Mark Coles, Executive Director Property, updates our commercial tenants following the outbreak of coronavirus.
The impact of the coronavirus pandemic is having a huge impact across the world and now in the UK. Like you, the Foundation has been affected by this issue and as of yesterday evening we have temporarily closed all our venues and services, with the exception of the Ernest Gardiner Treatment Centre. We are now refocusing our efforts to support the most vulnerable members of the community.
The Foundation is a self-funding charity and we rely on the income from our property portfolio to deliver our charitable services and community grants programme. We do not take this income for granted and fully understand the distress and concern that all of our tenants are experiencing during these extraordinary circumstances, and over the coming days and weeks we will do what we can to help and guide you.
Every tenant’s circumstances will be different and we will need to speak with you individually to explore what support we may be able to offer. We would ask you in the first instance to email us in confidence via the dedicated email property@letchworth.com.
A member of our team will contact you as soon as possible. We have a large number of tenants so we would ask you to be patient as we process your enquiry.
This afternoon, the government has given further details about how it will support the business community over the coming weeks. Banks and lending institutions are also exploring how they can work with businesses to get them through this time. We urge you to explore all avenues available to your business at this time, including conversations with your insurers about business interruption cover that you may hold.
We are working with Hertfordshire LEP, the Letchworth BID, North Hertfordshire District Council, Citizens Advice North Herts and Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce to build a network to coordinate assistance across the Letchworth business community to access financial help. You can also read the government’s guidance for employers, employees and businesses on their dedicated webpage.
Please continue to contact Rapleys about all day to day property matters or other general queries relating to an existing lease on a commercial property. Rapleys Helpline can be contacted on 0870 777 6292 or via email: facilitieshelpdesk@rapleys.com
Further updates will be available on this website and on social media.
