COVID -19 - Advice and Signposting for Tourism Businesses

VisitEngland are closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak and are working hard to provide you with the very latest information to support your business at this very challenging time. They are feeding in industry concerns to Government via the Tourism Industry Emergency Response Group and will be sharing practical advice as soon as it becomes available, publishing the latest announcements and industry information on their dedicated COVID-19 page. All of their information is kept under continuous review and is updated often.

You will also find a number of useful VisitEngland webinars and workshops on their site to help your business recovery. 

Bookmark VisitEngland's Business Advice Hub page here

To see the number of cases of COVID-19 in England and the UK visit the UK COVID-19 dashboard - https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/

To see the number of cases globally see the World Health Organisation dashboard - https://covid19.who.int/

In these difficult times, we want to ensure that we continue to highlight our beautiful coast, towns, countryside and the tourism businesses within them but we know you need help right now. Below you will find information on the following:

Monday 7 February 2022

Click here for more information on:

• Additional Restrictions Grant Scheme top-up
• Cut VAT to save £4.6bn and ‘level up’, industry bodies urge Government
• East Suffolk Council's Digital Business Festival starts today!

Wednesday 19 January 2022

Click here for more information on:

• Lifting Of Plan B Restrictions, England to move back to Plan A
• Reclaiming Statutory Sick Pay

Tuesday 18 January 2022

Click here for more information on:

• Omicron Funding - applications now open
• Updated self-isolation guidance

Wednesday 5 January 2022

Click here for more information on:

• Update on Omicron Hospitality & Leisure Grant and ARG Fund

Tuesday 21 December 2021

Click here for more information on:

• £1bn fund to support Hospitality and Leisure Businesses
• Test And Trace Payment Scheme
• Furlough Repayment

Monday 20 December 2021

Click here for more information on:

• Financial Impact Survey for DCMS
• Test And Trace Guidance Updated
• Updated Wedding Guidance
• Guidance for people with animals updated
• Scottish industry support announced
• New guidance and restrictions in Wales
• Furlough Scheme Guidance Updated
• East Suffolk Tourism & Visitor Economy Recovery Plan

Monday 13 December 2021

Click here for more information on:

• Updated guidance for venues and events which require mandatory Covid checks

Friday 10 December 2021

Click here for more information on:

• Updating of primary guidance
• NHS Covid Pass guidance updated

Thursday 9 December 2021

Click here for more information on:

• Move to Plan B
• Wearing Face Coverings
• Public Guidance Updated

Wednesday 8 December 2021

Click here for more information on:

• East Suffolk Tourism & Visitor Economy Recovery Plan

Monday 6 December 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• Updated Primary Guidance for Restaurants, Pubs Bars, Nightclubs And Takeaway Services
• Event Reinsurance Scheme
• Social Impacts of Coronavirus
• Complete Visit East of England's business survey and win £100 High Street vouchers
• Entries open for VisitEngland Tourism Superstars individuals and teams
• English Tourism Week returns next Spring - 18 to 27 March 2022

Thursday 2 December 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• Test And Trace Guidance Updated 
• Test And Trace Support Payments 
• Face Covering Poster 
• Resources Related To Getting A Covid Booster 
• Quarantine Hardship Grant Eligibility Extended 
• CJRS Guidance Updated
• CMA Code On Environmental Claims

Wednesday 1 December 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• DCMS request feedback on cancellations across the industry.
• Various Primary Guidance Documents Updated
• Public Guidance on Face Masks
• New Self-Isolation Legislation
• Updated Transport Guidance

Monday 29 November 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• New Measures being Introduced following detection of Omicron in UK
• Booster vaccines - this guidance applies to ENGLAND
• Vaccinations for 12 to 17 year olds - this guidance applies toENGLAND
• New Countries Added to Red List

Monday 9 August 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• New Events Insurance Scheme
• Daily Workplace Testing
• CJRS Update
• Updated Kickstart Guidance
• Analysis Of Call For Evidence On Commercial Rents
• Visa Free Travel For Short Tours

Thursday 29 July 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• Removal Of Quarantine Requirement For Visitors From Europe And The US
• Transiting through France
• Testing Requirements For Children
• Guidance On International Cruises Updated
• SEISS Webinars And Video
• Advice on NHS Test & Trace COVID-19 compliance checks in hotels and other guest accommodation

Wednesday 21 July 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• Updated Guidance on Test And Trace
• Nadhim Zahawi’s Statement
• Impact of Coronavirus On Businesses In Different Regions
• Guidance for Pregnant Employees
• Support employees to get a Covid vaccine
• Updated guidance on use of QR codes for certain businesses

Monday 19 July 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• Announcements of Covid Passports For Large Crowded Settings and Testing As An Alternative To Self-Isolation
• Coronavirus Impact on Hospitality
• Managing Public Outdoor Settings
• Test And Trace Update
• Announcement On Vaccination For Vulnerable Young People
• Wedding Guidance Updated
• Public Guidance Updated
• Change to Amber List Rules
• Guidance on Volunteers Updated
• Safer Aviation Guidance Updated
• Cruise Ship Guidance Updated

