COVID-19 UPDATES
Jan 26th
Further easing of restrictions, the latest information on business supports are available here
Jan 17th - Guidance on Face Masks -The HSE has issued updated guidance on the correct wearing of masks. This covers different types of masks including medical masks, respirator masks and cloth masks - Read More
Jan 14th - Testing & Isolation Read More
COVID-19 UPDATES
Dec 31st - Public health measures in place right now visit Gov.ie
Nov 29th WORK SAFELY UPDATE
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has issued an update to the Work Safely protocol. This document is available below and contains updated guidance on keeping staff as safe as possible during the reopening process. It has also issued a guidance note from the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) Consultative Group, which takes account of the call to work from home. READ WORK SAFELY
#LAYERUP CAMPAIGN
#LayerUp is a new national campaign to encourage "layering up" on behaviours that together will help protect us and others from Covid-19. These include getting vaccinated, wearing face masks, washing/sanitising our hands frequently, keeping our distance, meet up outdoors where possible, and ensuring indoor spaces are well ventilated. Posters to support the #LayerUp campaign are available here while a Partner Pack, outlining the concept, key messages and social media ideas, is available here PARTNER PACK
Nov 17th
Public Health Measures Updated November 16th 2021 - Visit Here
Phased reopening of indoor hospitality agreed by Government - Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar and the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin today welcomed the Government decision to agree a phased approach to reopen the hospitality sector in a cautious but progressive manner. Read More
Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) open from today for applications from both SMEs & microenterprises Read more Here
Resilience and Recovery: The Path Ahead plan
May 5th
The easiest way to close a claim for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment is online via www.MyWelfare.ie
Any worker returning to work with an enquiry about closing their claim, can contact the Department’s dedicated income support helpline at 1890 800 024 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
The payment period of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is Friday to Thursday. Where a worker has at least one qualifying day of work in the period Friday to Thursday, they will receive full payment for that week. A person who closes their claim to return to work on any day other than Friday (the first day in the week) will receive payment for the full PUP entitlement week.
And remember, any period of paid holidays is considered to be a period of insurable employment in the same way as if the employee was in work.
Latest Guidance on Restrictions Visit Gov.ie
Latest Guidance on restrictions visit GOV.ie
WORKPLACE CLEANING FOR COVID-19 Download Poster Here
Employer Guidance for the TWSS Reconciliation. Deadline for completion 30th June 2021
Reconciliation Guide
FACE FACTS CAMPAIGN
Part of the wider Work Safely campaign, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has started the Face Facts initiative to promote mask wearing in shops. If you would like to receive posters and visual imagery to remind customers of the continued requirement to wear face masks, please send an email to the following Sheryar.Qaiser@enterprise.gov.ie.
COVID-19 SUPPORTS FOR BUSINESS GUIDE
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has issued a comprehensive guide to all the supports available to businesses impacted by COVID-19. READ GUIDE
NEW COVID GRANT SCHEME FOR BUSINESS
Jan 8th COVID-19 SUPPORTS FOR BUSINESS
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
Jan 6th Further updates to Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions have been announced. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE
Jan 01 2021
The government announced on December 30th that ‘all retail, other than essential retail, must close from close of business on 31 December’ and that ‘all non-essential services remain closed.’
Retail Protection & Improvement Guide issued by the NSAI
DECEMBER UPDATES
Dec 22nd
Latest update from Department of The Taoiseach 22.12.2020 https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/
Latest update on Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme
Please refer to the Updated Guidelines from Revenue
Dec 8th
Minister Humphries has reassured workers that PUP will remain open for new claims until March 2021; any worker who returns to work, only to have the business closes again in the New Year, will be able to avail of the payment. The easiest way to close a claim for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment is online via www.MyWelfare.ie. Any worker returning to work with an enquiry about closing their claim, can contact the Department’s dedicated income support helpline at 1890 800 024 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Any employer who has difficulty in attracting the workers back to the workplace, or suspects that someone is mis-claiming welfare income support can contact the Department at c19employerreports@welfare.ie; the Department will be happy to review cases where these complaints arise. Employers can be assured that officials in the Department will follow up on these notifications.
