Rochdale BID want to keep you updated with the latest news, information and advice during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Todays update provides a summary of the following:
- Shoppers return to the town centre
- Annual Review 20/21
- The Government has launched its new flagship COVID-19 campaign 'Hands, Face, Space + Fresh Air'
- Food and Artisan Fayre to return
- Restart Grants
Fantastic to see shoppers returning to the town centre!
Last week it was an absolute joy to see people returning to the town centre, and to be able to visit many of you as your doors opened.
Many of our fantastic local businesses have adapted and shown innovation and resilience under extremely challenging circumstances to continue to serve their customers and clients and support the community. It has been abundantly obvious that businesses were eager to welcome back customers and working with the Council, the BID team have been doing all that we can to help businesses reopen safely. Our local businesses contribute to the economy, culture and life of our wonderful town centre and this is why we must all continue to encourage visitors back to the town centre.
Thank you to all businesses that have reopened so far this week, you've been patient, kind and helped create a wonderful atmosphere!
Annual Review
The Rochdale 20/21 Annual Review has recently been completed. This document highlights the BID’s achievements over the last year and is testament to the hard work and dedication shown by the BID team, who are committed to supporting you, the great businesses of Rochdale.
The BID team have been here throughout this crisis working closely with all businesses. We’ve signposted the financial support available, had individual contact with levy payers to understand concerns and explain the details of what support is available to them, and offered help with getting businesses safely back up and trading by providing a pack of assets.
We now know that over the next few months restrictions will continue to be lifted which will enable all businesses to open and visitors to return. We are working as hard as even to ensure the BID Team give businesses as much support as we can and we are currently planning a series of events and activities which will boost footfall, support businesses and help to change the perception of the town centre.
To ensure you get the most out of your BID, I encourage you to get involved with BID campaigns and initiatives, and don’t forget to tell us your news so we can spread the word about all the great things happening in Rochdale!
I hope that when you read through the Annual Report you will see the team has continued to work hard to deliver the projects we outlined in our Business Plan.
The report can be viewed here: https://www.rochdalebid.co.uk/Docs/resources/Draft-Annual-Report-20-21-web.pdf
The Government has launched its new flagship COVID-19 campaign 'Hands, Face, Space + Fresh Air'
The Government has launched its new flagship COVID-19 campaign 'Hands, Face, Space + Fresh Air' with the additional key message of 'Let's take this next step safely.' This ties in with Step 2 of Lockdown restrictions easing. There are some excellent FREE posters and printable materials you can access HERE to help spread the message on your premises and shops.
Food and Artisan Fayre to return
As part of the ongoing reopening of the Town Centre, the popular Food and Artisan Fayre is returning to Riverside on Saturday 1st May.
With a wide range of traders and attractions, this monthly event will bring the best crafted food products and goods in the North West to Riverside. The Fayre is organised by Lisa Reedy, who has been running local artisan markets for the last two years, including Rawtenstall, and has been a market trader for over 10 years.
Restart Grants
This one-off grant has replaced the Local Restriction Support Grants (LRSG) and is now open for applications! For non-essential retail business premises a grant of up to £6,000 is available. For hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym business premises, that will be opening later under plans set out in the roadmap, the following support will be available:
- £8,000 for businesses with a rateable value of up to and exactly £15,000
- £12,000 for businesses with a rateable value over £15,000 to under £51,000
- £18,000 for businesses with a rateable value of exactly £51,000 or greater
To apply or the grant click here: http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/business-and-industry/business-advice-and-support/Pages/restart-grants.aspx
Useful Links
COVID-19: what you need to do
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Support for businesses and employers during coronavirus (COVID-19)
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
If you have any queries regarding the support which his currently being offered, please don’t hesitate to contact me on 07811 278517.
Paul Ambrose
BID Manager
19 Apr 2021