Our CEO has a weekly call with the Economic team at Somerset County Council if you can provide us with intelligence on the ground we would be really appreciative as this will help build a picture to feed back
Covid-19 Guidance for Business
Businesses are advised to keep updated on the latest information and advice to inform their response to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Here follows links to advice and guidance.
Latest information and advice:
Find out the number of cases and risk level in the UK, what to do if you’re a returning traveller, and what the government is doing about the virus.
See
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
Guidance for employers and businesses:
This guidance will assist employers and businesses in providing advice to staff on:
- the novel coronavirus, COVID-19
- how to help prevent spread of all respiratory infections including COVID-19
- what to do if someone suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 has been in a workplace setting
- what advice to give to individuals who have travelled to specific areas
- actions to take if staff come into contact with someone who is self-isolating or is a possible or confirmed case of COVID-19
See Government guidance here
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/
See Acas advice for employers and employees here
https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus
Support for those Affected by COVID-19
The Budget has announced a plan to provide support for public services, individuals and businesses affected by Covid-19. The Chancellor has set out a £12 billion package of temporary, timely and targeted measures to support public services, individuals and businesses through the economic disruption caused by COVID-19.
This publication gives further detail on the measures announced by the Chancellor including additional funding, Statutory Sick Pay changes, and an increase in the Business Rates retail discount for one year. See
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-those-affected-by-covid-19
- Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme – this will temporarily replace the Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG); becoming available over the coming days. See the latest updates on the British Business Bank website here https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/ourpartners/supporting-business-loans-enterprise-finance-guarantee/
- Grant Support - the government will provide an additional £2.2 billion funding for local authorities to support small businesses that already pay little or no business rates because of Small Business Rate Relief (SBBR). This will provide a one-off grant of £3,000 to business currently eligible for SBRR or Rural Rate Relief, to help meet their ongoing business costs. Application details to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
- Other Finance Options – A number of private lenders are also making funds available to small businesses impacted by COVID-19, including £2 billion from Lloyds Banking Group and £5 billion from NatWest. Businesses can also access a range of finance through the government-owned British Business Bank, visit the Bank’s Finance Hub for further information
- HMRC Covid-19 Helpline 0800 0159 559 To support businesses and self-employed people concerned about not being able to pay their tax due to Coronavirus.
Local Business Support
Remote Working Advice Line 0330 088 4421 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm). Provided by Cosmic, a Devon-based social enterprise specialising in all things digital, this free helpline is to provide advice and support on remote and home working to mitigate the impacts of Covid-19.
You can access the free Remote Working Advice toolkit here.
Are You Looking for Other Business Support Options?
Our Growth Hub team are on hand to help you navigate the business support landscape and put you in touch with the right schemes to meet your business needs and aspirations.
General enquiries info@heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk
Telephone 03456 047 047
Website www.heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk