COVID-19 Update

Enterprise Week 2020

Enterprise Week, from 16th – 20th November, will go virtual this year!

A series of 12 online, interactive events under the theme of Survival, Recovery, Resilience, reflect the very different economic context in which businesses are operating as a result of coronavirus.

See below the schedule for this year’s Mid Ulster Enterprise Week – places can be booked via the link: https://www.midulstercouncil.org/enterpriseweek

Date/Time	Enterprise Week Webinar
Monday 16 November 10am – 11am	Introducing Your Company Quickly and Compellingly Una McSorley, Marcomm TrainingYou’ve just bumped into a former client in the lift. He asks you what your new company does. You open your mouth, try to organize your thoughts when the lift stops and he’s on his way. Missed opportunity and one where it would have helped to have had an “elevator pitch.” But how do you craft a pitch that generates interest in your product or service in just 30 seconds or less? This webinar takes you through writing an elevator pitch and what it should include.Register online
Monday 16 November 2pm – 3pm	EU Exit \| Chemicals Regimes REACH / CLP / PIC HSE(GB) and DEFRALearn what your business needs to know about impending changes to labelling, packaging and chemical regulations which will apply from 1st January 2021. This event will focus on the chemical regimes of Registration Evaluation Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals (REACH); Classification Labelling and Packaging (CLP); and Prior Informed Consent (PIC).Find out about the required procedures to be followed in relation to labelling and packaging of chemical products moving between GB and the NI(EU) and the export and import of designated hazardous chemicals and how this will work after the transition period. Register online
Monday 16 November 7pm – 8pm	Reinventing Retail in a Covid World Graham Soult, Canny InsightsJoin Graham Soult, respected UK retail commentator and High Streets Task Force Expert as he focuses on practical hints and tips navigate the Covid-19 situation, and trade as successfully as possible now and into the future. Learn how to effectively respond to trends and challenges affecting the high street during and post Covid-19, gaining expert advice on marketing messages, customer service and futureproofing your store.Register online
Tuesday 17 November 10am – 12pm	A Recipe for Recovery: Tourism and Hospitality Michael Deane, DEANES RestaurantsThis webinar is especially suited to the hospitality and tourism sector. Michael Deane will share how he adapted his businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic and will outline his plans for moving forward.Michael is one of the most recognisable faces of Ireland’s hospitality industry. As proprietor of seven diverse restaurants in Belfast, he shares the credit for transforming the city’s food culture. Join this webinar for useful insights and suggestions on how to become resilient and get your business on the road to recovery. Register online
Tuesday 17 November 1pm – 2pm	The MEGA Impact – One Year On Panel Discussion with Manufacturing and Engineering Leaders from Mid UlsterCome and hear about the significant progress and developments made by the Manufacturing and Engineering Growth Advancement (MEGA) network over the last 12 months. This includes the decisive positive impact made during this challenging period within the local manufacturing and engineering sector. Local celebrity Malachi Cush will compere proceedings with a live Q&A speaking to an expert panel including guest speaker Pat O’Neill – founding member of Powerscreen.Register online