Wednesday 14 July 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• Updated Guidance for Businesses
• The Move to Step 4 - announced Monday 12 July 2021
• At the same time as removing the restrictions noted above, the Government is keeping in place key protections
• Wales To Move To Alert Level One on 17th July

Tuesday 6 July 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• Step 4 Covid 19 Response: Summer 2021

Monday 5 July 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• Boris Johnson’s Update 5 July
• Social Distancing Review
• Certification Review
• Events Research Programme Findings

Monday 28 June 2021 - second edition

Click here for more information on the following:

• Councils Asked To Be Flexible Regarding Campsites
• Wedding Guidance Updated
• Coastal Business Barometer Survey for Tourism and Hospitality Industry - June 2021 wave

Monday 28 June 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• Events Research Programme: Phase I Findings
• Third Round of Culture Recovery Fund
• SEISS – Fifth Grant
• Social Impacts of Coronavirus
• Testing Before Travel To England
• R Number and Growth Rate

Thursday 24 June 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• Tourism debates in Parliament this afternoon; 3.50pm Westminster Hall general debate on aviation, travel and tourism and Covid-19 and; approx 5.30pm Lords Debate on the Need to Promote Tourism in the UK

Wednesday 23 June 2021

Click her for more information on the following:

• Updated Primary Guidance For Tourism, Hospitality & Wedding Businesses
• Coronavirus Restrictions - What You Can And Cannot Do Guidance Updated
• New Guidance For Travelling To And From England
• Consultation On Improving broadband For Very Hard To Reach Premises
• Deferred VAT Guidance Updated
• Grant Distribution by Councils
• Guidance on Pregnant Employees Amended
• More EU Settlement Scheme Seminars

Monday 14 June 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• The Tourism Recovery Plan

Monday 17 May 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• Revised Guidance for Lounges in accommodation properties
• Updated Guidance On What You Can And Cannot Do from today
• Shared shower facilities at campsites
• Step 3 Posters
• Test and Trace in the Workplace Guidance Updated
• WOTTOS Endorsement Scheme
• Volunteering Guidance Updated
• Covid Travel Charter
• Travel Guidance Updated
• Guidance on Quarantining Updated

Monday 10 May 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• Visitor Economy Guidance Updated
• Travel Traffic Light System
• Demonstrating Vaccine Status When Travelling Overseas
• Kickstart Scheme Guidance Update
• Social Impacts of Coronavirus
• R Rate and Growth Number - Friday 7 May 2021

Thursday 6 May 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• Department of Health Test and Trace Briefing sessions today at 2.30pm and Tuesday 11 May at 3.30pm

Wednesday 5 May 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• Primary Guidance For Restaurants, Pubs, Bars And Takeaways Updated
• Coronavirus APPG Report
• Extension to Payment Deadlines
• Compliance With Self-Isolation Requirements
• Relaxation on attendance at funerals
• Test and Trace Workplace Guidance
• ONS Social Impacts Research
• BVA BDRC Recovery Tracker
• VisitEngland Consumer Sentiment Tracker
• Suffolk Growth Partnership Webinars
• Suffolk Day - 21 June 21
• Latest R Number and Growth Rate

Monday 12 April 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• Primary Guidance updated for taking payments - restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services
• Quick reference to the Primary Guidance for Visitor Economy Businesses and Hotels and Other Guest Accommodation
• CJRS Guidance Updated
• Sports and Gym Facilities Guidance Updated
• UK Gigabit Voucher - this one is really worth knowing about!
• Wedding show-rounds
• Safer Travel Guidance Updated

Wednesday 7 April 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• Confirmation of Step 2
• Restart Grant - East Suffolk Council
• Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) recipients
• Reminder on Furlough Claims
• New Recovery Loan Scheme
• Updated Test and Trace Guidance
• Future Relaxation - Roadmap Reviews
• Twice weekly rapid testing to be available to everyone in England
• New Red List Countries
• Code of Practice for Commercial Properties
• Travel within the Common Travel Area

Wednesday 24 March 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• Regulations set out that pave the way for restrictions easing from 21 June in England
• Clarity for accommodation and Step 2
• Restart Grants guidance update
• Additional Restrictions Grants (updated 22 March 2021 to include £425m top-up from 1 April 2021)
• Measures to support the reopening of high streets and seaside resorts in England
• Events Research Programme Terms of Reference
• NCTA Business Barometer Survey
• National Lockdown: How the rules will change on 29 March

Wednesday 3 March 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• 2021 Budget - key points for tourism

Tuesday 2 March 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• Reopening High Streets Safely Fund
• Some answers to queries on the Government's Roadmap from DCMS

Monday 1 March 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• “We’re Good to Go” Links With “Safe Travels”
• FREE Experience workshops! 
• £5bn scheme for High Street shops and hospitality firms in England unveiled
• Northern Ireland Economic Recovery Action Plan
• Business Innovation Support Package
• MPs write to chancellor to demand more support at the Budget 

Thursday 25 February 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• Extra support for East Suffolk businesses
• Well, that explains everything …
• Questions arising from the roadmap
• Business Grants Data
• Levelling Up Fund
• Revised Guidance for Holiday and Out of School Clubs

