Looking up in lockdown - COVER STORY - Issue 167 | July/August 2020 - London Chamber of Commerce
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(Print) ISSN 1469-5162
(Online) ISSN 2051-9524
Issue 167 | July/August 2020
www.londonbusinessmatters.co.uk
COV ER S TO RY
Looking up in lockdown
Page 4
2 July/August 2020 Issue 167 (Print) ISSN 1469-5162 (Online) ISSN 2051-9524
Regulars
Overseas business opportunities
From the Netherlands to Romania
Page 17
Events – the
London Resilience
webinar programme
Pages 22-23
Two minute interview
Andy Stonehouse of
S2 design & advertising
Page 28
Enterprise Europe
Network
News and events
Pages 37-39
12-13 Best London parks for social distancing: the capital’s green lungs
Features
Travel Because I’m a Londoner Local and global
LCCI calls for safe corridors Citywide campaign LCCI in the news
3 5 6-7
Dining out Covid-19 Q&A Hong Kong
As lockdown measures Alert level reduced and Support for international
ease relaxations introduced business
10-11 14-15 16
London exports Leadership Transport
UKEF support Leading is a team activity Commuting
challenges
18 20 26
Lawsuit avoidance Liquidation Employment
London Chamber of Vee Bharakda explains the Alison Charles on
Arbitration and Mediation complexities supporting employees
through uncertainty
27 32-33 34-35
Front cover photo from the Thomann-Hanry archives
London Business Matters is edited by Peter Bishop – pbishop@londonchamber.co.uk
Official Publication of Information London Business Matters is PUBLISHING CONTACTS
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Industry by Gina Forshaw – 0161 274 9329
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gina.forshaw@crosbyassociates.
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Victoria Jayne – 020 7203 1875 International trade events Liverpool (Head Office):
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Export Documents
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Steven Reilly-Hii – 020 7203 1897 Tel: 0330 124 3780
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www.londonchamber.co.uk | www.londonbusinessmatters.co.uk
July/August 2020 News 3
LCCI calls for UK
safe travel corridors
On behalf of London business, “The proposal sends
LCCI questioned government
proposals in June to introduce out the message
a blanket ‘quarantine’ for all
international arrivals to the UK that the UK is closed
for business, at a
I
n a letter to Paul Scully MP Min-
ister for London (also copied to time when we are
the Home Secretary and Trans-
port Secretary), chief executive
beginning to restart
Richard Burge proposed that gov- our economy”
ernment instead take a ‘risk-based
approach’ by introducing country ports during this crisis have been
by country assessments for quar- huge, with London Heathrow hav-
antining visitors and the introduc- ing seen passenger volumes fall 97
tion of safe travel corridors with per cent year-on-year, for example.
other nations. LCCI calls for the government to
also look at targeted support for air-
Photo by: Chris McAndrew / CC BY 3.0)
doesn’t appear to be risk-based. If to limit Covid-19 transmission, ports, including business rate holi-
it was, it would recognise that ar- whilst fuelling economic recovery. days or reductions plus an extension
rivals from some countries with The letter also reports that the of the Job Retention Scheme for the
much lower transmission levels financial pressures on London’s air- aviation sector.
than the UK and low incidence of
the disease would not increase our
risk, provided they adopted our
social distancing protocols on ar-
rival. The proposal sends out the
Paul Scully MP message that the UK is closed for
business, at a time when we are
He wrote: “Domestically, the beginning to restart our economy.”
government’s roadmap to restart-
ing the economy is correctly cen- Risk-based policy
tred on a risk-based approach. LCCI believes that better risk-
Yet this blanket aviation proposal based policy would enable the UK
2 June 2020
Mr Paul Scully MP
Minister for Small Business, Consumers & Labour Markets
Minister for London
Accelerate your Business!
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Dear Minister
I am writing to you on behalf of London business, regarding the government proposal
• Proactive Support
(announced by the Home Secretary on Friday 22 May) to introduce a blanket quarantine (bar
specific exemptions) for all arrivals into the UK. • Fast Response
Domestically, the Government’s roadmap to restarting the economy is correctly centred on a
risk-based approach. Yet this blanket aviation proposal doesn’t appear to be risk-based. If it
was, it would recognise that arrivals from some countries with much lower transmission levels
• No Contract
than the UK and low incidence of the disease would not increase our risk, provided they
Contact Us Today!
adopted our social distancing protocols on arrival. I’ve attached related data from Airports
Council International.
The proposal sends out the message that the UK is closed for business, at a time when we
are beginning to restart our economy.
The economic case for international travel into the UK is, of course, clear. Office for National
Statistics data shows that inbound visitors to the UK spent £28.4bn in 2019 during their visits.
020 3790 7500
Furthermore, an estimated £5.8bn of inbound visitor spending came from business travellers.
Just two examples of the many economic benefits of the aviation industry to both London and Enquiries@LabyrinthIT.com
the UK.
London Chamber of Commerce and Industry believe that better risk-based policy would
enable the UK to limit Covid-19 transmission, whilst fuelling economic recovery. Namely by:
• Adopting country-by-country assessments for quarantining visitors: based on
rates of infection in different countries. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office would
monitor countries that have a lower ‘R’ number than the UK. Visitors from these
countries would be exempt from the 14-day quarantine rule.
• Establishing safe travel corridors with other nations: building on the inbound
quarantine adjustment above. The UK Government should discuss with other nations
reciprocal rules for UK tourists.