Tuesday 17 November 7.15pm – 8.15pm	Confessions of a Start-Up Business Owner Hosted by Cate Conway, Local Radio PersonalityThe Go For It Programme will host the first in a series of ‘Confessions of a Start-up Business Owner’ to inspire potential entrepreneurs. This one hour virtual workshop will provide honest and inspirational insights from experienced entrepreneurs. Hear them talk candidly about their strategies and mistakes along their journey to success.Register Online
Wednesday 18 November 10am – 11am	It’s a Zoo Around Here: A Guide to Better Communication in the Workplace Una McSorley, Marcomm TrainingThis humorous presentation is perfect for leaders at all levels. Una McSorley will share her guide to better communication in the workplace. She will explain how to become a more effective communicator and ultimately a leader, by recognising the variety of communication styles used by the animals in your zoo and adapting your strategy accordingly.Register Online
Wednesday 18 November 1.30pm – 2.30pm	LinkedIn to Win Louise Brogan, Social BeeLearn how to maximize LinkedIn to build relationships and win new business. This webinar will provide insight on how to optimise Your LinkedIn profile, understand types of content to share, and grow valuable networks. No more feeling lost, frustrated, or overwhelmed as you leave ready to use LinkedIn to WIN!Register Online
Wednesday 18 November 7pm – 8pm	The 4 “C’s”: Creating Content that Connects through Covid Gail Sheen and Clara Maybin, So Social MarketingGain an invaluable insight into creating meaningful online content that directly impacts and connects with your customers. This session will take into account the impact that Covid-19 has had on our customer relationships and how we can appropriately communicate with them during the pandemic.Register Online
Thursday 19 November 10am – 11am	Inspiring Entrepreneurs Q&A with Cormac Diamond (Bloc Blinds), Mairead Mackle (Tarasis Enterprises) and Shane McCrory (ElectriCast Ltd)Register for ‘Inspiring Entrepreneurs’, a webinar featuring some of the best business leaders from across the Mid South West region of Northern Ireland. Hear how they charted a path for their businesses during lockdown, pivoting to meet new challenges and take advantage of emerging opportunities. This session will offer learnings for companies of all sizes and sectors, with growing relevance as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to impact business.Register Online
Thursday 19 November 12pm – 1pm	Leading Teams through a Pandemic Julie Allen ConsultingOver the past 8 months everyone has experienced challenges both personally and professionally. As a business leader learn how you can create the conditions in the workplace to foster resilience, innovation, and growth. This 60 minute webinar will focus on what is required to keep teams energetic, enthusiastic and emotionally connected through the pandemic.Register Online
Friday 20 November 11am – 12.15pm	Business Funding and Support Event Compere: Karen Patterson, TV and Radio PersonalityA fantastic opportunity to hear about the range of business support and funding available in these difficult times. Hear from Mid Ulster District Council, Invest NI, InterTrade Ireland and Mid Ulster Enterprise Agencies about their current support programmes. Cavanagh Kelly Accountants will also outline a variety of ways you can access funding or support with which to help your business navigate the pandemic. Not to be missed, this invaluable webinar will be hosted by well known and respected TV and radio personality Karen Patterson. Each participant will receive an e-booklet outlining the various support packages available.Register Online

