SIBA comments on the proposed new restriction limiting takeaway sales of beer from pubs and breweries

COMMENTING on the proposed new restriction limiting takeaway sales of beer from pubs and breweries, James Calder, SIBA Chief Executive said:- "As if a second national lockdown in England wasn't disastrous enough for pubs and independent breweries, Government have gone further this time around and introduced an unjustified restriction banning pubs from selling takeaway beer, a service which was the only source of income for many businesses during the summer lockdown. This is baffling considering supermarkets will presumably still be allowed to sell packaged beer, whilst small breweries and pubs will not.

It is nonsensical to impose these new restrictions when pubs have time and time again proved that they are covid secure, both during lockdown when takeaway was their only option and since pubs re-opened on the 4 July.

After discussions with Ministers and Departments over the weekend we're aware that this is being considered now by members of the Cabinet and need the Government to urgently clarify the following, before regulations are put to Parliament on Wednesday:-

1. That pubs can continue to sell takeaway alcohol. If not, provide us the evidence for why they cannot.

2. Clarify that online sales from breweries, delivered to consumers homes can continue as they did throughout lockdown.

3. Clarify that breweries with an on site shop operating click and collect or brewery pickup can continue to sell beer to consumers.

4. That bottle shops and shops run in brewery premises should be considered, like off licenses, as essential retail and allowed to remain trading.

Government has time and time again failed the independent brewing sector by not providing the support we need. We now need to see, in addition to this clarification:-

1. The evidence that pubs are a major source of the transmission of the virus, justifying their closure.

2. An extension of business rate holidays and grants to Breweries

3. An extension of the VAT cut to 5% for independent brewery beer

4. Full and identical support offered to breweries that has been, and will be offered to pubs."

North West Air Ambulance Charity welcomes new Director

THE North West Air Ambulance Charity (NWAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Naismith as its new Director of Income Generation and Engagement. Sarah joins after 17 years as Charity Director at the Manchester Foundation Trust Charity (MFTC), where she helped grow a fundraising appeal to build a new Children's Hospital into an organisation raising money for the largest NHS Trust in the country, funding vital treatment, research and care projects at Hospitals across Manchester and Trafford.

Sarah joins NWAA as the new Director of Income Generation and Engagement, where she will be responsible for developing and delivering NWAA's income and engagement strategy. In her new role, Sarah will work across the teams to foster the charity's focus on the supporters that enable the lifesaving service to remain operational.  NWAA's crew of highly skilled HEMS Paramedics, Doctors and Pilots man 3 Helicopters and a fleet of rapid response vehicles, attending some of the most traumatic and life threatening incidents in the Region. The charity operates 365 days a year, bringing lifesaving enhanced pre-Hospital care direct to patients in critical condition across the Region. It takes ₤9.5 million each year to fund these efforts, with the generous support from fundraisers, volunteers and donors playing a pivotal role.

Sarah Naismith, Director of Income Generation and Engagement, said:- "I'm thrilled to be joining a charity that has such an enormous impact on so many people across the North West. The skills, expertise and resources of the Air Ambulance can, in a real sense, change patients' lives, and this vital work is entirely charity funded. It's a challenge, but one I am eager to support. I'm looking forward to enhancing the brilliant work already underway at the charity, and particularly growing our focus on the people who keep the crew flying and out on the roads."

Heather Arrowsmith, CEO at the charity, said:- "We are delighted to welcome Sarah to the NWAA team. The charity has undergone significant change in recent years. We've pioneered new interventions for patients, grown our clinical and operational resource on the ground, and expanded the teams who work hard every day to meet our fundraising goals.  Without meeting these goals, we would not be able to carry out our missions which make a lifesaving impact on patients across the North West. Therefore, finding the best people to support income generation is vital, and Sarah's experience is so welcomed and will ensure the charity can fortify its fundraising efforts during these challenging times, so that it can continue to make a lifesaving difference to the people of the North West."

British Judo Withdraw from European Championships

"THE Consultation Group shaping the GB Judo Return to International Competition Risk Assessment recently met to discuss ongoing concerns around the Great Britain Delegation attending the 2020 Senior European Championships in Prague, Czech Republic from 19 November to 21 November 2020. Following long and difficult discussions, it was unanimously agreed that due to the ongoing high risk concerns around the Coronavirus Pandemic in the UK, in Europe, and specifically in the Czech Republic, British Judo have unfortunately taken the very difficult decision to withdraw the whole of the Great Britain Delegation from the 2020 Senior European Championships, with immediate effect. Rest assured, this decision was not taken lightly however, as previously communicated, the health and safety of our team members and their families is paramount." British Judo.

