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Dear Haringey Business Owner,
Welcome to Haringey Council's Business Bulletin.
Our final regular edition of 2021 will focus on:
*The first regular edition of 2022 will be issued on Thursday 13 January.
This bulletin is compiled by the council's Economic Development Team. Please do let us know if we can help you directly, or if we can lobby the government on your behalf to provide further support relevant to your businesses situation.
We hope that you find the bulletin useful and welcome your feedback - we have a dedicated business support team available at business@haringey.gov.uk
For enquiries regarding the latest COVID regulations, please email us at covid19concerns@haringey.gov.uk
For specific enquiries, please contact the relevant team:
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COVID-19 - England moves to Plan B
Last week, the government announced news of additional restrictions to be put in place in England to curb the spread of the new Omicron variant.
From Friday 10 December, face coverings became mandatory for most indoor public venues including places of worship, theatres and cinemas. Face coverings will not be required in hospitality settings such as pubs or restaurants, nor in venues where it is not practical to wear them. See the full list of places where a face covering must be worn.
Businesses will be expected to display signs in their premises requiring their customers to wear face coverings unless they are exempt. Haringey Council has designed a poster you can download and display (PDF, 202KB).
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To support local businesses in complying with the new legislation, Haringey Council's Environmental Health and Trading Standards Team will be out in the borough providing advice and information on the new and existing infection control measures such as social distancing, hand washing and ventilation.
If you have a concern or wish to report an issue, you can contact the Environmental Health and Trading Standards Team via email: covid19concerns@haringey.gov.uk
From Monday 13 December, people were advised to work from home - if they can. See guidance for workplaces where it is not possible for people to work from home.
From Wednesday 15 December, people over the age of 18 (unless exempt) are required to present either an NHS COVID Pass, or evidence of a negative lateral flow test taken in the last 48 hours, to enter the following venues:
- nightclubs
- indoor unseated venues with more than 500 people
- unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people
- any venue with more than 10,000 people
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Good ventilation in the workplace: updated guidance
 As we move through the winter months, and with the evolving situation regarding the new Omicron variant, it is imperative that workplaces continue to be safe environments.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has updated its guidance to help businesses identify poor ventilation in work areas and take practical steps to improve it.
It is a legal requirement for employers to ensure an adequate supply of fresh air (ventilation) in enclosed areas of the workplace. Alongside cleaning, hygiene and handwashing, good ventilation is one of the best ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
In addition to updated guidance, the HSE has produced a series of new ventilation videos setting out the key advice and examples of how businesses have improved ventilation to reduce COVID-19 transmission. With winter approaching, HSE has also revised the guidance on balancing the need for ventilation and keeping warm.
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Additional Restrictions Grant - update
Applications for the council’s approved Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) scheme closed on 30 September 2021. Eligible applications have now been processed and a residual sum of money, estimated to be £950,000 is available to provide further support for businesses.
The council has recently approved that this will be used to provide further grant support - as described below. Please note that the scheme WILL NOT be re-opened to applications.
For ARG applicants from April 2021:
New applicants have been paid a 28 day grant payment which is not comparable to businesses who applied prior to April 2021. Therefore, a further payment will be made to those businesses who have currently received a 28 day payment to cover the periods from 5 November 2020 when ARG was applicable. This will ensure that the period for which all eligible ARG applicants have received grant payments is consistent.
For home based businesses:
Eligible home based businesses have received a grant payment from a scale based on one year's fixed business costs plus an allowance for property related costs. These businesses will receive an additional 50% payment of the relevant pre-approved scale, equivalent of a representative 6 month costs.
For the events sector and supply chain:
This group of businesses have previously been recognised in the approved council scheme as being particularly impacted by COVID restrictions and having received little or no support in earlier grant schemes. A 28 day payment was made as part of the ARG scheme for the third tranche of ARG funding. A further 14 day payment based on previous grant levels will be made to this group of businesses.
The council is undertaking checks to confirm whether businesses are still eligible. Unless we request further information, you need take no further action and the appropriate payment will be made to you as soon as possible.
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Haringey Business Impact Survey - final call!
The purpose of this survey is to enable us to better understand the current challenges for businesses in the borough post COVID-19 restrictions and post EU Exit. Your responses will help to shape the work of the council in supporting businesses to thrive and grow in Haringey.
The survey focuses on the following key subjects:
- the impact of COVID-19 on the business and your recovery
- engagement with the council
- international trade post EU Exit
- Haringey as a business location
- your future business challenges
The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.
