RESPONSIBLE RIVIERA
Carolyn Custerson – Chief Executive – ERBID Company
On the 4th July we hope that many of our local Tourism and Hospitality businesses will re-open having been shut since March 23rd. This moment has been patiently waited for with Tourism and Hospitality Businesses the first to be closed by Government and the last to be re-opened, pending a final decision by the Government. We know that there is concern particularly from residents about the re-opening of the resort. We want to reassure residents that we will be acting responsibly, and we would like to share with you what measures local businesses will be taking to operate as safely as possible.
Last week draft Government Guidelines were circulated to our local businesses detailing a whole range of COVID – Secure ‘Controls’ that must be introduced before any business can re-open, along with a Risk Assessment. These ‘Controls’ focus on the safety of employers, employees and customers with businesses that are hoping to re-open, adapting their businesses to accommodate these COVID-Secure ‘Controls.’ You can find these Draft Government Guidelines here:
Trying to salvage some of the summer income is really important now with many local businesses closed since October 2019. Without any summer income our local tourism businesses will have to endure, in affect ‘three winters’ and could stay permanently closed. We remain a seasonal destination and for this reason, it is critical that we get some of Tourism and Hospitality businesses open, hopefully from the 4th July and welcome back ‘Responsible Tourists.’
Summer 2020 will be very different. Many businesses will sadly not be able to meet the guidelines and will have to stay closed for the time being, because the 2 metre Social Distancing rule cannot be accommodated. It is those businesses that we are particularly concerned about and we will continue to lobby for continued financial support as we have done with our South West Tourism colleagues since the start of lockdown.
Please be assured that we know that we need to be cautious. We want to work with residents, businesses and partners together to safely re-open the English Riviera, one of the UK’s Leading Seaside Resorts.
We all need ‘Responsible Tourists’ to return so that we can begin our Road to Recovery.
We understand the Government will be making their final decision regarding the re-opening of Tourism and Hospitality Businesses on June 18th.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the planned re-opening of the resort.
Kind Regards
Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive Officer
English Riviera BID Company Ltd
5 Vaughan Parade, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JG
carolyn@englishrivierabid.co.uk
Support for Businesses – Information, Advice and Guidance on Covid 19
The ERBID Co website is being continually updated with additional sections and pages on Information, Advice and Guidance on Covid-19 to assist our members. Please see our new webpage on Support for Businesses – Information, Advice and Guidance on Covid 19 here.
ERBID Company Updates
The ERBID Company are emailing regular communications to levy payers. If you are not receiving these communications, please email enquiries@englishrivierabid.co.uk to arrange receipt.
Please see our communications from CEO Carolyn Custerson on 19th March 2020.
If you have any concerns or would like some support or advice, please contact the ERBID Company Executive Team:
Carolyn: carolyn@englishrivierabid.co.uk
Gina: gina@englishrivierabid.co.uk
Visit England’s Business Advice Hub
VisitEngland’s Business Advice Hub features a dedicated section containing the support available to tourism businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, from funding to guidance on mental health.
Information signposted to includes:
- Government support finder tool
- Skills Toolkit
- Tips on securing finance
- Decontamination advice for hotel rooms
- Support webinars
The page is reviewed and updated regularly.
