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Christmas lockdown plans confirmed
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With Coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations constantly changing you can find out what the restrictions mean for you here. Changes to Christmas bubbles are also online.
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Tourism Ireland gets ready to restart tourism
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After a devastating 2020, with COVID-19 causing havoc for the travel and tourism industry across the globe, Tourism Ireland now has a 3 phase plan for 2021 to restart, rebuild and ultimately redesign demand. The priority for next year will be to RESTART tourism to the island of Ireland. More details here.
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Key Covid support measures
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Newly Self-Employed Support Scheme
Provides support to newly self-employed individuals (sole traders & partnerships) who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19. Scheme closes to applications at 6pm on 7 January 2021. Details here.
Localised Restrictions Support Scheme
This will again apply for the upcoming closures from 26 December. More details here plus FAQ's indicating that if your application was previously successful further payments issue automatically.
COVID-19 Charities Fund (2nd Phase)
Charities are encouraged to start making application preparations ahead of the opening of this £11.7million fund on 6 January 2021. More details here. Or watch the guidance video online.
Furlough is extended until end of April 2021 with the government continuing to contribute 80% towards wages.
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The Wet Pubs Business Support Scheme
This will provide £10.6m to drink-only public houses which were forced to close between 4 July and 23 September. An announcement is awaited on the scheme's opening date but further details on eligibility criteria can be found here.
Individuals Emergency Resilience Programme 2
Now open for applications. Funding is aimed at venue support staff, singer songwriters, artists, actors, session musicians, set designers, lighting and sound technicians, DJs, musicians, rappers, writers/poets, comedians, open mike performers, tutors and facilitators, dancers, choreographers, editors and proof readers, craftspeople etc. This is an indicative list and is not exhaustive. Click here for more information and to apply. Closing date for applications is 4pm on Thursday 7 January 2021.
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Guidance and advice over Christmas period
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Over the Christmas period Tourism NI's helpline will be open from 29 - 31 December 2020. It will be closed 24 - 28 December 2020 and 1 January 2021 with a return to normal business hours from 4 January 2021. Normal operating hours from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
T: 028 9593 5313
Sectoral guidance for N. Ireland tourism and hospitality businesses can be found here along with updated guidelines.
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Are you ready for Brexit?
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With the end of the Brexit transition period fast approaching, many businesses remain unprepared for the changes that are coming on 1 January 2021.
This session from Tourism NI explored what the New Trading Environment will mean for the tourism and hospitality industry, Deal or No Deal, and will consider aspects of the Northern Ireland Protocol including impact on supply chain, customers, trade between NI and GB/Ireland/Europe/Rest Of World and cashflow.
Details on the Northern Ireland protocol can also be found here.
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Other funding opportunities
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The National Lottery Heritage Fund
A total of £1million will be available through the Shared History Fund, to organisations in the UK marking the centenary of Northern Ireland. Grants will be awarded in two categories: £3K-£10K and £10K-£100K. Funding must be spent by 31 March 2022. Deadline is noon on 15 January 2021. Full details here.
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Dormant Accounts Fund
This will offer support for the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in Northern Ireland to be more resilient and prepared for the future by funding activity that increases capacity and sustainability. The fund will open on 12 January 2021 and will be ongoing. For more details click here.
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Useful webinars to prepare for 2021 season
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A final Christmas story ......
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Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort launched their Christmas video to bring some much-needed festive cheer and laughter and super star Maurice appears again!
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