Covid-19
COVID-19 SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS
We recognise our local businesses are facing a challenging and uncertain time as we all consider the effects of the coronavirus outbreak. We are here to help, and have compiled some useful information and fact sheets to answer your questions. We will update this page with new information as we get it.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...
I HAVE CASHFLOW ISSUES. WHAT HELP IS THERE FOR ME?
Having trouble related to cash flow? Take a look at our Cash Flow fact sheet to find out more about the Coronavirus Business Interruption loan Scheme here:
The Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) will support large businesses, with an annual turnover of over £45 million.
All viable businesses with turnover of more than £45 million per year will be able to apply for up to £25 million of finance. Firms with a turnover of more than £250 million will be able to apply for up to £50 million of finance.
Apply & find out more via our fact sheet:
Coronavirus Large Business Cashflow Fact Sheet:
I’M SELF EMPLOYED. WHAT HELP IS THERE FOR ME?
On 26 March 2020, the Chancellor announced the Coronavirus Self-employment Income Support scheme for sole traders and partnership,If you're self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been adversely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) find out if you can use this scheme to claim a grant. take a look at our Self Employed fact sheet and find out your eligibility to claim:
Self Emplpyed Fact Sheet
I HAVE BUSINESS PREMISES, WHAT HELP IS THERE?
Are you an owner of a Business premises unsure of what help is out there? Take a look at our Rating reliefs for 2020-2021 fact sheet and find out if you are eligible for a grant:
Rating Reliefs for 2020-2021 Fact Sheet
CAN MY BUSINESS REMAIN OPEN OR DOES IT HAVE TO CLOSE ITS DOORS?
Find out if your business has to remain closed or can be opened in a different way via our fact sheet here:
OPENING CERTAIN BUSINESSES & VENUES IN ENGLAND FROM 4 JULY 2020
On 23 March 2020, the government introduced restrictions on which businesses and venues were required to close in order to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). A number of businesses providing essential goods and services were and continue to be permitted to remain open.
Thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of the British people, and despite a tragic loss of life, the UK slowed the spread of coronavirus. Following earlier easements in May and June, from the 4 July, further businesses and venues will be allowed to open.
HOW TO WORK SAFELY DURING CORONAVIRUS
Guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic.
The government, in consultation with industry, has produced guidance to help ensure workplaces are as safe as possible.
Check out specific Goverment guidance for shops and branches & how to work safely here.
MY BUSINESS IS OPEN BUT I NEED HELP WITH THE SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES
Find out advice for employers on social distancing via the Goverment website, for specific business in Wakefield check out our fact sheet for how you can get in touch.
Social distancing guidelines for businesses
COVID-19 CHECKLIST FOR BUSINESSES
The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 require the closure of particular businesses. Restrictions are also imposed on businesses which are permitted to remain open. It is important that we all follow the government guidelines to limit the spread of coronavirus. Where workplaces are open precautions need to be taken to reduce risks to both the workers and the public. This checklist will help you to put in place measures in your workplace to keep both employees and customers safe.
WORKING SAFELY DURING CORONAVIRUS
Guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic.
These 11 guides cover a range of different types of work. Many businesses operate more than one type of workplace, such as an office, factory and fleet of vehicles. You may need to use more than one of these guides as you think through what you need to do to keep people safe. Further guidance will be published as more businesses are able to reopen.
Take a look at the range of guides for different types of work
COVID-19 BUSINESS GRANT
Wakefield Council have introduced the online application process for the COVID-19 business grants and the form is now live, we want to thank you for your patience during this difficult time. Business premises owners can check eligibility to apply for one of the business grants and complete the application form via our COVID-19 Business Grant fact sheet below:
Covid-19 Business Grant Fact Sheet
STRUGGLING TO FILL OUT THE FORM?
Take a look at out Covid-19 Business Grant FAQ's sheet:
Covid-19 Business Grant FAQ's Fact Sheet
TOP-UP TO LOCAL BUSINESS GRANT FUNDS SCHEME
On 01 May 2020 the Government announced the Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund, designed to provide grant support to small businesses who were not eligible for the Small Business Grant Fund or the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Fund. Wakefield Council have introduced the online application process for the Local Authority discretionary grant fund and the form is now live, we want to thank you for your patience during this difficult time.
Small businesses in the following criteria; can check eligibility to apply for the grant and complete the application form via our fact sheet below:
-Small businesses in shared offices or other flexible workspaces. Examples could include units in industrial parks, science parks and incubators which do not have their own business rates assessment;
-Regular Market Traders who operate at least 2 days per week in Wakefield on a consistent basis and with fixed building costs, such as rent, who do not have their own business rates assessment
-Bed & Breakfasts which pay Council Tax instead of business rates
-Charity properties in receipt of charitable business rates relief which would otherwise have been eligible for Small Business Rates Relief or Rural Rate Relief.
-Manufacturing businesses affected by Covid-19
-Businesses that supply to, or are reliant on, the retail, leisure or hospitality sectors
-Childcare provider businesses
Additional grant funding fact sheet
WHAT SUPPORT IS THERE FOR SMALLER BUSINESSES?
