Impact of COVID-19 on Sussex Businesses Survey

Sussex Chamber need you to help them understand how the recently announced Government funding is supporting your business and the effects that the Coronavirus outbreak is having on your business.

Your response will help Sussex Chamber and partner organisations to shape further support and help  inform Government of the effectiveness of their strategies and highlight areas where additional support may be required.

Click here to take part in the survey

Tim Loughton MP April Newsletter

Welcome to my April newsletter which inevitably is dominated by the Coronavirus crisis. I apologise that we missed a newsletter at the end of March as my office was being swamped with enquiries from constituents linked to Coronavirus and my staff and I have been working round the clock to answer all of these as best we could. We have dealt with everything from helping people stuck at home unable to get essential supplies, accessing masks and other PPE equipment, taking up queries with the Treasury about who qualifies for job retention schemes (including a constituent who is a zookeeper!) to constituents stranded everywhere from New Zealand to Peru. I have one member of staff spending most of her time just dealing with constituents stuck abroad and visa issues. I am sorry if in the torrid circumstances of the last few weeks that a few emails have gone astray but by and large I think we have been able to respond to 99% although not always with the desired solution.

I guess that most of us have had to find new ways of workings and mastered the technological intricacies of Zoom, Skype, House Party, Microsoft Teams and all other manner of downloads. Most days I am on conference calls to Parliamentary colleagues, ministers, local health managers, chief constables, local councillors and council officers, care home operators, clergy and a whole lot more. It may be an efficient way of working but it certainly seems to take up an awful lot of the day, and at weekends. My Westminster staff are all working from home and have been working over weekends too, in order to help clear urgent queries. The constituency office is closed but responding to voicemails and emails. Please do not direct post there as I am only occasionally dropping in and anything urgent will not be seen. I have suspended fortnightly surgeries and street surgeries but anyone needing a surgery appointment with me to discuss a  case can leave their details in the normal way with the constituency office and I will call them back. You can email the office on eastworthingandshoreham@gmail.com or call 01273 757182.

Parliament has been operating virtually from last week although this week I did visit Westminster in person for the first time in 5 weeks to take part in the debate on the important Domestic Abuse Bill and pick up supplies and papers from my office. Otherwise the technology is working quite well as colleagues are zoomed in on large screens from far flung corners of the UK and journalists comment on the merits of their respective wallpaper, bookcases or in my case, curtains! The Homes Affairs Select Committee I sit on met virtually throughout the Easter recess and we have so far produced topical reports on how the police are coping with the lockdown, the rise in incidents of domestic violence and on Wednesday we interviewed the Home Secretary.

In this newsletter I have included reports on previous events that I was not able to cover before and there are a few pieces of good news as well. However I have sought to concentrate on a roundup of up to date helpful information about how to cope in the Coronavirus crisis in an easily accessible form that you can keep for future reference.

You can download this leaflet by clicking HERE.

The Coronavirus section on my website at www.timloughton.com/coronavirus contains a great deal of information and useful links and this provides a guide and precis of what is there and how you can get the most out of it.

Can I finish by saying a big thank you for all those who are doing their bit by following the Government guidance to stay at home as much as possible and to those many thousands of volunteers who have come forward to offer help to more vulnerable members of our local communities? With only a few exceptions everyone is rallying round and it makes me very proud to see so many local examples of the true community spirit, empathy and generosity that perhaps we last saw after the Shoreham Air Show tragedy. But the biggest thanks of all must go to all our NHS and care workers and others on the frontline who have really stepped up to the mark and as usual put the service of others ahead of their own personal safety. It has been a challenging time for our hospital staff and care home workers in particular, but the system has been working tremendously well and the NHS has not been overwhelmed by a tsunami of cases which is what happened in other European countries.

Keep safe everyone.

Best wishes

Tim Loughton MP

Fire safety advice to businesses from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service

We have robust plans in place to keep the people of West Sussex safe and this includes business owners, building managers and staff across the county.

We know these are challenging times for businesses, but it is still really important that you review your fire risk assessment, as the coronavirus situation continually changes.

Responsible persons are reminded that they should ensure that the fire risk assessment for the premises is regularly reviewed throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to take account of any additional risks that may occur. For example, where staff shortages may affect any pre-planned evacuation strategy or where stock and waste has increased and needs to be managed.

