- Road Map Released -

The roadmap, which has now been published on gov.uk, outlines four steps for easing restrictions. Before proceeding to the next step, the Government will examine the data to assess the impact of previous steps.

This assessment will be based on four tests:

• The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully.
• Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated.
• Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.
• Our assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern.

There will be a minimum of five weeks between each step: four weeks for the data to reflect changes in restrictions; followed by seven days’ notice of the restrictions to be eased.

Who's excited though?

First Online Networking Session

Tomorrow at 6pm, via Zoom, we have our first online networking session for the independent businesses in Gloucester. This one is led by Gloucester Soundhouse director, Richie Ashton-Phillips.

Loyalty App - Mi Rewards Gloucester

On 4th March Leigh Brown will be hosting a Zoom to tell us more about Mi Rewards Gloucester. The online session will start at 2pm, free to attend.

Not long until our planters return!

Also, not long until we'll be providing a more detailed update to you all with our Report including Budget information; Expenditure and Forecasting, so keep an eye out for that soon.

FREE WEBINAR
for food & drink, retail & hospitality businesses 

Five tips to successfully grow your business post pandemic...

1. Thoroughly understand your market – know your target customer, your competitors and market dynamics, understand what best practice looks like, and ensure you have real-time data/knowledge at your fingertips.
2. Create free cash flow to invest in future growth – identify cost savings, improving product margins, look at how and when you invoice, offering discounts for early payment or even a price increase, check if you are eligible for R&D Tax Credits.
3. Decide how you will compete in the market – ensure to remain relevant and add-value to your customer proposition, differentiate your product from your competitors.
4. Create an effective operating model to deliver growth – look at all areas of operations; production, supply chain, procurement, finance, people skills and capability, customer service, and process throughout.
5. Measure performance – it’s surprising how many businesses don’t measure their KPIs across all areas; financial, efficiency, competitor advantage, customer service, fulfilment, to show continuous improvement.

For the very latest retail, digital and food and drink insights, trends and analysis and to take away top tips on what you can do to protect your business and adapt for future success, book your tickets to attend ‘What's ahead for the UK Consumer Goods industry - 2021 and beyond’, which takes place on Thursday 25 February at 12:30 – 1:30pm.

To find out more about the free webinar and to book your place visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/whats-ahead-for-the-uk-consumer-goods-industry-2021-and-beyond-tickets-135746012979