Coronavirus- Business Overview
Coronavirus- Business Overview
Updates on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, measures that are being put in place and how they will affect you and your business.
The Government has also detailed it's ongoing plan to deal with the pandemic during the winter months in the document COVID-19 Winter Plan.
Published November 2020
Face Coverings
Face Coverings
Face coverings are now mandatory in shops and supermarkets in England. The rule also applies to many employees in retail and hospitality industries.
Guidance for Better Mental Health
Guidance for Better Mental Health
The coronavirus might affect not only your physical wellbeing but also your mental health. Take a look at a discussion about guarding your mental health during the coronavius pandemic from rehab4addiction.
Latest
Latest
The government has announced another nationwide lockdown to begin on 5 January 2021. More information is expected to follow soon...
Helpful Tools
Helpful Tools
Postcode Checker
Postcode Checker
This feature on gov.uk allows you to find out what coronavirus restrictions are in place in your local area and how they affect you and your business.
Alert Levels
Alert Levels
There are three alert levels which determine the restrictions that will be put in place in local areas. The alert levels are rated as medium, high and very high.
Each alert level brings specific restrictions into force, so it's important you understand the measures that are in place in your local area.
Working Safely During Coronavirus
Working Safely During Coronavirus
Further guidance on working safely during coronavirus is available on gov.uk. This includes specific guidance for your work sector and how to make your business 'COVID-secure'.
Track and Trace QR Codes
Track and Trace QR Codes
Businesses that have customers and visitors come to there venue or premises can display official NHS QR code posters as an alternative to customers providing their contact details for the track and trace system.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), which was due to end 31 October, has now been extended until 31 March 2021.
The new Job Support Scheme which will replace the CJRS has now been postponed.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has now been extended, providing similar financial help for employers to that provided in August.
- For November, hours not worked by the employee, the government will pay 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500. The grant must be paid to the employee in full
- Employers will pay employer NICs and pension contributions, and should continue to pay the employee for hours worked in the normal way
- As with the current CJRS, employers are still able to choose to top up employee wages above the scheme grant at their own expense if they wish
Job Retention Bonus
The Job Retention Bonus will no longer be paid in January 2021 as the Job Retention Scheme has been extended until 31 March 2021.
Job Support Scheme
The new Job Support Scheme is set to replace the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. This was due to happen at the start of November 2020 but has now been postponed.
More information is expected to be published at a later date. In the meantime, the government has published a factsheet about the new scheme.
Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS)
Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS)
This original scheme has now ended. However, the government has announced a planned extension with more details available soon.
The original Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) has now finished and it is too late to claim either of the first two grants.
However, the government has announced a planned a Self-Employed Income Support Scheme grant extension. Eligibility for making a claim as part of this extension is expected to be based on criteria similar set out in the scheme so far.
The extension will provide two grants (third and fourth) and will last for six months, from November 2020 to April 2021. Grants will be paid in two lump sum instalments each covering a three-month period.
The third grant will cover a three-month period from 1 November 2020 until 31 January 2021. The Government will provide a taxable grant covering 80% of average monthly trading profits for the month of November then 40% for December and January. This will paid out in one single instalment covering 3 months worth of profits, capped at £5160. You must claim the third grant on or before 29 January 2021.
The fourth grant will cover a three-month period from the start of February until the end of April. More information on the second grant is expected pending a government review.
Please Note: If you make a claim, you must process the claim yourself- your agent or accountant can not process the claim on your behalf.
Our Services
Our Services
At this time, we're working hard to support our clients in the best way we can. We're doing this in the following three ways:
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Social Distancing
Social Distancing
Please note that we are currently not arranging any face-to-face meetings. Our team and Subcontractors are working from home and maintaining contact in other ways.
We can stay connected over the phone or arrange a video meeting using Skype or Zoom.
We have also added a booking feature on our website allowing you to book a virtual meeting or conversation with us.
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Keeping You Updated
Keeping You Updated
We are working hard to keep in contact with our clients to inform them of new government measures or direction that specifically applies to them, such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme or Self-employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).
We are also ensuring that helpful advice can be found on our website and by logging in to your online portal.
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Supporting You
Supporting You
Many of our clients have been able to apply for financial support as part of government measures.
We are working hard to guide our clients through the process and help to access the help you're entitled to. Our clients can speak with us to discuss the Job Retention Scheme and its affects to your business.
Please Note: If you are self-employed, we cannot calculate what you are entitled to as part of the Self- employment Income Support Scheme. Your eligibility for this scheme and the amount you receive are determined by HMRC. On request, we can provide your figures from previous financial years and guidance on applying for Universal Credit.
Business Loans
Business Loans
Businesses that require further financial support to deal with the affects of coronavirus may be eligible to apply for a loan. The British Business Bank is now making business loans available as part of the government's plan to support businesses.
Future Fund
Future Fund
- Convertible loans from £250,000
- From £125,000 to £5m in government support
- Third-party investors must at least match government support, with no maximum investment limit
- Companies need to have previously raised £250,000+ in equity investment
Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS)
Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS)
- For small to medium businesses, micro businesses and other businesses requiring smaller loans
- Looking for between £2,000 and £50,000
- Term loan repaid over six years
- No set-up fees and first 12 months of interest payments covered by government
- No repayments during the first 12 months
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)
For smaller businesses with a turnover of less than £45m
- Looking for up to £5m in finance
- Business loans, overdrafts, invoice finance & asset finance available
- First 12 months of interest and lender-levied fees covered
- More than 50 accredited lenders
Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS)
Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS)
- For larger businesses with a group turnover of more than £45m
- Looking for up to £200m in finance
- Business loans, overdrafts, invoice finance & asset finance available
- Repayment terms of up to three years
- Delivered by lenders accredited by the British Business Bank
Get More Info
Get More Info
Get more information by following the links below
Sign up for Coronavirus email updates from gov.uk
Other Useful Links
Other Useful Links
Article form MoneySavingExpert
Article from UnderstandingUniversalCredit.gov.uk
Article from Citizens Advice
Homepage for government advice about Coronavirus
View latest Coronavirus news from the BBC