Webinars coming up:
Understand how the Chancellor's budget can help your business and the high street re-open

Covid-19/Post Budget Business Webinar
Thursday 15th April at 10:00 am – 11:00 am
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hPlDhdoxST6twua5AZFl-Q

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak presented his second Budget on Wednesday 3 March 2021. In his speech he stated his Budget ‘meets the moment with a three-part plan to protect the jobs and livelihoods of the British people’. Let’s see if our panel of experts agree?  
 
We have an informed team of speakers from Menzies, Quiliam (more to be announced) to discuss the business implications with input from Hounslow Council on the support they are able to offer for regrowth and recovery, including information on the Covid business support programme, the Work Hounslow micro business offer and the exciting new Digital Dock in Brentford.

Budget highlights:
  • Continuation of furlough scheme
  • Contactless payment limit to increase
  • Corporation tax. At present at 19%. From April 2023 increasing to 25% for companies with profits over £250k
  • Freeports – creation of 10 across the country, with attendant tax benefits
  • Reduced VAT rate for hospitality sector until September 2021
  • Re-start Grants up to £6k for non essential retail businesses, and up to £18k for hospitality, leisure, personal care & gym businesses.
  • National Minimum Wage to increase and extended to 23-24 year olds
 
There is no cost to attend the webinar, but you need to book your place: Click here to book

Sponsored by Hounslow Council
New Incoterms, VAT for EU & Freight issues
Thursday 22nd April at 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Updates to Incoterms 2020 allow for the provision for the buyer or seller's own means of transport. We will also look at VAT for exports giving you all the information you need to be fully prepared to export your goods.

Click here for more details.
Enjoy the weather - but be responsible and remember the rules
 
Spring has sprung, and there are many festivities taking place this Bank Holiday, including Easter and Passover, as well as over the next few weeks.

We would like to remind you that the rule of 6 applies as of this week - this means you can meet in a group of up to six people or two households outdoors (indoor socialising is still not allowed).

Understandably, this is a time of celebration after a very difficult winter. But please remember that this is only one step in a long process.

We must continue to work together, observe the rules, and follow Hands Face Space in order to prevent more infections which would reduce our chances of going back to our normal lives this summer.
Workplace testing

You can access QUICK, FREE and REGULAR workplace testing for you and your staff, if your employees do not have COVID-19 symptoms and they cannot work from home.

Getting a rapid test every few days will help to contain the spread of the virus and protect you, your loved ones, your colleagues and your customers.


You must register by 11:59pm on 12 April 2021. If your business is closed or you cannot provide tests now, you should still register so you can order tests in the future.

You can register to order tests if:
  • your business is registered in England
  • your employees cannot work from home

Your employees can also get FREE rapid tests by booking online here: www.hounslow.gov.uk/rapidtest and attending our testing sites instead.

Do not use this service if you or your employees have symptoms. Anyone with symptoms should order a PCR test and stay at home.
Rapid tests – Easter opening hours
We’re here to help you plan your free rapid tests around the forthcoming Easter weekend.

If you don’t have COVID-19 symptoms, getting tested regularly will help you to protect yourself and your family and you will still be able to get tested during the Easter break.

Please make a note of the opening hours for the following sites:
  • Heston Library – New Heston Road, Hounslow TW5 0LW
  • Hounslow House – 7 Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 3EB
  • Isleworth Library – Twickenham Road, Isleworth TW7 7EU
  • Staines Rugby Club, Snakey Lane, Feltham TW13 7NB

Opening times: 
  • Good Friday (2 April) - Closed
  • Saturday 3 April - Open - 8.00am-4.00pm
  • Easter Sunday (4 April) - Closed
  • Easter Monday (5 April) - Closed

In the meantime, we’re open as usual, so please drop-in, or book online here http://www.hounslow.gov.uk/rapidtest or call to make an appointment: 0207 084 9697

For up to date details about our Mobile Testing Unit locations and opening hours, please keep an eye on our Twitter page.

Learn Hounslow are running free Advanced Business Courses to help you to further your skills and improve your business.
Call now to enrol on 0208 583 600.
Visit our website to see our full list of courses and for more information: www.hace.ac.uk
Company Directors - The Danger of Informality
 
Please see a link to an informative article written by Nicholas Woolf of Nicholas Woolf Solicitors.  
 
Jute as an alternative to plastics with CLS – please click here!
West London Local Chambers & Hounslow Chamber of Commerce are the primary support, networking, and representation organisation in west London for SMEs.

We support the interests, the commercial aspirations and the investment from businesses in Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham - the Chamber is the voice for all businesses located in the borough