There was good news today for non-essential retailers on the High Street who can reopen from Friday 12th June 2020 and we have further information on this below.
There is also an update on the “Small Change To Lasting Change” Programme which is run by a local group of non-profit organisations. This is an important programme for some of your employees who may be facing financial difficulties.
I would also like to remind members that the DEADLINE for the NI Hardship Fund is also on Friday 12th June 2020 at 6pm.
I hope you find these updates of value. If you have any queries which you can’t get answered, let us know. If I can, I will cover them in our next update.
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colm@newrychamber.com
Colm Shannon,
Chief Executive Officer
Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade
HIGH STREET SHOPS TO REOPEN
Newry Chamber welcomes the decision taken by the NI Executive to REOPEN all non-essential retail shops from Friday 12th June 2020.
Colm Shannon, CEO of Newry Chamber commented:
“This is very welcome news that all non-essential retailers on the High Street can reopen their stores from Friday 12th June 2020.”
“Newry Chamber has been working hard to give our retailers a chance to compete fairly and this is great news. Our retailers are at the heart of our city and have invested in measures to ensure the safety of their staff and customers.”
“We are ready to open Newry City again.”
“At this time, it is important to remember and thank the hard work of our Health Service. Their efforts and dedication have put us in the position where retailers can go back to work and begin to provide a service to the people of the Greater Newry Area.”
“As a border community, it is important that we can compete fairly with other businesses on the Island of Ireland and we look forward to further announcements on Shopping Centres and Hospitality.”
PROGRAMME: SMALL CHANGE TO LASTING CHANGE
WHAT IS SMALL CHANGE TO LASTING CHANGE?
“Small Change To Lasting Change” are a local group of non-profit organisations who’ve come together to help the local community get the best out of life.
The group of local organisations involved in the programme include:
Newry Credit Union:
One of the largest Credit Unions in Northern Ireland, established in 1963.
Community Advice Newry, Mourne and Down:
Formerly known as Citizens Advice, with offices and drop-in clinics throughout the district.
Confederation of Community Groups:
A leading community development organisation that supports all sections of the community.
HOW IS THE PROGRAMME DELIVERED?
The original intention had been to bring this programme directly into the workplace, targeting those that are struggling financially and just getting by on their wages.
Due to the developing outbreak of Coronavirus, instead of delivering the programme in public places and meeting applicants face-to-face with the Community Navigator, it will now be delivered online.
If you are aware of any of your workers and employees, particularly those who are now at home who would benefit from this scheme, can you draw to their attention.
Due to COVID-19, the scheme has been paused but will be extended until Sep 2020.
However, in the present circumstances, the programme is needed now more than ever, so if it is something that is of interest, please get in touch to discuss further.
HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH?
T: 07593 443643
E: smallchange@ccgnewrycommunity.org
CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
REMINDER: NI MICRO-BUSINESS HARDSHIP FUND
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: Friday 12th June 2020 at 6pm.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Businesses should ensure they meet the following criteria before applying:
- The business must be based in Northern Ireland.
- At 29th February 2020, the business must have employed between one and nine employees paid via PAYE. Businesses, where the sole employee is the business owner or company director, are not eligible for this scheme. The number of employees will be based on headcount.
- Since 1st March 2020, the business must have experienced a reduction in turnover in excess of 40% as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic or associated Government restrictions.
CHECK IF YOU’RE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY HERE.
HOW DO I APPLY?
You must complete the eligibility checker to apply for the fund. The online checker will help you find out if you qualify for the scheme. If you are eligible, the checker will direct you to the online application process.
The business owner/director must complete the application. Your tax agent, adviser or any other third party cannot apply for you.
Before you apply for the grant scheme, there are some steps that you can take to prepare for completing your application.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU HAVE APPLIED?
Payments will be made after the scheme has closed and the number of successful applications is determined.
You will be able to check the progress of your submitted application online by logging into your dedicated portal account.
Invest NI will process applications as quickly as possible. Once an application is approved, applicants will be notified by email that their application has been successful.
Unsuccessful applicants will also be informed by email.
CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.