Getting Ready To Open Your Business

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The government’s plan to gradually ease lockdown restrictions means since 29 March outdoor sports facilities were permitted to open and non-essential retail will be permitted to open no earlier than 12 April 2021.

Following the COVID-19 recovery roadmap, the government has shared guidance on reopening businesses and venues which sets out how restrictions will be lifted. You can also find advice on legislation that applies to businesses, workplaces, premises and other venues on the council’s website, alongside detailed reopening guidance for individual sectors. 

If your business is permitted to open on this date, please consider the following guidance to help you plan for re-opening safely:

  • Undertake a Risk Assessment of your business – you must make sure that the risk assessment addresses the risks of Covid-19, using this guidance to inform your decisions and control measures.
  • The layout of your premises – spend time looking at how your premises is laid out, so you can have a smooth flow of people, maintaining social distancing. Installing visible markers encouraging 2m apart can help, particularly in areas such as entrances and exits and at pay points. Aim to have one-way flows with markers or arrows in place where possible particularly if aisles are narrow.
  • Speak to suppliers – it is important to plan how and when goods and supplies arrive at your premises to make sure it has minimum disruption to your suppliers and with your customers.
  • Talk to your customers – your website and social media is a good way to let your customers know what they can expect when they visit your business. Early communication can help you and your customers understand the changes to your retail premises, how many people will be allowed in the shop at any one-time, contactless payment whenever possible, the use of hand sanitisers and the additional cleaning routines being followed. This will give your customers confidence that they can shop at your premises safely.
  • Talk to your neighbours – it may be that your neighbouring businesses are planning to reopen at the same time. Talk to them early about how they intend to operate, and how you will both control the entrance and exit of customers.

Further detailed advice and guidance will be available on the council’s website in early April to further assist business with re-opening safely.