I am a strategist focusing on brand building and value creation in a digitally disrupted world and with Millennials and Gen Z. The world has never changed so fast and it is changing at accelerating speed. Economic uncertainties, drastic shifts in consumer preferences, fast-changing expectations by Millennials and Generation Z, disruption by new technologies, lower hurdles than ever before for new players to enter into the market, hyper-competition, digitization - various factors that force companies to think different. I’m a specialist in developing brand strategies to lead this change.

Nathalie Wimmer

&lt;p&gt;I'm Emily, Retail Supply Chain Consultant and owner of The Retailer Clinic. I help small retailers to optimise their supply chains, focusing on the areas of procurement, production, inventory management, forecasting, cash flow and strategy.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;I have over 10 years experience in retail having worked in head offices in buying, sales and production roles and on the shop floor in sales advisor and account management positions.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Working for small retailers opened my eyes to the challenges small retailers face when it comes to supply chain. Forecasting and inventory management software is eye-wateringly expensive, production planning is more complex due to smaller order quantities, and deciding on a procurement strategy can be difficult without buying power.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;I went in search of solutions to these problems and spent the next few years studying supply chain analytics, fundamentals, dynamics and design. Armed with 10 years of experience navigating retail supply chains and a stack of models and knowledge, I am ready to help you optimise your supply chain!&lt;/p&gt;

Retail Supply Chain Consultant

Emily Lyons

I am an experienced health and safety professional with over twenty years experience in the private, public and charity sectors. I run Imago Health and Safety Consultants, a bespoke health and safety and HR consultancy providing health and safety advice and guidance to start-ups and SMEs. In addition to advice  and guidance we provide a range of other services to clients, including health and safety audits and inspections, risk and coshh assessments,  supplier audits, health and safety accreditations, and health and safety training.

I  previously worked as a health and safety inspector for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for six years, providing health and safety advice and guidance to SMEs and large clients in a range of different industry sectors including food and drink, manufacturing, chemicals, construction, and public services. I also worked in a previous role as a senior health and safety consultant in the private sector I  worked with clients in tech, retail,  finance, hair and beauty and food and drink sectors providing practical and cost-effective steps to remove your health and safety hazards, reduce  risks and keep businesses safe and compliant with UK health and safety legislation.

I am also a chartered member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

Director

Ebenezer Anjorin CMIOSH

Enterprise Nation has helped thousands of people start and grow their businesses. Led by founder, Emma Jones CBE, Enterprise Nation connects you to the resources and expertise to help you succeed.

GS1 UK: 20% off membership

Enterprise Nation members can benefit from a special offer of 20% off their first year of membership with GS1 UK. Just follow the link, select your membership plan and join. Use discount code EN20 at checkout in step 4 to claim.

SumUp Invoices

Save time and keep your business running smoothly by issuing invoices in under one minute and accepting online payments. SumUp Invoices makes it simple to create invoices fast.



Two’s better than one

With retail and hospitality among the hardest hit sectors during the coronavirus pandemic, the government has set out its plans for supporting high streets, cafes, pubs and restaurants.

 detailing a strategy for boosting Britain's shopping districts, prime minister Boris Johnson said: "Successive governments have, with the best of intentions, sought to support our high streets by pretending that the 21st century hasn’t happened, propping them up and sitting Canute-like as the waves of changing habits and online retail lap around their ankles. 

"We’re doing things differently. Rather than attempting to force the toothpaste back into the tube, we’re accepting that the world has changed and giving our high streets the freedom they need to change with it."

Among the measures in the strategy document are:

Relaxed al-fresco dining to be made permanent

Rules allowing restaurants and cafes to serve customers outside were relaxed due to the coronavirus restrictions. The government said this streamlined licensing system will be extended for 12 months in England, with an intention to make it permanent.

Takeaway pints can also continue for another 12 months with the extension of rules for the off-site sales of alcohol. 

Local councils to turn unused high street spaces into places from where new food and drink businesses can trade. The government said it will work with councils and the hospitality sector to develop "hospitality-led regeneration hubs, with demonstrators delivered in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales".

To encourage more cycling and walking with segregated cycle lanes on main roads and expanded space for pedestrians, the government will select 12 non-London local authority areas to receive funding to take part in "mini-Holland schemes".

Tackling litter, graffiti and gum staining

The document says: "We recognise that a clean environment is good for our wellbeing, and good for the economy – and that delivering this on high streets is a vital part of delivering this ambition as well as contributing to our vision of building green, clean, high streets which attract visitors and make them feel safe and welcome, increasing footfall and appetite for new business."

The government said it will review planning practice guidance in relation to litter, particularly when it comes to rubbish outside fast food outlets, and chewing gum producers will invest up to £10m in a scheme that provides financial support to councils for removing gum litter and staining.