Click here for additional Government guidelines on re-opening

Monday 22 February 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• The main points from the Prime Minister’s Statement to parliament on the Roadmap to Recovery - Spring 2021

Tuesday 16 February 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• East Suffolk Council's Digital Advice Service
• UK Economy Contracted by 9.9% during 2020 - tourism focus

Tuesday 9 February 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• Grants open for applications from Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Get your spring/summer imagery here!
• VisitBritain extend We're Good To Go industry standard 
• Rapid Testing available in Suffolk
• Workplace testing for employees
• Unexplored England marketing campaign encourages bookings - for when it is safe
• Bounce Back Loans
• Self Assessment Payments Including Class 2 National Insurance Contributions
• Situation update 

Tuesday 2 February 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• FCA Business Interruption Policy Checker and FAQ
• CBIL Repayment Extensions
• Christmas Support Payment deadline extended to 28 February
• Lockdown Guidance Updated
• Travel Guidance Updated
• Penalty Notices Doubled

Thursday 21 January 2021

Click her for more information on the following:

• Visitor Economy Grant Scheme still open - grants available between £1K and £3K
• National Coastal Tourism Academy Business Barometer Survey

Friday 15th January 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• Grants for businesses affected by the new restrictions

Tuesday 5 January 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• National lockdown - Business Grants
• National Lockdown - Tourism-Related Businesses Required to Close
• National Lockdown Rules

Monday 4 January 2021

Click here for more information on the following:

• Have your say on East Suffolk Council’s 2021/22 budget priorities

Thursday 31 December 2020

Click here to send us information on your business if you offer online shopping or if you are a food/hospitality business offering local takeaway/delivery in line with Tier 4 restrictions.

Thursday 31 December 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Changes to Tiers from 31 December - Suffolk remains in Tier 4

Wednesday 23 December 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Latest update on Suffolk moving into Tier 4 from Boxing Day
• Three big positives to go into 2021 with:
• Book your 2021 Holiday Campaign
• Escape the Everyday Campaign
• People love www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk - great website and social media stats for the year!

Monday 14 December 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Cut Tourism VAT campaign - please complete survey by 18 December
• Coronavirus Cases by Local Authority
• Christmas Support Payment for Wet-Led Pubs
• Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme Update
• Self-Isolation Period Reduced From 14 to 10 Days

Thursday 10 December 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Christmas Support for Wet-Led Pubs
• Tier Review on 16 December
• Business Eviction Ban Extended
• Updated Support Bubble Guidance
• Safer travel guidance for passengers update (England)

Tuesday 1 December 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Third SEISS Grant Now Open
• Christmas Guidance
• Detailed Guidance for Different Tier Levels
• Postcode Checker
• Christmas Shopping Hours Extended
• Visit East of England - Regional Tourism Business Survey
• Discretionary Grants for Dissolved Businesses
• Heritage Location Guidance Updated
• Transmission Risk in the Hospitality Sector
• Test To Release Guidance

Thursday 26 November 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Tier 2: High alert - what you need to know
• Full list of local restriction tiers by area
• BBC Lockdown rules: What Covid tier is your area in and what are the restrictions - Postcode checker
• New FAQ on Grant Schemes
• Spending Review 2020 - Key tourism points
• Christmas Bubble Guidance

Tuesday 24 November 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Confirmation of re-opening date in England - 00:01 on Weds 2 December 2020

Monday 23 November 2020

Click below for more information on the following:

• Additional Restrictions Grant now open for applications
• Post National lockdown regime from midnight on Weds 2 December 2020

Thursday 12 November 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Local restrictions support grants (LRSG) now open for applications at East Suffolk Council

Monday 9 November 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Visit East of England's Business Survey - complete by 10pm on Sunday 22 November 2020

Friday 6 November 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Extension of the CJRS
• Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Grant Extension
• National Restrictions Poster
• Update to Visitor Economy Primary Guidance
• Air Corridor Update
• Weekly Coronavirus Report

Thursday 5 November 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Q&A's from DCMS on latest guidance
• Addendum on Local Restriction Grant Support
• Question on Grant Eigibility
• World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Forecast

Click here for Brexit update including:

• Brexit - New Points Based Immigration System
• Brexit - The Tourism Sector from January 2021
• Brexit - Arts, Culture and Heritage Collection from January 2021

Tuesday 3 November 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• New national restrictions for England from 5 November 2020
• Grants available up to £3,000 a month
• Furlough and JRS
• Self-employment grant extended
• Interest free loan scheme extended
• New Style Employment and Support Allowance
• DCMS Seven Point Check List to help businesses prepare for Brexit

Thursday 22 October 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Chancellor's announcement
• Alert levels - make it easy for your customers to understand what this means when they visit you 
• Job Support Scheme (Open and Closed)
• Extended SEISS
• Local Lockdown Changes
• ONS Research – Impacts on Businesses
• Job Retention Scheme and SEISS Statistics
• New Local Authority Allocation

