Stay Safe, Stay Open is offering small businesses in Hertfordshire access to a range of free support which will help you to navigate the changing advice and regulations, update risk assessments to ensure that you continue to trade safely and plan for future success with financial support and continuity planning.
As a business, you will have already spent time, effort and money on making your premises as safe as possible for staff and customers. Maintaining vigilance and ensuring you’re implementing the latest guidance through the winter will not only ensure you remain compliant but also provide you with a positive sales message which will give your consumers the confidence to visit.
The following support is all free to access for eligible businesses in Hertfordshire and is delivered in partnership with Hertfordshire Growth Hub, Better Business for All, Visit Herts and Local Authorities.
Practical Health and Safety Consultancy, Operational and Business Planning Advice
Up to 8 hours of bespoke 1:1 support to review Covid-19 risk assessments and implement simple changes to bring you in line with the latest guidance. Experienced, personable, industry experts will run through the ‘customer journey’, providing practical business planning, operational, communications and training advice. This support is available for businesses with up to 50 employees in certain sectors with premises in Hertfordshire.
Funding to help improve ventilation
Are you concerned about the lack of ventilation and airflow in your venue or business premises as we move into the colder months? Access funding to pay for ventilation specialists who will audit your spaces and make recommendations for improvements that will help mitigate outbreaks without needing to reduce capacity. To determine if you meet the eligibility criteria, all businesses interested in applying must book an initial 1:1 advisory visit. Following the visit, eligible businesses will be referred to Hertfordshire Growth Hub and invited to apply for the ventilation funding.
Funded legal support package
Need help with HR, health and safety, commercial contracts or tax? Hertfordshire businesses with fewer than 50 employees can access a year of free legal advice through funded membership to either Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce or the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) which includes including a 24/7 legal helpline, legal documents, templates and policies available online.
Better business for all Trading Safely Toolkits
The Better Business for All partnership has produced a toolkit of resources to help businesses trade safely and comply with the law. These bitesize documents break down the advice into practical guides, checklists and case studies with links to where you can find more local support and information.
Get the Safe to Trade Accreditation
If you’re located in Broxbourne you can access a free accreditation as part of the Safe to Trade Scheme managed by Shield Safety Group. The accreditation gives you the confidence that your premises are protected by COVID-19 control measures and shows customers and employees your commitment to their safety. Following the successful pilot in Broxbourne, this scheme will roll out in other locations around the county soon.
To find out more on all the upcoming and available support through the stay safe, stay open campaign, visit the Hertfordshire Growth Hub.