Support local businesses over lockdown

SOUTHPORT BID is urging people to do what they can to support local businesses as a 2nd lockdown looks set to begin this Thursday, 5 November 2020. Prime Minister Boris Johnson will tell Parliament today that the Government will seek to ease the restrictions, on 2 December 2020 and return to tiered Regional lockdowns. He will warn that failure to act now would cause deaths over the winter to become "twice as bad or more" compared with the 1st wave.

Southport BID CEO Rachel Fitzgerald said:- "This is devastating news for the Town, but obviously necessary from a health point of view. We urge everyone in Southport to continue to support our local economy. 1 great way of doing this is through buying the new Southport Gift Card as either gifts or Christmas presents for friends and family. Southport Gift Cards are accepted by more than 70 local businesses in Southport, and this way money will go into the local economy in the New Year when our businesses will need it most. While many businesses in Southport will soon be closing temporarily, there are also many which are classed as 'essential businesses' which will remain open. Others are already diversifying, with many offering home delivery, click and collect or takeaway services. Our shops and other businesses will remain open until the new restrictions come into force on Thursday, so please use them for what you need while you can. Christmas shopping season will be in full swing when businesses are allowed to open in December, so I hope people are looking forward to seeing them back open again. When our shops, restaurants and bars reopen next month, Southport BID will create a Nutcracker Trail around Southport Town centre while the 1st of our brand new decorative lights along Lord Street will be operational, to help bring some sparkle to the festive season. When doing your shopping or your Christmas shopping, please do all you can to support local businesses in Southport at this vital time."

For more details about Southport Gift Card please visit:- SouthportBID.Com.

Botanic Gardens volunteers celebrate Green Flag honours

VOLUNTEERS at the majestic Botanic Gardens in Church Town in Southport are proudly flying the Green Flag as a reward for their hard work throughout the year. The Botanic Gardens Community Association Volunteers fulfilled all the strict criteria needed to gain the community award. Judges gave them the prestigious honour for the work they do all year round in the park. The Green Flag will fly proudly from a post at the main entrance.

David Cobham, who runs the Botanic Gardens Community Association Volunteers, said:- "We would like to thank all our funding supporters and sponsors, it would not be possible without them. Sefton Council decided to withdraw from the annual competition but we felt that a Green Flag accreditation gave the Gardens a standard that would encourage people to visit and should be flying from the tall entrance flag posts with pride.The Botanic Gardens Community Association volunteers have been successful in achieving the highest mark of Outstanding for 6 years in the RHS North West in Bloom Competition culminating in Best Overall Entry last year. We enquired if we could enter to be judged on the work we do. So we applied for the Green Flag Community Award which covers a whole host of sections to be marked by a visiting judge. We put in a detailed presentation pack and were accepted for judging. We were then locked down and out of the park for over two months but the judge was very impressed with the way we had knuckled down when allowed to work again. Ann Cobham our gardening organiser rang around and we visited plant growers to obtain what was available to plant up most of the usual displays and got to work tidying the park up as best we could. And we also opened up the Fernery and the public toilets, which we have taken over, and we started to fund and improve the very popular Aviary to keep it in business. We were absolutely proud and pleased to be awarded the coveted Green Flag at our first attempt which is unusual and especially as there was no In Bloom competition this year."

Sefton Council used to provide the Botanic Gardens with a Nurseries Manager and seven staff members to look after the park all year round. But 5 years ago staff members were axed due to budget cuts. A number of volunteers decided they would do everything they could to keep the historic park looking its best. They work in all weathers to maintain the facility for the benefit of local families, helped by support from local sponsors and from Green Sefton, which is part of Sefton Council. The park also welcomes thousands of visitors throughout the year, who provide a boost to local restaurants, pubs and shops. David Cobham said:- "I thank all our dedicated volunteers who turn up whatever the weather all year round. And, also without our local funding sponsors it would not be possible. We look forward to our tenth year hoping that the successes and income we have brought to the Botanic Gardens will encourage much needed major funding being provided for major infrastructure and restoration improvements on the spectacular but silted up lake and its bridges which are in dire need of some loving care. That would bring the Botanic Gardens back to its former glories and would tick all the boxes for health of body and mind and safety for people and wildlife and a top national attraction for Church Town and Southport."

