Dear Otley Businesses,
During these unprecedented times the Government have asked us all to take extraordinary measures. I know that most, if not all businesses have taken this advice and acted accordingly to protect our NHS, vulnerable members of society and each other. Thank you for doing this.
As a Reminder
- Unless you are providing key/essential goods and services all businesses should be closed to the public and workers
- If remaining open to provide key/essential goods and services please take appropriate measures to protect your staff and customers
- Here is a list of key/essential businesses that can remain open: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF.pdf
- Full Government guidance on staying at home and away from others: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-othersÂ
Support for Businesses
I know many of you will be concerned about cashflow. For the majority of Otley businesses, grants and support with paying workers is coming. Please take a look at these links and familiarise yourself with the financial help you are entitled to:
- Gov business support: https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
- Leeds City Council: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus/business
If you qualify for a Government grant it is expected that payments will be made in April. You can speed this process up by emailing business.rates@leeds.gov.uk with the following:
- Correspondence from LCC with your business property reference number (found on your Business Rates bill or Otley BID invoice)
- Your business name and address
- Your business bank account details
To be clear, Leeds City Council have a full list of eligible businesses and they will get round to you. To speed up processing & payments for everyone, please DO NOT telephone Leeds City Council Business Rates Department at a time when they are extremely busy. Send an email as outlined above with your query and await a reply.
We will continue to help you in any way we can. We are on you side and want to see you all back open again in the future.
Kind regards & stay safe
Tom Hatley
Chair – Otley BID Ltd