FSB issues 'Love Your Small Independent Business' rallying cry to support Covid hit Liverpool City Region firms

WITH unprecedented pressure on small businesses throughout 2020 means they desperately need a boost from their local communities in the run up to Christmas. The 'Love Your Small Independent Business' is a campaign, led by Britain's biggest business representative, calls on everyone; including:- shoppers and retailers themselves, to rally round and provide some much needed Christmas cheer for the UK's independent high street businesses.

The Federation of Small Businesses is now urging shoppers within the Liverpool City Region to buy from small firms this Christmas, and celebrate all things local, and the many independent businesses that have been hit by Covid19 restrictions. They are asking people within Liverpool City Region, and other parts of the UK, to actively support their local independent businesses online using the hashtag:- '#ILoveSmallBusiness' and share images of their buys accompanied by the hashtag:- '#ShopHereThisChristmas.' In addition, it calls on people to place reviews of their favourite businesses online to persuade others to:- 'shop small' in line with the current high profile Google:- 'Dear Local' advertising push.

Welcoming the campaign, Michael Sandys, FSB Merseyside and Cheshire Area Leader for Liverpool City Region said:- "We all have a part to play to ensure our independent retail businesses have a fighting chance of rescuing their curtailed Christmas sales so they can continue to be part of the local community in 2021. This has been an unbelievably testing time for small, independent retail businesses. Many have worked tirelessly to try and stay open and provide invaluable support and services to the community in a safe and secure way, and we know being part of a vibrant community with independent businesses is important to local people in Liverpool City Region. We are calling on people to support this campaign and reward the loyalty their local independents have shown to their communities. They are the very heartbeat of local life. Many businesses have innovated over the past few months by launching online with:- 'click and collect' services so they need help too, nut don't forget, if it's on your Christmas list, think small retailers and the personal service they offer.”

The FSB campaign is also inviting retailers themselves to be part of the campaign by posting images of themselves and their shops to entice shoppers using the hashtag:- '#ShopHereThisChristmas.'

FSB National Chairman, Mike Cherry, said:- “Small businesses are well and truly at the heart of our communities. That's why it's never been more important to support your local firms and, by extension, the community in which you live.”

Sefton Council has undertaken a review over Port of Liverpool logistic issues

SEFTON Council has undertaken a review of alternative technologies and potential freight logistics solutions, and is committed to ensuring that environmental and social factors are fully considered alongside the economic factors, in the growth of the Port of Liverpool. This process has been undertaken with Arup, 1 of the world's leading engineering and design consultancies.

Forecasts by the Department for Transport and by the port operator show an expected growth in traffic through the Port of Liverpool, and so Sefton Council remains severely concerned about the impacts on local communities.

"We are committed to exploring alternative solutions to dealing with this growth, which is reflected in Sefton's strong opposition to the proposals for the Port of Liverpool being designated a 'Freeport' (as was reflected in the Council's response to the Governmental conversation earlier this year) unless these environmental and social impacts are mitigated, and the local economic benefits truly harnessed. We believe there are alternative technologies and solutions that are economically viable and environmentally-friendly, which should be considered by stakeholders." said Sefton Council.

With support from Arup, Sefton Council has led on a study to better understand the technical and economic feasibility of a range of alternative solutions. This work identifies technological solutions that are in place elsewhere in the world, that could apply to Sefton, and the Liverpool City Region, that deliver significant environmental benefits compared to road traffic, and that may be economically viable.

Leader of Sefton Council, Ian Maher, said:- “We believe that these opportunities not only align with the Government's objectives on innovation, technology and growth, but that they have the potential to support the connectivity and competitiveness of the Port of Liverpool, while also considering the impact of the port on local communities. We believe that these should be fully considered as part of the port access road project development process, and would welcome the opportunity to explore these project concepts further with the port operator, Department for Transport, and other key local stakeholders. Whilst we understand that the growth of the Port of Liverpool could bring potential economic benefits for local communities, if developed in the right way, we remain committed to ensuring that the social and environmental impacts of this growth are given at least equal weight by all parties.”

Peter Dowd, MP for Bootle, said:- "I welcome the report from Arup which adds a constructive dimension to the Port Access issue. Longer term multimodal freight options, as well as a major review of how Government funds major infrastructure projects is needed if we are to break into the short term, reactive solution cycle that has bedevilled access to the Port for decades.”

The Inland Port and Connectivity Concept report can be found on:- MySefton.Co.UK.

