Technology

Coronavirus accelerates move to the cloud

While the coronavirus pandemic has halted operations at dozens of businesses across South East London, it has very much been business as usual at cloud communications specialist Glemnet.

The Beckenham-based from traditional telephone lines Brexit. In this challenging trading IT security provision at a time when firm has been helping and physical on-premise servers to environment, full fibre will help them cyber awareness is high on the firms embrace digital cloud-based solutions that can help to become more agile, efficient and economic and political agendas. communications in this new age of social distancing, which has seen a surge in home-working and video conferencing as offices temporarily shut down. people work from home effectively. “The new normal post-COVID is likely to lead to more flexible working and less demand for physical office space, so it’s vital competitive.” In the short-term, however, many companies are simply focused on getting by. Neil and his team have been as helpful as possible, Neil says: “Security challenges will become more commonplace in future as cyber criminals become more sophisticated. Moving to a cloud-based solution such as Although people are now starting to return to work, Glemnet believes the coronavirus has forced many companies to consider adopting cloud-based communications that companies are set up to cope with this. The roll-out of full fibre, which will create a superfast broadband network, will increase the speed and reliability of arranging line rental payment holidays for customers in sectors hit hardest by the pandemic, such as hospitality and leisure firms. Others have required assistance to tackle Microsoft 365 can counter this far better than relying on an outdated physical server, which is more vulnerable to cyberattacks. solutions on a longer-term basis. broadband services as traditional vulnerabilities caused by chinks in “Businesses are now beginning

Managing director Neil Linter phone lines are gradually their cyber armoury – something to recognise the true value of the says: “The pandemic seems to phased out. Glemnet is well-placed to do cloud. This is likely to continue in have quickened the shift towards “This provides an opportunity having recently acquired a cyber a post-COVID era in which slick, the cloud. In recent weeks we’ve for businesses as they recover security business. The move has secure digital communications received multiple requests from from the impact of COVID and allowed the company to grow its will be vital for business efficiency companies looking to move away deal with the uncertainly of team of staff to 22 and beef up its and productivity.”

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FSB and councils call on landlords to “do the right thing”

London councils and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) are urging commercial landlords to “do the right thing” for struggling tenants to support London’s economy.

The FSB and London councils are asking landlords to ensure business tenants get a fair deal on their rental payment that works for both parties and enables businesses to continue operating.

Although some property-owners are under financial pressure too, boroughs and the FSB are urging them to explore with their leaseholders how they can structure rents to ensure businesses can successfully reopen.

An FSB survey of its London members showed that for small businesses paying a mortgage or lease on their premises in London, nearly a third (32%) have failed to make, or faced severe difficulties in making, rent or mortgage repayments as a result of the coronavirus lockdown’s economic impact.

As London begins to emerge from lockdown and businesses start to reopen, many will face cashflow problems as they restock and put in place additional safety measures, such as screens and queuing systems, to keep their staff and customers safe. In addition, customer confidence will take time to grow and cashflow may well remain restricted for a significant period.

Commercial landlords that do offer immediate support to their business tenants are likely to benefit from a steady income and avoid the costs associated with finding a new tenant. They will also be supporting London’s economy by saving jobs, enabling businesses to rebuild and contributing to the growth of their area.

Cllr Clare Coghill, London Councils executive member for business, Europe and good growth, said: “As we cautiously look to reopen and celebrate London’s diverse and wonderful high streets, we are calling on commercial landlords to support their business tenants and play their part in kickstarting the economy. To ensure the survival of much-loved businesses, we urge landlords to negotiate with their tenants about setting realistic rents during this uncertain and challenging time.”

Michael Lassman, FSB London regional chair, said: “Small firms in London are struggling, with many self-employed individuals omitted from government schemes and many sectors missing out on vital grants, rent and rates support. We are calling on London landlords to support our tenants.

“The negative impact of losing businesses would be more people unemployed and empty units that will be difficult to fill. Very few companies are seeking to take on leases and as such we need to see landlords working side by side with their tenants at this crucial time.”

Lewisham retailers receive COVID support

Hundreds of shops that have been under lockdown in Lewisham are celebrating after reopening their doors.

The borough’s outdoor tough times. In the last ten markets and car weeks, we’ve distributed more showrooms had already than £36 million in grants to reopened on June 1, provided small firms. We will continue to they were able to meet COVIDwork with local employers so secure guidelines to protect that we can build back better shoppers and workers. after this crisis.”

All other non-essential retail Lewisham Council officers will including shops selling clothes, be checking that safe systems shoes, toys, furniture, books and electronics, as well as tailors, auction houses, photography are in place and supporting businesses to achieve this. studios and indoor markets, Government advice were told they could reopen recommends that businesses on June 15. should demonstrate

Cllr Joe Dromey, cabinet compliance by: member for culture, jobs and • placing a poster in their skills at Lewisham Council, said: “This is great news for Lewisham businesses that have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Re-opening will windows to demonstrate awareness of the guidance and commitment to safety measures • frequent cleaning of objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, including self-checkouts, trolleys, help many local businesses • storing returned items for coffee machines and betting get back on their feet; but it must 72 hours before putting them terminals be done in a way which is safe back out on the shop floor Hairdressers, pubs and for workers and customers. • placing protective coverings restaurants are due to open on

“Lewisham Council is on large items touched July 4 but nail bars, indoor gyms committed to supporting local by the public, such as beds and beauty salons must remain small businesses during these or sofas closed until further notice.