4 Your business July/August 2020
Looking up after locking down
– seeing London’s magnificent
architecture with fresh eyes
Adoptive Londoner of ten Prince of Wales theatre was built in
years and marketing manager classic art deco style in the 1930s,
for building restoration whilst The Gielgud dates back
specialists Thomann-Hanry®, 1906. Seeing them all again stirred
Claudia Colombo has great pride in my adoptive home
discovered that absence makes city… stepping back, looking up
the heart grow fonder in our and drinking in the capital’s fabu-
post-lockdown capital lous architecture and rich heritage.
A
fter a few years working in Spectacular
building restoration, it’s all It’s the same story across much of
too easy to get immersed central London. Our work on other
in the technical minutiae of façade buildings, such as The Dorchester
cleans, repainting and masonry re- and all of the other five star hotels
pairs. As a result, one of the unex- in Park Lane, brought us up close
pected consequences as we start to and personal with some truly spec-
emerge from lockdown has been a tacular architecture. And again
renewed sense of perspective – an across in St James’s, where we’ve
ability to stand back, look up and turned back the clock at some 30
appreciate the breathtaking beauty fine historical buildings, restor-
of London’s historical architecture. ing each of them to their original
splendour. Last but not least, paid
Magnificent a visit to the latest addition to our
Walking through the still relative- portfolio – the Somerset House riv-
ly quiet streets of central London er facades, which contemplates all
recently, I was struck by the diver- we can do at its best.
sity and overwhelming grandeur of
our magnificent capital, a city rich Epic scale
in architectural treasures that span I finished my walk on the Em-
the centuries. At Thomann-Han- bankment, looking back up at the
ry® we’ve worked on many of Lon- neoclassical splendour of Somerset
don’s landmarks over the last fif- House, the latest addition to the
teen years, cleaning frontages with Thomann-Hanry® portfolio of work
our scaffold-free façade gommage® across central London. Completed
technique, repairing masonry and in early 2020, the project entailed
painstakingly redecorating met- age of The Ritz, its belle epoque styl- setting – all of these iconic store- window repairs and redecoration,
alwork and woodwork. But, as I ings exuding an inimitably Parisian fronts were cleaned overnight, masonry restoration and facade
emerged from Green Park tube sta- elegance – Portland stone again, effecting an almost magical trans- gommage® to some 3,200 sq. m. of
tion (below) and headed through this time paired with Cornish Grey formation, out of the public gaze. Portland stone. It’s a fabulous build-
Piccadilly towards Regent Street, I Granite. Strolling up Regent Street, Next, heading down Charing ing on an epic scale, epitomising the
found myself re-appreciating many I passed Hamleys, a Grade II Listed Cross Road towards Wyndhams grandeur and majesty of London’s
of the buildings we’ve worked on facade which we cleaned in just two Theatre, which we restored in fine historic architecture.
and falling back in love with a city nights’ work, last year. 2018. Opposite Leicester Square Lockdown’s been a tough but nec-
I’ve sorely missed during lockdown. Underground, and another Grade essary challenge for all of us. Emerg-
Transformation II Listed structure, its impressive ing, blinking, into the light on the
Arriving at Oxford Circus, Modern Renaissance Portland other side, just as I did at Green Park
familiar facades awaited – all stone elevations were cleaned in station on that bright, sunny morn-
buildings we’ve been privileged just eight days. Minutes away in ing in May, there’s a sense of hope
to restore – Spirella House, home St Martin’s Lane, the Noël Coward – and of pride. London is a truly fab-
to Tezenis, and opposite Alita- Theatre is “another one of ours”. ulous city, boasting far more than its
lia House, now Microsoft’s flag- Built in 1903, its free classic style fair share of magnificent buildings.
ship store. Further along Oxford is redolent of the era and a fine ex- Working at Thomann-Hanry®, it’s
Street, two more retail landmarks emplar of the work of prolific the- always been about more than simply
Green Park station itself sits that have benefited from some atre architect WGR Sprague. Back running a profitable business. It’s
within Devonshire House. Built in Thomann-Hanry® TLC – Top- across Leicester Square, the Prince about preserving London’s architec-
the 1920s, we revived its imposing Shop and Primark. Adding to of Wales and The Gielgud are two tural legacy for today, tomorrow and
Portland stone elevations in 2017. the non-disruptive advantages of more architectural treasures which for generations to come.
Almost directly opposite across Pic- working from hydraulic platforms we worked on – and two more the-
cadilly, the iconic neoclassical front- – invaluable in such a busy retail atreland gems. The Grade II Listed www.thomann-hanry.co.uk
July/August 2020 Your business 5
Polling shows pandemic
impact on London business
N “It is clear already
ew figures issued last month ing to working from home com- and leisure are going to see a de-
by LCCI shine a light on pletely and not using a permanent layed recovery. We urge the gov-
the impact of Covid-19 on that sectors like commercial office standard prac- ernment to stay open to the need
the capital’s businesses, including tice once the lockdown has ended. of targeted sector support. And
the use of the furlough scheme, the aviation, tourism, • Nine per cent have permanently one measure that the government
ongoing threat of redundancies, and hospitality and closed physical premises. could implement now is to raise
permanent business change. the rateable value cap from £51,000
The Chamber worked with Savan- leisure are going to Unprecedented to £150,000. This will allow over
ta ComRes to interview 500 London
business leaders online between 30
see a delayed Responding to the figures LCCI
chief executive Richard Burge said:
19,000 additional retail, hospitality
and leisure businesses in London to
April 30 and 2 June 2020 about the recovery.” “The government’s economic sup- access business rates grant support
impact of Covid-19 on their busi- port package has been unprecedent- in order to help them to survive
ness. Headline figures show: this group said that unless their ed and business is grateful for the and play a key part in the capital’s
• 28 per cent of London business- business’s conditions improve by support during this difficult time. recovery.”