Thursday 15 October 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Local lockdowns announced this morning
• Alert levels - the restrictions and legislation associated with them
• Unexplored Suffolk & Norfolk campaign launch paused
• Updated Wedding Guidance
• COVID-19 Business Barometer Survey for Tourism and Hospitality Industry - Autumn wave
• Updating Festival Guidance
• Kickstart Promotional Material

Monday 2 October 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• COVID-19 Business Barometer Survey for Tourism and Hospitality Industry - Autumn wave
• Guidance in terms of tourism for all lockdown areas
• Job Retention Bonus Details Announced
• Determining which employees meet the minimum income threshold for the Job Retention Bonus
• CJRS
• Weekly National Update
• Guidance Updates - Face Coverings for Staff and Singing and Dancing
• More ONS Research
• National Museum Visitors

Thursday 24 September 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Key components of the chancellors statement – further details will follow soon.
• New Job Support Scheme
• Self-Employment Scheme
• Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans 
• VAT 

Wednesday 23 September 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• More guidance to accompany Prime Minister's announcement on further restrictions yesterday.
• New Rules on Wearing Face Masks
• New Rules and Restrictions on Businesses
• Restrictions on Groups
• Exemptions to the Rules of Six
• Guidance for Transport Operators

Tuesday 22 September 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Prime Minister's Statement

Wednesday 16 September 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Financial Conduct Authority Coronavirus Disruption Insurance Judgement - Invitation to speak FCA legal team deadline 17 September - 5pm.

Monday 14 September 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• The R number and growth rate in the UK
• Guidance to Businesses of Rule of Six
• Rule of Six and Tour Groups
• Businesses Urged to Prepare for NHS COVID-19 App
• Priority Actions for businesses on working safely with Coronavirus
• CJRS Guidance Update
• Further Information on Kickstart Scheme
• National Museums
• Local Lockdowns
• Question in the Lords
• Tourism Debate

Thursday 10 September 2020 - afternoon!

Click here for more information on the following:

• Primary Guidance Updated for Rule of Six
• Venues Required to Take Contact Details
• Grants for Businesses Impacted by Local Lockdowns
• ONS Social and Economic Impact Report
• Sports Pilots Reduced to 1000 People
• Bolton Restrictions
• Employer Testing Regimes

Thursday 10 September 2020 - morning

Click here for more information on the following:

The Government has published further guidance on the new “Rule of Six” including a FAQ (note that this applies just to England). It includes information on;

Meeting Others Safely - This new guidance provides more detail on the exemptions which include:

• Weddings
• Education and training
• Work or voluntary/charitable services
• Some organised indoor and outdoor sports, physical activity and exercise classes (further linked details are provided on this)
• Youth groups or activities

The guidance also clarifies that COVID-19 secure venues can continue to host people up to their social distancing capacity but that no one can visit in a group of ,ore than 6 (except for the exemptions and where the household (including bubble) is greater than 6)

There is also a FAQ document to go with the guidance which states, among other things:

• People should not go on holiday in England with people outside their household (including bubble) in a group larger than 6 people
• Where people can travel to or what they can do on a holiday is not affected provided that the group size is not exceeded
• This does not change the guidance on what to do if someone catches Coronavirus while on holiday

Wednesday 9 September 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Social gatherings above six banned in England from 14 September - impact on tourism businesses

Friday 28 August 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

UK Government backs joint Norfolk and Suffolk ‘Unexplored England’ campaign to extend holiday season safely

Monday 24 August 2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• New Anglia Visitor and Wider Economy Grant Schemes open - apply now

Thursday 13/08/2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Do you have your VisitEngland 'We're Good to Go' accreditation?
• AONBs Sustainable Development Fund Recovery Grants NOW OPEN 
• Impact on the UK Economy
• Eat out to Help Out claims portal
• Trade credit insurance
• VisitBritain report: consumer sentiment in France and Germany 
• Coronavirus and the impact on output in the UK economy: June 2020 report 
• HMRC Webinars
• Updated Guidance to Businesses
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Friday 07/08/2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• What to do if someone falls ill whilst away on holiday
• VisitEngland's latest Consumer Sentiment Tracker

Thursday 06/08/2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Last call for business grants scheme as deadline approaches
• Peoples' willingness to visit a restaurant
• Estimate of Potential Redundancies