New guidance on tackling graffiti for local authorities and business owners will be published and £2m in funding will be allowed for "councils to fight back against the menace of graffiti".

Communities will be encouraged to help clean their local area on a new National High Streets Day.

Alongside the high street strategy, the government published 

 that helps local communities take over businesses such as pubs, theatres and post offices to stop them before sold for development. Communities can borrow up to £250,000 in matched funding through the £150m scheme. 

The application form for the Community Ownership Fund is 

As the High Streets Strategy was released, the government confirmed £335m for 15 new 

. Projects include repurposing empty shops, creating new public spaces, transforming a riverfront area into a community hub with entertainment and leisure venues, and creating a new digital enterprise and learning centre. Town Deals have been offered to all 101 places that were invited to develop proposals.

Councils in England will give the power to take over derelict buildings through compulsory purchase orders so they can be converted into new homes if property owners stall on regeneration plans. Councils will also be encouraged to use existing powers to convert empty offices into housing, and empty shops can be turned into entertainment venues or other new businesses without the need for planning permission.

 Retail veteran Bill Grimsey also released his own 

. He warned thousands of small shops could close due to the debt they've taken on to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. His report called for that debt to be written off by the government. 

His other recommendations include major reform of business rates with a retail sales tax in its place and more focus on supporting independents and encouraging experiences so that more shoppers return to their local high streets.  

He also criticised the government's Levelling Up approach as "creating left behind towns through a winners and losers approach".

See all of Bill Grimsey's recommendations 

What do you think of the government's strategy and Bill Grimsey's report? If you're running a high street business, will either approach help you? We'd love to hear your thoughts. 

I&apos;m a <a href=&apos;https://danmartinuk.com/&apos; target=&apos;_self&apos;>freelance content creator and event host</a> who helps small businesses and the organisations that support them. I&apos;m also Enterprise Nation&apos;s Local Leader for Bristol.
I have 20 years of experience as a small business journalist having interviewed hundreds of entrepreneurs from famous names like Sir Richard Branson and Deborah Meaden to the founders behind brand new start-ups.
I&apos;ve worked for a range of leading small business publications and support groups, most recently as head of content at Enterprise Nation where I was responsible for the prolific output of content on the company&apos;s blog and social media. I now freelance for Enterprise Nation as the website&apos;s <a href=&apos;https://www.enterprisenation.com/business-news&apos; target=&apos;_self&apos;>news reporter</a> and as the host of the <a href=&apos;https://www.enterprisenation.com/podcast&apos; target=&apos;_self&apos;>Small Business sessions podcast</a>.
I&apos;m based in Bristol where I run and host regular events with the local small business community in my role as Enterprise Nation&apos;s Local Leader for Bristol. I also have strong connections with other major business organisations in the south west region.
In total, I&apos;ve hosted over 100 events including conferences with an audience of hundreds for international brands like Xero and Facebook and live web chats from inside 10 Downing Street.
With my partner, I co-run <a href=&apos;https://www.lifestyledistrict.co.uk/&apos; target=&apos;_self&apos;>Lifestyle District</a>, a lifestyle blog focused on culture, art, theatre and photography.

Freelance content creator & event host

Government sets out vision for recovery and regeneration of high streets

How the government intends to support Britain's high streets. 

This guide has the latest information about government plans for easing lockdown measures across the UK. We are keeping it updated.

a four-step plan for easing lockdown in England

The changes are dependent on the coronavirus vaccine programme staying on track, evidence showing the vaccines are reducing deaths and need for hospital treatment, there is no surge in hospital admissions and new virus variants do not increase the risk of removing restrictions.

UPDATE 12/07/21: The prime minister announced that step four of the roadmap in England will go ahead on 19 July. 

 that all of Scotland will move to level 0 of restrictions on 19 July. 

The restrictions that remain from 19 July include:

 Wales will move to alert level one on 17 July. Changes include:

If the public health situation allows, Wales will move to alert level zero on 7 August. Changes include: 

More details about the Welsh government's plans for alert level zero are 

An indicative date of 26 July (subject to review on 22 July) has been set for the following:

The full list of regulations and guidance is 

The latest coronavirus support information

We are keeping you updated on the latest information on how to access the government's coronavirus business support 

Enterprise Nation's coronavirus business advice hub

A guide to the lockdown easing plans in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

The latest details on plans to ease lockdown measures across the UK.



Over a year on from the first coronavirus lockdown, several government business funding schemes are still available or will be opening for applications soon. Here's a guide to what's on offer.

UK-wide: Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) fifth grant

To be eligible for the fifth SEISS grant, you must be self-employed or a member of a partnership. Limited company directors can't apply.

