Enterprise & Skills

A finance package of loans and grants is available to community groups in England that want to take on the ownership of their local pub.

For those charities that run their own catering facilities - for example community cafes, bars in community centres, or bars/cafes/restaurants linked to museums, historic properties or arts venues - the Chancellor announced some very important new measures, including a change in the rate of VAT effective from this week (15 July) and an important discount scheme in August.

A five-year business recovery strategy to support the county economy in getting back on its feet following the Covid-19 crisis includes an £870,000 investment in two enterprise centres.

This is on top of the £860,000 already committed by the county council to support the local economy to recover.

Like the whole of the UK, Staffordshire’s economy will suffer a negative impact as a result of Covid-19 – however the strategy looks to build on the county’s established strengths and seek new opportunities arising from the crisis.

The Charity Digital Code of Practice has launched a COVID-19 digital checklist to support charity leaders during this difficult time.

The checklist aims to help charity trustees and leaders make the right digital decisions, evaluate key decisions, assess progress so far and create a consistent understanding of their charity’s digital goals.

The checklist is split into 7 categories which include remote working, fundraising and governance.

 

Dates Available: 21 May 2020 

The charity sector is currently experiencing some of its greatest challenges in modern memory. However, adversity can also be the catalyst for change and a chance to do things differently.

Most of us know how to use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as we generally use it in our personal life, but the one platform that contains the greatest number of high net individuals is on LinkedIn. 

Over the last two months, the broad range of urgent responses across Staffordshire has taken many forms, from local authorities working with voluntary sector groups and businesses, to new mutual aid groups setting up in a matter of hours, to the fantastic neighbourly street level support response that has supported and sustained so many who have required it. This could be in terms of helping to get shopping or food deliveries for those unable to leave home, to medication collection from busy pharmacies, reducing loneliness and isolation or even walking a dog or cutting someone’s hedge.

Keele University is offering student interns to charities and not for profits - free of charge, no PAYE, working from home on a role or project of your choice (Keele will pay the students) - there are many talented students ready to work. Funding is kindly provided by Santander Universities.

Example projects could be research, helping to locate funding sources, administration, data analysis, social media (setting up, running and even training to your staff), Marketing, or help with fundraising

Your organisation may be eligible for two forms of award from your local Council:

Are you concerned about your cashflow?  Will you have the money to pay staff in your April payroll whilst you wait to claim for furlough?  

There are a number of things you can consider: