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Advice for businesses

We understand that if you run a business in the city, the current COVID-19 situation is likely to be very concerning. The government has announced a series of measures to significantly increase the economic support available to businesses and workers during coronavirus.

Reopening advice for hairdressers, barbers and other beauty salons

Businesses can get detailed guidance and advice on the following links:

If you need any further advice, please contact the Public Safety Team by email: c19business@leicester.gov.uk. 

Reopening your business

Businesses that can re-open will need to follow the guidelines for keeping workers and clients safe during Covid-19 in close contact services.

All business will be expected to:

  • Undertake a risk assessment
  • Implement safety measures to keep staff and customers safe

We understand this must be very difficult times for businesses. We have produced reopening guidance to help businesses. 

To assist you further when preparing to reopen, the government have also produced guidance at GOV.UK where there is ‘close contact’ with customers

If you require signs or floor stickers then please send an email to: enterprisingleicester@leicester.gov.uk.

Further general guidance can also be found on the Health and Safety Executive website.

Do I have to close my business?

Get guidance form the government on the closure of certain businesses and venues as part of the social distancing measures.

Business rates

You should continue to pay your business rates if you can. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, we encourage you to contact us immediately if you are having difficulty making your payments.

In the subject line of your email, please include ‘Business rates’ and your account reference number, if you have one.

If you cannot email, then you can call our revenues and customer support service on 0116 454 1005.

We are currently unable to process posted items, so please do not write to us.

Please do not pay by cheque. Go to our payment page or ring our automated payment line on: 0116 454 1012.

You can get further information and advice, including details on reductions and grants due to the coronavirus on our business rates page.

You can also sign up to view your accounts or claims online.

Funding

The government is supporting businesses and their employees through a package of measures during the coronavirus situation. Find information on the full package of financial support and grant funding which is provided to respond to cash flow pressures, help you stay in business and retain your workforce.

Food businesses

The guidance from GOV.UK includes:

  • food hygiene
  • food packaging
  • cleaning and waste disposal
  • managing employee sickness
  • social distancing in food business settings

Read guidance for food businesses on coronavirus at GOV.UK.

For further advice on social distancing (food businesses), you can send us an email. 

Advice for customers, employees, employers and businesses

Business support

The Business Gateway have developed a range of resources and guidance to ensure businesses feel supported. Information and support available includes advice from a team of expert advisers, access to virtual sessions and webinars and details on redundancy and recruitment. 

Redundancy and recruitment service

A new scheme has launched offering information for all businesses and employers, who are having to make changes to their workforce due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

BID Leicester

Useful information if you are a business in the BID area (inside inner ring road).