There will be a huge impact of Coronavirus on our local business,. Here are some useful local and national links regarding Coronavirus. We’ll try and keep this updated as often as possible, but let us know if there’s anything we should add!
UK Government Covid-19 Guidance
Covid-19: Guidance for employers, employees & businesses –
COVID-19: guidance on social distancing and for vulnerable people
Government dedicated business support helpline – 0300 456 3565
Get support on everything from business rates relief to grants and advice regarding employees.
Government Bounce Back Loans
Protection for Businesses Against Aggressive Rent Collection
The Government has introduced new legislation to protect businesses against aggressive rent collection and closure during the Coronavirus outbreak.
ACAS
Guidance from Acas, the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service.
The information includes:
- Social distancing and vulnerable people
- Self-isolation and sick pay
- If the employer needs to close the workplace
- If an employee needs time off work to look after someone
- If someone has coronavirus symptoms at work
- Good practice steps for employers
- More coronavirus advice
The British Bank
The British Business Bank Coronavirus Business Interruption Scheme
Information about the Government’s Business Interruption loan scheme.
HMRC
HMRC- COVID 19 Helpline – 0800 0159 559
HMRC’s helpline for advice on tax relief.
Money Saving Expert
Easy to understand financial advice for employers, employees, gig workers etc. Includes information on benefits for anyone not able to claim through other government schemes. The videos are particularly useful.
Help for the self-employed
Help for directors of small limited companies
Support for independent retailers
Bira
Bira (The British Association for Independent Retailers) represent 1000s of independent retailers in the UK. As well as a Coronvirus information page, they’re offering 3 months temporary membership in return for a small charity donation. Temporary Membership includes:
- a legal support line
- 3 months free access to an ecommerce tool for retailers who may want to sell online while closed
- review of utility bills
National Small Business Support Websites
Enterprise Nation
Enterprise Nation is a membership site providing support and information to small businesses, including online seminars and a Coronavirus support hub. As of 16th April, they’re offering 3 months membership free. They have a Coronavirus “live chat” facility, where their experts will answer detailed questions around available business support.
Enterprise Nation Coronavirus page
Local Business Support
Cosmic
Remote Working Advice Line provided by Cosmic . 0330 088 4421 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
South West Business Organisation advice pages
Somerset Chamber of Commerce
A Coronavirus resource portal, including the latest information from UK Gov.
Business West
Coronavirus resources, including some useful FAQ documents based on questions asked by members. The finance FAQs are particularly useful. They have 200 staff and a panel of experts available to answer questions.
Heart of the South West
Heart of the South West are offering free one to one business support for South West businesses impacted by Coronavirus. You’ll be able to speak to a business adviser, and get advice on business and recovery options. After your session you’ll get a plan for what to do next.
You can request help via their website.
Information for self-catering businesses
PASC (Professional Association for Self-Caters) supports Self-Catering companies.
They have a weekly newsletter, which provides useful info for Self-Caters about the impacts of COVID-19. Email chair@pascuk.co.uk to sign up. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.
Facebook are providing $100m in grants to small businesses affected by Coronavirus.
Local Community Support
Glastonbury Coronavirus Support Network Group on Facebook
A brilliant local support group. Get (or give) support in the local community and get support online from other group members.
Support For Creative Businesses
Arts Council England
Funding is available for some creative businesses through the Arts Council. They’ve launched an emergency fund for individuals and organisations working in the cultural sector.
Find out if you’re eligible on their website.
Help Musicians Coronavirus Financial Hardship Fund
Professional musicians can apply for a one-off grant of up to £500 to help with household costs. Apply for a grant here
BenSoc fund for photographers
Small grants available to photographers needing additional financial support during Coronavirus. Find out more about Bensoc here.