*We now have a new COVID19 Resource page, please navigate to our new page!*
covid-19-support/
Do also check out our other #COVID-19 resources:
- 27 April 2020 New 100% Government-backed Bounce Back loans
- 24 April 2020 Which taxes are deferred automatically, and which do I have to arrange?
- 20 April 2020 What we’re doing for you right now
- 26 March 2020 Help for the self-employed
- 23 March 2020 Top tips for remote working
- 23 March 2020 Manage your cash
- 23 March 2020 80% funding for furloughed workers
- 20 March 2020 Support for the employed and self-employed
Our priority at the moment is to make sure that our small businesses have all the support that you need.
Our Mantra: Stay Positive. This is Temporary.
First of all, support that we can give you right now:
1. Weekly COVID19 Check In Zoom Meetings.
These will include updates on support and guidance, and give you a safe place to ask questions and chat about your issues.
Register here for the weekly zoom meetings.
2. Private Facebook Group
We’ve created a private Facebook Group for small business owners to chat in a safe place, so no employees are invited!
We’re updating this as soon as we receive updates, sometimes typing as the announcements are being made.
Join the FB Group here.
3. COVID-19 Small Business Action Plan
We’ve created an action plan to help you to identify the issues you are experiencing, then home in on the most critical challenges that you can control.
We then encourage you to come up with specific action points including what needs doing, who is doing it, and by when.
If you need our support with this, we’re here for you.
We’re offering a basic worst case scenario with our friends at Float, and weekly check-ins until 30 April 2020.
This specific service is included with our clients’ current fees, and we’ll review with you what you need from us from the end of April onwards.
Book a zoom call with me if you’d like to take us up on this action plan, even if you don’t need a cashflow.
The aim is to give you focus, clarity and confidence.
4. Sign up to our Newsletter for regular updates
We’re sending this out as soon as we have news. On Tuesday we sent out 2 updates, due to all the announcements.
Sign up here to our newsletter.
Government Support
The Chancellor has introduced £12 billion worth of measures to support the NHS and businesses during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Statutory Sick Pay to be reimbursed
The Government has confirmed that if employees have to self-isolate, they will reimburse you (as the employer) for statutory sick pay for up to 2 weeks, as an employer, at £94.25 per week. As long as you have less than 250 employees.
Statutory sick pay is available from day 1, instead of day 4.
Sick Pay for self-employed
If you’re self employed, you can also claim employment and support allowance from day one. More here.
This is also claimable from day 1 instead of day 8.
Funding support
The Government has promised £12bn funding for small businesses and workers in the UK via the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme.
This will be via Government backed bank funding of 80% of the loan advance, with 12 months’ interest free.
Funding is expected to be up to £5 million per business.
£10,000 grant for small business
We are still waiting for details on this one, but grants should be available for businesses with a rateable value below £26,000.
£25,000 grant for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses
£25,000 is available for retail, hospitality, leisure with rateable value between £15,000 to £51,000
These will be provided by local authorities from early April 2020.
Business rates suspended
Rates suspended for 1 year for everyone!
£500m “hardship fund” for local authorities
The Government has launched a £500m “hardship fund” to be given to local authorities in England to help vulnerable people in their areas. We are following this up to see how you can access this support.
Time to pay arrangements relaxed and extended
HMRC have launched a new number for you to call to discuss outstanding tax liabilities due to COVID-19.
The helpline number is 0800 024 1222 – and is an addition to other HMRC phone contact numbers.
The helpline is open from Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm (excluding bank holidays).
Bank of England Interest Rates Cut
Interest rates cut to 0.1% on 19 March 2020
Schools Close 20 March 2020
Schools will still be open for children of key workers, and vulnerable children.
GCSEs and A Levels will be cancelled. Grades will be based on course work, predicted grades and mock exams.
The Government will support your employees
The PM’s message today was “you look after your employees, and we will look after you”.
What else do I need to know?
- Check out our main COVID-19 blog Stay Positive.
- Please also join our private Facebook page for small businesses
- Sign up for our Weekly Webinars.
- Sign up for our regular Newsletters.
We’re here for you.
Please get in touch on any of the above, or if you’d just like a chat, or call the office on 01432 273400.
We’re all working from home now, but your message will be passed straight to the right team member.
If you’d prefer to book a time to speak to me, I’ve freed up more time in my calendar for 30 minute zoom calls.
Please find and book a slot here.
You can also call, text or WhatsApp me on 07813 303849.
Stay Strong. Stay Safe
Sharon