Please allow enough time to complete the survey in full, as you will be unable to save your progress and return to the form at a later point.
The deadline for responses is midnight Sunday 19 December.
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Grants up to £15,000 available to social entrepreneurs
 Grants and business support are now available to social entrepreneurs that are looking to start or grow an existing social venture. The funding is being made available through UnLtd - the leading provider of support to social entrepreneurs in and around the UK.
The grants are being made available through 2 funding streams:
- grants up to £15,000 to grow an existing social enterprise
- grants up to £5,000 to start a new social enterprise
UnLtd is committed to providing 50% of their awards to black, Asian and minority ethnic social entrepreneurs, and/or disabled social entrepreneurs.
To be eligible applicants need to be:
- aged 16 or over
- living in the United Kingdom
- willing to participate in a learning experience
- working to benefit people living in the United Kingdom
- making a real social impact
- fulfil a clear need and demand
The closing date for applications is Friday 31 December 2021.
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Haringey Council Apprenticeship Levy - Financial support for businesses to recruit
Apprenticeships have been shown to benefit staff recruitment and retention for businesses, to attract a more diverse pool of candidates, and to have a positive impact on productivity and wider staff morale.
 The council is aware of the challenges businesses may encounter when recruiting apprentices. To demonstrate our commitment in supporting the local business community within the borough, we are pledging 25% of our apprenticeship levy to local businesses - especially those in growth sectors that appear in the council's Employment and Skills Recovery plan (PDF, 3MB):
- Health and Social Care (including nurseries and pre-schools)
- Green Skills
- Creative Skills
- Built Environment (Construction)
- STEM (Science and Technology, Engineering and Maths)
To deliver support for businesses, the council has partnered with London Progression Collaboration who will administer the funds and provide practical advice and guidance in creating new apprenticeships.
Levy funds can be used to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment for existing staff or new staff.
Ever thought about the benefits that employing an apprentice can bring to your business?
If so, and you would like to find out more, then email Rob Singh at the London Progression Collaboration.
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Haringey Works - supporting businesses to recruit
 Haringey Works is a free recruitment service aimed at working with businesses across the borough. The team works closely with you to understand your recruitment needs and provide a fully comprehensive service free of charge, delivered by our dedicated Employer Engagement Officer.
Haringey Works can assist you with the following:
- creation of job descriptions and specifications for advertising
- CV sifting and candidate screening
- interview and recruitment days
- job and sector-specific training for prospective candidates
- facilitating apprenticeships
- support in delivering Section 106 agreements, corporate social responsibility and social value agreements
- the opportunity to be a part of the Haringey Construction Partnership
- a pipeline of eligible candidates
- guidance and support to identify qualifications, source high-quality training provision and navigate available funding
How to access services for your business:
Contact our dedicated Employer Engagement Officer, Vanessa Owusu - Vanessa.Owusu@haringey.gov.uk on how your business can be supported or find out more on the available services via the Haringey Works Portal.
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HALS - new courses for business
Haringey Adult Learning Service (HALS) - Haringey’s lifelong learning service for people aged 19 and over - has developed an exciting range of programmes to meet the changing needs of local businesses.
The new courses, developed during the pandemic, include:
You can view all available courses and enrol at the dedicated HALS website or contact the team at hals@haringey.gov.uk for more information.
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Festive Haringey 2021 - Discover Turnpike Lane
‘Discover Turnpike Lane’ is an initiative organised by Haringey Council as part of its High Streets Recovery Action Plan (PDF, 935KB) to show support for small businesses on Turnpike Lane.
Discover Turnpike Lane will see a number of businesses extend their opening hours on Thursdays throughout December to encourage residents to visit and see what Turnpike Lane has to offer. There will be pop up performances by local musicians within participating venues.
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On Thursday 16 December, 22 year-old singer-songwriter and composer Mokoy Izeidi will deliver his blend of soulful fusion of R&B, acoustic jazz and soul live at Jashan Restaurant (7.15pm), Paradise Restaurant (8pm) and Salim’s Restaurant (8.40pm)
On Thursday 23 December, Anglo-American James Riley will perform folk and indie live at The All Good Bookshop (6.15pm), The Greenery Café (7pm) and Pezzo Pizza (7.45pm). During lockdown, James performed live with other artists on the rooftops of Tottenham and livestreamed as part of the highly successful Arts Council England project: Rooftop Sessions.