If an employer is seeking assistance in recruiting for vacant positions, the Employer Relations team will be happy to help; please email employer@welfare.ie to set out your requirements and we’ll be happy to help.
Dec 7th
Tourism & Hospitality Industry Sector. Fáilte Ireland updated guidelines for the tourism and hospitality industry to reflect Government Public Health advice. Visit COVID-19 Business Supports Hub for expert advice, guidance and FAQ. Businesses can download the toolkit for printable assets outlining key safety measures here. It’s important that we all stay safe. Paul Kelly, CEO, Fáilte Ireland
Dec 1st
Your quick guide to Level 3 and the Christmas regulations Visit Gov.ie
NOVEMBER UPDATES
Nov 26th Brexit supports https://www.localenterprise.ie/Louth/Brexit/Brexit/
Click here to view Louth LEO Brexit presentation
Nov 10th
Level 5 restrictions / Covid Restrictions Support Scheme / Update from the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine / Update from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Read latest update here
OCTOBER UPDATES
Oct 20th Level 5 restrictions Visit Gov.ie
COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment Visit Citizens Information (update 20th October)
New EWSS Subsidy Rates schedule effective 20 October 2020
Oct 19th-Micro-Enterprise Assistance Fund extended until November 13th at 5pm. For application forms and eligibility criteria, click here
The enhanced Trading Online Voucher Scheme has also been extended. For more information on the scheme, and for application forms, click here
Oct 15th - Latest Level 3 update-visit Gov.ie
Oct 13th -Fáilte Ireland Covid-19 Adaptation Fund (updated)
Oct 12- FACEBOOK - SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS PROGRAMME Closing date Oct 15th Click here to find out more
Oct 5th Level 3 Visit Gov.ie
Agency supports to help Irish businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic
SEPTEMBER UPDATES
September 30th
Latest Update; SMEs; A Guide to COVID-19 Financial Support Measures
September 25th
Micro-Enterprise Assistance Fund is now open for Applications.
This fund is a new support for small businesses who have not been able to avail of other business supports, including the ReStart Grant. With grants of between €500 and €1000 small businesses can apply now to avail of this fund. For application forms and eligibility criteria, click here:
Closing date is 5pm 9th October, so do not delay
September 22nd
A National 5-Level Framework is now in place to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
TO DOWNLOAD OR VIEW THE COMPLETE FRAMEWORK, CLICK HERE
September 17th
COVID-19 PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT PAYMENT | NEW RATES OF PAYMENT AS OF TODAY, 17 SEPTEMBER
Average weekly earnings Over €300 Personal rate €300
Average weekly earnings Over €200 - €300 Personal rate €250
Average weekly earnings Less than €200 Personal rate €203
Since 29 June 2020, the rate of COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is linked to your previous earnings.
The DEASP has access to this information from Revenue. Click here for further information.
September 16th
COVID-19: THE NEXT PHASE - ONLINE ROADMAP - ONLINE ROADMAP CLICK HERE.
New ESRI Report on SME’s Features Chambers Ireland Survey Data -TO ACCESS THE ESRI REPORT CLICK HERE
Extension of Redundancy Provisions Announced Today - FOR MORE INFO CLICK HERE
Revenue Notice -July/August Sweepback-Backdate Claims - CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
September 15th
€600 million in funding agreed for health service Winter Initiative Read More Here
Sept 14th
NEW MICROENTERPRISE ASSISTANCE FUND
A new Micro-Enterprise Assistance Fund has been announced, to help businesses with fewer than 10 employees, which are ineligible for existing grants, with a grant of up to €1,000 to help them adapt and invest to rebuild their business.
