Wiltshire Council and Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP), is preparing to support businesses affected by COVID-19.
The recent budget announcements offered a range of financial support, including help for businesses that experience with increased costs or cash flow problems, expanded rate relief, a business interruption loan scheme, and a grant scheme.
The government also announced additional support for businesses as part of a £330 billion package of measures to protect businesses.
All retail, hospitality and leisure businesses can get a 100% business rates holiday for the next 12 months.
Grants to businesses eligible for Small Business Rate Relief or rural rate relief increased from £3,000 to £10,000.
Another £25,000 grant to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses operating from smaller premises, with a rateable value over £15,000 and below £51,000.
The council’s coordinating team can provide advice and support to businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak, working with Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub to ensure businesses have all the information needed.
For more information see:
www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses
Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub support page (registration required):
https://growthhub.swlep.co.uk/topics/Coronavirus_COVID19
Wessex Chambers of Commerce (https://www.inspirebiz.co.uk) is also offering help and advice which is also available from the Federation of Small
Businesses:
www.fsb.org.uk/resources-page/advice-to-small-businesses-and-fsb-members-abo
ut-the-novel-coronavirus-covid-19.html, and the CBI www.cbi.org.uk/articles/supporting-businesses-impacted-by-the-coronavirus/
More guidance from the government on details of the business rates holiday are expected in the next few days and details of the grant schemes are expected in the next few weeks.