College launches fund to help tackle inequality

London South East Colleges is setting up a community grant fund to promote diversity and reduce inequality.

Staff and students across the organisation are being invited to bid for funding to set up communitybased projects that will help to tackle all kinds of inequality. Ideas include sports events, industry placements, speaker programmes, arts and cultural activities and much more.

The bids will be assessed by the College’s new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Grant Fund Committee, which is currently being set up. Staff have been invited to put themselves forward for this committee, which will represent the organisation’s diverse community.

The new committee will also help make positive changes throughout the organisation in relation to racial equality. Following two initial all staff consultations, suggestions have included ensuring a more diverse range of literature is offered, featuring black history more significantly in the curricula and inviting more mentors and speakers from BAME backgrounds to engage with students.

In addition, the College is looking to partner an organisation to help monitor and look at the impact of the work being done, ensuring that it is moving at a fast enough pace and effectively addressing the issue of systemic and structural racism.

CEO and Principal of London South East Colleges, Dr Sam Parrett OBE says:

“FE is a fantastic sector when it comes to creating opportunity for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Our College represents a diverse community and we are very much aware of the need to move this important agenda forward.

“Actions speak louder the words and our new grants programme will allow our staff and students to make a real and impactful difference. The response so far has been fantastic and it’s clear that many people want to be part of the solution to address inequality.

“This is not a short-term project, it’s a long-term strategy for our organisation. As a social enterprise, we are committed to supporting our communities and we will not stop until we achieve the change that is needed.”

By 2030 the College plans to have funded 300 community projects via its grants programme, 20 of which will be in the first year.

For more information about the programme or to get involved, visit www.LSEC.ac.uk

Mayor calls for mandatory face coverings in shops

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has urged the government to make the wearing of face coverings mandatory for customers in shops and other confined public spaces.

The Mayor has written coverings on public transport. eased it is vital that we do not to the Prime Minister, The World Health Organisation become complacent and that urging him to extend (WHO) has updated its we all continue to do everything the range of places where face guidance to recommend the we can to prevent a devastating coverings must be worn to help use of face coverings in a second wave. prevent the further spread wide range of public settings. of COVID-19. Several European countries, “It is increasingly clear that In his letter, Sadiq Khan said the wide use of face coverings including Austria, France, Germany, Portugal and face coverings will play a key role in our efforts to stop the is increasingly important as Spain, have already mandated further spread of the virus and lockdown restrictions are their use in shops and other they need to become a more eased, with scientific evidence public spaces. regular part of our day-to-day showing they can help slow Sadiq Khan said: “Thanks life. The high level of use on our the spread of the coronavirus. to the monumental efforts of public transport network has

He said Londoners had Londoners we have significantly again shown that Londoners already shown they are willing reduced the number of are willing to act to protect to take action to help each COVID-19 cases in the capital. their community, but the other, with a high proportion However, the virus is still out government’s current rules are of passengers wearing face there and as restrictions are lagging behind other countries.”

Bromley Charter Market reopens

Bromley’s historic Charter Market has opened again with social distancing measures in place.

Alimited number of Cllr Peter Morgan, because the economic impact stallholders opened executive councillor for of this dreadful coronavirus has in June, with the same renewal, recreation and been stark but also because we operating hours being adopted housing at Bromley Council, have a full range of businesses as previously, and social said: “We are really pleased to that are worth supporting.” distancing and other measures be able to reopen the Charter in place in line with government Market again, which is another Maxine Stonebridge, a ladies’ guidelines. step in that path of returning to fashions stall holder, hailed The market has been running since 1205, when King John normal or a “new normal” as has been said elsewhere. the return of the market as “fantastic news”. granted a charter allowing a “As well as continuing to She said: “Charter Market is weekly market. It will also be observe social distancing one of the friendliest markets in operation on Fridays and measures, I would encourage I’ve ever worked in. I’m looking Saturdays in line with the residents and shoppers to back forward to seeing all of the recent opening pattern. their local businesses, not just traders and customers again.”

New measures to support social distancing

Residents are being encouraged to support their high street and local businesses as the economic recovery from COVID-19 begins.

Aseries of measures, including “keep your distance” signs in town centres, are being installed to support the local recovery phase as high street shops reopen. A summer planting programme is also underway to bring the colours of summer to the borough.

This work is designed to support residents and businesses with a safe return to work, shops, leisure and schools, by helping them use alternatives to public transport and maintain social distancing whilst travelling, visiting town centres and schools.

Councillor William Huntington-Thresher, portfolio holder for environment and community services at Bromley Council, said: “The need for social distancing is widely understood and supported but in places where lots of people will pass through – in busy high street areas, for example – we are installing signage to remind pedestrians of the importance of this message.

“We have also been looking at practical, physical measures which we might install, such as some widened footways. Whilst the installation of signage is progressing relatively quickly, the engineering schemes will take longer to install.”

Measures to help with social distancing in the borough include: •

Providing additional space for people to access goods, services and public transport while socially distancing; this includes space for queuing at shops, stations and bus stops and for those passing these queues on foot.

Additional crossing points or space around crossing points may also be required

Supporting businesses in town centres by maintaining local delivery and servicing

Helping schools adhere to social distancing on the streets in their vicinity

Enabling people to walk or cycle to town centres and stations, or even into central London, by linking temporary and permanent cycle networks

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