A spotlight on Yorkshire, getting ready for recovery and
supporting a sustainable climate.
Business@Harrogate
Yorkshire Film & TV Industry Summit 2021: Harrogate Film Festival
A call to those working in the TV, film and the creative sectors, as Yorkshire and the Harrogate distict take centre stage next month.

The annual Harrogate Film Festival hosts a key note event on 27 April, with a focus on skills and networking.

Speakers from Channel 4, Screen Yorkshire, the BFI, Sky, ScreenSkills and the Northern Film School are amongst those sharing the opportunities for 2021 and beyond.

Supported by the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (the LEP), the free event is set up to support collaboration amongst freelancers, creative agencies, funders, industry networks and skills providers.

Recovery Loan Scheme Opens in April
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The national Recovery Loan Scheme enables businesses of any size to access loans and other finance, once the existing COVID-19 loan schemes close.

The Scheme is designed to support businesses recover and grow, following the pandemic and the transition period, with 80% of the finance guaranteed by the government.

Further details on the Recovery Loan Scheme will be available from 6 April at gov.uk.
Coronavirus Business Grants Update
Closure dates for the Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG) have recently been announced by the Government.

All applications for the LRSG schemes must be submitted by the national deadline of 31 March 2021. The four LRSG schemes apply to eligible businesses impacted by the national and local restrictions in place from 5 November 2020.

The council's Additional Restrictions Grant Scheme (ARG) for the Harrogate district is now closed for new applications. Plans for a potential phase 3 of the Scheme are currently on hold, until information on any further funding is known.
 
The national Budget in early March announced the Restart Grants, to support eligible businesses as they are allowed to reopen. The Government is due to publish detailed guidance on these grants in late March, with funding to be awarded from April.

Updates on locally distributed grant funding schemes will continue to be published on the council's website at www.harrogate.gov.uk/business - please keep checking for any changes.

Advice on local support, including health, financial and welfare assistance is also available at www.harrogate.gov.uk/coronavirus.

For information on all coronavirus support and funding please visit gov.uk/coronavirus.
Care for the Climate: Business Survey
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What support would your business value to help it 'go green'?

That's the question that a local partnership, the Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition, is asking.

Business owners are encouraged to complete the Coalition's online survey by 4 April, and find out more on the benefits of a net-zero carbon economy.

Free Workplace Testing for Covid 19: Register by 31 March
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Free Covid 19 workplace testing is now available to all businesses.

To receive free testing kits for their workplace, businesses must register by 31 March, including those that are currently required to remain closed, such as hospitality venues.

The national workplace testing kits will be issued free until the end of June 2021.

Happy High Streets - Sustainability: 18 March
High street traders are encouraged to benefit their business and the local environment by attending a free webinar this week.

Join national and regional speakers, including Vivienne King of The Shopkeepers Campaign, for an insight on customer trends, policy changes and tips on sustainability.
Your Business Journey to Net Zero: 19 March
Businesses in the North of England that are interested in tackling climate change are invited to learn more about ‘Your business journey to Net Zero’
 
Hosted by the area's Local Enterprise Partnerships and government department BEIS, the free, online event will showcase the business opportunities offered by a low carbon economy. 

Support for Commercial Tenants is Extended to 30 June
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The ban of commercial evictions has been extended for a further three months, to the 30 June.

Announced by the Government on 10 March, the measure is particularly designed to support businesses until they can reopen and trade, as coronavirus restrictions allow.
Covid-19 business grants [email protected]
More news from Business@Harrogate in April 2021