NHS COVID-19 app
The NHS COVID-19 app is a critical enhancement of NHS Test and Trace in England and allows us all to know quicker if we’re at risk of the virus, so we can take action, fast, to protect our communities and the ones we love.
The app provides users with local risk information, alerts them if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, and very importantly has a built-in QR scanner to check-in at venues.
The app is a vital part of the overall NHS Test and Trace service, and it is an important way to control the spread of the virus. But to make it a success, we need businesses and venues across Middlesbrough who will require QR code posters to start generating and displaying NHS QR code posters, so visitors and customers can start checking in safely and securely.
The more people who use the app, the better it will work – and it will help us get ahead of the virus, preventing a second wave and further disruption to the economy.
You can download:
Middlesbrough Council supports your business
Business grants
The latest information about any business grants is available on the Middlesbrough Council business support page.
Business rates holiday for retail, hospitality and leisure
Our retail, hospitality and leisure businesses are vitally important to Middlesbrough and the UK economy. The government has announced these businesses will be supported with a 100% retail rates relief discount for the next 12 months.
If the scheme applies to you, you should get a letter from us. You will also get a revised bill. This means that your business will not need to make any business rates payments during the financial year 2020/2021. Please do not pay anything in the meantime.
Government support available
The government’s business support website has all the information you need if you’re a business owner or a self-employed person. This includes any financial support available, guidance on how to reopen and run your business safely, and how to comply with NHS Track and Trace.
24/7 support from the Tees Valley Business Support Line
Help for businesses is available from the Tees Valley Business Support Line which was established by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority. The support line operates 24 hours, 7 days a week and can provide specific advice to businesses across the region.
The service can signpost you other organisations and support to give your business relevant advice.
If you own a business, are an employer, or are self-employed, you can get in touch with the Tees Valley Business Support Line on 01642 662 777 or email support@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk.
Working safely during coronavirus
The government has produced guidance to help employers, employees, and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic. It has been updated to reflect industry feedback, as well as guidance on Test & Trace, safer travel, and managing security risks.
These 14 guides cover a range of different types of work:
- Close contact services
- Construction and other outdoor work
- Factories, plants and warehouses
- Heritage locations
- Hotels and other guest accommodation
- Labs and research facilities
- Offices and contact centres
- Other people’s homes
- Performing arts
- Providers of grassroots sport and gym/leisure facilities
- Restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services
- Shops and branches
- Vehicles
- The visitor economy
Read the government guidance now. You may need to use more than one of these guides as you think through what you need to do to keep people safe.
Can my business help?
If your company manufactures ventilators or if you can help in their production contact the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The secondment of skilled workers for this purpose may be helpful. If you can help please call the BEIS Business Support helpline on 0300 456 3565 or email ventilator.support@beis.gov.uk.
Do you have space? If you can offer manufacturing and warehouse space, are within the medical supply chain, can support deliveries, or any other sector of strategic importance to the coronavirus response please contact support@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk.
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is looking for rapid sanitising technology to speed up the time it takes to clean ambulances to help in the national effort against Coronavirus and save lives. Email Tees Valley Combined Authority if you can help support@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk.