es have furloughed at least one the end of the scheme they will “Our research shows close to
member of their staff. have to lay off all furloughed staff. a third of London businesses us- Note that on May 12 the
• A much higher share (64 per • 39 per cent of those have fur- ing the furlough scheme, but also Chancellor announced an
cent) of larger companies (10+ loughed or plan to furlough em- the ongoing risk of redundancies extension of the government’s
staff) have furloughed at least one ployees said that unless conditions amongst those firms if economic coronavirus job retention scheme
employee, compared to 24 per improve by the end of the scheme conditions haven’t significantly im- from the end of June until the end
cent of micro firms (1-9 staff). they will have to lay off some fur- proved as the scheme is scaled back. of October, before setting out
• Among the 35 per cent of busi- loughed staff, and pay the wages of respective details of the tapering
ness leaders of firms that have those who are retained themselves. Targeted of the scheme on May 29. These
furloughed or plan to furlough • 13 per cent of business leaders said “It is clear already that sectors announcements came partway
employees, nearly a quarter of they thought they will make shift- like aviation, tourism, hospitality through the polling fieldwork.
Because I’m a Londoner Employee Assistance
Programme (EAP).
Support for
the mind.
Anytime,
T
o help make the reopening posts. You’ll also be informed about
Anywhere.
of businesses as successful as ongoing campaign activations and
possible, LCCI is supporting gain access to more tools to promote
a citywide campaign, Because I’m your business.
a Londoner, that aims to get Lon- By joining, we are all playing our
don’s economy going and encour- part in kickstarting London’s econ-
ages people to get behind their lo- omy alongside the Mayor of Lon-
cal businesses and rediscover their don, Transport for London, London While employees adjust to new Help your people boost their
neighbourhoods. Councils and hundreds of business- ways of working, they’re likely mental wellbeing today
to need extra emotional and
es across the capital. practical support. 0330 127 3495
Promote your business With Healthy Minds, they’ll have option 3
As businesses begin to open safe- Register at londonandpartners. access to a range of confidential, bupa.co.uk/eap
ly, this campaign helps Londoners com/JoinAlliance. 24/7 support from our experts. We may record or monitor our calls.
This can help them build resilience
to feel confident that going out and and manage worries before they
spending locally is safe and the right Once you have signed up, post a turn into more serious issues.
thing to do. If you run a London message on your social channels,
Bupa Employee Assistance is provided by Bupa Occupational Health Limited. Registered in England
business, you can sign up for free- using #BecauseImALondoner, and Wales No. 631336. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London, EC2R 7HJ
to-use downloadable assets, includ- and share the campaign with your MAY20 CLI 00651
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6 Your business July/August 2020
Local and global –
LCCI in the news
Since the end of April
LCCI has featured in
250 London, national and
international pieces of media
coverage about the impact
of the coronavirus crisis on
business. Steven Reilly-Hii
reports
Take a standards-based approach
T
o mark the launch of the
Evening Standard’s ‘Lon-
to give your organization a don after lockdown’ series,
LCCI provided an opinion piece
competitive advantage from chief executive Richard
Burge in which he highlighted the
The national standards body, BSI works in partnership with experts need for businesses to be involved
across industry in the UK, developing standards which capture in the planning for lockdown
internationally recognized best business practice, protect consumers easing, and be given sufficient
and facilitate international trade. notice. Building on these points, nation on the evening of Sunday
Burge spoke with BBC London 10 May went even further – glob-
The national standards body represents UK economic and social TV News about the challenge of al in fact. LCCI was critical of the
interests across all European and international standards organizations social distancing on the capital’s Prime Minister appearing to tell
and in the development of business information solutions for British transport network and the need many businesses to return to work
organizations of all sizes and sectors, which is one of the many reasons for clear guidance from Transport the following morning despite the
why hundreds of businesses use British Standards. for London (TfL) that businesses government not having yet pub-
could factor into their risk assess- lished the necessary workplace safe-
Our standards support business in multiple ways by driving efficiencies ments about staff returning to the ty guidance.
in processes, protecting you, your staff and your customers. BSI workplace. There was subsequent Within a matter of hours the
customers trust that our standards will enable them to trade overseas media coverage in local titles right Chamber’s Twitter account had
with ease and ensure that they are working to best practice.
across the UK. about 10,000 notifications, with
senior politicians, journalists and
Standards provide many economic benefits, including:
Critical commentators all sharing tweets.
The Chamber’s swift reaction to The Chamber’s key quote reached
the Prime Minister’s speech to the as far as the Philippines to the east,
£8.2bn
to the UK economy
37.4%
of UK productivity
£6.1bn
of additional UK
– that’s 28.4% of growth can be exports per year can
annual GDP attributed to be attributed to
growth standards standards
If you are interested in…
improving cutting managing and increasing
performance costs reduce risk int. trade
speeding up increasing demonstrating building
innovation sustainability quality customer trust
…standards can help.
You can also become a BSI Member to gain access to a superb package
of benefits and practical tools to make the most of standards.
