Liverpool City Region COVID-19 Updates
... & Important Emergency Notices ...

CARE England, the largest representative body for independent providers of Adult Social Care, has expressed disappointment that the Department of Health and Social Care took so long to deliver guidance on visitors to care homes.

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, says:- "This guidance should have been with care providers last month. We are at a loss to understand why the Department of Health and Social Care cannot act quickly in a crisis or why it is deaf to the comments and input from the sector."

As the rest of the country unlocked in June, Care England produced its own guidance for Learning Disability providers, but stopped short of providing guidance for services for older people in the belief that it would be delivered by the Department of Health and Social Care:- 'imminently.' The DHSC guidance, published today can be found at:- DHSC.Gov.UK.

Care England is concerned that the guidance does not address a range of issues including:-

► Supported living.

► Insufficient information about Local Outbreak Boards.

► Volunteers.

► Support staff ratios.

► Lack of information around how a dynamic risk assessment may affect the frequency of visits.

Martin Green continues:- "This guidance fails to consider the issues around visitors and residents leaving the care setting. As lockdown lifts we are likely to see many care providers and relatives wanting to take their loved one out for visits. Also, we need to look beyond outdoor visits and recognise that these new conditions may be with us for quite some time. The failure to acknowledge this nuance underscores the lack of governmental understanding of the complexities present within the Adult Social Care sector."

New report reveals the obstacles holding back UK's ethnic minority entrepreneurs

NEW research, published by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), shows ethnic minority businesses (EMBs) contributed a staggering ₤25 billion to the UK economy in 2018, equivalent to the economic contribution of Greater Manchester, but many are being held back by barriers which hinder their growth. The report reveals:-

► EMBs are more innovative and more likely to export than their non-EMB counterparts.

► EMBs are often detached from mainstream business support, and struggle disproportionately when it comes to accessing finance.

► COVID-19 has brought structural inequalities in the UK to the fore, with many EMBs on the COVID-19 coalface, including corner shop owners.

► A new report from FSB called:- 'Unlocking Opportunity' has highlighted the economic value of ethnic minority businesses in the UK.

The research, carried out in association with Aston University's Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME), found that ethnic minority business owners were more likely to export than non EMB owners in every region.

EMBs were found to be more innovative than non-ethnic minority firms, with 30% of EMBs engaging in recent product or service innovation, 11 percentage points higher than their non-EMB counterparts.

Many ethnic minority entrepreneurs have struggled to access external finance to help their business survive and grow. To unlock the full potential of the UK's EMBs, the report calls on the Government to introduce a scheme to improve ethnic minority access to external finance.

An FSB member who owns a marketing agency said:- "I think the lack of networks is a factor in access to finance. I have a PHD and a MBA. My digital marketing agency is successful, so I feel I have all the things investors say they want from candidates that are seeking investment, yet I'm refused."

Over a 16 year period, nearly 30% of people on average in the Black population were typically involved in thinking about, setting up or operating a business venture, nearly twice the level of the non-ethnic population. However only 3% of respondents over time have been reported as running a start up or a young business with limited variation between sub groups. This suggests that a high number of nascent black entrepreneurs do not realise their vision.

As the COVID-19 recession unfolds, the employment gap between ethnic minorities and non-ethnic minorities is likely to worsen. The report recommends that the Government should recognise the important role that self employment can play, and that the New Enterprise Allowance should be scaled up to help people into self employment.

The report also calls for a comprehensive and regular national study of ethnic minority entrepreneurship in the UK, so we can better assess trends and target business support. Improving our understanding of how ethnic businesses are evolving is key to understanding the changing needs of all small businesses.