If your business is still operating:

New and temporary staff should receive fire safety training and awareness. Staff should be extra vigilant of potential hazards and risks, particularly where staffing levels have been reduced, or if staff are working alone or in an isolated environment:

• Ensure that alarms and emergency exits are still accessible and that alarms can be raised as needed 
• Continue fire safety testing and keep ignition sources separate from combustible materials. Even where stockpiling is necessary due to external factors, these safety measures must be followed. 
• Do not prop open fire doors, even as a measure to minimise contact between staff
• Ensure your evacuation strategy can be achieved taking into account any reduction in staffing levels and consider contacting your fire risk assessor for further advice
• If you have a waking watch in place at your premises, please find further guidance here (https://www.nationalfirechiefs.org.uk/write/MediaUploads/COVID-19/NFCC_advice_on_COVID-19_and_waking_watch_-_FINAL_25_March_2020.pdf)

If you’ve had to close your business:

If your building is closed for an extended period of time, there are some key steps to take in order to reduce the risk of fire:

• Keep all entrances and exits clear, and rubbish and commercial bins should be emptied and stored securely away from any buildings
• If possible, don’t store excessive amounts of stock in a hazardous manner
• Turn off all electrical devices where possible and remove plugs from sockets
• Ensure your building is secure and continue with usual measures to prevent arson
• If your building is connected or adjacent to a domestic dwelling and you have a shared fire alarm, you must arrange for the weekly testing to take place.

We are here to support you:

We continue to provide business fire safety advice during this time. At this time Fire Safety Officers are not carrying out routine visits but are available remotely to help with any queries. Further guidance and resources for businesses can be found on our web pages (https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire-emergencies-and-crime/west-sussex-fire-and-rescue-service/business-information-and-commercial-opportunities/)

For urgent matters and where it is considered that there may be a risk to life, the attendance of a Fire Safety Officer will be made. Officers will be provided with extra personal protection to reduce the risk of coronavirus spread.

You can contact the team on businessfiresafety@westsussex.gov.uk or by calling 033 022 23333

It’s great to see how Chamber membership is working to link up members even in these strangest of times

Ricardo and Heaton House are both members of the Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber shared Ricardo’s press release launching face shield production as part of their member to member mutual support.

Previously Heaton House had contacted the Chamber regarding the issues accessing PPE equipment for the care home. When the press release arrived in the Chamber inbox the Chamber made the connection.

Following a discussion with Ricardo and an email introduction to Ricardo and Heaton House, within two days, a collection of 10 face shields was arranged from Ricardo’s Shoreham Technical Centre. So that the home’s highly dedicated staff can better protected.

Sally Neil-Smith, the owner/manager of the home said “It’s great to be supported by one of our larger local businesses with a strong community focus. It wasn’t a matter of money, we just can’t get these things. Many thanks to Ricardo for helping out”

Andrew Swayne, Ricardo’s Group Risk Manager and Chair of Adur and Worthing Business Partnership said “We are really pleased to assist Heaton House and many of the care settings in the area – it’s a need we could help with and have done our best to help. Many colleagues contributed to this – thanks to all of them”

Tracie Davey, Operations Manager, Worthing and Adur Chamber commented “As a local Chamber we are always here to support and connect our members and even more so through these unprecedented times. We were thrilled to have played our part in this connection which provided a product which has been produced locally to a care home in desperate need. Let’s all continue to support each other as a local business community. #togetherbusinessisstronger.

tracie@worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

Subway EPS donating scrubs and face mask patterns

Subways EPS have free mask patterns available to collect from outside of their building in Newland Rd, Worthing BN11 1LB.

Stephen Miller, Managing Director of Subway EPS heard about  people locally who have been sewing scrubs for the NHS. They needed patterns to work from, so Subway EPS have been printing out full size scrubs patterns. So far, 25 sets have been printed and donated to the cause. 

For more information visit www.subwayeps.com 

Fine Cut Group Supporting the NHS

Supporting the NHS / Ventilator Supply Chain:

Fine Cut's core business is the manufacture of industrial labels - we continue to support the supply chain for the NHS, Laboratories and Ventilator manufacturers, providing labels and control panel overlays with the demand now greater than ever. 

Face Shields:

We were approached by Hello Flamingo to assist in the manufacture of face shields for the NHS - our printing and cutting capabilities allowed us to rattle off various parts which would be assembled to make the face shields. We initially donated the material and cutting services to manufacture 1200 of the face shields with more to come.

Stay Home Rally Plates:

One of Fine Cut Group's brands - Dragonfly which provide Rally Plates for classic car rallies and events have designed a "Stay Home" Rally Plate - 100% of the profits of every one sold is being donated to NHS Charities Together, and we are well on our way to raising £10k in just a matter of weeks!

The Rally Plates which can be attached to cars grilles or windows can still be purchased here: 

https://shop.dragonflyrally.co.uk/NHS-Charity-Fundraising-Rally-Plate

A Generous Donation for Worthing Military Charity

Worthing-based charity, Care for Veterans, has received a grant of £40,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation.
 