Find out how standards can help
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July/August 2020 Your business 7
SPONSORED COLUMN
Diversity and Inclusion in
the Professions – time for
leaders to take personal
responsibility for change
having to work harder for fewer
opportunities and of the racism
they experience. They speak
of being judged to a different
standard to their white colleagues
and of a lack of support when
they speak up; ultimately making
individuals question their ability to
and Texas to the west, reported by Questioning sustain a career in the sector. We
titles including CNN, Bloomberg, As the government began to pub- heard again and again about the
BBC, Good Morning Britain, and lish more details about the easing lack of inclusive cultures and how
Sky News. of lockdown, LCCI commented on BAME individuals were made to
specific measures – including ques- Avril Lee MCIPR, Chair CIPR’s feel excluded; one professional
Pressure tioning the need for a blanket quaran- Diversity and Inclusion Network
and Health MD, Red Consultancy.
told how they “acted and behaved
A few days later the government tine for all international arrivals into how I thought a white person
published the workplace guidance the country, rather than a risk-based would. I was constantly having to
and LCCI encouraged all London country by country approach – some- prove my commitment and skills
businesses to read it and begin thing which is supported by the avia- Earlier this month the CIPR above and beyond others to prove
to plan for their respective open- tion sector, including LCCI members published a new report – ‘Race I was good enough.”
ings, once the time comes. Richard Heathrow, Gatwick and City Airport in PR – BAME lived experiences
Burge spoke on the subject with – see page 3 for full story. That cov- in the UK PR industry’ – Although we unexpectedly found
BBC Radio London and The Tele- erage spanned the UK, including the exploring the lived experiences ourselves publishing the research
graph. Daily Mail, Daily Mirror, BBC, LBC of black, Asian and minority amid a wave of protests and
Towards the end of May TfL and Guardian. ethnic practitioners. It finds self-questioning that is surging
published advice to businesses LCCI has also backed a joint call an industry in which BAME all around the world, this has
about social distance restrictions from London’s business groups, re- practitioners are unable to enabled us to contribute to this
and the impact on their services, garding a road map to refuelling the access the same opportunities important conversation with
calling businesses to support eas- capital’s economy. In addition the as white colleagues and, real experiences and to move us
ing the pressure on the network Chamber is working with Croydon too often, treated unfairly beyond words and into action.
where possible. LCCI supported BID and #RaiseTheBar campaign or inappropriately through
this call, encouraging the continua- partners to call for government microaggressions, unconscious It is now time for senior leaders
tion of working from home, as well funding support for the many busi- bias and even racism. across the business world to
as employers looking at other flex- nesses in London with a rateable own this problem, to realise it
ible working options. This stance value of over £51k. Although an exploration of the is their responsibility to change
was reported by 15 media titles PR industry, sadly I fear, these their respective sectors. Inaction
across London. Steven Reilly-Hii is senior media
experiences are not unique to is to ignore and deny - and
relations manager at LCCI
our sector. In a city as diverse is unacceptable. There will
as London - where over 40% of be no change unless leaders
residents identify as BAME – it is build inclusive cultures that
not good enough that there are retain, celebrate and promote
more FTSE 100 Chief Executives professionals from diverse
called Steve than are from ethnic backgrounds.
minorities. That fact is from a
recent report which also found As one professional told us;
that £2.6bn is lost to the “these conversations about
economy due to ethnic minority diversity are always happening
discrimination. and it’s frustrating and totally
exhausting. All of the ways of
Our report found a worrying set sorting it area out there already.
of common experiences; BAME They exist. Organisations do not
practitioners speak of being have to reinvent the wheel, they
afraid to make mistakes, of being just have to put the work in, walk
unable to be their true selves, of the walk.”
8 Your business July/August 2020
SPONSORED COLUMN
Take That Contract Royal approval
Out Of The Drawer!
Jack Swadling, Associate Solicitor,
Silver Shemmings Ash
As Coronavirus continues to employers and contractors
place unprecedented disruption do to address these issues?
on construction projects Findings in Arcadis’s 2020 Global
throughout the UK construction Construction Disputes Report
industry, it has never been more sheds some light on how they will
important for contractors to likely come about.
understand their contractual Based on survey data collected
obligations, entitlements, how over the past year, the report
contracts allocate risk for delay concludes that two of the
/disruption events and claim three most common causes of
relief for time and money. construction disputes in the UK are,
Whilst many sites have “Contractor/Subcontractor failing
remained open during lockdown, to understand and/or comply with
the impact of the pandemic its contractual obligations” and
HM The Queen has offered Pride
support to businesses as
has been dramatic - increased “Poorly drafted or incomplete and “As Patron of the British
they reopen, and praised the
costs, reduced availability of unsubstantiated claims”. Chambers of Commerce, it
contribution chambers of
labour, plant, materials and social These findings certainly chime gives me great pride to see
commerce across the UK and
the contribution you and your
distancing requirements delaying with our experiences, pointing to around the world were making
members are making to help
and disrupting programmes human factors and misunderstood to help firms, champion trade
firms, champion trade and
throughout the UK. The CLC contract terms as main underlying and rebuild communities.
rebuild communities.”
reported this month that UK causes of disputes.
In a letter released in June,
construction output fell 40.1% There are though matter’s Welcoming the letter, BCC
Queen Elizabeth wrote: “At a
in April, in main caused by the that parties can take positive President Baroness Ruby
time of great difficulty for many,
effects of the pandemic to action to address, which must McGregor-Smith said:
it is heart-warming to see the
planned operations. start by employers and suppliers civic response and generosity “The Queen’s personal message
The Roadmap to Recovery realistically assessing obligations of so many businesses, small of support will be a huge
report published by the CLC on and entitlements under contract and large, to the challenges morale boost to our business
1 June identifies that minimising and applying the contract terms to posed, whether supporting communities at this complex
disruption caused by contractual the issues they face. the health sector or vulnerable and sensitive time.”
disputes arising from effects Although an increase in the communities.
of the pandemic will be key to level of disputes may be inevitable
mitigating damage and loss of between parties impacted by the
output, stressing the need for pandemic there is every reason
“industry commitment to ensure to believe that the human factors
prompt payment to firms within identified above will continue to
the supply chain” and “adoption play a key role in how disputes
of the Conflict Avoidance Pledge come about and how they can be
to avoid disputes, and to seek resolved. Parties to construction
adjudication through the most projects will assist the wider needs
cost effective process”. of the industry when faced with
How employers and contractors a potential dispute by reviewing
address the causes of disputes contract terms, seeking to engage
and their resolution will be vital with counterparties with reference
to the success of the broader to the agreed obligations and
industry response. Although it entitlements under contract and
remains to be seen whether the by seeking swift determination
crisis will spur firms to adopt a of disagreements rather than
more collaborative approach to allowing issues to fester.