Michael Sandys, FSB Merseyside and Cheshire Area Leader for Liverpool City Region, said:- "This new research shines a spotlight on the important contribution made by ethnic minority businesses to the UK economy. If we unlock opportunities for ethnic minority entrepreneurs, this will benefit the UK as a whole. We know from this research that EMBs are incredibly innovative and the Government must harness this by ensuring they are not left out of national strategies and are able to play a vital role as part of a diverse public procurement framework. As we look to the immediate economic impact of the pandemic, we know from research by the Enterprise Research Centre that many EMBs have less resilience than the business population as a whole. With a high proportion of EMBs operating on the 'metaphorical frontline' in their communities, the Government should look to target business support, especially as EMBs traditionally have had lower engagement with mainstream support. Alongside the economic contribution EMBs make, we must also note the vital role they play in contributing to the social value in our communities, by creating jobs and wealth, but also enhancing the social fabric in our society, something which is much harder to quantify, but has been demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. FSB is committed to championing an inclusive small business community that moves away from a '1 size fits all' approach to policy, and towards 1 that caters to the ever changing needs of different ethnic minority businesses."

Director of CREME at Aston Business School Professor Monder Ram, said:- "This landmark study by CREME, the ERC and FSB provides a compelling business case for ethnic minority entrepreneurship. It highlights the vital contribution of ethnic minority businesses and demonstrates their strengths in trade, innovation, and entrepreneurial growth. The qualities will be indispensable to the post COVID-19 recovery."

2021 Application Round Deadline Extended

"DUE to ongoing pressures faced by the industry in light of the COVID19 pandemic, we recognise the difficulties that applicants may be facing in terms of submitting entries to this year's Civic Trust Awards scheme. We have now taken the decision to extend the application deadline by 7 days. The online application system for the 2021 Civic Trust Awards, Pro-Tem Awards (for Temporary Projects & Installations) and AABC Conservation Awards will now close, at 5pm, on Friday, 31 July 2020. The Civic Trust Awards has also been affected by the fallout from the pandemic, we have seen a reduction in applications so far this year in comparison to previous years. As all organisations working through these challenging times, we would greatly appreciate your support in order that we maintain the Awards scheme's 62 year history. As a not for profit organisation, we rely on the support of applicants, members and sponsors. Please see link below to support us as through membership. Download the 2021 Application Guide which includes step by step instructions on how to complete an online entry to each of the awards schemes." Civic Trust Awards.

Liverpool FC and Merseyside Police say:- "Stay at home!"

THE champions will receive their latest piece of silverware in a special ceremony on the Kop following the match against Chelsea Football Club, but both Merseyside Police and Liverpool FC have said fans must not go to the area. Liverpool FC have said:- "Tonight, an evening we've dreamt of for some time... But please don not come to the area, celebrate at home! We will all celebrate together when it is safe to do so. For now, stay safe and celebrate at home, Reds."

Merseyside Police's dedicated Liverpool FC Twitter account posted a tweet directly addressing fans, trying to stop rumours about the Cup being shown outside the grounds. The statement reads:- "Rumours are circulating on social media about the team making an appearance outside Anfield tonight. This 100% will NOT happen. The only place to watch tonight's celebrations is on TV. Please listen to the advice of your manager and players. It's what they want."

Fan groups have also said:- "Liverpool remains the most deprived district in England despite an influx of regeneration cash and a Government drive to reduce inequality in recent years. This makes the local community even more venerable, so if you don't value your health, please think of others. Stay at home and celebrate! True fans will stay at home!"

Liveforce truly believes it will be possible to weather this storm

REVEALING the truth behind the impact of Covid-19 in their benchmark report by Liveforce.co gives a voice to the event and promo staffing industry. Following a survey sent to over 6,000 event professionals, this report measures the business impact of Coronavirus, analyses recovery strategies and forecasts the future for UK event and promo staffing agencies. "No longer able to sit by and wait for things to unfold, our team at Liveforce wanted to provide a degree of certainty in an uncertain time; even if those certainties have a negative starting point!" Greg Lusk, Co-founder, Liveforce. 

Covid-19 has had an impact on every part of our lives and its lasting effects are a concern for everyone.  The events and promo industries have been hit particularly hard, with 55% of event staffing agencies predicted to run out of cash within the next 6 months. Despite generating an estimated ₤70bn to the UK economy and providing 700,000 jobs, the industry as a whole is in a phase of uncertainty. "We are not in the same boat. We are in the same storm! But very different boats!" Michael Wyrley Birch, CEO, TRO.

