From 17 May, Westminster, along with the rest of the country, entered Step 3 of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown. For businesses, this means:
- Indoor venues such as pubs and restaurants, hotels and B&Bs, play centres, cinemas, museums and group exercise classes can reopen. The new indoor and outdoor mixing limits (30 people outdoors, up to six or two households indoors) remains in effect for pubs and other hospitality venues.
- This will be the earliest date at which international holidays can resume, subject to a review – click here for a list of these reviews.
- For sport, indoor venues can have up to 1,000 spectators or half capacity, whichever is lower; outdoors the limit are 4,000 people or half capacity, whichever is lower. Very large outdoor seated venues, such as big football stadiums, where crowds can be spread out have a limit of 10,000 people, or a quarter full, whichever is fewer.
- Weddings are allowed up to a limit of 30 people, with other events such as christenings and bar/bat mitzvahs also now permitted.
Click here to view UK Hospitality’s business FAQs.
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North Westminster Business Research: The Economic Development and Regeneration Team at Westminster Council wants to understand what businesses in North Westminster want their communities to look like in the future. The team wants to hear from people living and working in North Westminster’s communities, particularly in the Queen’s Park, Westbourne, Harrow Road and Church Street wards.
The team is hosting 45-minute interviews by phone or in person and our local community researchers speak English, Bengali, Tamil, Hindi and Arabic. Your input will help us shape the future of your local area. To thank you for your time, you’ll receive a £20 high street shopping voucher once the interview is completed.
If you live in or manage a business based in North Westminster and would like to be involved, please get in touch with Genevieve Peattie, North Westminster Programme Manager, at gpeattie@westminster.gov.uk or by phone on 07811 723053.
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Open Forum: The theme of our next Open Forum (Monday 24 May, 6.30pm) is on creating a Thriving Economy in Westminster. It’s an unmissable opportunity to have your questions answered live by the Leader of the Council, Rachael Robathan, as well as cabinet members and our senior leadership team. Learn about our work to support the local economy post-lockdown, and how Westminster will be a place in which our communities can live, work and flourish.
To find out more and register for the event, please click here.
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Try a Free Business Course: The Rebel Business School (formerly PopUp Business School), in partnership with Westminster City Council and Derwent, is running a free, ten-day course to make business possible for everyone, no matter your starting point. It’s also supporting existing, established businesses in navigating through challenging times.
The course will give you the inspiration, information and practical help you need to take your idea to the next level, without spending money or needing a business plan. Spaces are limited and are reserved for Westminster residents and businesses, so click here to claim your free ticket today.
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Support for Your Business
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Helping the Hospitality Sector: We’re planning a series of videos to help hospitality businesses learn more about Council services, regulations with regards to commercial premises, and proactive steps you can carry out to achieve compliance and resilience. Help us to help you by completing a short survey on the topics you’d like covered.
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Church Street Studios Opening Soon: We have partnered with non-profit organisation Interim Studios to provide studio spaces for artists at 382 Edgware Road. The spaces can be rented monthly for as little as £1 per square foot. If you are a creative and are looking for affordable workspace in Westminster, then please register your interest here.
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Specialist Business Advice: The London Business Hub has created a panel of experts including lawyers and accountants who can advise your business on a wide variety of topics. You can access up to 90 minutes of free support from qualified advisors. To find out more, click here.
The London Business Hub has also created a specialised 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.
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Support Pop-Up Businesses: Enterprise Nation and payments provider SumUp are opening a pop-up shop at 58 Oxford Street to enable small businesses to test out their retail ideas. Operated by experiential retail provider Sook, the ‘Hello, World’ shop will see three small businesses pop-up each day, every Monday to Thursday throughout May. Meet the brands that will be popping up by visiting the Enterprise Nation.
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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 is offering free masterclasses and one-to-one sessions on managing your commercial space. Webinars will be taking place on 8 June & 6 July. Click here to register and find out more.
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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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