business, the industry’s collective
response to previous downturns Jack Swadling is an Associate
suggests this may be wishful Solicitor at Silver Shemmings
thinking for many contractors. Ash with broad experience
So what are likely to be to the in representing parties to
main drivers of construction construction disputes in
disputes arising from the adjudication, mediation and
pandemic and what can arbitration
jackswadling@silverllp.com
Tel: 0207 167 6602
www.silverllp.com
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10 Your business July/August 2020
Dining out as lockdown measures ease
lic safety. This will give catering a
fighting chance. However, I believe
by Alexa Michael they need to give a financial in-
T
centive for those companies who
he UK’s hospitality industry are re-opening with reduced cus-
was ordered to close almost tomer numbers. Some businesses
entirely at the start of lock- may struggle just to break even and
down on 20 March. The exception avoid losses. Businesses have been
was takeaway outlets (‘dine in’ res- landed with costs just to re-open.
taurants could switch to selling take- The government must also ac-
away meals). A minority of hotels knowledge that recession is outside
were used to house key workers and even successful businesses’ control.
homeless people during lockdown. We can’t afford to let them go bust,
The doors of pubs, bars, almost all or the country.”
restaurants, nightclubs and other
hospitality venues were locked and Steps to take
are only now starting to re-open. What steps are those working in
When the government introduced the restaurant and pub trade expect-
its two metre ‘safe distance’ rule, many ed to take to ensure their patrons
in the hospitality industry feared this can eat and drink safely?
would make the operation of most • Calculate the maximum number
pubs, bars and restaurants financially of customers that can reasonably
unviable. Unlike much of continental adhere to social distancing rules
Europe, the UK doesn’t have the cli- at any one time
mate (or the wide pavements) that • Arrange indoor and outdoor ta-
make al fresco dining and drinking bles and seating to allow at least a
possible for much of the year. Unlike much of continental Europe, the UK one metre gap
Having already suffered big losses
after being closed for months, the
doesn’t have the climate (or the wide • Provide clear guidance on social
distancing for customers when
industry now faced the prospect of pavements) that make al fresco dining and they book and on arrival, for ex-
being worse off by operating at be- ample, through signage and floor
low-capacity level then being shut drinking possible for much of the year markings
(with the government paying 80 per • Manage the entry of patrons at
cent of staff wages under the fur- that is mutually beneficial to both remains the preferred safe distance a venue so that indoor custom-
lough scheme). landlords and businesses, otherwise but one metre is acceptable provid- ers sit least one metre apart (no
venues will close and jobs will be ing that other measures are taken to standing at the bar) and outdoor
Mutually beneficial lost. Promoting tourism should be a mitigate the risk of transmitting in- customers have enough space to
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of priority. The government should cre- fection from one person to another. sit or stand
UK Hospitality, comments: “Busi- ate an October Bank Holiday and cut • Make customers aware of lim-
nesses are now preparing to re-open tourism VAT by 10 per cent to en- Fighting chance its on gatherings and encourage
their doors but they have been shut courage domestic tourism. Cutting Reacting to the news, Roland compliance (currently members
for months with no income. Many Air Passenger Duty would also boost Norman, sales consultant at No- of any two households can meet
face rent and PAYE bills with no abil- inbound tourism and hospitality.” ble House said: “I feel the govern- indoors while members of any
ity to pay. The moratorium on rents Following intense lobbying by ment have done as much as they two households or up to six peo-
must be extended until the end 2020 the hospitality industry, the govern- dare at this stage of the pandemic ple from any number of house-
and financial help is needed now if ment announced on 22 June that it by reducing physical distancing to holds may gather outside)
businesses are to pay these bills. The would allow a ‘one metre-plus’ rule one metre plus without complete- • Encourage customers to use hand
government must broker a solution for bars and restaurants. Two metres ly disregarding the need for pub- sanitiser or other hand washing
IT Outsourcing for the SME
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business. which option is right for your business.July/August 2020 Your business 11
facilities on arrival
• Make any reasonable adjustments
Use mitigation
to entrances and exits for those measures, for
who need them, for example, dis-
abled people example, making
• Remind customers with children contactless
that they also need to follow so-
cial distance rules payments instead of
• Observe how people move
through the venue and make any
using cash
necessary adjustments
• Use mitigation measures where a in advance and place orders from
two metre gap is not feasible, for their table. However, Apps bring
example, customers ordering via their own challenges. Many pubs
an app and making contactless and restaurants won’t have appro-
payments instead of using cash priate technology skills or the staff
• Minimise the risk to customers at to implement solutions.”
their table, for example, provid- She added: “Recovery will be a
ing cutlery and condiments only marathon, not a sprint. There must
when serving food be a continuing dialogue with gov-
• Provide disposable condiments ernment and many issues need to
or clean the containers after every be addressed urgently. For example,
use the business rates system has been
• Reduce the number of surfaces broken for a long time and requires
touched by customers, for exam- cient, especially for outdoor cov- and staff. This will have a huge im- reform before the next financial
ple, asking them not to touch the ered areas. pact on the customer experience, year. It would also help to review
table or lean on counters as well as critical safety aspects VAT to increase customers’ dispos-
• Minimise contact between staff Recovery such as noting food allergies when able income. Ultimately, the key to
and customers, for example, us- Julie Gingell, managing director ordering. There will be an increase restarting the hospitality sector is
ing screens or tables at tills and of Fox Bars, said: “The proposals in the use of technology across the customer confidence.”
