13 July 2021

This update covers:

  • The Prime Minister has confirmed that the Government will proceed with Step 4 of the roadmap on Monday 19 July
  • Help to Grow your business
  • Northern Ireland: Requirement for close contact appointment removed
  • SEISS grant

The Prime Minister has confirmed that the Government will proceed with Step 4 of the roadmap on Monday 19 July

The key changes will be as follows:

  • Legal requirements to wear a face covering will be lifted.
  • Social distancing rules (2 metres or 1 metre with additional mitigations) will be lifted.
  • Legal restrictions will be replaced with guidance to help people make their own informed judgements on how to keep themselves and others safe.


It was also confirmed that from 16 August, double vaccinated people under 18s and people who have been fully vaccinated will not have to self-isolate if they have been in contact with a positive case.

Full details of the changes can be found in the Government’s ‘Summer 2021 Roadmap

The NHBF will provide a further summary once the Government has published new guidance.


Help to Grow your business

The Government's Help To Grow scheme is now open for registration. The accredited 12-week training programme of skills development for small business owners is delivered through the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS), with 90% of costs covered.

The programme will help small and medium sized businesses across the UK learn new skills, reach new customers and boost profits.

You could get:

  • An Executive Development programme that could help you improve business performance and growth potential through Help to Grow: Management
  • Free online advice and money off software that could help you save time and cut costs through Help to Grow: Digital

Register your interest

 

Northern Ireland: Requirement for close contact appointment removed.

The Executive has decided that from 26 July, to be ratified on 22 July the requirement for an appointment within close contact services will be removed and overlapping appointments will be allowed.

Read full statement


SEISS grant

If you're self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been impacted by coronavirus, can now apply for the fifth SEISS grant.

What you need before making a claim for SEISS 5:

  • Self-Assessment Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
  • National Insurance number
  • Government Gateway user ID and password
  • UK bank details including account number, sort code, name on the account and address linked to the account
  • Only provide bank account details where a Bacs payment can be accepted. You may also need to answer questions about your passport, driving licence or information held on your credit file.

See full details and make a claim here

 

Read our four nations’ FAQs which include links to the latest government guidance that must be followed.

England: Hair and beauty businesses, including mobile, are now open under government Coronavirus guidelines. Saunas and steam rooms are allowed to open under step 3 of the roadmap, which started on 17 May 2021. Find out more on the government website.

Wales: Hair and beauty businesses, including mobile, are now open under government Coronavirus guidelines.

Scotland: Hair and beauty businesses, including mobile, are now open under government Coronavirus guidelines.

Northern Ireland: Hair and beauty businesses, including mobile, are now open under government Coronavirus guidelines.
Coronavirus: Business closures and restrictions in Northern Ireland

See all updates