The aim of the report is to benchmark the industry with a fact based, emotion free indication of how professionals in the industry are coping, what has helped thus far and what the future may hold. Find out when the industry is predicted to return to:- "normal." how event and promo staff feel they've been treated by their agencies and who is likely to go out of business before the market returns. It’s not all doom and gloom! "78% of staff still want to work in the Events and Promo sector despite the effects of Covid-19"

Armed with knowledge Liveforce truly believes it will be possible to weather this storm. The report is available download now.

₤541,000 awarded to North West charities helping provide food to those in need

FOOD aid charities in the North West have received more than ₤541,000 in Government funding to help those struggling to get food as a result of the Coronavirus crisis. 12 charities in the Region have benefited from money from Defra's Food Charities Grant Fund, with grants ranging from ₤30,000 for small charities to ₤110,000 for large organisations. Since the Government's Food Charities Grant Fund was launched in May 2020, 65 charities across England have been awarded more than ₤3.5 million, providing millions of meals to those in need. The grants are designed to provide immediate support to charities helping to feed those suffering from the impacts of the Coronavirus outbreak, including the elderly, those who have left home due to domestic abuse, or those who are struggling financially. The Food Charities Grant Fund was part of a wider ₤16m funding pot, announced in May, which has seen millions of meals provided to thousands of front line charities, with a wider programme delivered by FareShare and WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme).

Food Minister Victoria Prentis said:- "Charities across the North West are doing an amazing job of getting food supplies to the most vulnerable in our society. We know that these organisations are seeing a significant increase in demand, and some have had to scale up their operations so that they can help as many as possible in their communities. That is why we're committed to giving them the extra support they need at this time.”

Manchester based the Bread and Butter Thing has received a ₤110,000 grant. The charity, which has operated since April 2016, works with 33 hubs across Greater Manchester and Darlington but has centralised and upscaled its operation to support a network of partners across the North of England.

The Port Grocery Community Food Club, based out of Trinity Church in Ellesmere Port, was awarded almost ₤40,000 to support its work addressing food waste and food poverty in the community. Those signed up to the scheme pay ₤5 per week to receive fresh and frozen food worth around ₤16 to ₤20.

Eggcup is a surplus food redistribution centre in the Lancaster City Council district, which led a consortium of community food groups that were awarded ₤30,000. It has used the money to buy food, with volunteers and permanent staff members providing additional food to people experiencing hardship during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Mark Game, CEO at the Bread and Butter Thing, said:- "This donation comes at a critical time as we upscale to cope with a 460% increase in demand for our services. Since April, we've moved to a bigger warehouse, opened 6 new hubs and taken on new staff, volunteers and facilities, so we are grateful to Defra for its support of TBBT and our partners at this challenging time."

Mike Steenkamp, Director at The Port Grocery, said:- "The funding we have received from Defra has enabled us to buy in much needed food that we are distributing, by means of home deliveries, to members of our community in need.”

David France, Project Manager at Eggcup, said:- "The Defra crisis funding has provided an essential short term boost at a time when the supply of surplus food has been erratic. Using the funding, we have been able to get a good and balanced range of food to people at the height of the crisis."

Other North West charities that have received funding include:-

► Community and Business Partners (East Lancashire) = ₤30,000.

► The Tree of Life Centre, Wythenshawe = ₤30,000.

► Westview Community Association (Lancashire) = ₤30,000.

► West Lancashire Crisis and Information Centre = ₤36,000.

► Blackpool Food Bank = ₤72,468.

► Carlisle and District Federation of Community Organisations = ₤30,000.

► St James in the City (Merseyside) = ₤39,200.

► Calico Homes (Burnley) = ₤64,285.71.

► Further guidance on how to access food and other essential supplies during the Coronavirus pandemic is available on Gov.UK.