Visiting In and Out of Care Homes

CARE England, who are the largest representative body for independent providers of adult social care, has appealed for guidance for care home visiting to go beyond Christmas. Professor Martin Green, Chief Executive of Care England, says:- “The issue about visiting in and out of care homes goes far beyond Christmas, we want to craft robust guidance that deals with the short, medium and long term. The guidance needs to recognise the intricate balance between well being and safeguarding. Although the new testing regime is extremely welcome we need to face facts that it will be a while until it is entrenched and also needs to operate as part of a raft of other infection control measures.”

The Department of Health and Social Care is expected to publish its latest guidance on visiting both in and out of care homes. Martin Green continues:- “We hope that the guidance has drawn on Care England's own visiting principles thus reflecting the difficult situation that many care homes are in. Visits both in and outside care homes are part of normal life and we want to be able to support residents, relatives, staff and providers to ensure their safety and wellbeing.”

CLA urges public support for rural economy this Christmas

AHEAD of Small Business Saturday, in 5 December 2020, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is urging people to support rural businesses in the run up to Christmas, by buying locally and celebrating the quality of produce and products available across the North. CLA North represents:- farmers, landowners and rural businesses across:- Merseyside, Lancashire, Cumbria, the North East, County Durham and Yorkshire.

CLA Director North Dorothy Fairburn said:- "This year has seen many rural hospitality and tourism businesses heavily impacted upon by Covid, and we would continue urging the public to support their local businesses in our countryside as they contribute greatly to the economy. Buying locally, whether it is seasonal festive food and drink, gifts or decorations, helps to contribute to a vibrant rural economy. There is certainly a wide variety of suppliers stocking top quality local produce from meats and cheeses to fruit and vegetables. Many people will already be regular visitors to farm shops and farmers' markets, recognising the high food and animal welfare standards of British produce. These businesses provide jobs, goods and services for local communities, attract tourism and provide a real boost to our economy. Small Business Saturday provides an important reminder to consumers in supporting small businesses in their communities, not just in the run up to Christmas, but throughout the year."

In its Rural Powerhouse initiative, the CLA estimates that if rural productivity per worker was raised to the national average, an additional ₤43 billion could be added to national income every year. Dorothy Fairburn added:- “In the meantime we can all play our part; and take some of the stress out of Christmas;- by turning to local suppliers for your trees, turkeys and tinsel.”

This Christmas will be a challenging period for most due to Government restrictions from 23 December to 27 December 2020, and the CLA also encourages those who are struggling to contact any of the farming and mental health support charities who will listen, understand and help.

The Farming Community Network on:- 03000111999 is open 7am to 11pm every day and the Samaritans on:- 116123 will be open 24 hours throughout the holidays. Details of rural support networks can also be found at:- FarmingHelp.Co.UK.

Targeted Covid19 testing in Sefton for people not showing symptoms

FOLLOWING the Government's announcement that it was extending Covid19 testing for people not showing Coronavirus symptoms to 67 Council areas including Sefton, plans are coming together for testing across the Borough.  With 10,000 tests expected to be made available to Sefton each week, they will need to be targeted where they will have the most effect. The focus is likely to be on Hospices and hostels where there are vulnerable residents, as well as those frontline Council workers likely to be exposed to the virus.

Coronavirus testing for people not showing the symptoms of a raised temperature, persistent new cough or loss of taste of smell, were launched in Liverpool with the support of 2,000 Army personnel. Residents and people working or attending Schools and Colleges in the City, including some Sefton residents, are being encouraged to get tested every 5 days. In the 1st 2 weeks, over 150,000 tests were carried out.  Sefton's Director of Public Health, Margaret Jones said:- "With significantly fewer tests available to us, we need to devise a plan for using them where they will deliver the greatest benefit using the resources we have available, which hopefully will include military support. This is why we are focusing on places where vulnerable people are living and the staff working with them. Targeting the majority of tests available to us on locations where there are people for whom the Covid19 could prove most dangerous and even fatal, will help to prevent the spread of infections and save lives.”

People receiving a negative result through the testing scheme are being reminded they still need to follow any restrictions in place to stop the spread of the virus.  Margaret Jones continued:- "These new tests are a useful development and in Liverpool, are identifying a significant number of people who have Coronavirus, but not its symptoms and who could otherwise pass it on to loved ones, friends and colleagues unknowingly. However, a negative result is certainly not a passport to bypassing the restrictions and rules we're all following because really it means you're not infectious on the day you take the test. That can change quite quickly, which is why people in Liverpool have been encouraged to stick to the restrictions and to get re-tested regularly.”