About 2,000 businesses nationwide will benefit from the Fund. FOR MORE INFO & ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, CLICK HERE
Sept 14th
NEW BPFI COVID-19 GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS
The Banking & Payments Federation Ireland has published two new guidance documents in relation to supports for businesses amidst the COVID-19 pandemic
The new documents are as follows and available by clicking on their titles:
A Guide to the Government COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme
SMEs: A Guide to COVID-19 Financial Support Measures
Sept 1st
Credit Guarantee Scheme is a useful addition in suite of supports, but business still needs more from Government
Read the latest information on how Ireland is responding to cases of COVID-19. Here
AUGUST UPDATES
August 20; Re-Opening of Tourism & Hospitality - Fáilte Ireland can help cover your costs
https://www.droghedachamber.ie/blog/re-opening-of-tourism-hospitality-businesses
August 18; New measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Updates on Enterprise/ Economic supports - Louth
Restart Grant Plus (Aug 13) New applicants for the scheme can complete the online application form available on LCC website https://www.louthcoco.ie/en/covid-19/business-re-start-grant/
Creative Ireland Programme and the Louth Culture and Creativity Strategy 2018-2022 on: www.creativeireland.gov.ie Submissions outlining your proposal, must be received by Tuesday 25th August 2020 at 4pm. Submissions by email only to creativeireland@louthcoco.ie
Check out HSE.ie updates ;
Shopping Safely https://www2.hse.ie/wellbeing/shopping-safely-coronavirus/shopping-safely-coronavirus.html
Latest updates https://www.gov.ie/en/news/7e0924-latest-updates-on-covid-19-coronavirus/
How to use Face Coverings correctly https://www.droghedachamber.ie/blog/how-to-use-face-coverings
FACE COVERINGS; The below link contains three posters relating to face coverings for download/print/display.
Government supports for COVID-19 impacted businesses Here
Phase 4 of the Roadmap for reopening Ireland delayed
Following yesterday's Cabinet meeting, the Government announced that the move to Phase 4 that was planned for 10 August 2020 will now be delayed for at least 3 weeks until 31 August 2020.
Additional measures announced include:
Dept of Employment Affairs & Social Protection COVID-19 Update | Extension of Suspension of certain Redundancy Provisions & extension of COVID-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit
Minister Troy welcomes Companies (Miscellaneous Provisions) (COVID-19) Bill 2020
GOVERNMENT UPDATE:
July updates
July Jobs Stimulus doc. Further information on the Stimulus can be found here: Click here to read
Check out Chambers ireland updates;
SMEs: A Guide to COVID-19 Financial Support Measures
Banks and SMEs: the business of lending and borrowing
COVID-19 CREDIT GUARANTEE SCHEME
The Government has agreed to publish the Credit Guarantee (Amendment) Bill 2020, which will underpin the new COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme and will also remove the portfolio cap, which will result in an increased potential maximum liability for the State of €1.6 billion. The legislation is expected to go through the Oireachtas next week.
For further info, click here
MICROENTERPRISE LOAN FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 2020 - SIGNED INTO LAW
Last Friday 10th July, it was confirmed by the Office of the President of Ireland that the Microenteprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2020 had been signed into law.
The Microenterprise Loan (Amendment) Bill allows for increased funding for Microfinance Ireland (MFI) which provides loans of up to €50,000 to businesses employing ten staff or less.
For further information on this Bill (now signed into law), click here.
COVID-19 OFFICIAL TRACKER APP NOW AVAILABLE;
The Irish Government have launched the official (Free) COVID-19 Tracker App.
alert you if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Coronavirus
advise you on what to do to protect yourself and others
alert other app users that you were in close contact with, if you test positive for Coronavirus
Click here for more info & for the download links to the App
The Enterprise Support Grant will be available to assist eligible self-employed recipients who are coming off COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment scheme after 25th June 2020.This will be a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business which employ fewer than 10 people https://www.gov.ie/en/service/739f3-enterprise-support-grant-for-buisnesses-impacted-by-covid-19/
Louth County Enterprise Fund Now that you have mastered Skype and Zoom, why not try some other Digital Tools that help develop business and make communication and planning more efficient. Check out www.digitalchangemakers.eu for more detail – especially ‘Learning Resources’ Mob: 087-2341455 Email: info@thefund.ie www.thefund.ie
June
Phase 3 of Ireland's Roadmap for reopening which is in place right now June 29th
COVID 19 Business Supports
https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
Following last Friday's address from An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD, The Department of the Taoiseach has published new documents on the Revision of the different Phases of the Reopening of Society and Business. Revised Reopening Infographic
The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation has published a new infographic featuring an overview of non-repayable COVID-19 supports for reopening your business.
PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT PAYMENT & ENHANCED ILLNESS BENEFIT
Please click the link below for updates to review on the payments awarded as part of the response to COVID-19, specifically around continued eligibility for the payments and rules around ending the payments, including:
The Return to Work Safely Protocol,
is the result of a collaborative effort by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), the Health Services Executive (HSE) and the Department of Health and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. Download Report
Anglo Printers Covid-19 Safety Signage Brochure & Pricing
GM Print | 041 9844321 | ||
Weprint | 041 9804445 | ||
Anglo Printers** | 041 9835000 | ||
First Print & Label | 041 9800048 | ||
Winters Consumables | 041 9839830 | ||
Boylan Print* | 041 983 9905 | ||
All Signs & Labels | 087 2396233 | ||
Go Mac Signs | 087 2416216 | ||
JK Office Furniture** | 087 2539077 | ||
Medikit (PPE) | 041 9816652 | ||
O'Sullivan Safety (PPE) | 041 9831155 | ||
Beulah Print | 041 9810505 | ||
Murduff Enterprise (PPE) | 041 9804244 | ||
Budget Signs | 087 633 9467 | ||
Noel Kelly Safety Services | 041 984 2668 | ||
Sheelin Group Commercial Interiors** | 041 9891667 | ||
Listoke Distillery | 041 2145044 | ||
Solv-x |
| 042 9377055 |
|
* Also making face shields *
**Sneeze Guards**
The Impact of COVID-19 on Global and EU Trade -The Chief Economist Team published a report.
Some of the key findings include:
9.7% decrease in global trade for 2020
9.2% reduction in extra-EU27 exports of goods and services in 2020
8.7% decrease in extra-EU27 imports 2020
Further information https://www.droghedachamber.ie/blog/covid-19-roadmap-for-reopening-society-busines
Financial Planning - LHK Insurance April 30th
Worldwide Health Organisation Survey here.
Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme - Employer Eligibility Updated
Resources for Businesses
COVID-19 Through our affiliation with Chambers Ireland, we have been in regular contact with the various government departments and we will continue to relay important notices and updates to members via email and across our Social Media Platforms. https://www.chambers.ie/media/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-business/
WATCH: A ‘How-To’ video on how to shop safely under new public health advice
https://twitter.com/roinnslainte/status/1246112181269213190
Future Safeguarding for Drogheda Businesses – A Special COVID-19 Briefing
Drogheda & District Chamber was delighted to facilitate this important webinar
in collaboration with the HSE Public Health North East team.
Update from the Department of Health
The public health advice is clear and consistent. The public should stay at home wherever possible but can access essential services, including to go to an essential retail outlet to get supplies for the essential upkeep and functioning of their homes. The overriding public health objective for essential retail outlets remains to keep footfall to the absolute minimum and to make use of home working as much as possible. Retail outlets that open should ensure that physical distancing and public health guidelines are rigorously implemented.
The Government Guidelines of 27th March provide guidance on keeping footfall to a minimum and on physical distancing measures as follows:
The NSAI has also published a guidance document for the retail sector that will be informative to members – the NSAI also operate a helpline to advise employers and operators on essential measures to implement workplace protection and improvement plans, see: https://www.nsai.ie/covid-19retailprotection/
Chambers Ireland Covid-19
Business Impacts Survey
Member Spotlight
Welcome to the Drogheda Chamber’s Member Spotlight Series.
Where we will feature one of our Members and their Business on our website and across our social media platforms Bi-Weekly.
Dave Kavanagh of Financial Companion
Why do you think most people don’t like talking about finances?
Well it's a non-tangible topic and a lot of people don't think finances are 'fun'.
