The Sir Michael Balcon, like many pubs, is only able to operate at 40% capacity, which has a significant impact on business viability.

However, they have responded well to the restrictions and have adopted the government guidelines, with social distancing and track and trace in place.  

Customers are accepting the changes and have adapted their expectations so they can enjoy a social night out with family and friends.

Friday 24th July sees mandatory face masks on public transport expanded into shops and services. Government statistics estimate about 33% of the general public are already wearing them through choice and anticipate people will not be reluctant to the enforcement of wearing masks if it is going to keep them safe.

Masks are readily available to buy from most supermarkets and chemists.

Checkout Miniso in Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre, they stock disposable, and full-face Perspex masks and hand wipes at very
competitive prices so well worth a visit to stock up.

Going live from 3rd - 31st August, the scheme offers diners 50% off meals capped at £10 per head when eating in participating restaurants on Monday to Wednesday throughout August.

There is a live webinar Friday 24th July about the scheme and how it will work. Sign up here.

Businesses can join right up until the last day of the programme.

Big brands who have signed up so far are Costa, Burger King, McDonald's, Harvester, Nando's, Pizza Hut and JD Wetherspoon. 

Discounts will be on food and non-alcoholic drinks, and the offer applies to both adults and children. To help prospective diners identify participating restaurants, the government has designed posters to display in windows, and a dedicated website is going live on 31st July.  

Customers do not need a voucher, as participating establishments will apply the discount to their bill. Businesses will reclaim the discounted amount through an online service, supported by HMRC. Claims can be made weekly and will be paid into bank accounts within five working days.

Find more information about the scheme here

Register your business to be part of the 'Eat Out to Help Out' project here.

Download web and print promotional material to advertise and promote the scheme here

First Mile has made changes to their collection service. Businesses now have to contact First Mile to say they are operational. For the foreseeable future businesses will have book collections as and when they need them through the First Mile portal.

Members of the First Mile recycling scheme were sent an email with a link to activate their portal; however, it was only live for 24 hours after it arrived in their inbox. If your link to the portal is not working, head to the Portal.thefirstmile.co.uk  to confirm you are open for business and want a collection. Please read the improtant changes to service, as they will not pick up the bags unless you have booked a collection. 

If you need to register for collections, head to the portal, fill in your email address and click 'email me a link to log in'.

Track and Trace usage is increasing every day, find out what you have to do if Track & Trace contacts you.

Natasha is still on furlough, so if you have any queries, please contact Gerry by email or call 07943 720227