Anyone who receives a positive test result through the scheme must isolate for 10 days. People who are eligible can apply for a 1 off, ₤500 Test and Trace Support Payment.  Mrs Jones added that anyone who does start showing the Coronavirus symptoms of a raised temperature, persistent new cough or loss of taste of smell, should get a test immediately by calling;- 119 or visiting:- NHS.UK/Coronavirus. Sefton has walk through Test Centres at:- Bootle Town Hall, Crosby Library Car Park, Netherton Activity Centre and Southport Town Hall.

Open from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week, walkthrough centres provide easy access to Covid19 tests for people with Coronavirus symptoms who do not have access to a car and for those who have Coronavirus symptoms and should not travel by public transport. Additionally, Mobile Testing Units are at locations across Sefton nearly every day. Details can be found on:- MySefton.Co.UK.

Directors of Public Health in Cheshire and Merseyside launch new Covid19 Campaign

THE Directors of Public Health in Cheshire and Merseyside are launching a new campaign to ensure that everyone, particularly younger people, knows the facts about what we can all do to help beat Covid19.

The 1st of its kind to talk to young people, the initiative is a collaboration between the NHS and Local Councils, in Cheshire and Merseyside. Using the channels young people engage with, the campaign aims to make the facts clear and will run for 6 weeks.

Research by the Government's Behavioural Science Team shows that young people want facts and clarity on how to do their bit. However, the lack of visibility of messages and misinformation about the virus has resulted in younger people being confused and unsure about what they should and can do to fight the virus.

The 'Spread the facts' campaign features young people working in our health care community. NHS workers, including Cristina a trainee doctor from Southport as well as other young doctors, nurses, and support workers, share their experiences of working throughout the pandemic. Four videos show our medics urging their peers to get on board.

The use of bold, human stories, and imagery attract attention. The adverts feature real life health care heroes who impart a nugget of fact and clearly recommend a simple behaviour that will cut the spread of the virus and stop the spread of misinformation among young people. SpreadTheFacts.Co.UK holds the facts and signposts to other official sites for further reading.

Social media platforms like:- Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat will serve stories to the target audiences. Spotify and YouTube are also included in the advertising strategy, as well as some high profile outdoor advertising sites within Central Liverpool.

Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool and lead Director for communications and marketing said:- “We know that everyone wants to beat COVID19 and young people are no exception to this. If everyone knows the facts and does their best to help beat the virus, together we can keep everyone safe and keep the rate of infection down. The launch of our 'Spread the Facts' campaign supports our younger people to play their part. We have worked with young people to make sure this campaign talks in a way that resonates with them. It will be seen on channels that matter to young people. And it will remind us all that we need to keep going. Keeping your distance, wearing a mask, washing hands; we all need to limit who we are in contact with and look out for each other. I'd like to thank the young medical professionals who feature in the campaign for sharing their experiences of working throughout this pandemic. Like every NHS worker, they see the brutal impact of the virus every day. Yet still, they work tirelessly to deliver the best care possible in such difficult circumstances. Thankfully, we are now seeing a reduction in infections in some parts of Cheshire and Merseyside over the past week. That is a testament to the huge effort that everyone has made in recent weeks. Everyone has made great sacrifices. The real changes in our lifestyles show that we now have the tools to keep this virus under control. To make sure we keep everyone safe, we just need the determination to keep going. This campaign will remind everyone to do the right things.”

26 year old, Doctor at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and 1 of the young health professionals taking part in the campaign, Dr Oliver Dray, added:- "I worked in A&E throughout April to August this year. It was clear early on that COVID19 knew no boundaries. We saw patients with severe symptoms from all walks of life and ages. Remember, there's currently no cure. So, it really hit home when my colleague and friend, the same age as me, was struck down by the virus. He was on a ventilator for five days. It's a real shock when the virus puts someone young in intensive care. Yes, the virus tends to hit older people hardest. But everybody; young and old; needs to be careful to protect themselves and each other. Compared to calling an Ambulance because someone you care about can't breathe, following the guidance is simple. Keep your distance, wear a mask, wash your hands; easy. Just limiting your contact with others stops the virus from spreading. I'm sure if people had experienced what my colleagues and I had this year, they'd stick to the guidance. People working in the NHS are facing a pretty tough winter, physically and emotionally. This campaign makes it clear the simple things we can all do to help. If we keep doing this, we can fight the virus. I'm proud to be able to play a part. If the campaign saves one life, it will be worth it."

