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                                                                                                           17/06/21
The Government has announced a four-week pause at Step 3 of the roadmap out of lockdown, meaning that existing restrictions remain in place. It is expected that Westminster, along with the rest of the country, will now move to Step 4 on 19 July, though the data will be reviewed after two weeks.

Some Step 3 restrictions will see rules changes on 21 June, including:
  • weddings and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions/celebrations
  • commemorative events following a death such as a wake or ash scattering
  • large event pilots
  • care home visits
  • domestic residential visits for children
Please see the latest GOV.UK guidance for further information on these changes.

Click here to view UK Hospitality’s business FAQs.
Key Updates
Westminster Expert Panel and Support for Businesses in Crisis: The City Council’s Business Unit are calling for organisations to join an expert panel to provide specialist support and intervention to businesses who are in crisis as a result of the hard-hitting impacts of the pandemic. This scheme forms part of the City Council’s “Building Business Resilience” programme of work as part of its economic recovery agenda. 

We are inviting organisations from both inside and outside of Westminster to work with the City Council to ensure that Westminster’s businesses can receive the highest quality of support and assistance so that they have every chance of surviving and going on to thrive in a post-Covid economy. 

To submit your expression of interest (EOI) please complete the short form where your interest will be registered and a supplier information pack will be sent to you. For any further information on the scheme please contact the Westminster Business Unit by emailing businessunit@westminster.gov.uk or calling 020 7641 2070.

Submit your EOI

Grants for the Self-Employed: The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) is for anyone self-employed whose business has been affected by coronavirus. Details for those looking to apply for the fifth round of grants have been published. Click here to view them on the GOV.uk website.
Find Out Why Westminster is a World-Class Destination for Business: On 29 June, we are launching the new Westminster Investment Service, with the support of our Business Improvement Districts, London & Partners and the Westminster Property Association. Businesses and partners can join our online launch event from 4.30pm to 6pm, exploring Westminster’s assets as a world-class business destination – attracting and supporting high-growth business and helping entrepreneurs to scale.

The event will also see a panel of experts discussing what makes Westminster attractive as a business destination, and how our local eco-system shapes up in response to the future needs of business and sector trends, both locally and internationally.

To find out more and sign up to attend, please visit our event page.
Pop-up shops open their doors to the West End: The first three West End Pop-up shops are opening as part of Westminster City Council's campaign to revive the economy of the West End. To find out more about the campaign, click here to view a recent Evening Standard article covering the project.
Unveiling our Plans for a New-Look Oxford Circus: Cllr Rachael Robathan, Leader of Westminster City Council, has visited Oxford Street to unveil our plans to transform the iconic Oxford Circus with two car-free, pedestrian-friendly piazzas on the east and west sides by the end of this year. These will become London’s ‘front door to the world’ and will be the subject of an international design competition this summer.

“The creation of these pedestrian-only piazzas, surrounded by newly-planted trees and large seating areas, will instil much needed confidence in the West End, and support local businesses severely affected by the pandemic,” said Cllr Robathan (watch the full video here). “We want to bring the excitement and buzz back to these famous streets.” The plans will improve the experience for people living in, working in and visiting the area, improving air quality and reducing pedestrian congestion.
Support for Your Business
Financial Support for Offering Apprenticeships: Businesses can now claim £3,000 in grant funding for each new apprentice they take on. To find out more about this opportunity, please view the GOV.uk website.
Business people working with laptops and paper diagrams
Specialist Business Advice: The London Business Hub has created a panel of experts, including lawyers and accountants, that can advise your business on a wide variety of topics. Ninety minutes of free support is available to you from qualified advisors. Find out more here. The team has also created a specialised Support Hub, designed to keep businesses up to date on the latest Government guidance, funding and grant opportunities, and more. Please click here to view the Support Hub.
Free Property Masterclasses: Are you a small to medium-sized business looking for free advice on business rates, understanding your lease, landlord negotiations and finding commercial premises? The London Business Hub’s Property Advice Service offers free masterclasses and one-to-one sessions on managing your commercial space. Webinars will be taking place on 8 June and 6 July. Click here to register and find out more.
A skilled worker training an apprentice
Taking on a Funded Apprentice: Could your business employ a funded apprentice under the Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES) Libraries, Information and Archive Services Assistant accredited apprenticeship scheme? Join WAES on Thursday 24 June, from 10am to 11am for an online session open to all employers within this field. It will include information about the recruitment process, programme delivery, funding and support available. To attend, email Beth O’Connell on boconnell@waes.ac.uk. Get more information about WAES apprenticeship schemes here.
Caribbean Cultural Market at Maida Hill this Summer: On August 14, Maida Hill market will be transformed for a celebration of the Windrush Generation. Are you part of the Caribbean community making and selling products/food with a Caribbean twist? If you’d like the chance to sell these to the general public, you can register your interest for running a stall for the event by completing this Expression of Interest form. Please send an email to markets@westminster.gov.uk to find out more.
Additional Houses In Multiple Occupation Licenses: As part of your business, do you own or manage a property containing three or more people from two or more households? If so, then you will need to apply for an HMO Licence as part of our new Additional Licencing Scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupancy. Westminster has the largest private rented sector in England, and is home to a diverse mix of people, families and communities. The Additional Licencing Scheme ensures that all rented housing in the City meets high standards and is run professionally. The scheme comes into effect from 30 August and applications are open now. Get more information and apply today.
For more information to advise and support your business, Westminster City Council, the UK Government and the community can help:
Whilst we are dealing with a greater volume of queries than usual, if you need bespoke advice, don’t hesitate to contact our Business Unit to get appropriate help.
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