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Brexit - full customs controls to be introduced in January
 A reminder to businesses that changes to customs declarations, border controls, rules of origin – for imports and exports, postponed VAT accounting and commodity codes - will take effect from 1 January 2022.
The latest guidance from HMRC will help businesses to get ready:
Further changes will be introduced from July 2022 which the HMRC will communicate nearer the time.
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New Borough Plan for Haringey - have your say
Haringey Council is developing its new Borough Plan for 2023-2027. We want your views to help shape it. As we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, navigate the post-Brexit landscape and plan for the future of the borough, it is more important than ever that we hear your views on what needs to happen in Haringey over the next 5 years to create a thriving local economy that works for everyone.
We know that the pre-Christmas period is a busy time of year for our businesses, so we’ll be coming to you in the New Year.
In the meantime, if you have ideas on how you’d like to engage with us on the next Borough Plan, or themes you’d like to see us focus on in our discussions, please send an email to business@haringey.gov.uk
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Walking and Cycling Action Plan:
Consultation underway
 An ambitious 10-year blueprint to encourage active travel and create safe, pollution-free, people-focused neighbourhoods has been launched for consultation. High-quality local walking routes, protected cycle lanes and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) are among a raft of measures included in the council’s draft Walking and Cycling Action Plan (PDF, 6MB).
The action plan sets out a comprehensive, long-term vision to make walking and cycling natural choices, successfully tackling obesity, improving air quality and radically cutting carbon emissions from motor traffic.
The council is now engaging with businesses and residents to gather views on the action plan during a 9-week consultation, which closes on Monday 10 January 2022.
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Haringey Council budget - have your say
 The consultation on the council's annual budget is now underway and we are seeking the views of businesses ahead of the 2022/23 financial year. The budget will also refresh the council's existing medium term financial strategy to cover the period up to 2026/27.
Over the last 10 years, continual cuts in central government funding has meant that the council has had to make substantial savings year on year. This year however, we wish to invest in the services that those who live and work in our borough rely upon the most.
The budget will provide resource to help us respond to demand in key services, with a focus on protecting the most vulnerable.
This budget will also invest in Haringey’s future, by providing resource to help us play our part in responding to the climate emergency locally and invest in the infrastructure that we will need. This includes investment in highways - recognising the role that these play for our local economy - and investment in the digital infrastructure which will help us better serve our businesses and residents.
The council recognises that it continues to be a challenging time for businesses. We will continue to provide business support activities and projects to help with your business recovery and growth through the ongoing delivery of our Good Economy Recovery, High Streets and Employment and Skills Recovery Action Plans. Once the budget is agreed, further detailed delivery plans will be drawn up.
The consultation is now open and runs until Wednesday 12 January 2022.
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Emergency Super Pubwatch
With the introduction of new COVID-19 regulations, join the Safer Business Network, UK Hospitality, the Met Police, GLA and London Councils to discuss the impact of the new COVID restrictions and how they impact your business.
When: Friday 17 January
Time: 12pm - 1pm
Where: Online
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COVID-19 - Impact on Commercial Spaces:
 Renting a property can be an expensive and complex part of running a business. That is why the London Business Hub has launched a new service to help you find the right space and fully understand the costs associated with renting a property.
Business owners taking part in the programme will have access to a series of free masterclasses on topics such as business rates, lease negotiations and more. The programme can also offer one-to-one support for your specific circumstances from expert property consultants Gerald Eve and other property professionals.
The masterclasses will cover a range of topics to support London’s SMEs on the issue of being a commercial tenant, including:
- how to navigate rent negotiations with your landlord
- handling issues such as a change in planning use class and business rates
- how to use arbitration services to break an impasse in rent negotiations
- how to negotiate an exit from a current lease/licence commitment
When: Tuesday 11 January
Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm
Where: Online
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Start-up 2022
 StartUp 2022 is an absolute must for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs.
It's your chance to not only discover everything you need to know about starting and growing a business, but to connect you with advisers and experts who can help take your enterprise to the next level.
Whether you want to be your own boss, have a business idea or simply want to improve your entrepreneurial skills, this is the event for you.
When: Friday 21 January
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Where: Kings College London, WC2B 4BG
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And finally...
Please get in touch if you have any further questions, if you are experiencing difficulties and need to reach out, or if you would like to know about wider business support that is on offer.
You can email our Business Support Team at business@haringey.gov.uk
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