Gisburne Park Pop up:- 'socially distanced' Christmas Festival opens on the 4 December 2020

THE creators of Gisburne Park Pop Up, who this summer successfully hosted the UK's 1st socially distanced festival, are determined to bring some Christmas cheer to 2020 and on 4 December 2020, will open the gates to an action packed Pop up Christmas Festival.

This socially distanced Christmas extravaganza is one of its kind and will take place over a thousand acres at the stunning Gisburne Park is located within the heart of the Lancashire countryside. The family focused, action packed event has got Christmas well and truly covered! At the heart of the event is a large traditional outdoor market home to craft stalls, food vendors and pockets of interactive socially distanced Christmas entertainment for all ages. As well as the UK's largest Drive In pantomime, the event boasts a Covid safe outdoor Santa's Grotto with live reindeer and Santa's helpers.

Director of Gisburne Park pop up Robyn Isherwood said:- "Christmas isn't cancelled. Despite every hurdle thrown our way this year, we managed to save summer and welcomed over 30,000 people, all socially distanced safely through our doors for an incredible summer of events. In light of the recent Government Tier 3 announcement, we are working around the clock to ensure Christmas will happen. It's been a really tough year, particularly after a hard month of lockdown so we are determined to bring some normality back to people's lives and give them something to look forward to. Although we are in Tier 3, Gisburne Park is classed as an Outdoor Visitor Attraction with an Outdoor Market we are ensuring every safety measure required is in place."

As a result of the hugely successful drive in firework display, held at Gisburne Park earlier this year, so on 4 December 2020, the park opens its doors a day early as it launches the 1st drive in pantomime, Aladdin. Robyn Isherwood said:- "In November we staged a drivein firework display, which had to moved due to the national lockdown, however it proved to be hugely successful, as a result, we were keen to offer a Drive In element for families and what a better way than the timeless tradition of a pantomime. The performers from the pantomime, provided by Amy Toole at Pop Up Entertainment are in a bubble, tested regularly and live together in her purpose built studio, allowing them to practise for the show to bring some much needed festive fun for families around the Region.”

The pantomime, a total of 8 shows will take place the 1st and the 3rd weekend, in December 2020, between 4 December and 20 December 2020.

The Ribble Valley event organisers have implemented Covid19 and the recently announced Tier 3 safety measures to ensure that families can still enjoy the magic of Christmas while remaining safe.

A large outdoor open sided barn will be home to a plethora of festive food stalls and street food trucks. Although table service is no longer allowed, there will be access to an app ordering system allowing people to enjoy their festive treats as a takeaway while experiencing some classic Christmas entertainment.

A beautiful Tipi village set up by Betty's Tipi for Santa's Grotto, all with raised sides will operate in 30 minute slots and include access to:- the Grotto, a Santa's letter, reindeer petting, small Christmas gifts and a socially distanced visit with the man himself.

Amber Hindley owner of the estate says:- “We are very excited to have two Reindeer as part of our family here at Gisburne Park Estate. After the year everyone has had we wanted to bring as much joy to not only our Pop Up guests but the guests staying at Ribblesdale Park holiday park. Unfortunately, we have had to close the park due to Tier 3, so this really is something for us all to look forward to. They really are magical creatures and we know the children will love them.”

The ticketed only event officially opens its doors, on 5 December 2020, and to date, the organisers have sold over 7000 tickets. The cost of a ticket is ₤6 for adults and ₤3.00 for children to gain access to the event, with further charges for some of the other events and activities such as Santa's Grotto and the Drive In Pantomime. The event will run every weekend up until Christmas with plans to add on additional dates and extend the sessions due to the incredible high demand in the week leading up to Christmas day. For more information and bookings, please visit:- GisburneParkPopUp.Com

Hospice Light up a Life service available online for local families

THE annual 'Light up a Life Service' for St Joseph's Hospice has been pre-recorded so that local families can take part from within their own homes on 4 December 2020. The service includes:- readings, prayers and blessings from the Bishop of Liverpool, Tom Williams, Msgr John Furnival and the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mark Blundell, as well as the Hospice's Chief Executive, Mike Parr, and Clinical Director, Clare Waller.

The annual service, which usually takes place in the Hospice grounds with hundreds of local families, ends with the switching on of the Christmas Lights, on the Hospice's Christmas Tree.