Wednesday 05/08/2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• £20 million in new grants to boost recovery of small businesses
• £88m grants package - Culture recovery fund for heritage 
• Zoo Animals Fund
• Changes to claims on the Coronavirus Job Retention scheme from 1 August
• Consulting With Employees About Returning to Work
• Verifying that having a child impacted Self-Employment Income
• 90 minute Coronavirus Tests
• VisitBritain's 2020 Tourism Forecast
• Leadership programmes for SMEs
• Test and Trace
• Guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships
• Eat Out to Help Out
• Playgrounds and outdoor gyms
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Monday 27/07/2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Membership Renewal to The Suffolk Coast DMO
• Facemasks update
• Local Lockdowns
• VisitBritain UK Covid-19 Consumer Tracker Report - week 9
• Other businesses and services able to open
• Eat out to Help out VAT information
• Report on Impact of Covid 19 on DCMS sectors
• Travel Behaviour of People in the UK
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Thursday 16/07/2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Success on Caravan Park Extension
• Membership Renewals to The Suffolk Coast DMO
• Updated guidance on the wearing of facemasks
• Additional measures of support for tourism, hospitality and leisure businesses still closed
• Find a Restaurant Service Opens 20th July
• New CJRS and SEISS Stats
• Passing on cost savings to consumers of new lower rate of VAT
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Tuesday 14/07/2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• 'Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme open for registrations yesterday
• Planning rules revised to protect performing arts spaces
• Outdoor events resuming from 11th July
• New government campaign to help prepare for the end of the Brexit transition period - OH JOY!
• New points based immigration system to take effect 1 January 2021
• Updated guidance for managing beaches, the countryside and coastal areas
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Thursday 09/07/2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Pools, gyms, team sport and outdoor gigs to return
• Eat out to help out scheme
• Travel Corridors Guidance Updated
• Public Health Officer Guidance
• Impact on Household Incomes
• Privacy Information Regarding Testing Positive
• Deferring Self-Assessment Payments
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Wednesday 08/07/2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Chancellor announces reduction in VAT to further support tourism and hospitality industry
• Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
• A Plan for Jobs 2020 
• East Suffolk Council cutting red tape to boost market towns
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Monday 06/07/2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• £1.57 billion investment to protect Britain’s world-class cultural, arts and heritage institutions 
• £10 million Kick-starting Tourism Package announced
• FAQ - what to do if someone becomes ill whilst on holiday
• Guidance on maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace
• Guidance on collection and maintenance of data from Information Commissioners Office (ICO)
• VAT payment update
• Coronavirus Travel Corridors
• Updated FCO Travel advice 
• Latest Consumer Sentiment Tracker report from VisitBritain – Week 6, 22-26 June 2020
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Wednesday 01/07/2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Good luck to everyone re-opening from 4th July onwards
• Please tell us when you are opening
• 'Know before you go' consumer campaign
• Now is the perfect time to update your listing page on our website
• Have you got your 'We're good to go' accreditation from VisitEngland?
• Local lockdown measures in Leicester
• Government update as of Tuesday 30 June
• Speech by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the economy
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Thursday 25/06/2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• 'We're Good to Go' official UK-wide industry standard and consumer mark launched
• The Suffolk Coast DMO will display your 'We're good to go' certification on your listing page
• 'Know before you go' consumer campaign
• Covid-19 update section removed from members' website listing pages
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Wednesday 24/06/2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Topline government guidance for tourism and hospitality businesses from 4th July
• Visitor Economy Guidance
• Revised Restaurant and Pub Guidance
• Suffolk Camping/Glamping Facebook Group
• What You Can and Can’t Do After 4th July
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Tuesday 23/06/2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• Green light for re-opening on 4th July but still no guidelines
• Operators react as government gives green light to 4 July opening date and replaces two-metre rule
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Friday 19/06/2020

Click here for more information on the following:

• VisitEngland's “Get Ready to Open” Business Resource Centre
• UKHospitality's Scottish Covid-19 protocols for tourism and hospitality businesses
• New Health and Safety Executive Guidance
• Gaps in Coronavirus Support
• VAT Deferral Update
• Fáilte Ireland releases guidance for opening pubs in Republic of Ireland
• Data on the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on UK economy, personal and economic well-being
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Thursday 18/06/2020

Click her for more information on the following:

• Need a new website? Check out Olivecore website builder!

Tuesday 16/06/2020:

Click here for more information on the following:

• Government guidelines on re-opening of tourism & hospitality businesses
• Propel interview with Andy Wood CEO of Adnams
• Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance updated
• Self-Employment Income Support Scheme guidance updated
• The latest VisitEngland Consumer tracker 1 to 5 June 2020
• Northern Ireland accelerates reopening of tourism and hospitality sector
• Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 4 June to 7 June 2020.
• Re-open EU website launched
• The Institute of Fiscal Studies report on the impact of Covid-19 on coastal communities
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Government updates from Monday 15 June including;

• Guidance for meeting people outside your household has been updated 
• Enforcement guidance for local authorities added on face masks and coverings.
• The FAQ for the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund has been updated
• New rules on face coverings coming into effect on Monday 15 June will help keep passengers safe.
• Guidance for passengers and operators on face coverings on aircraft in England. 
• Guidance on safety in the workplace for shops and branches has been updated
• Green spaces guidance updated with guidance on reopening of animal attractions.
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Thursday 11/06/2020:

Click here for more information on the following:

• 4th July earliest date for tourism and hospitality businesses to reopen
• Amendment to Discretionary Fund Eligibility
• Content call out for Suffolk Day!
• CMA Action on Self-Catering Firm
• Political update 10 June
• Visit East of England Tourism Business Survey - Second Wave Report
• Save the dates for these upcoming VisitEngland business recovery webinars
• Digital Boost
• Destruction of Beer in Cellars to Reduce Risk of Environmental Damage
• DCMS Coronavirus Impact Business Survey
• Local Lockdowns - handling booking terms and conditions
• Free legal support from Prettys solicitors for businesses affected by Covid-19
• Government Business Recovery Roundtables
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Monday 08/06/2020:

Click here for more information on the following:

• Purchasing PPE
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Friday 05/06/2020:

Click here for more information on the following:

• Opening safely on 4th July - Work of the Visitor Economy Working Group
• House Q&A with DCMS - questions on the tourism sector
• Coronavirus insight: News UK May 2020 Report - What are readers’ plans and attitudes towards holidays?
• Trade Credit Insurance backed by £10 billion guarantee
• Coronavirus outbreak FAQs
• More HMRC Coronavirus Webinars
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Wednesday 03/06/2020:

Click here for more information on the following:

• VisitBritain’s consumer sentiment tracker results
• Flexible furlough
• Draft Guidance for Insurance Companies
• Outdoor Sport and Recreation Guidance
• Covid-19: from survival to recovery - Supporting the hotel & visitor accommodation industry through the crisis
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Tuesday 02/06/2020:

Click here for more information on the following:

• East Suffolk Council's Discretionary Grant:Show how vital your business is to the visitor economy
• Trade associations - guidelines on re-opening and operating
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Friday 29/05/2020:

Click here for more information on the following:

• Deadline for VEE Business Survey Sunday 31 May 2020 at 10pm
• Political update from Thursday 29 May 2020
• Test, Trace and Track System
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Thursday 28/05/2020:

• Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund has been launched - find out more and apply here; https://www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/business/covid-19-business-grant-funding/
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Wednesday 27/05/2020:

Click here for more information on the following:

• New website and listing page features
• NCTA evidence to the Government's DCMS Select Committee Inquiry
• Social Distancing and WHO – 1m vs 2m
• Guidance on reopening tourism businesses
• Guidance on Claiming Back Statutory Sick Pay
• French Border Restrictions
• Business Loan Scheme Statistics
• The Science Behind the Decisions
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Tuesday 26/05/2020:

Click here for more information on the following;

• Revised Discretionary Fund Guidance
• Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
• Timetable for Retail to Reopen in June
• BEIS Webinars on Making Your Workplace Safe
• Reopening High Streets Safely Fund Guidance
• ALVA Recovery Tracker
• Consumer Sentiment Research
• Quarantining Exemptions
• Letter on Quarantining from Airlines UK
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Friday 22/05/2020:

Click here for more information on the following:

• Update on Top up to Local Business Grant Fund Schemes
• Competition Markets Authority Taskforce Update
• Update on Eligibility for Furlough
• Corporate Governance and Insolvency Bill
• Government must set out full recovery plan for UK’s devastated tourism industry, say MPs
• Cultural Renewal Taskforce
• Environment Agency Waterways Update
• EasyJet announces they will resume flying a small number of domestic flights on 15 June
• Heathrow launches temperature screening trial
• Visit East of England Business Survey II
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Wednesday 20/05/2020:

Click here for more information on the following:

• Complete the next Visit East of England's Business Survey - Round 2 - deadline 10pm on Sunday 31 May
• Five Steps to Working Safely
• Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme – Online on 26th May
• Advice for People Giving up their Income to Support their Business or Donate to Charity
• Latest Data on Support Schemes
• Taxable Expenses for Employees Working From Home
• Change to Business Support Helpline
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Thursday 14/05/2020:

Click here for more information on the following:

• 100% no brainer - join The Suffolk Coast DMO free of charge!
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Click here for more information on the following:

• New Ministerial Taskforces Announced
• Guidance on Spending Time Outdoors
• East Suffolk Council's Leader asks residents to put safety first
• English Tourism Week 25-31 May 2020
• Self-Employment Claim Open
• Tourism Society Call for Leadership and Co-ordination
• Guidance on Planning
• Guidance on Holiday Pay and Entitlement
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Tuesday 12/05/2020:

Click here for more information on the following:

• Extended Furlough Announcement
• Guidance for Employers to Help Workplaces Operate Safely
• Useful summary of the Government's Recovery Strategy
• East Suffolk & Suffolk wide Business Survey results
• DCMS Survey on Impact
• Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: step by step guide for employers
• New stay alert and safe (social distancing guidance)
• Webinar on How to make a Self-Employment Support Scheme Claim
• NewsCorp Webinar on the Future of Tourism
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Monday 11/05/2020:

Click here for more information on the following:

• Visit East of England's Business Survey Results
• OUR PLAN TO REBUILD: The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Thursday 07/05/2020:

Click here for more information on the following:

• Helping the tourism industry recover from COVID-19 - VBVE proposals for government
• New industry standard in development in response to COVID-19
• Social Media Surgery with Beccie Amer on 20th May at 11am
• How to Treat Certain Expenses and Benefits Provided to Employees During Coronavirus
• Guidance for Businesses Seeking to Help Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise Organisations
• CBI Webinar for SMEs on 11 May
• Less than 25% of people comfortable eating/drinking out as soon as restrictions are lifted
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Tuesday 05/05/2020:

Click here for more information on the following:

• Top-up to Local Business Grant Funds Scheme
• Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Check
• 85 MPs write to Chancellor Demanding Further Tourism Support
• The Competition and Marketing Authority (CMA) to investigate cancellation rights
• The Bounce Back Loan Scheme Opens
• National Associations for Areas of Outstanding National Beauty response to the All Party Parliamentary Group for Hospitality and Tourism inquiry - Pathways to Recovery
• Updates to Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) guidance
• People 1st COVID-19: skills impact & recovery survey
• WTTC Vision & Recommendations for Travel & Tourism Recovery
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Thurs 30/04/2020:

Click here for more information on the following:

• Norfolk & Suffolk Tourist Attractions - PPE & Investigating group purchasing opportunities
• Can you provide accommodation for key workers?
• Special Report: Visitor Attractions - BVA BDRC Tracking Consumer Sentiment on the Impact of COVID-19
• VBVE Domestic Covid-19 Tracker Report
• Update on Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme wage payments for furloughed employees
• Update on Small Business Grants Fund and the Retail, Leisure & Hospitality Grants Fund
• Deadline extended for evidence to the All Party Parliamentary Group for Hospitality and Tourism's 'Pathway to Recovery' consultation
• Urgent response needed from Norfolk and Suffolk Attractions on plans to reopen, complete this survey by the end of today please! 
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Tues 28/04/2020:

Click here for more information on the following:

• New Bounce Back Loans facility for small businesses
• Furloughed Workers to Receive Full Parental Leave Entitlement
• VAT Deferrals Update
• The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) COVID-19 survey
• Covid-19 testing for essential workers
• Cleaning guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19
• G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting
• VisitBritain's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Mon 27/04/2020:

Click here for more information on the following:

Support the Tourism Alliance's campaign #ProtectTourismJobs. Tweet your MP now!

At 3pm today there are DCMS Oral Questions in the House of Commons.  This an excellent opportunity for you to tweet to MPs and Ministers about the need to:

• Introduce flexibility to the Furloughing Scheme
• Keep support measures in place over the winter to help businesses restart

 Remember to use #ProtectTourismJobs when tweeting.

Mon 20/04/2020:

Click here for information on the following:

• Urgent help - please complete our business survey by Thursday 23 April, 10pm
• Free legal support from Prettys solicitors
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Sat 18/04/2020:

Click here for information on the following:

• We need your help! Please complete this business survey for the East of England now!
• Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme extended and open for claims from Monday 20 April
• The Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme has been expanded to cover all viable firms.
• VisitBritain's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Friday 17/04/2020:

Click here for information on the following:

• Respond now to the All Party Parliamentary Group for Hospitality and Tourism Consultation: Pathways to Recovery
• Visit East of England Business Survey 
• Has your insurer not paid out in relation to business disruption insurance?

Thurs 16/04/2020:

Click her to find information on the following:

• Urgent inquiry helping hospitality and tourism businesses back into work to launch
• VisitEngland's Business Hub - Advice for tourism and event businesses affected by COVID-19

Click here to find guidance and information on the following:

• Furlough eligibility cut-off date extended to 19 March
• Self-employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) guidance updates
• Please promote our 4 month FREE membership offer to your business contacts
• Over £16.6m paid to East Suffolk businesses to date

Tues 14/04/2020:

Click here to find guidance and information on the following:

• FAQ on grant funding
• Updated Job Retention Scheme guidance for employers
• List of rules that have been relaxed in order to support businesses impacted by Covid-19
• Macron's speech and Ursula's comments

Thurs 09/04/2020:

Click here to find guidance and information on the following:

• Change to the Furloughed Workers Rules
• Over 800 grant payments have been made by East Suffolk Council so far
• Self-catering Support Website
• Our message is save lives and stay home
• AirBnB no longer taking bookings in the UK
• Home Office Requests Flexibility from Licensing Authorities
• We think you are amazing!

Tues 07/04/2020: 

Click here to find guidance and information on the following: 

• Guidance on claiming employees' wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme 
• Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme
• Obtaining Business Rates Relief And Grant Funding
• Guidance on Deferral of VAT Payments
• Travel, leisure & hospitality - tracking consumer sentiment on the impact of Covid-19 Weekly Report 03/04/2020
• Let us know what you are doing during Lockdown - The Suffolk Coast DMO wants to help get your content out to potential visitors

Thurs 02/04/2020:

Click here for guidance and information on the following:   

• URGENT ACTION: East Suffolk Council is now processing the payment of grants for local businesses

Weds 01/04/2020: 

Click here for guidance and information on the following: 

• Lobby Request from the Tourism Alliance, UKHopsitality and BHHPA
• Grant Funding Scheme comes into operation

Tues 31/03/2020:

Click her for guidance and information on the following:  

• Have you been excluded from the Government's support for the employed and self employed?
• Are you struggling with what to post on social media at the moment?