A host of Southport residents and businesses have come together to mark the launch of the Southport Town Deal in a special video

THE Southport Town Deal board have today released a video showcasing some of Southport's main attractions and highlighting the potential of its business and visitor economy. The video also stars a host of Sandgrounders spanning a number of generations to welcome the bid. Produced by Sefton Council, the film brings together local businesses, students and residents to celebrate the launch of Southport's bid for Government Town Deal funding, worth ₤50 million for the future transformation and regeneration of the resort. The bid itself focuses on visitor attractions, water sports, business spaces, water shows and a new events space. The funding will pave the way for Southport to transform its fortunes and maximise the great potential it has to offer; the bid is hoping to attract a wider ₤400 million investment.

The bid is part of the Government's Town Deals Fund, developed to 'level up' and drive the economic regeneration of Towns across England. Rob Fletcher, Chair of the Town Board said:- "Our plan has been informed by the biggest conversation that the Town has ever had about its future. We've had 7,000 pieces of individual feedback from residents, business and visitors. 700 School children from the Town have also put their ideas forward. Our plan is designed to provide opportunities for our current residents and future generations."

Dwayne Johnson, Chief Executive at Sefton Council, said:- "The Town Deal process has raised the profile of Southport with investors and we can already see the positive effect it is having. For example, Sefton Council has just announced an exclusivity agreement with GoSurf to create The Southport Cove Resort. This ₤40m privately financed investment will bring a unique surf wave pool and wellness and spa facilities to the heart of the Town. The resort will add value to our Town Deal plan and complement our proposed projects, such as the convention and events centre and Marine Lake experience."

A decision on the funding is expected early 2021 and further details of projects will be released in the next few weeks.

Southport BID has welcomed proposals to secure up to ₤50million funding for the Town

THE BID has been part of the Southport Town Deal Board which has now submitted an ambitious plan to the Government to provide a new waterside events centre, all weather visitor attractions, new business incubators and a spectacular light show in the Marine Lake. Lord Street, the Town's grand boulevard that inspired the Champs Elysees, would be restored to its former glory and a new events space created. An immersive water, light and sound show experience is proposed on the Marine Lake.

Southport Pleasureland would be transformed, partnering with a globally recognised brand to create a themed indoor attraction open to visitors all year round. The funding will kickstart a wider ₤400m investment in the Town and bring 1,250 additional jobs to the area as a result of the initial projects.

Southport BID CEO Rachel Fitzgerald said:- "We are delighted with the Southport Town Deal submission. We are keen to support any activity which encourages new businesses to come into Town while also creating new jobs. We hope that these exciting plans will increase investor confidence in Southport, leading to the further development of our Town Centre and drive continuous business growth. This substantial new investment will provide vital support and attract greater spend for the existing businesses we already have here in our Town. Creating a new Southport incubator in 1 of the vacant buildings in Southport Town Centre will help new businesses to develop. A larger Enterprise Store in 1 of Southport's former department store buildings will provide scale up accommodation for expanding businesses. Building work begins on Monday to transform Southport Market into a brand new food, drink and events hub, with money for that already having been secured through Southport Town Deal. All 3 of these initiatives will provide vital platforms for new businesses in Southport to start out and to grow. Southport is designed for living well and this bid supports that."

1 of the exciting elements of the Southport Town Deal bid is for a new waterside convention and events centre on the site of the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre, which closed in March as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
The space would house a 1,200 seat auditorium, exhibition halls as well as a cafe and co-working space.

This state of the art facility has been designed for flexible use and targeted at attracting new types of events such as esports to the North West Region. Rachel Fitzgerald said:- "Southport Theatre and Convention Centre generated substantial trade and footfall for hotels, shops, restaurants, bars, suppliers, freelance workers such as singers, florists and DJs and other businesses in the Southport area before it closed earlier this year. The plans to create a new waterside events centre are really exciting. We want the new facility to be able to host events and attract millions of visitors not just on a weekend but throughout the week and throughout the year, bringing huge benefits to local businesses. We believe these Southport Town Deal proposals will help to further develop our Town Centre and drive continuous business growth. I urge the Government to give its backing to these plans so that work can begin as soon as possible."