COVID-19 Support and Help for Business
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Hi
We are working closely with our partners and with local and central government to bring business all the latest information and support. Keep an eye on our Facebook and LinkedIn pages for information as it becomes available.
As we move into alert level 3, we have more livestreams coming up for you. In the meantime, if you have a Google Places listing, remember to update your hours and availability. There is also a selection of online locations available where you can advertise your business for free. Take a look below.
The Latest COVID-19 Business Updates
- BUSINESS TRAVEL REGISTER now open. If you are a business with staff needing to cross Alert Level boundaries, you can now apply for Business Travel Documents
- COVID-19 LEAVE SUPPORT SCHEME for businesses with staff requiring self-isolation
- SHORT-TERM ABSENCE PAYMENT
- WAGE SUBSIDY SCHEME
- CHILDCARE SERVICES SCHEME for alert level 4 workers
- FINANCIAL SUPPORT TOOL – see what help you can get
- CONTACTS EXPLAINED: Close plus, close, casual plus and casual contacts
- HUTT VALLEY COVID-19 TESTING CENTRES by suburb
For all current business and COVID-19 updates, visit www.hvchamber.org.nz. This page is updated daily.
Upcoming Events
Until we can again meet in person, we are running regular online livestream broadcasts on a variety of topics. Join us live on Facebook or LinkedIn during the week to take part in events and join the live discussions.
Preparing for Level 3, Tuesday, 31 August @ 10am
As we transition to level 3 from Wednesday, Bronze Partner Red Hot Business Coaching & Consulting will cover some of the things you need to be thinking about to ensure you operate safely and within the guidelines. We'll be covering:
• Some different requirements across different industries
• Safety procedures to consider
• Bringing your team back to the workplace
• Cost/benefits of trading at level 3
• Web directories and online tools to consider
Red Hot Business Coaching & Consulting has been actively supporting business owners around the region (and the country) for 18 years. They're also registered providers for the Regional Business Partner Network and did a huge amount of work with business owners during the first lockdown. Bring your questions and join us live on Facebook on Tuesday, 31 August at 10am.
RiverLink Update, 2 September @ 5:30pm
The RiverLink project was formally notified on 25 August 2021, which means that consents for RiverLink have been lodged to Hutt City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council to jointly process.
This huge project is going to affect business across the entire Hutt Valley so we're inviting you to get involved and give your input. Formal submissions will close on Wednesday, 22 September 2021. Prior to that, we're inviting you to an online event with the RiverLink team. Join us on Facebook on 2 September at 5:30pm.
In case you missed it - last week's livestreams
Contractual Obligations:
with Platinum Partner, Gibson Sheat Lawyers
Rhys Williams from Gibson Sheat Lawyers explained your contractual obligations during the COVID-19 lockdown, with a focus on commercial leases and rent/OPEX relief. He also covered what business needs to know as we move back down the alert levels. This livestream took place on 27 August.
Employment Obligations:
with Silver Partner, McKone Consultancy
How to prepare and have the conversation with your staff if you need to make temporary changes to working arrangements, including hours of work and pay, during lockdown.
Tony McKone covered the importance of maintaining good faith communications and how to handle staff who may be reluctant to agree to changes to their working arrangements.
This livestream (from 25 August) covered:
- Planning for when you may need to reduce hours of work/pay
- Consulting with staff on what changes may be needed
- How to inform people to ensure they are engaged in the process
- How to handle reluctant employees
- Understanding the options available for assistance
Government Financial Support Roundup:
with Platinum Partner, Kendons
Alastair Lloyd provided clarity for business on support available and answered questions in relation to:
- The Wage Subsidy Scheme
- Resurgence Support Payment
- The Leave Support Scheme
- The Short-term Absence Scheme
This livestream took place on 24 August.
Online Directories for Business
As we head into alert level 3, here's a recap of some local online directories where you can get your business listed for free. Click the links to take a look:
Until we meet up again in person, we look forward to touching base with you online at one of our many livestream events.
- Mark Skelly and the Chamber Team
Keep your network up to date by inviting them to receive the Hutt Valley Business Weekly here.
Thank you to all our Partners
As always, special thanks to all our Members and Partners for your ongoing support.