The generous donation will go towards vital services, including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, neuropsychology, on-site wheelchair clinic, rehabilitation kitchen, social and recreation activities, outings, chaplaincy and ambulance service.
 
Care for Veterans has been caring for disabled veterans since it was first established in 1919 and celebrated its centenary last year. With no regular government funding, the charity must raise over £1.9 million each year to maintain its nursing and rehabilitation services for ex-Service personnel, like Steve Boylan.
 
Ex-Army Warrant Officer, Steve, arrived at Care for Veterans in December 2018 after three years in assorted hospitals and rehabilitation centres. Steve had a road accident on the way back from the garage – a car hit his motor bike from behind. Steve collided, head-first, with the van in front. The Air Ambulance team performed roadside surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain. Sadly, Steve suffered a severe brain injury which seriously affected his speech, and left him paralysed on one side of his body. Aged just 39, he was suddenly unable to walk and had to use a wheelchair - especially devastating for an action man who became a Joint Service Mountain Expedition Leader, loved canoeing, mountain biking and snowboarding. Steve’s life and dreams are forever changed, but Care for Veterans has already had a positive impact on his life.
 
Steve came to Care for Veterans not only to be with fellow veterans, but because of the wide range of rehabilitation therapies available onsite. Currently, in physiotherapy, he is working towards increased independence so that he can get out of bed without using a hoist. He is strengthening his legs using an exercise bike and is aiming to cover the distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats over the summer. Before coming to Care for Veterans, Steve was depressed and not making progress, but things have changed. He says, “I love it here as we all share a common background. The physiotherapy is the best I have ever had – they give me goals to achieve and work me hard. My sons say they can already see a difference. Most importantly, the staff here have given me a new determination. They’ve even helped me take my 10-year-old son, Albert, shopping. It was fantastic, for the first time in three years I was able to be a dad again and do what dads do.”  
 
Trusts and Foundations Officer, Kim Bowen-Wood, said: “On behalf of our residents, I would like to thank the Garfield Weston Foundation for their continued support. We receive no regular Government funding, and during this unprecedented time, we have already had to cancel several fundraising events upon which we were relying for income. This extremely generous grant is a huge help and means that we can continue to provide our vital care and rehabilitation services to our veterans.”

First deliveries of Ricardo-assembled PPE reach care homes and the NHS

As a part of its effort to support local care homes and NHS trusts, Ricardo has made deliveries of the first 2,000 of its purpose-designed protective face shields – an important part of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by those working on the front line of the national effort to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The deliveries of the first 2000 protective face shields is a major milestone in Ricardo’s effort to provide PPE to front line workers in care homes and the NHS. The shields are made to a bespoke Ricardo design and benefit from the company’s experience of high value, rapid response assembly and supply chain management. Local NHS doctors assisted the Ricardo design team by testing the new face shield for enhanced comfort and wearability over extended periods.

The face shield frames were manufactured by longstanding supply chain partner Stephens Plastic Mouldings, using tooling co-funded jointly with Ricardo. To ensure that the face shields reach care home and NHS staff as quickly as possible, facilities at Ricardo’s Technical Centres at Shoreham by Sea in West Sussex and Leamington Spa have been repurposed as assembly lines and logistics centres for this much-needed PPE.

Although the requirement for the face shields was urgent, Ricardo followed the usual industry standards and best practice for testing. Ricardo worked with the industry-leading test provider SATRA to secure fast-tracked testing of its protective face shield to EN166. Crucially, this testing enables the PPE to be NHS approved for Covid-19 emergency use.

Recipients of the first 2,000 face shields donated by Ricardo included Richmond Manor, Bedfordshire, of the Hamberley Care Homes group, Shelley Care Home in West Sussex, and the city and county councils for Brighton & Hove, Avon & Wiltshire and Warwickshire who are distributing PPE to care homes in their respective areas. In addition, supplies were also delivered to NHS teams including at the Avon and Witshire Mental Health Partnership, the Charter Medical Centre in Hove, and the Burgess Hill Covid Clinical Assessment Service.

“We are delighted to have received a donation of 250 visors from Ricardo and would like to thank them for their kind donation,” said Paul Hill, CEO of Hamberley Care Homes and Inspire Neurocare. “The safety and wellbeing of our residents and staff is our highest priority and I’d like to take this opportunity say a huge thank you to our care teams for their continued dedication and commitment during this challenging time.”

“We firmly believe that the correct and comprehensive PPE is absolutely key to delivering a robust service for patients, as we don’t want to shy away from clinical need, whilst keeping our staff safe,” commented Dr Esther Bird of the Burgess Hill Covid Clinical Assessment Service. “Ricardo’s assistance and foresight is very much appreciated.”

