Discretionary grant funding will close at 9am on Monday 15 June Applications for the Discretionary grant will remain open until 9am Monday 15 June, after this date the applications will close to allow the Council to evaluate demand. Final decisions will not be made until Wednesday 1 July. The fund will target small and micro businesses not eligible for support under the existing grant funds; the Small Business Grant Fund (SBGF) and the Retail Hospitality and Leisure Grant (RHLG). Eligible businesses must have: Significant ongoing property costs and/or suffered a significant drop in income due to Covid -19. Evidence will be required for either of these key determining factors. Been trading on 11th March 2020. A plan to continue trading when circumstances allow. For the Discretionary grant you are required to upload all documents as part of the application. Applications will only be considered with all the relevant documents attached as there will not be another opportunity to send documents. The Grant Team will contact businesses directly should further information be required during this period. For more information and to apply for the discretionary grant funding please see here.

Business Secretary launches working groups to help unleash Britain's growth potential

Business Secretary Alok Sharma is creating 5 new business-focused groups to unleash Britain’s growth potential and create jobs, as part of the government’s plans to help the economy bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic. For further deatils please see here.

Coronavirus information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses

The Rural Payments helpline (03000 200 301) will be open on Saturday 13 June and Sunday 14 June from 8.30am to 2pm. This is to support customers leading up to the 15 June deadline for Basic Payment Scheme applications, and Countryside Stewardship and Environmental Stewardship annual revenue claims.

The latest information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses during the coronavirus outbreak can be found here.

Updates to the Job Retention Scheme

The rules of the scheme are changing from 1 J‌ul‌y. On 12 J‌un‌e, full guidance on all the scheme changes will be published on GOV.UK. Webinars offering more support on the changes will also be available to book online from 12 June.

From 1 July, employers will have the flexibility to bring previously furloughed employees back to work part time, and can decide the hours and shift patterns they work to suit the needs of your business. Employers will pay their wages for the time they’re in work and can apply for a scheme grant to cover any of their normal hours they are still furloughed for.

Also, for periods starting on or after 1 J‌ul‌y, the maximum number of employees you can claim for in any period cannot be higher than the maximum number you have claimed for in a previous period. For example, if your highest single claim for periods up to 30 J‌un‌e was for 100 people, you can’t claim for more than this number in later periods.

From 1 Au‌gu‌st, employers will need to contribute towards the wages of furloughed employees until the scheme ends on 31 Oc‌to‌be‌r.

Business Representative providing coronavirus related support for specific sectors

The government is working closely with Business Representative Organisations and Trade Associations to support the national response to coronavirus.

To find sector specific information and a list of organisations you can speak with to get advice see here. Many of these organisations are also happy to respond to non-member queries related to coronavirus. The websites also include sector-specific guidance and Q&A. This list does not cover all trade associations and business representatives.

Covid-19 protection advice to businesses when returning to work

Now that businesses are starting to operate again there are some key fire safety matters to consider. We have outlined these on our website, to provide helpful assistance on fire risk assessments, means of escape and maintaining fire safety measures.

Are you on Facebook?

If so, join our Business NK group here. We will be sharing information, support and advice on there during Covid-19, and beyond.

Thousands of high street shops, department stores and shopping centres to reopen safely in England

Shops in England selling non-essential goods will be able to reopen from Monday 15 June.

Retailers will need to take certain steps to protect customers and staff, including limiting the number of customers allowed inside at one time, placing protective coverings on large items such as sofas which may be touched by passing shoppers, and frequently checking and cleaning objects and surfaces.

Businesses should display a downloadable notice to inform customers that they have followed the COVID secure Guidelines.

Guidance for retailers reopening

North Kesteven District Council, working with other local authority partners and the business community, is looking at the measures essential to ensure that our high streets can trade safely whilst remaining welcoming. We are providing links to a range of pertinent information that we hope you find useful, on safe workplace guidance and safer public places guidance.

We have produced a business toolkit containing a range of resources that could assist businesses going forward, which can be found here. It is free for you to download, amend, print and use.

Business Lincolnshire are hosting a webinar for retailers on 16 June focused on top tips for trading responsibly in Covid-19 crisis for the consumer and retail sector. For more information and to sign up please see here.

Free support for North Kesteven businesses

NKDC offers the service of a Business Support Adviser, Phil Means. Phil can assist businesses and provide bespoke advice and support.

If you are in business and feel you could benefit from free business advice please contact him. Either call Phil on 07920 472671 or email phil_means@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Offer coronavirus support from your business

Businesses can use this service to inform government how their business might be able to help with the response to coronavirus. Visit here to submit your details if you can provide masks, gowns or hand sanitiser nationally or locally to Lincolnshire Together.

Genuine HMRC contact and recognising phishing emails and texts

Find out how to recognise when contact from HMRC is genuine, and how to recognise phishing or bogus emails and text messages. Updated guidance here.