Contents
- Introduction from Cllr Hayward, East Devon's Portfolio Holder for Economy and Assets
- Business support grants
- Adapt and Thrive - 'lockdown' series
- Support measures for business
- Training for business
- Is your business ready for the end of the UK Transition period
- Scam alert
Councillor Paul Hayward, East Devon District Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy and Assets:
Sadly, East Devon businesses find themselves significantly affected by new Covid-19 related national restrictions and the consequential impact to their staff, customers and the owners themselves. Whilst these restrictions are undoubtedly needed to help bring down the rising infection rate and protect the NHS, we also need to help to mitigate the economic impact of them.
East Devon District Council has once again stepped forward to support businesses across the area with a package of financial support, as detailed below. Please be assured that we will be making contact with those businesses which have been required to close by the new regulations over the coming days to offer assistance at this difficult time. Our website will contain full details of how the new Local Restrictions Support (LRSG) grant will be operated.
As you can imagine, there are hundreds of businesses directly impacted by the latest closure orders, especially across our retail, hospitality and leisure related sectors. Please be assured, our team are working tirelessly to make sure that LRSG claims can be processed swiftly, fairly and with the minimum of administrative delay, to get these funds into the accounts of those most affected.
Business support grants
The government has announced two cash grant schemes for businesses:
1. Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) – Mandatory Scheme
East Devon District Council is now administering a new Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) to businesses which provide direct in-person services from premises and have been required to close from 5th November until 2nd December. See Government guidance.
You do not need to contact us.
Eligible businesses can now apply for these grants and we will also be writing directly to businesses to raise awareness of this scheme.
The Government's list of business types which must close for this period includes businesses providing non-essential retail; personal care facilities; hospitality venues and leisure/entertainment. Please read the frequently asked questions to determine if you are eligible.
The amount of grant funding is dependent on the current rateable value (RV) of business premises. Payment of the grant covers a four week period and a further grant of the same amount can be claimed if national restrictions are extended by any further 4 week period.
2. Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG)
Additional funding will be available for a discretionary scheme for businesses which fall outside of the Local Restrictions Support Grant and can evidence that the current national restrictions have had a significant adverse impact on their business. We are reviewing Government guidance to finalise an allocation policy. Details will be available towards the end of this month, so please do not contact us about this. Visit eastdevon.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-grants to read more info as it becomes available.
Adapt & Thrive – Lockdown Series
As part of East Devon District Council's 'Adapt & Thrive' business support programme, businesses can now access a series of professional development workshops to help them adapt to changes and become more resilient. The current national restrictions in England mean it is essential for businesses to adapt to the current situation and the challenges it brings. These workshops have been developed to help businesses improve on their digital skills and business operations during a time when we are being forced to rethink our approach to sales, marketing and customer service.
The ‘lockdown’ series includes the following workshops:
- How to Sell Online and Enhance your Business – 19/11/2020
- Getting Noticed Online During the Crisis – 24/11/2020
- Business Planning Essentials – 25/11/2020
- Marketing Made Easy – 26/11/2020
In addition to workshops, businesses are also invited to register for free 1-to-1 support and advice. Specialist advisors are here to help you and your business to adapt and thrive!
The Adapt & Thrive programme is being delivered by Cosmic and Business Information Point, on behalf of East Devon District Council.
Takeaways extended for restaurants, pubs and cafes
Restaurants, pubs and cafes will get automatic freedoms to provide takeaway services for another year. Find out more
Extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
The CJRS (furlough scheme) will remain open until 31 March 2021. For claim periods running to January 2021, employees will receive 80% of their usual salary for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500 per month. Find out more
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme extension
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension will last for 6 months, from November 2020 to April 2021. The Government will provide a taxable grant calculated at 80% of 3 months average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment and capped at £7,500 in total. Find out more
Apply for the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme
The application deadline for the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) has been extended to 31 January 2021. Find out more
Apply for a Coronavirus Bounce Back Loan
The application deadline for the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) has been extended to 31 January 2021. Find out more
Tourism and Hospitality Support Programme - have you signed up yet?
A reminder to sign up to the free ‘Be the Business’ Support Programme for Tourism and Hospitality Businesses. Access this free programme which runs until December and includes 1-2-1 surgeries, peer to peer groups and online masterclasses. Find out more.
Tues 17th Nov ‘Market mapping and competitive collaboration: Rebuilding our economy together’ Get advice to support your use of market mapping to plot your market position. Discover who your competitors and your complementors are and spotting collaboration opportunities. View and book the masterclasses.
Find the latest updates on the Growth Hub Covid-19 business support pages and details on financial schemes on the Government’s Coronavirus Business Support Hub: HM Government Coronavirus Business Support Hub.
Free training
East Devon businesses can access a range of free training from the Cornwall Marine Network. Courses include: Managing people, adapting to change, effective marketing strategies, introduction to shopify. Book free business training
Is your business ready for the end of the UK Transition period?
Join the Better Business for All Brexit webinar to hear from experts about the changes in farming, international trade and what support is available to businesses.
UK Transition – New resources available online
New resources are available on the Growth Hub’s UK Transition page including the Export Webinars, Import/Export resources and specific Better Business for All (BBfA) guides around food exporting and labelling. A range of webinars and resources are available to support businesses who work in the export and import sectors are now available on the Growth Hub’s UK Transition page. If your business trades with the EU, you should check the Growth Hub’s UK Transition page as it will be regularly updated in the lead up to January 2021. Don't miss more information about the UK Transition at
Scam alert
Please be aware of scam or ‘phishing’ emails seeking to target those eligible for the extended business support grants. The scam email purports to be from ‘HMRC Government Gateway’, email address ‘UK Government’ admin @asyst.co.id. If you receive a suspected scam email, please report it to report@phishing.gov.uk.
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