Mid Ulster Gearing for Growth Programme

Gearing for growth programme logos

This project is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth and Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme and Mid Ulster District Council.

FREE support is available to help with:

The new Gearing for Growth Programme will help build the capacity of businesses in key areas detailed below.

Financial management
Effective Pricing
Accessing finance and investment
Human resources
Social media
Business Planning
Marketing
Routes to exporting
Customer care
Achieve industry standards
Innovation.

To be eligible to apply businesses must:

Be located in the Mid Ulster District Council Area
Be micro or small business (employ less than 50)
Be actively trading for 6 months
Not be eligible to receive similar support elsewhere.

For more information on the programme and to obtain an application form please contact Workspace on 028 796 28113 or email patricia.elliott@theworkspacegroup.org

Cookstown Enterprise Centre are complying with Covid 19 Safety Guidelines.

**Units Available to Rent at Cookstown Enterprise Centre**

For more information contact Mary on 028 8676 3660 or email marym@cookstownenterprise.com

This page helps businesses find out how to access the support that has been made available, who is eligible, when the schemes open and how to apply.

Support scheme	Support organisation
Bounce Back Loan \| UK-wide Government-backed loans for UK-based small and medium-sized businesses ranging from between £2,000 and £50,000.	Accredited lenders
Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme \| UK-wide Provides a government guarantee of 80% to enable banks to make loans of up to £25m to firms with an annual turnover of between £45m and £500m.	British Business Bank
£10,000 Grant for Rental Properties & Total NAV of £1,590 or below \| NI only £10,000 Small Business Grant for businesses who are sole tenants of a rental property, or who own and occupy a property with a total NAV of £1,590 or less	Department for the Economy (DfE), Land & Property Services (LPS)
£10,000 Small Business Support Grant Scheme \| NI only £10,000 grant available to Northern Ireland businesses eligible for the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme and businesses with a Total Net Annual Value of £15,000 and below, who currently benefit from Industrial Derating.	Department for the Economy (DfE), Land & Property Services (LPS)
£25,000 Grant for Retail, Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Sector Ratepayers \| NI only £25,000 grant for Northern Ireland companies in the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors with a Total Net Annual Value between £15,001 and £51,000.	Department for the Economy (DfE), Land & Property Services (LPS)
Artists Emergency Programme \| NI only Award of up to £5,000 to support individual artists, creative practitioners and performers.	Arts Council of Northern Ireland
Sports Hardship Fund \| NI-only £2,000 small grant scheme for sports clubs and sporting organisations from the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland. NOTE: Sport Northern Ireland has suspended new applications to the Sports Hardship Fund pending confirmation of additional funding.	Sport NI
Future Fund \| UK-wide Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.	British Business Bank
Business Rates Holiday \| NI only Three-month rates holiday for Northern Ireland non-domestic ratepayers (excluding public sector and utilities).	Land & Property Services (LPS)
Statutory Sick Pay Rebate \| UK-wide The UK government is to bring forward legislation to allow small and medium-sized businesses to reclaim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) paid for staff sickness absence due to coronavirus.	HMRC
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) \| UK-wide Self-employed individuals or members of partnerships can claim a taxable grant worth 80% of your trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for 3 months.	HMRC
Support for Businesses Paying Tax\| UK-wide All businesses and self-employed people in financial distress, and with outstanding tax liabilities, may be eligible to receive support with their tax affairs through HMRC’s Time To Pay service.	HMRC
Deferral of Self- Assessment Payment \| UK-wide The Self- Assessment payment on account, that is ordinarily due to be paid to HMRC by 31 July 2020 may now be deferred until January 2021.	HMRC
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme \| UK-wide The temporary Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) supports small and medium-sized businesses with access to loans, overdrafts, invoice finance and asset finance of up to £5 million and for up to six years.	British Business Bank
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme \| UK-wideGovernment will cover 80 per cent of business staff wages, up to £2,500 per employee per month.	HMRC
VAT Deferral \| UK-wide The UK government will defer Valued Added Tax (VAT) payments due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020. VAT refunds and reclaims will be paid by the government as normal.	HMRC
Covid-19 Corporate Financing Facility \| UK-wide The new Covid-19 Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF) means that the Bank of England will buy short-term debt from larger companies.	Bank of England

As more businesses become affected by COVID-19, there are various resources to help all businesses online. You can find out more at the links below.*