As usual, local families have dedicated lights on the Hospice's Christmas Tree in remembrance of their loved ones, whose names will also go into the book of remembrance at the Hospice.

Light up a Life has been expanded this year so that families who have spent time apart during the Coronavirus pandemic will be able to dedicate lights to them as well.

The annual service was filmed at the Hospice last week and will be available for families to watch and take part in online from this Friday, 4 December 2020 by visiting the Hospice's website:- Jospice.Org.UK.

Maxine Armstrong, Head of Fundraising at St. Joseph's Hospice, said:- “We are delighted that we have been able to pre-record this year's Light up a Life service because it's such an important event for local families, this year more than ever. We have included all our usual special guests, plus there will be some little extra surprises thrown in. We hope that local families will enjoy it and will take the time within their own households to watch it and remember their loved ones this Christmas.”

The video will be available on the Hospice's website, YouTube channel and Facebook until the 12th night. 'Light up a Life' dedications can also be made right up until the 12th night.

To find out more about Light up a Life, or to make a dedication, visit:- Jospice.Org.UK, call them on:- 0151 932 6044 or send them an email to:- Fundraising@Jospice.Org.UK.

NTIA Accuses Government of Intentionally Wiping Out the Sector with New Restrictions

A recent Flash Survey, in November 2020, of over 400 Businesses by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) and Sprout CRM has shown that 75.6% of Night Time and Economy and Hospitality Businesses will be out of business by Christmas. The results of a new survey conducted by Sprout CRM and Night Time Industries Association released today found that 75.6% of Businesses said they will be closed for good by Christmas, with over 73% of businesses making redundancies since the start of the pandemic, with 65% already making over 40% of their workforce redundant, with many more to follow after the announcement of restrictions, ahead of the Christmas period. The survey also highlighted that 74.4% of businesses surveyed were commercial tenants with 77.6% with over 2 Quarters in rent arrears and were suffering extreme financial hardship. The new restrictions coming in will continue to intentionally exclude the night time economy, the festive period plans will break the back of thousands of businesses and hundreds of thousands of jobs lost leading into January.

Michael Kill, CEO of NTIA said:- "Our sector works incredibly hard alongside Government departments, to ensure that our businesses are:- 'Covid Safe' only to be hit, yet again with unworkable and unviable business restrictions, that have no scientific evidence base. Industry and business leaders are speaking up, highlighting the immense impact of restrictions to their sector, individual companies releasing huge redundancy figures, business owners suffering from:- mental health, and suicide rates within the sector steadily increasing. We are being sacrificed in favour of other sectors to open during the festive period; intentionally destroying each and every opportunity for the Night Time Economy to survive. This announcement by the Government has led us to believe that they are intentionally aiming to collapse our sector. Every Town and City across the UK stands to lose valued and much loved venues. This will be another stab in the heart of our Town and City Centres We stand to lose the cultural institutions and amazing workforce of professionals that the UK are renowned for globally. Our clubs, bars, venues, security, freelancers, staff, managers, DJ's and many more will lose their livelihoods and continue to suffer financial hardship without Government intervention I make a direct appeal to the Prime Minister, Mr Johnson, what are you doing to save the lives and livelihoods of the many businesses and workers within the night time economy, businesses that have been closed since March and are continuing to suffer? They have staff and freelancers that will lose their jobs irrespective of furlough because the businesses won't survive. What do you say to that Prime Minister, I hope you are sleeping well at night because thousands within our sector are struggling to sleep, in fear of their future.”

Key survey findings:-

►  How long will Businesses last?

►  75.6% of Businesses will be closed by Christmas.

►  Workforce and Redundancies:-

►  73.1% From Businesses surveyed have made redundancies since the start of the pandemic.

►  65.2% From Businesses surveyed have made over 40% of there workforce redundant already and are set to make further redundancies before the end of the year.

Commercial Rent:-

►  74.4% From businesses surveyed rent their property as a Commercial Tenant.

►  70.6% From businesses surveyed are in rent arrears.

►  77.6% From businesses surveyed are Over 2 Quarters in rent arrears.

Business Support Grants:- On average ₤4227 per month has been received as a grant by businesses surveyed, bearing in mind that compared to operating costs this is support is the equivalent to a moderate proportion of costs.

Average Rateable Value:- Average rateable value for businesses surveyed is ₤99,005 substantiating the fact that many have been outside of RV thresholds for the initial grants and have limited or no support outside of Furlough and loans.  Also, many owners and freelancers can't apply get furlough and adequate loans.