I want to start by thanking all those who have paid their BID levy so far in these difficult times and please be assured that every penny will count towards reinvigorating and rebooting the town through the Hitchin recovery plan. As we are all waiting for the Government update on Sunday around the potential easing of the lockdown, I wanted to update you on the various project Hitchin BID is working on to ensure we are ready for the customers to return. As always, I am here to answer any questions you may have or put you in touch with the right organisation or person to ensure you get the help you need. Please get in touch with me anytime by calling 07597380818 or email me tom.hardy@hitchinherts.com 
 
Your feedback
Although we are all awaiting guidance form Central Government on the short and long term plan to ease restriction, we are starting work on a recovery strategy. There are a number of projects and activities being discussed and ways we can best use the BID levy to reboot the town and benefit the most businesses. If you have any ideas you would like to add to these discussions, please email me tom.hardy@hitchinherts.com   
 
Businesses Operating in Hitchin
I have spent a considerable amount of time collating a list of the retail, food, banks and pharmacies still operating in the town by offering deliveries, collection or open for walk ins. This list is now live on www.hitchinherts.com and has been circulated on social media. I will be updating and resending this list out weekly to ensure businesses that have decided to reopen are included. To view the list please Click Here

Shop Safe Scheme
We are expecting a number of businesses to reopen over the coming weeks and are mindful that many will need to stock up on hygiene equipment to ensure premises are as safe as possible for customers. We are looking at installing freestanding hand sanitiser stations in key areas around the town as well as bulk purchasing sanitation products to keep cost to a minimum for local businesses.
 
Deep cleaning businesses
I have received a list of services provided by a local company to ensure your premises is sanitised and is as safe as possible for customers to use. Below is a list of services, please let me know if you are interested in receiving more information.
 

Greater Flexibility for Councils to Support Small Businesses
The Treasury have confirmed that councils will now be able to use excess grant funding to support additional local businesses. Over the past month Bim Afolami MP has been contacted by constituents with businesses in a whole range of industries who have not thus far been covered by many of the government’s extensive financial support packages. He developed a way in which local authorities could meet this gap, to help out local businesses who are falling between the cracks of the government’s schemes of support. Bim has worked very hard with Government ministers and the Chancellor’s team to make this a reality. This new measure will allow councils to provide grants of up to £10,000 or £25,000 to support additional local businesses.