ECONOMY
@eastleighbc
Increased business rate relief for retailers If you run a shop, restaurant, cafe or drinking establishment in the Borough, you will probably know that there was good news in the Queen’s Speech. Just in case you missed it, the pledge was: the retail discount will be increased from one-third to 50 per cent, cinemas and music venues will be included in the list of eligible establishments, the local newspaper discount has been extended, and finally, there will be an additional discount for pubs.
Brexit grants
We expect further guidance from government in the Spring Budget on 11 March. We do not yet know when any adjustments to your rate relief will become effective but we will publish information on our website as soon as we have it.
For more information visit: eastleigh.gov.uk/businessrelief
If you run a business in the Borough that imports or exports with EU countries, government money is available to hire experts to deal with the customs declarations, and other regulations and checks, that may be a requirement after the Brexit transition period ends on 31 December 2020.
A total of around £7.5 million is available to allow firms to hire or train experts to deal with customs declarations.
More information is available at gov.uk/government/news/ hmrc-extends-customs-grantfunding-deadline
Joanna Customer Services Officer
eastleigh.gov.uk/jobs
Eastleigh
Eastleigh eateries A warm welcome to Pat’s Sandwiches which opened in Market Street, Eastleigh. If you haven’t already visited our newest arrival, please drop by and show them your support. Firm favourite Artisan is expanding with a Turkish bakehouse on the site of the former sewing shop in High Street, Eastleigh. Refurbishment is under way and a giant pizza oven was delivered just before Christmas. The new bakery will be called Evie’s.
Town Centre toilets
Get involved in PONToon
Find out more: Eastleigh Borough Council’s Economic Development team can point to a range of help and advice for local businesses – contact: economicdevelopment@ eastleigh.gov.uk
The opportunities throughout the council are vast and varied.
News round up
The Council will soon be refurbishing the public toilets at Eastleigh bus station to create modern and accessible facilities, making shopping in the town centre more convenient. The toilets will have four individual unisex cubicles with one designated as accessible as well as baby changing facilities. The fixtures and fittings will be easier to maintain and keep clean and use less energy. Temporary facilities will be made available nearby at Eastleigh House, during the building work.
Grants available to Borough businesses who trade with EU
Full import controls may be imposed on goods moving between the EU and Great Britain from 1 January 2021 – and imports and exports may be subject to the same checks and controls as goods coming from the rest of the world.
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The PONToon project, set up to improve the digital skills and employment situations of disadvantaged women, is beginning the final round of testing for its employment skills toolkit and we need your help.
Sorting Office Studios Thanks to everyone who came to the Christmas Open Studios at the Sorting Office in November. This was the biggest one ever with over a thousand visitors shopping for unique Christmas gifts from the resident artists and visiting designer makers. Many visitors often comment how inspiring a visit to the studios really is and how fantastic it is to find in Eastleigh. Our Summer Open Studios will be on 20 and 21 June in conjunction with Eastleigh Unwrapped, so why not come along.
We are looking for organisations to get involved with the project, as well as individual participants who are willing to help test the digital tools. The digital toolkit includes a virtual reality train station designed to build confidence among those unfamiliar with travelling by train, and a Tinder-style app that matches users with types of jobs based on their preferences. For more information contact: economicdevelopment@ eastleigh.gov.uk or phone 023 8062 7826. Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/pontoon