counters to maintain social dis- are certainly challenging, particu- industry. Our business is already
tancing larly the requirement for mini- looking to introduce an App that Alexa Michael is member research
• Make sure ventilation is suffi- mised contact between customers allows customers to book tables executive at LCCI
CHELSEA N E
CENTRE YO
V ER
TE
PART OF
MORLEY COLLEGE LONDON
U I
OS
E ST
URS
O
TC
H OR
O FS
E
A NG
AR STARTING
13 JULY
Join us for your summer staycation
2020
and learn a new skill, get creative
and have fun with Morley’s Summer
Shorts, a range of short courses to
suit every interest. London may be in
lockdown, but Morley will always be
where London enjoys learning.
www.morleycollege.ac.uk/SummerShorts
LCCI members are eligible for
discounts on courses at Morley.12 Your business July/August 2020
Best London parks in
which to social distance
The hot weather has seen crowds of people flock to beaches and
parks to bask in the sun and have picnics. Brits can now sit outside
for as long as they like, and since 1 June, they are allowed to meet
with up to six other people outdoors as long as they keep two
metres apart. More relaxations were due to be announced at time
of going to press.
But there have been complaints that beauty spots have been
besieged with visitors since the government relaxed lockdown rules.
In light of this, researchers at Essential Living crunched the numbers
to reveal how many people can visit London’s biggest parks, whilst
still adhering to social distancing. This means that you can visit
knowing you’ll have plenty of open space to have fun, but also
abide by the guidelines. Here’s how the six biggest parks in London
stacked up.
Richmond Park Hainault Forest
Richmond Park is situated in the Country Park
London Borough of Richmond Bushy Park
upon Thames and was created by
Charles I in the 17th century as a With 3.62km² of space this park ures in place. With open space park-
deer park. The largest of London’s is perfect for keeping your distance lands, numerous public footpaths,
Royal Parks, it is of national and in- from others, so much so that the a large lake, Hainault Forest Golf
ternational importance for wildlife park could host 260,119 visitors Club, and Fox Burrow Farm, there
conservation. With an impressive even with social distancing meas- is much to enjoy.
size of 9.53km² – comparable in
size to Paris’s Bois de Vincennes and With an impressive Bushy Park
around three times the size of Cen-
tral Park in New York. Hainault Forest Country Park
size of 9.53km², Linked to Hampton Court Palace
by the Longford River, Bushy Park
So, Richmond Park may be the (above) is located in Greater Lon- Richmond Park is is famed for its mix of waterways,
best place to go for social distancing don with portions in Hainault in gardens and grassland, and roam-
as Essential Living has calculated the London Borough of Redbridge, around three times ing herds of red and fallow deer.
that it could fit a whopping 684,788 the London Borough of Havering, the size of Central With all 3.45km² of open space it
visitors with everyone maintaining and in the Lambourne parish of is no wonder that Bushy Park could
two metres between each other. Epping Forest district in Essex. Park in New York allow around 247,903 visitors whilst
also maintaining the two metre so-
cial distancing guidelines.
Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath is one of Lon-
don’s most popular open spaces with
beautiful countryside, the magic of
Hampstead Heath lies not only in
its rich wildlife and extensive sports
and recreational opportunities, but
also in its proximity and accessibili-
ty to millions of people.
With this in mind, it comes as no
surprise that the large 3.16km² of
space could occupy around 227,065
visitors with two metres between
everyone.
Wimbledon Common
Wimbledon and Putney Commons
are countryside escapes amidst the
urban surroundings of Wimbledon,
Putney and Kingston-upon-Thames.
Designated a Site of Special Scientific
Interest and a Special Area of Con-
Richmond Park servation, the commons provide anJuly/August 2020 Your business 13
SPONSORED COLUMN
Is now the time
to consider
enveloping?
By Andrew Noton, Partner
at Lubbock Fine
If you are a buy-to-let incorporates a property
Hampton Court Park
landlord, this may be an business, it may be possible to
important home for wildlife and a park has been open to the public advantageous time to claim relief from SDLT. However,
place for visitors to unwind. since 1894. envelope (incorporate) your in most instances, property
This is an ideal place to relax This beautiful open space is per- portfolio, by transferring portfolios are not held or
with approximately 208,382 vis- fect for those socially distanced your properties into a managed in a partnership, and
itors able to occupy the 2.90km² gatherings (up to six people only company. the formation of a partnership
space whilst also maintaining so- though, remember) with lots of
with the intention of claiming
cial distancing. plant and animal life to gaze upon What are the benefits of relief from SDLT is not possible.
and with 2.59km² of space the team enveloping a property now?
Hampton Court Park at Essential Living has calculated SDLT rates for incorporation are
Hampton Court Park is a walled that approximately 186,107 visitors For landlords owning property, always subject to the additional
royal park managed by the His- could occupy the park and maintain tax changes in recent years 3% for second homes and
toric Royal Palaces. The park lies their two metre distance. will have their full effect in the therefore usually comprise a
between the gardens of Hampton 2020/21 tax year. The principal significant cost – however, lower
Court Palace and Kingston upon This article was written and change is the restriction in relief property values can reduce this
Thames and Surbiton in south west supplied by Essential Living: for finance costs, where relief greatly.
