Wealden Business news
Please find below some updated information on COVID-19 support being offered from us and our partners along with some virtual business events and webinars that may be of interest:
Government extends the Furlough Scheme until October
The Chancellor announced yesterday that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will remain open until the end of October, the scheme will continue to apply across all regions and sectors of the UK economy. For full details of the announcement please see the government website. The scheme will continue in its current form until the end of July. Changes to allow more flexibility will come in from the start of August.
Working safely during coronavirus
The Government has produced some guidance to help ensure workplaces are as safe as possible. The new guidance covers 8 workplace settings which are allowed to be open, from outdoor environments and construction sites to factories and takeaways. Information is available on the government website.
Self Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS)
The SEISS will be open for claims on the 13th May, the HMRC are beginning to contact customers who may be eligible for the scheme. Those who are eligible will be able to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their average trading profits up to a maximum of £7,500. To check if you are able to make a claim through the scheme visit the SEISS pages on the website.
Small Business Advertising Fund
The Federation of Small Businesses have teamed up with Mail Metro Media to deliver a small business advertising fund with £3million allocated to provide free advertising for small businesses in the UK that are struggling in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic. The scheme opens on Wed 13th May and is likely to be very popular, details of who can apply are detailed on the ‘how to apply’ page. You do not need to be an FSB member to apply for the fund.
Coronavirus Future Fund
The Future Fund will be announced this month and will provide government loans to UK based companies ranging from £125,000 and £5million to innovative companies which are facing financing difficulties due to the coronavirus outbreak. Eligible businesses will be based in the UK, can attract the equivalent match funding from third-party private investors and institutions and have previously raised at least £250,000 in equity investment from third-party investors in the last 5 years.
The Skills Toolkit
Want to learn a new skill while at home? Find free, high quality digital and numeracy courses in the Skills Toolkit. Choose from a selection of high quality courses put together in collaboration with experts. Find a level and time to study that’s right for you.
Companies House support for businesses hit by COVID-19
Changes announced to help businesses avoid being struck off the Companies House register as they deal with the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. Companies House will temporarily pause the strike off process to prevent companies being dissolved. This will give businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak the time they need to update their records and help them avoid being struck off the register. More information here.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses
The latest Information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Business events and webinars:
Angel's Business Virtual Networking & Support Session - 14/05/2020
The next virtual Angels Business Networking and Support session takes places on the 14th May at 2:30pm. See the Zoom link and details below to join:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87863019085?pwd=cS9BYVBWL0I5elFXSTRPdVUrTmlnQT09
Meeting ID: 878 6301 9085 / Password: 007267
The future for your business and how Angel’s Business Solutions can help - 20/05/20
Join this interactive zoom session with guest Kris Sawford from FreeAgent to look at what the future holds for small businesses and how Angel’s Business Solutions are helping. The session will cover cloud accounting software and help you become more efficient and make your business thrive. Taking place on Wednesday 20th May at 2:30pm. For more information visit the website.
Clean Growth Innovation Workshop’s – commending 21st May and 18th June 2020
The free workshop is a series of six virtual sessions designed to help you adapt to the demands of climate change. It will involve bespoke training and the opportunity to work alongside peers as part of the Clean Growth Innovation virtual community. To find out more and register for the free event visit the Clean Growth Innovation website.
For information on webinars and business events that may be relevant to you please visit the event pages of the Business East Sussex website and search the calendar.
Business 121’s – EDEAL – Eastbourne and District Enterprise Agency Ltd are continuing to offer free 121 business support services to Wealden businesses via virtual links including zoom and skype. If you are interested in finding out more about the free guidance and support available please email [email protected] or visit EDEAL’s website.