People know if they need a plumber to fix their washing machine or a mechanic if something is wrong with their car but people generally don’t look for people to fix their finances because they don’t know that they have a problem until they look. 7 out of 8 people that I sit down with are paying too much for something or have something very very wrong with their finances but until they take the time to sit down and address it they don’t realise.
I was giving a talk to about 40 people at a hotel recently.
I asked the audience how many had life cover and the majority of people raised their hands .
I then asked the same people if they knew what company they were with, how much they were paying and what their policy covered and you know what, people just didn’t know and that's really common.
That the reason why 7/8 people I see are paying too much for things because they haven’t looked at it or looked into other options. But I get it, it's not an exciting topic per say and people don’t want to talk about things that are considered negative like serious illness cover or retirement. I always say if you get it sorted early it can be a real game changer in terms of saving yourself huge amounts of stress in the long term.Think of it like this.The odds of you wining the lotto are 10.7 million to 1 yet week after week every Wednesday and Saturday evening you will see people literally tripping over small children to get to the lotto machine because they think they can win. 10.7 million to one - I don’t fancy those odds but yet people think it could happen to them. Then on the flip side when I talk about serious illness cover and how 1 in 4 people will get one of the specified illnesses covered before the age of 65 people think "ah sure that will never happen to me".
What would you say has been your biggest achievement to date?
One of the things I'm most proud of is how I can help people take control of their finances and in turn their lives.
Finances affect every part of our lives so to be able to offer advice or save people money is something I'm very proud of.
A big moment for me professionally was when I was asked to do a financial advice slot for 2FM.
I had offered some financial advice to a listener on the air and it subsequently led to a regular 4 year financial slot which was incredible.
That led onto more work with Tv3 and numerous speaking engagements so getting recognised for your work is a great feeling.
What is the one thing that people might not know about your business?
It's something that I shout from the rooftops all the time but it's the fact that there is no cost or obligation for me to review your finances. It's a free service.
People always think that there is a catch but there’s not. I did a survey a while ago on mams.ie and asked why is it that people aren’t taking the time to review their finances and the overwhelming response was that people thought they wouldn’t be able to afford the fee.
So I suppose in my business, it's important to get the message out there that there is no cost and no obligation to the client.
This is because, if we identify that you are paying too much for something or don't have the most appropriate plan for your current circumstances, I am paid by the company that we place the new business through.
I call to people’s house or have a chat over the phone so it is really easy and confidential to take that first step on the road to having control over your finances rather than the other way around.
The second thing that came out of the survey is that people were embarrassed about their situation, or with the mess they perceive they made but I promise there is nothing to be embarrassed about.
It's all about helping people and getting you on the right track with zero judgement.
I was diagnosed with cancer a number of years ago, luckily i’m good and healthy now but there are so many people who come to me to talk about serious illness cover when its too late.
By that I mean when they have already been diagnosed with a serious illness. Things like serious illness cover need to be looked at before you think you need it so that it’s in place when or if the time comes.
Whats the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?
I started in finance in 1980 and moved about a bit in other areas before coming back into the role in 1991.
One of my colleagues, a guy who was one of the top financial advisors said that he was going to give me three important pieces of advice. He said:
“See the people, See the people, See the people” .
You can sit at a desk all day and not meet anyone but for me I can best help people when I'm sitting in front of them or chatting over the phone.
That contact is so important especially when you’re discussing something as personal as finances.
Another is "A Candle loses nothing by lighting another Candle".
I am very involved with LouthChat on Twitter and love the community spirit and support people have for one another in the group.
For me there is nothing better than supporting small business owners to get their message out to the wider public.
To get in touch with Dave for a no cost, no obligation review of your finances visit Financial Companion or email Dave at info@financialcompanion.ie
Lets Talk Business!
A new initiative brought to you by Drogheda Chamber, The Mill & LMFM
Let's Talk Business Episode 1
Let's Talk Business Episode 2
Let's Talk Business Episode 3
About Us
What We Do
Who We Are
Members
Resources
Events
News
Business Awards
Drogheda & District Chamber © 2019