London. The walled fallow deer www.essentialliving.co.uk is now only given at the basic
rate. Enveloping properties can How do the current interest
help to mitigate this impact, but rates impact my property
many landlords have either not portfolio?
considered this or have been The current environment
put off by the costs. for lending involves very low
However, if the value of your interest rates, especially for
portfolio has lowered in the lowly-geared portfolios. In
current pandemic, you could recent years, the additional
benefit from cost savings and interest cost a company would
a reduction in tax liability - have on a mortgage would
making it the ideal time to be prohibitive. However as
consider enveloping. more and more landlords
Hampstead Heath incorporate property, portfolio
Does this affect Capital rates and willingness to lend
Gains Tax (CGT)? have increased. It is hard to see
With lower values could come that current economic policy
lower capital gains tax. For will result in anything less than
some landlords, claiming increased pressure for banks to
incorporation relief can mitigate lend to sound businesses.
CGT, but where this is either
not possible or advantageous, Get in touch
selling properties to a company We’ve built our expertise as
may be prohibitive due to the property accountants and
CGT position. Lower values may property tax advisors, working
mitigate this. for numerous clients. If you are
Wimbledon Common looking for assistance with your
What happens with Stamp property matters, please get
Duty Land Tax (SDLT)? in touch with Andrew Noton
Methodology and data sources
Where a partnership andrewnoton@lubbockfine.co.uk.
Using the Ordnance Survey’s list of 100 biggest parks, Essential Living
extracted the six largest parks within Greater London and calculated
how many people could visit the park based on its size and also
Lubbock Fine
keeping two metres away from each other. This was calculated by
Paternoster House
multiplying the amount of people that can fit in a 1km2 area whilst
65 St Paul’s Churchyard
keeping two metres distance between them (71,856) by the area of
London EC4M 8AB
each park.
t +44(0)20 7490 7766
Sources: www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/news/britains-100-biggest-parks www.lubbockfine.co.uk14 Covid-19
Your business Q&A July/August 2020
Alert level reduced and cautious
relaxations introduced
O
n 19 June, the government UK abandons contact-tracing
Photo by: Chris McAndrew / CC BY 3.0)
lowered the UK’s Covid-19 app for Apple and Google
alert level from four (de- model
fined as ‘epidemic is in general cir- n www.theguardian.com/ reduced-as-pubs-and-restaurants-
culation but with high transmission world/2020/jun/18/uk-poised-to- in-england-given-green-light-to-
and cases rising rapidly’) to three abandon-coronavirus-app-in-favour- reopen-from-4-july-12013085
(‘epidemic is in general circulation’) of-apple-and-google-models
with immediate effect. Restaurants Can Reopen for
When will the UK ‘track and Dine-In Service From 4 July
Five tests trace’ app be ready - and how n london.eater.com/2020/6/23/
The change was recommended by will it work? 21300147/uk-restaurants-pubs-
the new Joint Biosecurity Centre Matt Hancock n www.telegraph.co.uk/ reopen-4-july-coronavirus-lockdown
and supported by all four chief infection value) was between 0.7 and technology/2020/06/24/track-
medical officers for each UK nation 0.9 in all UK regions. This means that trace-app-uk-google-apple/ Other businesses that can re-open in-
after they were satisfied that the fol- every person infected with Covid-19 clude hairdressers and barbers (some
lowing ‘five tests’ had been met. was infecting fewer than one other UK ‘close contact’ definition will resume trading at 00.01 on 4
1. Ensuring the NHS can cope with person with the virus. The seven-day for track and trace should curb July to tackle the backlog of hair ap-
Covid-19 cases rolling average for both Covid-19 in- COVID-19 spread but at a cost pointments), cinemas, museums and
2. A ‘sustained and consistent fall’ in fections and deaths fell to their lowest n medicalxpress.com/news/2020- galleries, theme parks and outdoor
the daily death rate levels since the start of the crisis. On 06-uk-contact-definition-track-curb. gyms, all subject to 2 metre distanc-
3. Rates of infection at ‘manageable 24 June, another 154 people died from html ing. Hairdressers will have to wear full
levels’ Covid-19 in the UK, bringing the to- protective clothing, with chairs and
4. There are sufficient tests and per- tal to over 43,000. On the same day, Independence day: equipment to be sterilised after every
sonal protective equipment (PPE) a further 653 cases of Covid-19 were what will change on 4 customer. Libraries will also re-open
to meet future demand confirmed, the lowest daily increase July? gradually as from 4 July. However, in-
5. Any changes to lockdown rules for over three months. On 23 June, the government an- door gyms and fitness centres, swim-
would not risk a second spike in nounced that hotels, restaurants, ming pools, beauty parlours, tanning
Covid-19 infections and leave the Coronavirus transmission rate pubs and bars will be able to re-open salons and indoor play areas will have
NHS unable to cope. is below one in all regions in on Saturday 4 July. While two metres to remain closed until further notice.
In practical terms, this means that the country, Health Secretary remains the government’s preferred Churches and other places of wor-
the country is emerging from a peri- Matt Hancock says social distancing standard, the hos- ship can re-open with up to 50 so-
od of lockdown to a situation where n www.standard.co.uk/news/health/ pitality trade will be able to operate cially-distanced worshippers but no
restrictions can ease slightly. This r-value-below-one-all-regions-matt- at ‘one metre-plus’. This follows in- singing will be permitted. Weddings
Q&A refers to the changes occurring hancock-a4463006.html tense lobbying by the industry to can take place again in churches but
in England; each of the devolved ad- persuade the government that a two with no more than 30 people and no
ministrations in Scotland, Wales and Coronavirus: UK-wide metre separation distance is sim- reception after the ceremony.