“The entire Ricardo team is committed to supporting our local communities in the fight against Covid-19,” added Ricardo Automotive & Industrial MD Stephen Dyke. “We are very proud to be able to help to protect those in the front line at care homes and in the NHS, and it has been humbling for us to receive very positive feedback on our efforts to provide PPE to staff in these absolutely crucial roles.”

n addition to the supply of face shields to care homes and the NHS, Ricardo announced earlier in the week that it is assisting healthcare technology company Isansys, which is facing an unprecedented demand for its advanced patient monitoring systems amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Ricardo is providing expert consultancy in supply chain development and manufacturing operations, with a view to enabling a rapid scaling up of production of these much-needed systems.

In further efforts to support the fight against Covid-19, Ricardo has also offered its services to government and to healthcare providers on the rapid design or conversion of vehicles for use as ambulances and as other support vehicles, and has offered the use of some facilities for testing or as logistic centres.

https://ricardo.com/news-and-media/news-and-press/first-deliveries-of-ricardo-assembled-ppe-reach-care-homes-and-the-nhs

St Barnabas Crisis Appeal

We have had to close our Day Hospice and cafe and move to essential visiting only, but we have opened 5 new beds to get patients out of over-stretched hospitals and into our care. And we have introduced a ‘helping hands’ scheme offering social and practical assistance to those patients staying at home. 

At the same time our shops have been forced to close and the vital funding they provide has disappeared. Fundraising events large and small have been cancelled. And this is causing us a huge problem. 

The maths is simple. It costs £700,000 a month to run St Barnabas, most of which comes from fundraising. And right now we are losing 70% of our fundraising income every month - it is only a matter of time before we run out of money. 

Click here to donate 

Greater Brighton pledge to work together on COVID-19 economic recovery plan

Greater Brighton leaders have agreed to work up a sustainable Economic Recovery Plan to help the City Region bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

With lockdown affecting many of the tens of thousands of businesses and one million residents across the area, the Greater Brighton Economic Board - which is made up of representatives from local authorities, business and academia - acknowledged the need to work together to outline ways it can support residents and firms.

With one of the UK’s premium airports, a thriving visitor economy and a large commuter workforce, Greater Brighton is expected to face big challenges in the months ahead.

At a meeting this week (Tuesday April 21, 2020), the board agreed to pool public and private sector expertise to work up proposals which could support sectors adversely affected by COVID-19, such as hospitality and tourism.

Leaders also acknowledged the crucial role that education, skills and infrastructure could play to ensure the Greater Brighton area - which stretches along much of the Sussex coast north to Gatwick - can get up and running again after the pandemic.

Cllr Daniel Humphreys, Chairman of the Greater Brighton Economic Board, said: “There’s no doubt that our businesses and employers are facing a challenge which we have never experienced before. 

“While there remain a lot of unknowns and uncertainty around the impact of COVID-19, one thing that’s certain is that a united voice and purpose will be essential in making sure our economic area is ready to get going once restrictions are lifted.

“By working together, pooling our resources and sharing our expertise, Greater Brighton can play a key role in helping our City Region not only bounce back but also adapt to what will be a very different world.”

The proposal to create an economic recovery plan was put forward by Cllr Nancy Platts, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, and supported by Lewes District Council leader Cllr Zoe Nicholson and Crawley Borough Council leader Cllr Peter Lamb. It received unanimous backing from all organisations attending, including businesses, universities and Greater Brighton Metropolitan College.

All acknowledged there was a need to ensure the recovery plan targeted individuals as well as businesses.

Member organisations will now identify ways in which the board and its members can work together to develop a response, as well as identifying key issues on which it can present a coherent case for investment to lobby decision makers.

The recovery plan will build on a range of existing work by the board and its members, including the Local Industrial Strategy which is being developed by the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership.

It will also be supported by a new Inward Investment offer, which Greater Brighton is expected to release more details on later this year.

At the board meeting, Cllr Humphreys also acknowledged some of the ongoing work that Greater Brighton organisations were already doing to combat COVID-19.

This included:

• Crawley Borough Council establishing a major distribution centre to get food supplies to the vulnerable; 
• £2 million of additional small business grants made available by Coast to Capital; 
• an interactive map of local businesses still trading created by South Downs National Park which is supporting the circular economy; 
• and engineering consultancy Ricardo repurposing some of its assembly lines to manufacture bespoke face shields for NHS staff and other key workers.

Cllr Humphreys added: “As we emerge from the current crisis we will continue to work together to ensure that we provide businesses and employers with the necessary platforms upon which they can best recover.”