See below for various other content prior to 27 March 2020:

1. How Visit East of England are representing the region's tourism industry
2. Do you have accommodation available to help vulnerable people including NHS and Care Staff
3. Travel, leisure and hospitality weekly report - tracking consumer sentiment on the impact of Covid-19
4. Further guidelines regarding the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
5. Make sure your premises are secure!
6. Arts Council makes £20 million available 
7. Request from Local Government Association - accommodation for homeless people
8. How some of our accommodation businesses are handling holiday cancellations
9. Financial opportunities and support available
10. What the Suffolk Coast DMO can offer you right now
11. Free Support from New Anglia Growth Hub
12. Historic updates from UK Government, Tourism Emergency Response Group (TIER), VisitBritain/VisitEngland from 18/03/2020 to 26/03/2020

1  How Visit East of England are representing you

VisitBritain/VisitEngland (VB/VE) welcome the collaborative, co-ordinated approach from Visit East of England (VEE) representing the tourism businesses in the region. To date VEE have written two letters to the region's MPs, which have also been sent to DCMS and VB/VE the content of which are very much a result of listening to business concerns. You can read the most recent letter here, we will get the initial letter up asap for you to view.

VEE, Visit Suffolk and Visit Norfolk are in dialogue with all of the regions DMOs and local authorities, as well as representatives on the New Anglia LEP visitor economy sector group. VEE are communicating the daily information from the Tourism Industry Emergency Response group, which includes details of the UK Government's daily briefing summaries, advice and links, VE/VB updates on their blog which you can read here.  Please book mark this page and refer back to it, this is the information that The Suffolk Coast DMO have been providing up to now, however to reduce duplication, we would ask you to use this resource from now on for this information.

Pete Waters, Executive Director of VEE is speaking to DCMS and VisitBritain regularly. They are working hard to ensure Government appreciates the devastating impact this is having on tourism.

VEE welcome any suggestions on what else they should be doing, you can email them here with any concerns that you have info@visiteastofengland.com, you can also sign up for their industry enews here.

2  Do you have accommodation available?

Suffolk Local Authorities urgently need to ensure they have sufficient accommodation available during the current Coronavirus pandemic. Babergh and Mid Suffolk are leading on behalf of all the wider Suffolk Public Sector system to identify the demand, for temporary accommodation solutions. For a wide selection of individuals or groups that may find themselves in need of a place to stay in order to prevent them being homeless, to self-isolate, stay safe (this could include NHS or Care Staff) or recover following recent illness. 

Initially the LAs would like to identify the levels of demand from a number of specific vulnerable groups. Then match this demand with suitable accommodation to meet their needs. If you can help, please complete this form: https://lnkd.in/g8ANadK 

This is a very fast-moving situation and the need to complete this form is urgent and imperative for LAs to understand what you could offer, and how they utilise your willingness and ability to support and assist those in the greatest need. If you have any questions, please email: accommodation@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk

3  Travel, leisure and hospitality weekly report - tracking consumer sentiment on the impact of Covid-19

Friday 27 March 2020: BVA BDRC and Alligator Digital, are using the tools of their trade to help their clients and industry stakeholders make sense of the current uncertainty. This is the first in a weekly series of reports which will monitor the mood of UK consumers, the extent to which the worst is still to come or behind us, what is being spoken about online, as well as changes to anticipated buying / booking lead-times as time passes.

4  Further Guidelines Regarding the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

The Government has sought to make accessing CBILS as easy as possible and are therefore making further clarification on the subject of personal guarantees. Whether a lender requires a personal guarantee for a loan supported by the CBILS is at the discretion of the lender, who is accredited by the British Business Bank. However, a lender is not allowed to take a personal guarantee against a borrower's principle residence under the scheme. So even if a personal guarantee is required under the lender's credit policy, it cannot be taken against the borrower's home. Some major lenders have announced that they are not going to require personal guarantees on loans under CBILS the scheme (of any size). If businesses are worried about the specific terms of finance facilities available under this scheme, they should speak to their usual lender. More information can be found here.

5  Make sure your premises are secure

Sadly, we have had it reported that some business premises which have had to close recently have been broken into.  Please make sure that if you have to leave your premises unattended, that you have adequate security measures in place. Ideally, make sure they are visited frequently to ensure the premises are OK.

6  Arts Council makes £20 million available

The Arts Council is making £20 million available to individuals working in the cultural sector, including artists, creative practitioners and freelancers. Click here to see more https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/covid-19/financial-support-artists-creative-practitioners-and-freelancers  

7  Request from Local Government Association

We have been asked by TIER to pass on a message from the Local Government Association. 

With the closure of accommodation businesses, Councils are having problems placing homeless households into accommodation and finding businesses that will accept bookings from local authority staff. 

They would like to point out that there is an exemption to the closure order for both groups and ask that accommodation businesses contact their local council if they are able to stay open and take bookings. 

They have also asked the Government to consider co-ordinating the procurement of accommodation at a regional or national level.

8  How accommodation businesses are handling holiday cancellations - Weds 25 March 2020

Ways in which some of our accommodation businesses are handling cancellations for holidays due to start during the UK Government's enforced restriction on non-essential travel:

• Suggesting the customer checks with their travel insurance to see if they are covered for cancellations and offer to supply any information to help in this regard alongside offering the following:
• Proactively offering the customer the chance to rebook for another time, later in the year.
• Issuing vouchers to customers for the full price of the holiday with a 2 year expiry date.
• Many of our DMO members are fully booked for April and have now been paid in full for holidays due to start in the next 6 weeks.  Refunding customers would make them bankrupt, so offering vouchers/rebooking is the only option they have.