Coronavirus update: the latest news from East Midlands businesses
The Coalfields Regeneration Trust has opened a new Coalfields COVID-19 Recovery and Resilience Fund in East Midlands.
Acting as an interim replacement for the Coalfields Community Investment Programme (CCIP), which provides £550,000 to eligible organisations annually, the new Coalfields COVID-19 Recovery and Resilience Fund will provide better support for the delivery and sustainability of key services during the current crisis.
Head of operations (England) for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Andy Lock, said: “We recognise the incredible response our coalfield communities have had to the COVID-19 crisis and have altered our funding support so that we can address local needs during this difficult time.
“As part of the Fund, we will continue to offer grants of up to £10,000 to eligible community-based organisations and our focus will remain on employment, skills and health and wellbeing.
“However, priority will be given to applicants that are delivering support, or who are having to significantly adapt their services, to respond to the pandemic and still assist vulnerable groups.
“Applications will also be reviewed more frequently so that these funds can be used when and where they are needed the most. We’re also proud to continue to offer our free practical support service remotely for organisations in coalfield areas.”
For the mid-June 2020 Committee, the deadline for applications is 22nd May 2020 at 5pm. For the late July 2020 Committee – The Eligibility Survey closes at 5pm on 29th May 2020. The deadline for applications is 5pm on 12th June 2020
Housebuilder Redrow will reopen its sales centres and show homes in the East Midlands from Monday 18 May.
John Tutte, executive chairman at Redrow, said: “We are pleased that the Government’s updated guidance now permits the reopening of our sales centres and show homes. This will allow existing customers already midway through the process to recommence their property transaction and for new customers to make appointments to view and reserve a new home. Together with the phased return of our construction workers earlier this month, we’re now able to better support our customers throughout their property journey.
Our aim has been to create a new Redrow way of doing things for colleagues, customers and partners, which reflects best practice when it comes to social distancing and reducing the spread of Covid-19.”
Ross Cox
Locked in with… Ross Cox, Dispace
Who are you locked in with?
Get ready… My wife, my kids Molly (8) and Seth (4), my brother Jordan who escaped from New York just before the travel ban and his picked up his girlfriend Anna on the way, an Italian resident of London, when it become apparent they couldn’t do lockdown in her flat with four others!
How has the lockdown and working from home been for you so far?
Although remote working is something that is second nature to us through Dispace, it is still tough. Four adults trying to work and two kids demanding different stuff is a bit of balancing act. We have a meltdown chart in the kitchen. Adults are winning comfortably. And the kids have a lot of meltdowns.
What has been the best thing about staying in?
Saving money. I’m a bit tight, and there’s only so many things you can buy and use when you’re confined to the house. And, putting a bit more thought into cooking, rather than chucking something together last minute.
And what have you missed the most?
Other people. Friends and parents in particular. Getting together for all the parties and gigs that were in the diary but got postponed.
What previously essential thing have you realised is not actually essential?
Nothing in particular, it’s more about adapting to realise you can do things differently if you need to. Travelling to work is often more out of habit than need, and it’s pretty easy to adapt exercise wise with a little imagination.
What are the changes you’ve made that you plan on continuing when restrictions are lifted?
Daily 30 minute workouts. I was more three times a week for longer sessions before, but 30 minutes a day really isn’t a big commitment if you’re organised and it makes a massive difference to how you feel if you start your day that way.
Have you made progress on any of your bucket list items?
Only planning them. Time to visit all those places we’ve never got around to going to when all this is over like Australia, Canada, Brazil and Iceland. Oh actually, I’ve been learning a bit of Spanish with my daughter. Ashamed to say I didn’t make enough effort when I was out there for business every few weeks back in another life. Enjoying learning with her and actually picking something up.
What is the first thing you will do when isolation ends?
Friends, folks, meal, pub. All in one go.
