Town Centre Update

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The fightback begins!

With the increasing likelihood that businesses will shortly be able to start opening, we are looking forward to seeing the town centre open once again. However, we know that social distancing and phased re-opening means the town won't be back to normal for quite some time. We are working hard behind the scenes to prepare marketing campaigns, events and business support packages to help our levy-payers re-open. We are also engaging with other stakeholders and the council on how we can all work together to encourage local residents to start visiting the town centre once again. This includes lobbying the council to reduce or remove parking fees from local car parks during the re-opening transition.

Over 45 levy payers have joined our private Whats App group, and benefit from the latest updates first, and also the peer-to-peer support of other levy-payers across the town centre; please use the link below to join. We are continuing to promote businesses through our social media channels, and have created two listings of those open for business (with premises open) and a separate listing for those just doing home delivery. If you're not on either listing and think you should be then please let me know. If you haven't been utilising your own social media to keep in touch with customers, now is the time to start.

If you haven't yet applied for a business interruption grant from the local council, please don't delay. We have been advised over 300 eligible businesses across the borough haven't yet applied. If you don't apply you wont receive the funding!

Finally, although our office is currently closed we are are still working on your behalf, and are here to support you however you need us to. I can be contacted by phone or email and am always happy to assist. #Staysafe.

Ross Feeney - Chief Executive
e: ross@tunbridgewellstogether.co.uk
m: 07808 646 758

Top-up to local business grant funds scheme

A new discretionary fund has been set up by government to accommodate certain small businesses previously outside the scope of the business grant funds scheme.

This additional fund will be administered by local government and is aimed at small businesses with ongoing fixed property-related costs. Local authorities will prioritise businesses in shared spaces, regular market traders, small charity properties that would meet the criteria for Small Business Rates Relief, and bed and breakfasts that pay council tax rather than business rates. Interestingly, local authorities may choose to make payments to other businesses based on local economic need. The allocation of funding will be at the discretion of local authorities. Businesses must be small, under 50 employees, and they must also be able to demonstrate that they have seen a significant drop of income due to Coronavirus restriction measures. There will be three levels of grant payments. The maximum will be £25,000. There will also be grants of £10,000. local authorities will have discretion to make payments of any amount under £10,000. We will provide more information on how to access this grant when it becomes available.

Through our social media channels we have been heavily promoting those businesses still open or offering home delivery. If you are still trading, you can also list your business on the website www.twdelivery.co.uk which offers free listings for those businesses. On social media don't forget to use the hashtag #TWDelivers so we can share your posts.

Floor Stickers

When businesses are allowed to slowly re-open, social distancing will have to be heavily enforced. We have a supply of circular floor stickers to help you regulate visitors to your premises. These hard-wearing washable stickers have a 30cm diametre and can be easily applied to flooring inside and outdoors. Get in touch if you would like some.

Info & Support is available through the Kent & Medway Growth Hub.

To join the group please CLICK HERE from your phone to join.