS) and pensions for hours worked; and NICS and pensions for hours not worked.

The Chancellor has also confirmed the government-guaranteed COVID-19 business loan schemes until the end of March.

Find out more here

Is your business ready for changes at the end of the year?

The transition period is ending on 31 December and there will be no extension.

The UK will no longer be part of the EU Customs Union and Single Market. This means that, regardless of whether we reach a free trade agreement with the EU, there will be new rules for businesses from 1 January 2021 which require immediate action. Your business needs to act now to prepare for these new rules. If you do not take action, there is a risk your business operations will be interrupted.

As a first step, you should visit gov.uk/transition where you can use the checker tool to quickly identify the actions that your business needs to take. The checker tool will ask you questions about your business and provide all the information you need to be aware of such as new rules on:

• Importing and Exporting
• Moving goods to and from Northern Ireland including Trader Support Service
• Travelling abroad for work
• Hiring staff from the EU

You can find out more guidance and information on EM3: enterprisem3growthhub.co.uk/uk-transition

EM3 Growth Hub, as well as both Surrey and Hampshire Chambers of Commerce, are providing a range of support and advice to businesses affected by the UK transition. Their UK transition advice page will be providing support and documentation services to exporters and importers.

If you have any specific questions, talk to the International Trade teams.

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 01483 735540

Surrey Chambers of Commerce continue to support businesses through regular events and webinars plus regular networking coffee mornings.

If you are looking for support and advice during lockdown, or you are preparing for post Brexit visit: Surrey Chamber of Commerce events

New digital membership package.

Surrey Chambers have launched a selection of digital membership packages, for any business looking to be part of a broader business network.

The idea is to connect those who are now working either remotely or have moved their business to an online platform.

The package is for new members only.

For further information visit the Surrey Chambers www.surrey-chambers.co.uk/

Counter-Terrorism Policing (CTP) understands the challenges businesses have faced this year, and the effort needed to prepare and respond to changing restrictions to keep staff, customers and premises safe during the pandemic.

As part of wider measures to protect your business and alongside your COVID-19 related messaging, CTP is asking businesses to support the Winter Vigilance campaign and amplify the safety and security messaging, with the importance of encouraging your customers to be vigilant.

A community in which everyone is looking out for suspicious activity is one of the most effective ways to deter those who would do others harm.

From the 1 December businesses will be able to access a toolkit which includes creative materials for use on your digital screens, poster sites and social channels, and messaging to remind staff, customers and visitors, what to do if they notice suspicious activity.

Winter Vigilance toolkit available here.

Seasons Greetings from Business Runnymede. We hope to see you all next year either in person or virtually!

Join us on our social media sites, where we will be posting regular updates on our Twitter , LinkedIn and Instagram www.instagram.com/business_runnymede/ accounts.

Using social media has become important tool for success this year, I've seen some really inventive ideas and ways of engaging with customers although doors may be closed.

Come and say hello and follow us! We are happy to share your posts and profiles.

Image Credit Annie Spratt - Pixabay