Northern Ireland are moving out of infections fall by up to 4% a ply not feasible for many eating and
lockdown at their own pace. day - but could be rising in drinking establishments. One me- Coronavirus: Lockdown to be
London tre-plus means that customers can sit relaxed in England as 2m rule
Coronavirus: UK’s Covid-19 n news.sky.com/story/coronavirus- or stand one metre away from each eased
alert level reduced from four infections-falling-across-uk-by-up-to- other, providing that other measures n www.bbc.com/news/uk-
to three 4-a-day-12010421 are put in place to stop the spread of 53152416
n www.bbc.com/news/uk-53106673 Covid-19. In a hospitality setting, this
When will the UK’s could mean ordering via an app, not Hairdressers allowed to reopen
Coronavirus alert level lowered ‘track and trace’ app drinking at the bar and patrons leav- with PPE and visors
after ‘steady’ fall in cases be ready? ing their contact details with staff in n https://metro.co.uk/2020/06/23/
n news.sky.com/story/coronavirus- On 18 June, the government case another customer is diagnosed hairdressers-told-can-reopen-
alert-level-in-uk-should-be- ditched a centralised Covid-19 with the virus. july-4-12890898/
downgraded-from-4-to-3-chief- tracing app after repeated warn-
medical-officers-12010229 ings from experts that it would not Boris Johnson ditches 2m Coronavirus: Cinemas and
work. The move came after millions physical distancing rule in museums set to reopen in
Coronavirus lockdown: Are the of pounds had been invested in England for ‘1m-plus’ England from 4 July
five tests being met? the technology over the past three www.theguardian.com/world/2020/ n www.bbc.com/news/uk-
n www.bbc.com/news/ months. Health Secretary Matt jun/23/boris-johnson-ditches-2-me- politics-53145629
health-52374513 Hancock announced that the NHS tre-rule-in-england-for-1-metre-plus-
would use an alternative ‘track and coronavirus There will be some easing of individ-
How far has the trace’ app designed by US tech gi- ual freedoms as well. As from 4 July,
rate of UK Covid-19 ants Apple and Google. Hancock Coronavirus: Two-metre rule members of two households of any
infections slowed? said that he would not “put a date” reduced as pubs and restaurants size can meet indoors again – includ-
The virus is still circulating but at on when the app will be launched. in England given green light to ing in a bar or restaurant – but they
much lower levels than previously. On It is likely that the app will not be reopen from 4 July will have to remain one metre apart.
8 June Health Secretary Matt Han- available until late autumn or win- n news.sky.com/story/ Overnight stays will be permitted
cock announced that the R (rate of ter. coronavirus-two-metre-rule- (but this does not mean couples).July/August 2020 Your business 15
Lockdown joy as Boris Johnson When will we be allowed to go When will the of October, the furlough scheme will
gives green light to dinner on holiday in the UK? government’s furlough stop altogether. It is estimated to have
parties and weddings, opens www.timeout.com/london/things- scheme end? cost £60 billion by the time it ceases.
pubs and axes 2m rule to-do/time-in-the-best-things-to-do- The government’s furlough scheme,
Photo by: Chris McAndrew / CC BY 3.0)
n www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/ at-home set up to protect jobs in businesses
lockdown-lifted-boris-johnson-up- that were forced to shut because of
date-a4477426.html When can we holiday in the the Covid-19 pandemic, closed to
UK again? new applicants in June.
Two households will be able n www.cntraveller.com/article/when- The government is currently pay-
to meet inside, government can-we-holiday-in-uk ing 80 per cent of employee salaries
expected to announce At time of writing, the government through the scheme, up to a max-
n www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/ is in talks with some mainland Euro- imum of £2,500 a month. So far,
politics/lockdown-lift-ban-meeting- pean countries with the aim of creating 9.2 million jobs have been protect-
indoors-england-a9580516.html ‘air bridges’ so that people travelling to ed by the scheme, with 1.1 million Rishi Sunak
and from these countries do not have businesses claiming a total of £22.9
Are we going on a to spend 14 days in quarantine on billion in the three months up to When will the government’s
summer holiday? reaching either destination and thus 21 June (although the numbers are furlough scheme end? Latest
Holidays in England will be permit- discourage tourism which many coun- reducing as the lockdown is eased update from Rishi Sunak
ted as from 4 July, providing that tries depend on. The first wave of ‘air and more businesses start to operate n www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/
no more than two households stay bridges’ is expected to be announced again). This level of wage support when-government-furlough-scheme-
together. People will be able to stay in the week beginning 29 June. It is will continue up until the end of July. end-a4478631.html
in self-contained accommodation expected (but not certain) that these However, employers will have to
including hotels, bed and breakfasts, will include Greece, Portugal, Spain, start paying towards the scheme from Businesses must start paying
holiday apartments, caravan parks Gibraltar and the Canary Islands. August, when they will be asked to towards the worker furlough
and camping sites. It is imperative pay National Insurance and pension scheme from August, Rishi
that all shared facilities are kept clean. UK air bridge countries: What contributions for their staff. From Sep- Sunak announces
Portugal, Spain and other tember, the government will reduce its n www.standard.co.uk/news/
British tourism industry destinations have said about share of wage subsidy to 70 per cent or politics/rishi-sunak-furlough-scheme-
rejoices as hotels and quarantine exemptions a maximum of £2,190 per employee coronavirus-a4454831.html
campsites will reopen on July 4 n inews.co.uk/news/uk/uk-air- per month. Employers will be asked
n www.telegraph.co.uk/ bridge-countries-portugal-spain- to pay the remaining 10 per cent. In
This Q&A was compiled
news/2020/06/23/travel-news- holidays-coronavirus-quarantine- October, the subsidy reduces further
by Alexa Michael, member
air-bridges-uk-quarantine-portugal- exemption-when-end-441902 to 60 per cent or a maximum of £1,875
research executive at LCCI
spain-greece/ per employee, with businesses paying amichael@londonchamber.co.uk
the remaining 20 per cent. At the end
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