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Thames Valley Air Ambulance are in need of PPE - can you help?

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, our community still needs our hospital-level treatment for those who are suffering life-threatening illnesses and injuries. TVAA crew are regularly in close contact with patients, creating a risk of infection from COVID-19. They want to be able to continue to take necessary precautions to protect their patients and crews from the risk of infection, but independent emergency healthcare services, like Thames Valley Air Ambulance, are not currently part of the official distribution pathways for consumable equipment being used to protect NHS workers from the virus.

To enable them to do this during this unprecedented time, they are calling on businesses to help guarantee stocks of personal protective equipment (PPE) for use by their frontline crew of paramedics, doctors and pilots.

The items required are:

  • Disposable FFP3 Respirator Face Masks
  • Fluid-resistant Type IIR Surgical Masks
  • Coverall Suits Cat 3 Type 5/6
  • Clinical Aprons
  • Surgical Gloves
  • Anti-fog Glasses
  • Anti-bacterial Wipes/Gel Small and Large

They would be incredibly grateful if any local companies are able to support our emergency teams at this time. If you can help, please email info@tvairambulance.org.uk or call 0300 999 0135 and leave a message with details.
Job Retention Scheme
This is a critical support measure that ensures employees can be retained and a large percentage of wages covered whilst, as a country, we work through this crisis. Further clarity from the Government has now been announced, here are the details of the scheme:
  • The UK Government will cover employer National Insurance and pension contributions of furloughed workers
  • Those furloughed can volunteer for the NHS without risking their pay
  • Businesses furloughing staff during the coronavirus outbreak will receive further financial support – with the costs of employer national insurance   and pension contributions being covered by the government.
  • Under the scheme, employers can claim a grant covering 80% of the wages for a furloughed employee, subject to a cap of £2,500 a month
Details of the Staff Retention Scheme can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

Grant funding information from SODC

South Oxfordshire District Council is committed to supporting all local businesses. They are working with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to understand the UK Government’s support for businesses through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19.

Cash Grant for retail hospitality & leisure

The Government’s package of measures to support businesses include grant funding of up to £25,000 for businesses in receipt of the Expanded Retail Discount (which covers retail, hospitality and leisure businesses) which, as at 11 March 2020, have a property with a rateable value of less than £51,000.

The guidance states that:
  • For businesses in these sectors with a rateable value of up to £15,000, they will receive a grant of £10,000
  • For businesses in these sectors with a rateable value of between £15,000 and £51,000, they will receive a grant of £25,000
Letters have been sent out to eligible businesses with details on how to apply for the grant. Businesses based in South Oxfordshire can find the grants claims forms via this link.

You will need your bank details and a copy of your latest business rates bill available, as information will be required in order to complete the application.

Small Business Grant Fund

The Government is providing additional funding for Local Authorities to support small businesses that already pay little or no business rates because of small business rate relief (SBRR), rural rate relief (RRR) and tapered relief. This will provide a one-off grant of £10,000 to eligible businesses to help meet their ongoing business costs.

You will be eligible if…

  1. Your business is based in England AND
  2. You are a small business and already receive SBRR and/or RRR AND
  3. You are a business that occupies property

Letters have been sent out to eligible businesses with details on how to apply for the grant, and the grants are now live. Businesses based in South Oxfordshire can apply using the grants claims forms via this link.

You will need your bank details and a copy of your latest business rates bill available, as this information will be required in order to complete the forms.
 

If you have any other concerns about the impact of Coronavirus on your businesses, contact SODC by clicking this button:
Grant scheme for Self-employed
This scheme is not yet open for applications, but more information can be found at this link
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme

Self Employed? 

If you are Self-employed there is a dedicated helpline for you to call for advice from HMRC on tax and benefits assistance.

0300 456 3565

Promote your current services

If you are a local business offering a revised service to local resident customers at this time the contact Thame Rewards Club to have this listed on their website for free. 
OxLEP support continues

OxLEP have stated on their website that they will continue to work with Government to ensure 'that our business community can be supported as best as possible during this challenging period'.

There are a number of resources that have been made available by Government and they are continuing to signpost the business community to these resources to help you to make positive decisions during this time.

A page containing all the information can be found here: https://www.oxfordshirelep.com/coronavirus-covid-19.

It's an on-line date! 

8: Business Buzz Virtual Speed Networking Oxfordshire: Wednesday 8th April 10am - 12.15pm

Free Training this month


2: You've got Mail 14:00 - 14:45 Online 
3: Social Enterprise eScalate Grant workshop 09:30 - 13:00 Online 
3: Scale up eScalate Grant workshop 09:30 - 13:00 Online 
3: ISfB Go-Create Grant workshop 09:30 - 13:00 Online 
List yourself FREE in our Business Directory
List vacancies FREE on our Jobs Board
Find/advertise a room/facility for hire for FREE
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If you have anything you want to share with the wider business community in Thame, then email becky.reid@thametowncouncil.gov.uk with details and an image to catch attention and you will be included in next months edition if space allows. 
Thame Town Council regards your privacy as important and any personal information you give to us will be used in accordance with the law. Please read our privacy notice here.






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Thame Town Council · Town Hall · High Street · Thame, Oxon OX9 3DP · United Kingdom

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