You must have traded in the 2019 to 2020 and 2020 to 2021 tax years and submitted your 2019 to 2020 self-assessment tax return by 2 March 2021.

For self-employed people suffering a loss in turnover of 30% or more, the grant will be worth 80% of three months average trading profits, capped at £7,500. For those experiencing a drop in turnover below 30%, the grant will be worth 30% of three months average trading profits, capped at £2,850.

You will be able to claim the fifth grant from late July.

UK-wide: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS)

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, also known as the furlough scheme, is open until the end of September. Until June, the government covered the full 80% of wages for employees on furlough. 

In July, the level of grant covered by the government is 70%, up to a maximum £2,187.50. Employers must cover the remaining 10%, up to £312.50.

The government contribution falls again in August and September to 60%, up to a maximum £1,875, with employers contributing 20%, up to £625.

Employers also pay employer National Insurance Contributions and pension contributions for the hours the employee does not work.

Businesses can apply for loans and overdrafts between £25,001 and £10m and invoice finance and asset finance between £1,000 and £10m. The government will provide an 80% guarantee to lenders but borrowers remain 100% liable for the debt.

Finance terms are up to six years for term loans and asset finance facilities. For overdrafts and invoice finance facilities, terms are up to three years.

Business owners need to show their business is viable, although the British Business Bank said lenders "may disregard any concerns over its short-to-medium term business performance due to the uncertainty and impact of COVID-19".

Unlike the previous schemes, there is no period during which businesses do not have to make repayments. For funding through the Recovery Loan Scheme, interest and fees need to be paid by the business from the outset.

The scheme is due to run until 31 December 2021.

UK wide: Bounce Back Loans Pay As You Grow

If you borrowed finance through the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, you can take a six month repayment holiday. With the loans interest free and with no repayments for 12 months, extending repayments means businesses have a total of 18 months before they have start to paying the money back. The option is available once during the term of the loan.

Companies can also extend the loan term from six to 10 years and cut monthly repayments for six months by paying interest only. The latter option is available up to three times.

England: Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG)

Through the ARG scheme, councils have the freedom to determine the eligibility for the grants but the government is encouraging them to support:

Councils have until 31 July 2021 to hand out the funding.

Eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties in England receive 66% business rates relief from 1 July 2021 to 31 March 2022, capped at £2m per business for properties that were required to be closed on 5 January 2021, or £105,000 per business for other eligible properties.

Retail, hospitality, leisure and aviation businesses pay no business rates during 2021-22.

On 22 June, the Scottish government announced that local authorities will be kept at the current protection levels for an additional three-week period from 28 June 2021 with the next review on 13 July. Additional financial support is offered for eligible businesses that are subject to ongoing restrictions at protection levels 1 and 2.

The fund provides grants of up to £750 per week, depending on rateable value, sector, and the duration of the restrictions to specific businesses that previously received financial support through the Strategic Framework Business Fund.

The Welsh government has announced further grants of up to £25,000 for businesses that remain closed or severely impacted by restrictions shown via a greater than 60% impact on turnover compared to the corresponding timeline in 2019 or equivalent.

The Economic Resilience Fund (ERF) will provide support for businesses, social enterprises, charities and associated supply chain businesses that continue to experience a severe negative impact as a result of ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. The grants will help meet operating costs (excluding staff wages) for the period 1 July 2021 to 31 August 2021.

Applications for the ERF for businesses with a turnover of more than £85,000 are open until 12pm on 27 July 2021.

Local authorities across Wales will reopen applications for those businesses that are eligible with a turnover of less than £85,000 on 26 July 2021. This grant application will remain open until 9 August 2021.

Retail, leisure and hospitality businesses and charities in Wales pay no business rates in 2021-22.

Northern Ireland: Retail, Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Top-Up Scheme

The Retail, Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Top-Up Scheme provides financial support of up to £10,000 to businesses that received the £25,000 Retail, Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Grant in 2020 and have not been paid under the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme or Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme: Part B, subject to some exclusions.

Northern Ireland: Small Business Support Grant Top-Up Scheme

The Small Business Support Grant Top-Up Scheme provides financial support of up to £5,000 to businesses that received the £10,000 Small Business Support Grant in 2020 and have not been paid more than £5,000 under the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme or Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme: Part B, subject to some exclusions.

The grant covers a wide range of businesses, including those which were allowed to remain open during the most recent restrictions, such as convenience stores, hardware stores, bakeries, financial services, engineering firms and coach services. The business must have been open and trading on 1 March 2021 to be eligible.

Events

Watch back: Get your business ready to make sales

Member stories

Meet the brands that sold in store

Learn more

How to do a retail pop-up

Resources to get you trading

Connect with retail advisers

Events coming up

Offers to get you started

Hello World