On 27th April 2020 the Chancellor announced the Bounce Back loan scheme.
This scheme will help small and medium-sized businesses affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) to apply for loans of up to £50,000.
Apply and find out more via our Bounce Back loan Fact sheet.
WHAT SUPPORT IS THERE FOR CHARITIES?
On Wednesday 8th April the Chancellor set out an extra £750 million coronavirus funding for frontline charities
Charities across the UK will receive a £750 million package of support to ensure they can continue their vital work during the coronavirus outbreak, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced.
Covid-19 Support for Charities Fact Sheet
WHAT SUPPORT IS THERE FOR EXPORTERS?
The Goverment can help exporters manage risks in challenging markets, ensuring that they get paid even where the private market is not able to offer insurance.
Their Export Insurance Policy offers cover against the risk of:
-not being paid under an export contract
-not being able to recover the costs of performing that contract because of certain events which prevent its performance or lead to its termination
Take a look at our Support for Exporters Fact sheet & find out if you are eligible & how to apply!
Support for Exporters Fact Sheet
WHAT SUPPORT IS THERE FOR INNOVATIVE COMPANIES?
On the 20th April the Goverment announced the Future Fund this scheme will issue convertible loans between £125,000 to £5 million to innovative companies which are facing financing difficulties due to the coronavirus outbreak.
WHAT ABOUT MY TAX LIABILITIES?
Worried about Tax liabilities? Find out key information in relation to Tax payments via our Tax Liabilities fact sheet that will answer all of your questions here:
I’M AN EMPLOYER, WHAT HELP IS THERE?
Find out what help is out there for employers who are worried about statutory sick pay, NHS sick notes, and laying off staff take a look at our Employer fact sheet to find out the support schemes available:
CORONAVIRUS JOB RETENTION SCHEME
Claim for wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Claim for 80% of your employee’s wages plus any employer National Insurance and pension contributions, if you have put them on furlough because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Info on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Fact Sheet
CHECK IF YOU CAN CLAIM BACK STATUTORY SICK PAY PAID TO EMPLOYEES DUE TO CORONAVIRUS
If you're an employer, find out if you can use the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to claim back employees' coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
The online service you’ll use to claim back Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is now available. The Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme will repay employers the Statutory Sick Pay paid to current or former employees - Take a look at our Statutory Sick Pay fact sheet for information & to apply.
WHAT IF MY STAFF ARE NOT ABLE TO WORK FROM HOME?
All staff are encouraged to work from home where possible. If staff are not able to work from home, they should follow Public Health COVID-19 Stay at home guidance. Take a look at our Working from home fact sheet with useful links:
I HAVE VACANCIES I NEED TO FILL
Are you a employer who is unsure of employment and skills programmes available to support with filling vacancies? Take a look at our Vacancy fact sheet and find out programmes within the council that can support you:
WHO CAN I TALK TO?
We would encourage you to read the information above, and keep checking back here and the government website for more up to date information as this situation is constantly changing. If you still need to speak to a member of our team, please contact us on 01924 306 630 / 01924 305 835.
Alternatively, contact one of our team directly.
- Peter Mackenzie-Shaw: 07825832672 or pmshaw@wakefield.gov.uk
- Nick Jenkin: 07584534101 or njenkin@wakefield.gov.uk
- Shabana Yousaf-McIntyre: 07717714226 or syousaf-mcintyre@wakefield.gov.uk
- Jenny Hill: 07919298980 or jennyhill@wakefield.gov.uk
- Claire Newton: 07384876349 or Cnewton@wakefield.gov.uk
- Adrian Bird: 07917000891 or adrianbird@wakefield.gov.uk
ADVENTURE SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES
Expert help to take your business from start-up to scale-up!
Delivering across the Leeds City Region, the AD:VENTURE programme offers a comprehensive and innovative mix of tailored business support to boost growth and develop businesses in their early years. Full programme of support and eligibility criteria can be found here
For Wakefield enquires contact Keith Evans kevans@wakefield.gov.uk and we will arrange for an on-line application process to begin.
If you are looking to access the grant only element of the programme as a new applicant OR current AdVenture client please contact Mindr Paul: mindir.paul@ad-venture.org.uk
AD:VENTURE BUSINESS RESILIENCE WORKSHOPS
AD:VENTURE have put together a series of online workshops that will be taking place in April 2020 till June 2020 to offer local businesses resilience support at this crucial time.
View the full list of Business Resilience webinar's here.
If you are interested in booking on to these webinars click here.
If you require further information about these workshops contact your local AD:VENTURE advisor Mindir Paul on mindir.paul@ad-venture.org.uk
USEFUL LINKS & CONTACTS:
-Gov UK Business Support Finder
- Step-up
- Federation of Small Businesses
-Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce
- Government information for businesses
-Citizens advice beaurau - Financial help
-Community lead local development
-Working from Home using Microsoft Teams
MENTAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING LINKS:
- NHS