General COVID-19 Related Advice and Support

NI Business Info	General information on related business support, including answers to FAQs on managing staff health, pay, leave and absence, business operations and finance. Also includes a Coronavirus News section with full information and support to help manage the imapct of COVID-19 in your business. www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk
Public Health Agency	Guidance for businesses and employers on support available, as well as poster resources to use on site to help with communications to employees.
The Executive Office	The most recent announcements from The Executive Office are detailed on its news section, which provides details and links to various schemes etc.
HMRC	Guidance for businesses on tax. The helpline allows any business or self-employed individual who is concerned about paying their tax due to coronavirus to get practical help and advice. Time To Pay Helpline: 0800 0159 559 Income Tax Payments due in July 2020 under the Self-Assessment system will be deferred to January 2021.
Federation for Small Businesses	Advice and guidance on reducing the risks from the Coronavirus to you and your business targeted at small businesses and the self-employed.
UK Government Advice	Advice and support for businesses from the UK Government. It includes details of support packages available to businesses due to COVID-19.
Invest NI	Invest NI provide advice and support through its NI Business Info web site. Invest NI’s business support team is also available on 0800 181 4422.
Tourism NI	Tourism NI are providing targeted advice and support for businesses operating in the Tourism sector through their website, as well as a dedicated COVID-19 Business Support Helpline on 028 9592 5313 (Monday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm).
Federation of Master Builders	The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) provide advice and support for businesses in the construction industry and its workforce. As well as a dedicated section on their website, members make use of their advice services by telephoning the FMB Helpline on 0116 243 7623 (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm).
Guidance for Food Businesses	Guidance and advice for food businesses/operators including best practice on food hygiene, managing employee sickness, social distancing and specific situations.
Hospitality Ulster	Information available online to assist members with legal advice including e.g. furloughing and job retention schemes. Please contact 07736 284 764 for further advice.
NI Hotels Federation	The Federation has been working across many strands to assist members with the Coronavirus situation. This has included producing a Toolkit of advice, lobbying for business relief and support and engaging with marketing agencies to prepare for a resumption of normal business.
Arts and Business NI Engagement Seed Fund	As part of their Investment Programme, Arts & Business NI have designated a £15,000 seed fund to support arts organisations and individual practitioners.
Social Enterprise NI	A source of information focusing on social enterprise business and organisation support during COVID19.
HSENI COVID-19 Update	Information for employers on health and safety matters in response to COVID-19 and HSENI contact details. The HSENI has also produced an example risk assessment which shows the kind of approach HSENI expects a small business or workplace to take when carrying out a risk assessment for COVID-19 in the workplace.
NI Chamber COVID-19 Information Hub	This hub provides up-to-date information on business support schemes available from the government, advice and guidance on internal HR issues, such as sick pay, and the work NI Chamber is doing with government to ensure that Northern Ireland businesses make it through this crisis.
Enterprise Nation	This page is to keep small businesses updated of government moves, support schemes for small business, and pro-active advice on how to keep trading through the epidemic. You can also access topical podcasts and ask advisers your specific questions.
Matrix NI	Coronavirus is causing significant issues in the science & tech sectors in NI. This is a regularly updated list of resources and available support, plus offers and requests for help.
Essential businesses and services to remain open.	The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed new powers to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). The regulations came into effect at 11.00 pm on Saturday 28 March and provide clarity on what retail services and other venues may remain open in Northern Ireland and which should close immediately. The link takes you to a list of essential and non-essential businesses and sevices.
PSNI Crime Prevention Unit	The PSNI Crime Prevention unit has produced updated national crime prevention advice for retailers and business owners during the current emergency.
Emergency Volunteering Leave	A new, temporary, statutory right is available for eligible workers to take Emergency Volunteering Leave to help the Health and Social Care system in response to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Department for Communities	If you are an employer and you require help to advertise job vacancies or have queries relating to the services available for employers you can phone the DfC Employers Services helplines or alternatively you can email: dfc.employerservices@nissa.gsi.gov.ukHelplines: 02382 376 692 or 028 9053 9458

Financial Assistance

Rates Relief	There will be a three month rates holiday for all business ratepayers, excluding public sector and utilities. The Small Business Rate Relief scheme will be continued in 2020-21. The rates of relief and thresholds for eligibility have not changed. The Hardship Rate Relief scheme is available for non-domestic ratepayers who have been affected by exceptional circumstances. The Executive budget announced on 31 March also includes a reduction in business rates. For more information visit NIbusinessinfo.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme	The government will pay a grant to cover 80% of furloughed workers wage costs up to a cap of £2,500 per employee per month.
Deferment of VAT Payment	VAT payments for all UK businesses will be automatically deferred for 3 months for payments that would otherwise arise during the period from 20 March – 30 June 2020.
Business Interruption Loan Scheme	CBILS is a new scheme, announced by The Chancellor at Budget 2020, that can provide facilities of up to £5m for smaller businesses across the UK who are experiencing lost or deferred revenues, leading to disruptions to their cashflow.
Department for the Economy (DfE)	Business Support Grant Schemes: The Northern Ireland Executive has announced two grants will be available to local businesses impacted by the coronavirus. Businesses in Northern Ireland will be able to access the following schemes: COVID Small Business Grant – A grant of £10,000 for all small businesses who are eligible for the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme (ie all businesses with a NAV up to £15,000). Open from Thursday 26 March 2020. For info visit NI Business Info or contact the LPS Small Business Grant Scheme Helpline on 0300 200 7809. Hospitality, Tourism and Retail Sectors Grant Scheme – An immediate grant of £25,000 for companies in these sectors with a rateable value from £15,000 up to £51,000. Businesses that wish to offer their services to the DfE during the pandemic can email assistance@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk in the first instance.
Department for Finance	Business Rates Advice and Support – grants available to businesses eligible for Small Business Rates Relief.
COVID Corporate Finance Funding (CCFF) Programme for Large Companies	Assessed through the Bank of England administered scheme, the BoE purchases commercial paper from companies on similar terms to those prevailing prior to COVID-19 crisis.
Self-emploment Income Support Scheme	The Government have announced a range of measures to support those who are self-employed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This scheme will allow self-employed individuals and members of partnerships to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for the next 3 months.
The Prince’s Countryside Fund	The Prince’s Countryside Fund is inviting applications for emergency funding from farming and rural community support groups, who are providing assistance to counter the effects of isolation during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Heritage Emergency Fund	The £50m fund from The National Heritage Lottery Fund will be available for grants of between £3,000 and £50,000. It is available to organisations across the full breadth of heritage, including historic sites, industrial and maritime heritage, museums, libraries and archives, parks and gardens, landscapes and nature.

Other related information for businesses

Ventilator Readiness – Call to engineering firms	The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is looking for organisations who can support in the supply of ventilators and ventilator components across the United Kingdom as part of the Government’s response to COVID-19
EU Horizon 2020 Funding Extended	Horizon 2020 is the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme ever with nearly €80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014 to 2020) – in addition to the private investment that this money will attract. It promises more breakthroughs, discoveries and world-firsts by taking great ideas from the lab to the market. Applications are now extended until 15 April 2020.
Companies House Accounts Filing Extension	From 25 March 2020 businesses will be able to apply for a 3 month extension for filing their accounts. This joint initiative between the government and Companies House will mean businesses can prioritise managing the impact of Coronavirus.
TechForce19 Innovation Funding	NHSX is calling on all innovators who can support the elderly, vulnerable and self-isolating during COVID-19 to apply for government funding of up to £25,000 to test their solution. applications close 1 April 2020.
UKRI Research and Innovation Opportunity	UKRI have announced an open call for research and innovation ideas to address COVID-19. Proposals are invited for short term projects addressing and mitigating the health, social, economic and environmental impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak.
UK Government Request for Business Support in response to COVID-19	Businesses can use this service to tell the UK Government how your business might be able to help with the response to coronavirus (for example, with the manufacture of medical testing equipement, PPE for healthworkers, expertise in ICT, communications and other business areas, or provision of hotel rooms).

*Last updated Thursday 2 April 2020 .

❗️Temporary Closure❗️

In line with the current Government advice, Cookstown Enterprise Centre will be temporarily closed from 23rd March 2020.

Staff are working remotely and can still be contacted by calling 028 86763660 or emailing info@cookstownenterprise.com

Please note access for tenant companies will continue as normal.

Stay Safe Everyone and Stay At Home!

COVID-19 Update

Enterprise Week 2020

Mid Ulster Gearing for Growth Programme

Cookstown Enterprise Centre are complying with Covid 19 Safety Guidelines.

❗️Temporary Closure❗️

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