Following extensive criticism from small businesses and representative groups about the difficulty in accessing the Government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has NOW announced new measures to make it easier. We are also expecting further announcements about existing loans and credit cards next week. This scheme, introduced on 17 March,…
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The Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced a package of measures to help the Self-Employed and Freelancers who are not PAYE employees. Added together these groups make up around 5 million people in a total UK workforce of about 28 million. The Chancellor says that his package will assist about 95% of the 5 million.…
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The Coronavirus Bill 2020 has become an Act of Parliament and therefore is now part of UK law. It delivers a huge range of powers that the Government can exercise to help keep us safe during the current Covid-19 emergency. Although Parliament has risen early to protect not only MP’s and Peers but also the…
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Stay up to date with the government’s response and advice on the Covid-19 situation with emails sent directly to your inbox. The sign up process is fairly straight forward as illustrated below. Visit the sign up page and choose how often you wish to receive the updates from the options provided – we recommend once…
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I hope your all staying safe and doing what’s necessary to keep you, and that business of yours, healthy. You may recall that way back in the olden times of Dec 2018 we said, “The home alone freelancing life has many benefits; however, it’s not without its challenges.” Fast-forward 15 months and the restrictions of…
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As a country, we all need to do what we can to reduce the spread of coronavirus. That is why the government has given clear guidance on self-isolation, staying at home and away from others, and asked that schools only remain open for those children who absolutely need to attend. On 23 March the Government,…
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Social Distancing Everyone has been urged to undertake ‘social distancing’, which means staying at least 2 metres away from other people in public places. Some pubs, cafes and restaurants – having been forced to close on Friday night 20 March – are now offering take-away services. Other shops and supermarkets are still open and we…
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The Covid-19 situation in the UK is now extremely serious, and you will no doubt be aware that the Government has made several announcements detailing support packages for individuals and organisations, together with a number of accelerated and somewhat exceptional edicts and advice to help people stay safe and virus-free. This guidance appertaining to these…
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We have compiled a list of useful links for advice and information on how to access financial support for SMEs and the self-employed. Self Employment & Universal Credit https://www.gov.uk/self-employment-and-universal-credit Employment & Support Allowance https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance Covid-19 Small Business Government Grant https://smallbusiness.co.uk/how-do-i-get-the-government-3000-coronavirus-grant-2549866/ Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan https://smallbusiness.co.uk/how-do-i-apply-for-a-coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-2549863/ Citizen’s Advice https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/if-youre-struggling-with-living-costs/ Emergency Funding https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/emergency-funding.aspx
The Covid-19 situation developed rapidly during the late afternoon and evening of 19th March. Here are the updates that we feel are most relevant to you and your organisation. Bank RateThe Bank of England has cut the base rate from 0.25% to 0.1%. Emergency LegislationThe Government has now published its Coronavirus Emergency 2020 Bill. It…
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